Zuni Youth Enrichment Project (ZYEP)

ZYEP provides opportunities that I wish I had as a kid growing up. Their programs and sports give my child a chance to experience new things. Most importantly with their programs my family is able to stay home within our community, if it weren’t for ZYEP sadly we would’ve had to leave our community for my child to experience such programs that they offer.

As a community member, ZYEP has given our children an opportunity in participating in sports that have not existed in the community before and exploring more opportunities for our children and as parents. ZYEP is very unique program that also keeps the rich traditions and culture aspect of people of Zuni Pueblo also known as A:shiwi.

ZYEP has many activities to offer for our youth. Now that my kiddo has reached the entry age 4yrs old I have definitely taken advantage of the physical activities offered for the much younger kiddos. Not only does ZYEP serve the younger kiddos but the older kiddos and young adults as well where my nieces and nephew have enjoyed their time with the activities. Definitely looking forward to keeping my kiddos involved with future programs.

ZYEP has definitely encouraged my children to be more active, make new friends, and encourage them to try new things. The coaches have been great and the coordinator is very helpful. The program is very effective in keeping children in having an active lifestyle and encourages a healthy lifestyle. I enjoy having my kids participate in the program.

We would like to thank everyone at ZYEP FOR HAVING Asher in T ball as well as Soccer! Thank you for everything that you do for the community! You are greatly appreciated.

ZYEP provides fun and cultural enrichment to local youth who might otherwise not have the opportunity to participate in sports, camps, and art activities. It also provides leadership opportunities to community members from young camp counselors to strategic planners.
An invaluable community institution.

They have great and very interesting activities both for the kids and the parents. My child enjoyed the ZYEP soccer season so much.

I'm very grateful for ZYEP because it's giving our community a chance to have community members and children be involved in sports and other activities they provide. I have been apart of ZYEP for couple years now. Serving as a youth basketball coach and also having my daughter participate in the sports they provide. T-ball and soccer are my daughter's favorite sport as she enjoys playing. I'm glad ZYEP is giving our children to experience sports at a young age and preparing them as they get older. Thank you ZYEP for always thinking of our community and our children! :)

We lived in Zuni and provided health care in for 12 years from 1991 to 2003 and have come back annually over the past decade. The impact of ZYEP on the community is truly remarkable. It's inspiring to see the kids of all ages come together on a weekend for team sports, with coaching by young adults from the community and cheered on by family and friends. The activities provided by ZYEP build on and reinforce the remarkable richness and strengths of the Zuni culture. It's a very special organization.

I lived and worked in Zuni for 12 years, and have an over 20 year relationship to the community. It is hard to think of another program that has had a more positive, wide reaching, and lasting impact on the community than ZYEP. Watching the growth from a modest summer camp to so many programs in sports, arts, environment and culture has been inspiring to me, but even more to the hundreds of children it continues to serve. We watched a recent youth soccer game and appreciated not only the hard work of the coaches and players, but also how it was clearly a fun community event with numerous uncles, aunties, grandparents cheering from the sidelines.

ZYEP is a great organization that works hard to empower youth in the Zuni community. Whether it’s maintaining area hiking trails to help people get outside safely, organizing youth sports leagues to help kids feel empowered, or leading outdoors adventure to different parts of the southwest, they do critical work to make the community stronger. I had an amazing time volunteering as a coach with them for youth basketball, and hope to do it again this season!

ZYEP is one of the best things to ever happen to Zuni. They do so much for the community and are run by some of the most passionate, dedicated, and wonderful people I've met!

I think ZYEP is providing an amazing place for the kids in this community to be kids. I was a soccer coach for the U8 league. The coaches are kind and have a great outlook on what matters, letting the kids have fun and run around. Tyler, the athletic program coordinator, is doing a great job at juggling a lot of different moving parts and is very approachable. ZYEP seems like a great place to work and to be a kid.

I volunteered as basketball coach for ZYEP. It was very rewarding getting to see the kids experience well run and funded extracurricular activities, that would otherwise not be afforded them. Seeing them grow over the season in skill, team cohesion, and problem solving skills was truly rewarding. I am very grateful that this program is around.

-Dr. McMillan

They are always willing to come and help with any and all requests that we have. ZYEP is a great resource and I am grateful to have them and work with them. We collaborate with what works in the community and the school based on all of our experience and try to always get ahead of any issue we see.

ZYEP gives so many opportunities the youth in our community. It does not matter the age, their programs vary. My son, nieces and nephews were able to participate in gardening, soccer, t-ball and social dancing this year.
Even at the elementary/middle school they collaborate and provide programs during/after school to teach language, culture, art, health, wealth and sports. This is amazing to witness and to hear students talk about this program.

I am a psychiatrist in Zuni who has worked w ZYEP frequently over the past 2 years, and am always impressed at their energy and level of commitment to the community. The camaraderie and sense of purpose they instill in the staff and volunteers is commendable, and I have often heard from their teen and young adult staff and participants how they have benefited from the mentorship at ZYEP.
ZYEP is an invaluable resource for the Zuni community, dedicated to the enrichment of Zuni children and the care of its future.

ZYEP provides an amazing service to the community in the fun, engaging, educational and supportive programs they offer for kids, including my own kids!

I love the inclusiveness and positivity with which the staff approach participants, and the way that youth are encouraged and supported to become the next generation's teachers and leaders in the organization and community.

ZYEP supports our youth in the community. From soccer to art to community walks, they encourage healthy activities, leadership, and local culture. Thank you!!! My kids have so enjoyed playing and learning.

I volunteered with ZYEP for 6 weeks in the summer of 2023. During my time with the organization, I completed approximately 60 volunteer hours. I primary worked with the Food Sovereignty Team and the Arts Department. I had a wonderful experience with the organization and all of its staff. I was immediately welcomed with open arms by all members and left feeling like I had formed meaningful relationships not only with the staff but also with the community members that they serve. Each member at ZYEP was incredibly passionate about their work and the betterment of Zuni. They took the time to explain their organization in detail, from its mission to the challenges that it has faced over the years. They told me about the many aspects of the community, making me feel welcome the entire time. ZYEP approaches its goals with love, fostering a sense of community that made the volunteer work all the more fulfilling.

My name is Brittany. I've never been to the Zuni Puelbo. My intuition and guidance from the great mystery lead me here, right now. I feel humbled, proud, calm. My heart warms when I think about how many lives this organization has changed and will change. Once there was a culture, thriving and loud, full of love and connection. It has been nearly lost into a history only the earth would remember. It is now being brought back to life. That love, connection, and thick history of culture is getting a chance to breathe life again through organizations (groups) of people doing indigenous work like this. I can not speak from a place of "real time" engagement with thier people or programs but, I read it and I see it, and I feel it. It's beautiful and worthy of any and all donations.

I have worked in the non-profit world for over 20 years. ZYEP is probably the healthiest, most well-run and competent organizations in which I have ever been involved. It is so deeply rooted in the community. Inherent in its organizational design, ZYEP provides opportunities for youth to serve in leadership and mentor roles. I believe that this is one of the most important things that ZYEP does. I see youth growing in leadership development skills and gaining valuable skills and hands-on experience for their lives and future careers. And in this process, youth are well-supported every step of the way. This is why my husband and I invest in ZYEP. I look forward to seeing the ways ZYEP continues to grow, as it empowers the incredible talents and vision of Zuni youth.

My family regularly participates in ZYEP activities. They truly live the mission of the program

Fantastic organization that my family gives to annually!

I got an opportunity to intern with ZYEP - sharing my MPH skills to help them improve their self evaluation. Ultimately, the organization gave much more to me. At summer camp I watched the children play competitive yet cooperative games, absorb pottery skills from a local artist, and share deep difficult emotions once it was modeled by their Zuni counselors. I learned new recipes from the nutritionist that made food accessible to students and had amazing plans for incorporating cooking and food choices year long. I could rely on seeing students playing soccer every day in the facilities ZYEP makes available. I have a new appreciation for storytelling and performers excellently costumed as a coyote or badger. ZYEP ticks my adoration for learning, community and new experiences- in mind and emotion. I recommend any of their programs or opportunities to participate in leadership.

My daughter has participated in numerous programs that they offer. It keeps her occupied and motivated. She always looks forward to the next program they offer. I am so blessed to have programs like this in our community.

Truly a 5 star organization! They do incredible work for kids in Zuni. Check out this organization and I promise you will become a supporter!

As a former resident of Zuni I look forward to donating to ZYEP every giving season. While we lived in Zuni we witnessed first hand the incredible work this non-profit does. Now that live in a different community we like to continue to support ZYEP and enjoy seeing all their impactful work in their newsletters.

Zuni Youth Enrichment project is a fantastic non-profit. They offer a vast amount of programs sports, theater, youth leadership, etc., for local youth. As a volunteer basketball coach it was an honor working with ZYEP and coaching Zuni Youth during the winter/spring of 2022. Looking forward to coaching next year!

Zuni Youth Enrichment Project does amazing work. Period. The amount of programming they offer for Zuni youth is impressive and provides local kids with engaging and enriching programs year round. Whether its their work in Zuni public schools, or their programming in physical education and the arts (to name a few), The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is a wonderful non-profit working on behalf of Zuni Youth!

Fantastic nonprofit to work at. Would highly recommend!

It was an amazing and fulfilling experience to work with ZYEP and their amazing staff. Not only was their staff great but their activities and organization were well coordinated.

Great program. Gives kids and young adults great opportunities to grow, learn, and be better. Focuses on healthy eating, physical activity and Zuni language & culture.

I’m a counselor in the program and planning to be one for many more years. Such a great community here and so important for our Zuni youth.

I enjoyed my time working with zyep, they really help me get in touch with youth and helped me gain confidence in my leadership skills

I made amazing bonds with my co works this pass weeks and I felt really close and safe with everyone, everyone was so reliable and I was and am very proud I was able experience this with everyone.

First time being a part of ZYEP, it was a great experience being apart of the ZYEP community. I had an amazing time teaching and learning new things. I was also able to meet new people I have never met before and become good friends with them. This was the most fun summer I've had so far and I hope to join again next summer.

I have seen every donation of time or money directly translated into fun and positive experiences for Zuni youth. When other organizations have scaled back due to covid, ZYEP has stepped up once again and been there for Zuni kids!

It all began with a simple question and the sad answer… after seeing his doctor, a young boy was asked “what are your summer plans?” The answer was, “I don’t have any plans because there is nothing to do.” That reply was the inspiration for ZYEP. Since that day, ZYEP has stepped up to the plate and established strong summer programs for the youth. And it is no longer just summer… it supports the youth all year long. Among many activities, boys and girls can choose from sports teams, enrichment classes and growing food and harvesting it, etc. The older youth take on the task of being role models to the younger as summer counselors. Consider becoming a donor to this awesome program.

Once in a while in life, the ‘perfect fit’ appears. For my family, ZYEP is a perfect fit. As supporters of their programs, we continue to be excited with the results of a passionate staff. The youth of Zuni Pueblo have a caring program that centers on the ‘whole package’… strong body - with numerous sports teams and nutrition programs, strong mind - with classes in the arts and homework assistance, strong soul - with projects that focus on the Zuni heritage and building self-reliance and self-esteem. We are proud to provide financial support to this organization.

Keshi! As a community member of the Zuni Pueblo, I am proud and honored to provide a review of the Zuni Youth Enrichment Program (ZYEP). From the time the program was implemented, I have seen it flourish in so many ways. As any new program, it goes through it's trials and errors; however, I believe this has helped the staff improve their services to the community. Our youth need to be engaged on a regular basis and this program has been the one to do that. The program offers a variety of activities not only with physical activities, but they also provide services in nutrition, mentoring, family projects, mental health education, gardening, and so much more! I have been fortunate to attend some of their events that were community based, but also had the opportunity attend activities for the children as my nieces were involved in some of their programs. it was amazing to see the families/community gather to see our youth participate in these activities. You saw the enjoyment in the faces of these kids as well as the confidence and team work. They relied on their coaches for guidance and encouragement and they too should be recognized for their dedication as they volunteered and made time to coach these kids. This just shows that one, they care about our youth's future and their success and two, they support ZYEP 100%. The partnerships that ZYEP has built along the way has helped them achieve their goals and rise up to another level of success. Currently, the world is dealing with the Coronavirus Pandemic and that pretty much halted everything everywhere, even here in our community. It was a shock to most of us and we all had to adjust. However, ZYEP came through once again for our kids! They followed through with their plans for the summer. They still provided activity kits to the kids with curb-side pick up and deliveries for some kids. Contacts were made via phone by the counselors to follow up with their kids. My nieces participated in the programs and the the activity kits they received were awesome, who could ask for more! It is clear that the program is truly dedicated to the Zuni community and their kids. The outcomes clearly demonstrates the need to sustain the program. Elahkwa ZYEP!

Fantastic non-profit located here in Zuni. They are true to their mission and consistently do good work for the youth of Zuni!

ZYEP is an important part of Zuni community. The non-profit organization has created ample opportunities for youth, including multiple sports leagues, summer camp, winter theater production, and pottery and poetry workshops. Without ZYEP, many youth would have few to no activities available to them. ZYEP has also been creative and innovating in offering safe activities to youth during the COVID pandemic.

ZYEP was created to provide activities for our Zuni youth. As a Native American tribe, Zuni is located in a remote area and is a close knit community that still practices their culture, traditional customs and have maintained their native language. With limited amenities in our community, we believe our youth should be afforded the same opportunities as youth anywhere in the US. To that end, our team at ZYEP have put in place many sports activities, a summer camp, mentorship, and arts to build self esteem for our youth. Too often though, we have to deny some youth as it takes funds to implement these activities and we do not have the ideal funding. Our ZYEP team enacts innovative ways to engage youth and collaborates with outside entities to ensure that we provide an avenue where our youth can become healthier and stronger physically, spiritually and psychologically.

I have been involved with the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project since 2008, as a collaborative Tribal Program partner (THFWC) and currently the Vice President of the ZYEP Board. The mission behind ZYEP as nonprofit shows the reason why the project exist--for our children and their families. The Executive Director and all the ZYEP Staff go above and beyond for our children and families to give them an opportunity to succeed. ZYEP provides a safe and fun environment for children to step outside of their comfort zone, learn new skills, build confidence and be accepted for who they are. ZYEP is a place that allows children to be the best version of themselves. The children are supported by ZYEP Staff and their families as they try new opportunities, such as summer camps, sports leagues, culturally tailored activities and gardening. As a board member and a collaborative tribal program partner, I value my relationship with ZYEP which helps us to ensure we are all supporting our community children.
I have also had so much fun volunteering my time as a basketball coach, as well as attending activities to support ZYEP Staff, our youth and families. ZYEP is a unique non-profit project in the nation and continues to do great things for the Zuni Community. Elahkwa.

This is a wonderful program that truly has the Zuni Youth and Community as its highest priority. Great care and thought is put into every program created by ZYEP. The building and rec area is beautiful and the staff of ZYEP are dedicated, wonderful people.

Donate to this wonderful organization that Has continually done wonderful things fir the community with the money raised.