South Valley Youth Initiative brings resources to ‘underserved' area
The first event took place in April, but organizers have hopes it will continue for years to come.
'The genesis of the event was conversations I have with middle school and high school students; I'm a social studies teacher and them letting me know that there's nothing to do over the weekend and I was like, 'Well there's so many things to do but they're in Albuquerque,'' said Alex Paramo, Director for the South Valley Youth Initiative.
Albuquerque woman sentenced to prison for deadly DWI crash in 2024
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in mental health workshops, fitness challenges and sports clinics, educational support, and community health fairs. While also enjoying live cumbia music, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and more.
Volunteer groups include students from schools in the community including NACA and El Camino Real Academy. 'I want to be a part of this event because I want to help other people and kids get out of the street, which is a really big part of this whole event,' said Danger Kenton, an El Camino Real Academy student.
'We were inspiring them in a positive way, we're motivating them, providing resources so that they could know that their future is bright and there are things to do in the community that and organizations that can help them reach their goals,' said Paramo.
Man convicted on two counts of vehicular homicide in Albuquerque street racing crash
While they are grateful to their investors, who are helping put on these events, they appreciate any other donations to help them pay for the 7-to-8-thousand-dollar cost to put on each event.
The next event in the series will be taking place on Sunday, May 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Rio Bravo State Park. These events will continue monthly through October.
For more information about the initiative or to donate, go to southvalleyyouthinitiative.org.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNET
20 minutes ago
- CNET
This Portable Induction Cooktop Is the Hero That Got Me Through a Kitchen Remodel
Weeks before we started our kitchen remodel, we asked for advice from friends and neighbors about how they survived the experience. But nothing truly prepares you for the daily inconvenience of not having a fully functioning kitchen. While my kids would've voted to eat at a local taqueria whenever possible, I was determined to continue cooking at home -- and make better than passable meals everyone would eat. After a failed attempt at using a microwave (I don't want to talk about it), I bought a Duxtop portable induction cooktop burner, put it on the workbench in the garage and made every meal on it through the rest of the remodel. The Duxtop portable cooktop typically goes for $139, but right now you can get it for about $10 off at Amazon. How does an induction cooktop burner work? I didn't really understand till I got one, but an induction cooktop generates heat by creating a magnetic field that flows into a metal pan. Not all metal pans will work -- my aluminum pans remained as cold as my disconnected gas range. Instead, you need a pan or pot made of a magnetic metal like cast iron or stainless steel. I have several enameled cast iron pots that worked great, and I bought a Tramontina stainless steel 10-inch pan for frying. I started simply, making pasta, using sauce out of a jar, but by the end of the remodel, I was making Baja fish tacos from scratch and homemade Bolognese sauce. And I was surprised how much I loved cooking on it. My family started avoiding me while I was in the garage cooking because I'd boast about how amazing induction was. "Look!" I'd tell them. "The cooktop stays cool!" Or, "Check this out! When I take the pot off the cooktop, it pauses heating!" During a kitchen-warming party we threw for our neighbors after our new kitchen was finished, I learned our friend across the street had the same love for her induction cooktop. We huddled like allies, devoted to this magnetic object. Now that the kitchen is done, I'm thinking of ways I can keep using the cooktop. Maybe, when I'm cooking a big meal and need an extra burner, I can set it up on the counter. Maybe I can use it outdoors during a cookout. Or maybe I can give it to one of my kids as they set up their own home. I actually love it so much, when it comes time to swap out our gas range, I'm going to get an induction cooktop. For more recommendations about kitchen staples we've personally tested and loved, read about our favorite cookware sets and our favorite chef's knife.
CBS News
21 minutes ago
- CBS News
Livingston County organization provides school supplies in annual Stuff the Bus event
School supplies aren't cheap, and that's where volunteers with Livingston County's Educational Service Agency come in. Friday's Stuff the Bus event is the organization's 24th annual effort to make sure all kids in Livingston County have what they need when they go back to school. "We are looking for pretty much anything that would go into a backpack, so anything from colored pencils, markers, folders, the backpack itself is really important to have as well," said Robin Schutz, community coordinator with the Livingston Educational Service Agency. "We are usually giving out just over 1,000 backpacks every year, so we found that the need has increased over the last few years." On Thursday, Aug. 7, residents can pick up a pre-packed backpack at five different locations around Livingston County. Schutz said she recommends students come along too, so they can pick out what they like. "We have staff from the districts there, so they might be able to see somebody from their local school there as well," she said. Familiar faces were at Friday's Stuff the Bus event, including Lynn Ridge, who drives a school bus for Livingston County districts. "The kids have my heart, so this helps them, it's the best thing in the world, you know," said Ridge. Ridge said she's helping to gather and organize school supplies and will see some of the kids she drives during the school year when they organize the backpacks. Ridge said she likes the work because she loves seeing young students thrive. "They have my heart, so anything I can do for them, for any of the kids in the community," said Ridge.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
How to set up a simple family command center for a more organized school year
Never lose a permission slip or miss an appointment again with this guide to setting up a family command center Back-to-school season brings a flurry of schedules, forms, and activities—and if you're not careful, things can get chaotic fast. Missed appointments, lost permission slips, and forgotten dinners become all too common. That's where a family command center comes in. This simple yet powerful tool helps you manage everything in one place, keeping your household running smoothly all year long. Why you will love having one: With a command center in place, you'll always know: What's for dinner tonight Who has soccer practice (and when) Where that all-important homework folder is When the next dentist appointment is scheduled Whether you're juggling multiple kids' schedules, working from home, or just trying to stay ahead of the daily grind, a command center can bring structure, reduce stress, and save time. Where to set it up The best command centers live in a spot your family walks past daily. Choose a location that's visible and easy to access. Popular options include: Kitchen wall (next to the fridge is prime real estate) Entryway or mudroom (great for grab-and-go reminders) Home office or hallway nook If you're short on wall space, consider using the inside of a cabinet door or creating a portable version on a clipboard or tray. Choose a location that makes sense for your home's layout and your family's routine, and be sure to: Involve the whole family – Let each person contribute or have their own section. Kids are more likely to use it if they helped set it up. Keep it updated – Make a habit of checking and refreshing your command center weekly. Start simple – You can always add more as you figure out what works best. What you'll need to create a family command center You don't need a huge wall or expensive setup. A few simple tools can go a long way: Dry-erase calendar or wall calendar for tracking appointments and events Bulletin board or corkboard to pin up notes, invites, flyers, or reminders Wall file organizers for school papers, bills, or important documents Sticky notes or notepads for quick messages or reminders Dry-erase board for daily to-dos, grocery lists, or motivational quotes Hooks for backpacks, purses, or keys Dry-erase markers (preferably color-coded for each family member!) What to include Your command center should be customized to fit your family's routine. Start with the essentials, then build from there as you see what works best. Think about the information you regularly misplace or forget, and build your setup around those things. Here are some ideas to include: Family calendar – for school events, activities, and appointments To-do lists – track chores, goals, or weekly reminders Meal plan & grocery list – know what's for dinner and what you need Homework inbox – a spot to collect assignments and papers that need signing Cleaning schedule – keep household tasks on track Important contacts – emergency numbers, babysitters, neighbors Message board – jot down quick notes, reminders, or encouragement Backpack and key station – never lose the essentials again Tip: Let each family member have their own section or color—kids are more likely to use it if they helped set it up! A family command center doesn't have to be complicated to be effective. Start simple and tweak it as your needs evolve. Even a few organized touches can make your days feel calmer and more in control.
