La Plazita Institute

New Mexico | Albuquerque and Surrounding Counties

Organization Description: La Plazita Institute uses a holistic and cultural approach to engage youth, elders, and communities to connect and navigate the “Five Suns,” which include self, family, community, institutions, and the movement across these relationships. La Plazita provides young people with wraparound services and tools to connect to opportunities and grow their passions.

Program Description: La Plazita offers a variety of programs ranging from community gardens, food assistance, healthcare navigation, movement medicine, to cultural healing practices. Some of the youth-specific programs include: 

• Teens Making a Change (T-MAC) and Sisters Making a Change (S-MAC) Talking Circles: These programs are healing and empowerment circles that offer youth a safe space to share, listen, and grow with their peers. T-MAC provides a space for young men, S-MAC provides a space for young women, and a co-op group provides a space for nonbinary youth to explore belonging and healing and learn tools for leadership and resilience.  

• Barrio Youth Corps (BYC): This program offers workforce development and specifically supports the hiring of system-impacted youth of color, particularly Indigenous youth from native communities. The program offers employment opportunities, mentorship, skill-building, leadership activities, and community engagement.  

• Youth Resilience Center (YRC): This is a 30-day diversion program that offers support with school, employment, and home engagement. The YRC program focuses on developing leadership skills and positive behavior through hands-on, prosocial activities and creates a safe and supportive alternative to carceral environments.  

• Pathways: The Pathways Program connects Bernalillo County individuals and families to health and social services, including food, employment, and housing support, through trusted Community Health Navigators who assess needs and coordinate support until goals are met. 

• Art Rising Through Expression (ARTE): This program offers art and music workshops that foster positive identity development through cultural and creative expression. Participants build meaningful connections with local artists and performers, expanding their support networks and sense of community. The program also introduces youth to creative industries while teaching healthy outlets for self-expression, creativity, emotional regulation, and coping skills. 

Services Offered:  

• Arts Programming
• Civic Engagement
• Counseling and Mental Health Services
• Food Assistance
• Healing and Cultural Support
• Holistic and Wraparound Services
• Individualized Case Management
• Mentorship and Coaching
• Participatory Defense
• Physical Fitness Movement and Excercise
• School and Education Support
• Workplace Stability and Job Readiness Program
• Youth Activities and Leadership Development

Last Updated August 2026