YouthExpress NM is a new organization that evolved directly from an award-winning nonprofit that served Santa Fe and the surrounding region for 15 years.

About Us

History

YouthExpress NM was originally founded in 2009 as REEL FATHERS. Our original purpose was to promote a positive experience of fatherhood and family. We worked with men to add meaning, enjoyment, and skill to the lived experience of fatherhood. We worked with youth – our future fathers and mothers – to provide a felt understanding of personal identity and how it’s shaped by father, family, and culture.

In both realms, our programs were marked by a creative program approach. We used the expressive power of film, video, poetry, and the visual arts to engage participants in a reflective process that built self-awareness, confidence, and stronger, more vital relationships.

Professional Honors

REEL FATHERS was cited as a best practice by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Health and Human Services, for its innovative approach to positive father engagement.

In 2024 we made the strategic decision to narrow our focus to work solely with youth. Serving two target audiences – fathers and youth – was diminishing our impact in each area. We felt the needs of youth to have the greater urgency at this moment in time. We believe this new focus will enable us to reach many more youth in life-affecting ways.

In 2024 we made the strategic decision to narrow our focus to work solely with youth.