About

About Us

The Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program is a faith-based year of service for young people, ages 19-30, in 21 sites around the world and in the United States. YAVs accompany local agencies working to address root causes of poverty and reconciliation while exploring the meaning and motivation of their faith in community with peers and mentors.
Program benefits include a stipend, housing, transportation and student-loan repayment options throughout the duration of the service year.

The ABQ YAV program gives young adults the opportunity to experience New Mexico’s historic convergence of Native American, Hispanic and Anglo communities. Living in Albuquerque, YAVs will experience the beauty of the high desert and Sandia Mountains juxtaposed with the high levels of poverty and daily challenges faced by many New Mexicans. Volunteers will work with a variety of local nonprofit organizations engaged in education, outreach and social justice, while also learning about and building relationships with diverse communities across New Mexico.

Check out this video from our 2017-2018 ABQYAVs for a peek into life in ABQ!

Intentional Living & Community Days

ABQYAVs live in intentional Christian community, working together during local orientation to craft a community covenant that will guide both the practical and spiritual elements of life together. An essential part of their experience as an intentional community is that of shared meals when volunteers join together to cook, break bread, and discuss the highs and lows of the week. Volunteers will then meet for studies and discussions, at times joined by local pastors and community leaders, on topics pertinent to their lives and work, as well as the culture and history of New Mexico.
Additionally, YAVs will engage in group learning, worship and service opportunities that range from advocacy days at the capital to feast days at Laguna Pueblo. Volunteers will also spend time in group retreats focused on spiritual and vocational discernment, reflection and enjoying the beauty of the diverse landscapes across New Mexico.

Site Coordinator: Luke Rembold
A native of the Pacific Northwest, Luke is an avid hiker and explorer that sees the beauty in God's creation all around. After earning a BA in Religious Studies at Linfield College, Luke spent a year in Tucson, AZ as a Young Adult Volunteer with the PC(USA), performing emergency home repairs across Pima County. In years since, Luke has spent his time working with youth and young adults, striving to empower and equip young people as leaders in their churches and communities. A child of two educators, Luke is passionate about the intersection of education and faith in our lives, and fervently believes education has the power to transform our communities and the world.

Fun fact: Luke has a deep and abiding love for manatees.

Luke loves how Albuquerque is a crossroads of cultures, a city committed to living in the tension of diverse communities in close proximity to one another while celebrating many unique identities. He also loves 300 days of sun every year.

Our Board