Albuquerque, N.M. (Dec. 7, 2023) — The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project announced that it recently received a $20,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico’s Blue ImpactSM initiative. The grant will allow Zuni Youth Enrichment Project to increase community-wide trail access and improve health outcomes for Zuni residents.
“Our Zuni ancestors were farmers, ranchers and hunters, so physical activity was part of their daily lives,” said Tara Wolfe, ZYEP program manager. “During the times of the Pueblo Revolt, the Zunis were part of messenger teams that would hand deliver vital messages from pueblo to pueblo by means of running on trails. BCBSNM’s Blue Impact grant will allow us to increase the capacity of 60 miles of ancestral trails connecting Zuni neighborhoods, while also improving trail access, safety and performance.”
BCBSNM’s Blue Impact grant is part of an ongoing commitment to invest in and collaborate with community organizations that offer sustainable, measurable programs that address the social and economic factors impacting health and wellness in our state. ZYEP’s mission to promote resilience among Zuni youth, so they grow into strong and healthy adults connected to Zuni traditions, aligns with the vision of Blue Impact to improve health outcomes in communities across New Mexico.
“Spending active time outdoors is essential to our mental and physical well-being,” said Janice Torrez, BCBSNM president. “We’re proud to support the health and well-being of Zuni residents by investing in programs that provide easy and safe access to outdoor trails and activities.”
About Zuni Youth Enrichment Project:
In 2009, Zuni Youth Enrichment Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was formed to ensure that Zuni youth would be healthy and prepared to continue the important traditions of the Zuni culture. The inspiration for ZYEP grew from a simple question: “What are you doing this summer?” ZYEP founder and local pediatrician Tom Faber would ask his young patients this question as a lighthearted way of breaking the ice during checkups. Their responses led to the realization that many Zuni kids do not have opportunities to be active and creative over the summer and after school. Inspired by the idea that summers should be a special time for Zuni kids when they explore their lands, learn new things, make new friends, and have fun, a small group of Zuni community members planned the first annual ZYEP summer camp in 2009. That first camp was a huge success for kids and adults alike, and it helped instill a belief that together we can contribute to the healthy development of Zuni youth.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is one of the largest commercial health insurers in New Mexico with approximately 700,000 New Mexicans carrying a Blue Cross and Blue Shield card. Since 1940, BCBSNM has been committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSNM is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer and fourth largest health insurer overall. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
