In 1976, New Day Youth & Family Services began as Albuquerque’s first and only runaway shelter. Before New Day’s inception, the only option available for troubled youth was the juvenile justice system, which was set up to deal with delinquent offenders, not homeless youth. During their work, New Day found many young people hadn’t been able to fully develop their living skills due to incarceration, abuse, human trafficking, or neglect. In the years to follow, New Day developed many additional services including The Life Skills Academy at the request of our community to fulfill the needs of struggling, at-risk youth and families. The Life Skills Academy teaches employment skills, teamwork, conflict management, and more; boosting their self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-efficacy to propel them into successful adulthood which is the foundation for a life free of homelessness.