FYI+ opens La Vida Project youth programs/resource center as ‘a safe and healthy community’

Families & Youth Innovations Plus (FYI+) of Las Cruces held a grand opening Friday evening, Jan. 7, for its La Vida Project Innovative Youth Programs and Resource Center, 118 S. Main St. Downtown.

During her blessing, Kathy Benavidez wished the center and its staff “a beautiful success rate for each and every person who enters.”

The FYI+ La Vida Project “welcomes and supports the diversity of all of our neighbors and the ever- changing needs of our community as we strive to provide a safer and healthier community in the Las Cruces area,” said FYI+ CEO Brian Kavanaugh said. At the forefront of the FYI+ La Vida Project is the House of Kahlo, which provides an affirming community of resources, support and opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. Some of the services also within the project support young adults while “transitioning into adulthood; youth at risk of system involvement or for youth already involved in that system working to get out; youth and families with a desire to explore the natural resources and the vast outdoors of New Mexico; students in our in-school, after-school and summer programs; among other various services and activities,” Kavanaugh said.

Speakers during the grand opening in addition to Kavanaugh included FYI+ COO Jolene Martinez, La Vida Project participant Daniel Aguirre, New Mexico indigenous queer artist and youth advocate Lady Shug (who performed “This Is Me”), Cultured Society founder and curator Rebecca Muñoz (her “Beautiful People Collective” photography is on display at La Vida), La Vida Project team member and FYI+ Assistant AmeriCorps Supervisor Dez Serna and La Vida Project Division Manager Logan Howard.

FYI+ rebranded in December from Families and Youth, Inc. to Families & Youth Innovations Plus.

Call FYI+ at 575-522-4004.

Visit fyiplusnm.org and fyiplusnm.org/innovative-youth-services.