Dear Friends,
As many of you know, the youth in New Mexico face a wide range of challenges, but one of the most pressing is family instability. For the month of May, LifeQuestUSA will be focusing on this critical issue. The truth is, instability in the home—whether due to poverty, parental absence, substance abuse, domestic conflict, or gaps in the foster care system—is not just a distant problem; it’s a daily reality for thousands of children across our state. According to the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, nearly one in four children under 18 lives in poverty, with an official child poverty rate of 25.3% in 2023. When the family unit is fractured or lacking in consistent support, children often struggle emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, increasing the risk of academic failure, involvement with the juvenile justice system, and long-term instability.
At LifeQuestUSA, we hold tightly to the belief that there is still hope for every young person and every family. While family instability remains one of the greatest challenges facing New Mexico’s youth, we are committed to being part of the solution in a way that no one else is. Through our unique programs—like The 4:13 Journey, our community-based, adventure-driven discipleship experience, and our ongoing work inside juvenile detention centers—we are reaching young people where they are, both physically and spiritually.
We recognize that while statewide efforts like free childcare and guaranteed basic income programs are making a positive impact, they don’t address the deeper emotional, relational, and spiritual wounds that many of these young people carry. That’s where LifeQuest USA steps in. Our approach combines mentorship, adventure, faith, and community to address the root causes of family instability—restoring identity, building resilience, and breaking generational cycles. We’re not simply managing symptoms; we’re offering transformation through relationship, discipleship, and long-term investment.
Now more than ever, your help is needed. Through your financial support, volunteerism, and advocacy, you can play a vital role in building a stronger, more stable future for New Mexico’s children. Every donation helps fund programs that provide a safe place, mentorship / discipleship, food, and emotional support. Every hour volunteered creates a ripple effect of hope. And every voice raised in support of our youth helps to builds a more compassionate community. Together, we can rewrite the story for our youth—not with statistics of suffering, but with testimonies of transformation.
Will you join us in this mission to provide stability, hope, and opportunity for the next generation?
Blessings,
Ryan C. Butts
President, LifeQuest USA
Welcome Tiffany!
Hello, I’m Tiffany Santana! Over the last couple of years, I have had the pleasure of volunteering for LifeQuest. In that time, I have been witness to incredible growth in both the organization and, most importantly, in the youth being served. I’m so excited to be moving into a staff position beginning in May—well, now! You’ll be hearing from me more individually as my heart
is in building connection
through gratitude, honoring
the generosity of our volunteers,
board, and donors. I look forward
to meeting many of you at
the golf tournament – June 2!
The Community Column
4:13 Journey / 4:14 Continuing Journey
What’s Up, Everyone?
Jim here!
Easter has come and gone, and now we’re gearing up for the summer! Kids are getting ready to head off for summer break—or, for some, to walk the stage and graduate. Speaking of graduation, Franchesca and I are incredibly proud to announce that we’ll have a high school graduate in our home in just a couple of weeks! On top of that, we’ll be celebrating the graduation of our Spring 4:13 groups on May 10th—what an exciting season!
This Month’s Topic: Family Instability
In our 4:13 and 4:14 programs, we serve youth who are walking through some very real challenges—instability, conflict, or just the weight of life that feels too heavy to carry alone. Many of them face more than their fair share of burdens. But through our programs, they find something that, for many, is entirely new: consistency, care, community, and most importantly, the love of Christ.
In our Christ-centered mentoring groups, these teens aren’t just hearing Bible stories—they’re experiencing what it means to be loved, seen, and valued. Through mentorship and discipleship, we help them build a solid foundation, one that isn’t shaken by the chaos of life. Together, we help them grow in character, confidence, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of God’s family—and part of the LifeQuest family.
What’s Happening in the 4:13?
Last weekend, our 4:13 youth had an unforgettable adventure rock climbing with Adam Simpson and the team at Thrive Ministries. For many of the students, it was their first time scaling real rock faces, pushing themselves physically and mentally to overcome fear and fatigue. It was more than just a fun outing—it was a chance to live out what it means to persevere, support one another, and “Finish Strong.” The students faced real challenges, and with every climb, they gained confidence—not just in their abilities, but in the realization that they are capable of more than they think, especially when they trust God and lean on their community.
What’s Coming Up?
This Saturday marks our final event for the Spring 4:13 session! We’ll be hiking the beautiful Pino Trail, and afterward, we’ll celebrate with a graduation ceremony to honor all that these youth have accomplished. It’s going to be a special day full of reflection, joy, and new beginnings.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Jim Bayne
Program Director
A Light in the Darkness Column
God has a plan:
I got to listen in on a conversation the other day.
We encourage our volunteers to use the LifeQuest office as a resource when working with incarcerated youth and their families. One of our volunteers stopped by to use the office phone while interacting with a youth’s family. Our Volunteer has been working alongside this youth for close to 5 months. The young man said that his grandparents wanted to meet our volunteer over the phone. Throughout the conversation, the grandparents shared that the youth was hard and stubborn as a rock and they had watched him turn and run from everything he had been taught. They weren’t sure what he believed or if he was saved. The Grandparents shared the change they had seen in the youth since Christmas. The impact of having people invested in him. They shared about seeing light now when they are able to visit. They were all moved to tears.
Our volunteer met this young man right before Christmas. And has led Bible Study in the youth’s unit almost every week since. Our volunteer says that this youth is the most engaged and passionate out of the young men who chose to attend study.
Thank you for providing the opportunity for our volunteers to walk with these youth. We covet your prayers for each young man and woman we work with.
LifeQuest was allowed to host a Basketball Tournament at YDDC (a juvenile secure facility in ABQ). 20 youth met the expectations that the facility outlined in order to participate. They formed seven teams and played fair, clean games, encouraging and even coaching each other. These high schoolers kept their cool under pressure and were incredible sportsmen.
The proceeds from March’s Art Show helped us provide basketballs for the facility to keep, pizza, donuts, and a pro referee.
Until Next Time –
Esther