PB&J Family Services

PB&J Family Services is certainly one of the more lauded, awarded and active nonprofit organizations in Albuquerque, but what do they do, exactly? Well, the scope is really tough to explain, but for me, it starts with parenting, specifically with dads. Of course, fatherhood is a subject I'm particularly passionate about, I'm simply fascinated by our ever-shifting non-nuclear family roles, the ways in which we dads now often balance the homemaking demands of everyday life, and more than anything, our lack of experience on the job. The parental job, that is. In many cases, we grew up in homes without solid father figures of our own, and when we go out into the big grown world, we often don't know where to begin with our own children.At PB&J, training dads to be dads often begins when dads get out of prison. "Imagine watching a father helping his daughter tie her shoelace out on this playground, or pretend to cook, or help her on the playground equipment," the Executive Director, Susannah Burke, said to our group during a tour. "Very often, this is the first time they've had an opportunity to connect, to share one-on-one experiences, and to learn how to care for their child. We watch relationships form and grow deeper, we watch kids grow stronger, it all starts right here."And we haven't begun talking about the moms. They're strongly represented here, too. This center offers more than day care, it's more like day school, day training, and day support, for endless families in Albuquerque's south valley and beyond. Over 40+ years they've held programs all over the state, including women's prisons. Personally, I love that what they do isn't overtly complicated. They provide shelter, a safe zone, and love, so people can thrive. New Mexico is blessed to have this organization.

What an incredible organization doing SUCH important work serving at-risk children in our communities. I had the privilege of taking a tour of the facility with other Yelpers who came out to lend a hand on a variety of projects, and we learned in depth just how much this organization does, and how much it has grown since it's birth in 1972. They provide so many services to support and nurture the family dynamic including providing a safe, healthy, stimulating environment for children to learn, and opportunities for parents (many whom have struggled with mental illness, depression, addiction) to be educated and taught how to reconnect and rebuild relationships with their children. The fruit is evident, the success stories are mounting, and we have this great organization to thank for it. Let's continue to support everything they do!!!

Just attended and volunteered at the 6th Annual PB&J Child Abuse Prevention Luncheon Fundraiser. I had not heard of this wonderful organization before, but thanks to Yelp letting me know, I was able to attend and help clean up at the end. I urge other Yelp-era to attend next year. A brown bag lunch was provided with PB&Js, apple, cookie, and chips. This was followed by a nice program including overview of the program, an honor to NM State Rep. Gail Chasey, lawyer and community activist as well as legislator advocating child safety from abuse and neglect. Also, noted speaker Natalie T. shared her story from incarceration to getting on her feet in society. She was heroic and determined to take advantage of the training and resources through PB&J and work to make a better life for herself and her children. She credits PB&J services as being helpful in so many ways and not giving up on her. I'll post a few pictures from this event. Consider supporting this wonderful and effective organization!

I love this organization! I have volunteered at a past even they held but this year I "adopted" kids to supply Christmas presents for through this non profit. Every Christmas they have lots of children in need of clothes, if you can help please do! This Organization does so many amazing things please think about donating any used furniture, clothes,or household items to them. They will come pick up the large items and you can donate at any location. Your donations will go to a family in need.

It's incredible how much PB&J does. They've helped thousands of families since 1972. That includes therapeutic preschool, pre-k day programs, home visiting, supported living, and that's not even half of it.PB&J and other groups like them go unseen by many in the community but their work is felt by everyone. Whether it's reunifying your neighboring families or helping to educate children and parents, you see and feel the difference PB&J makes each day. We all want a better place for ourselves and our families. We also like lower taxes. PB&J delivers on both, providing services to an entire family for 1/6th the cost of housing one prisoner or having just one child in foster care. Think that's big? That same support takes only 1/30th as much as housing a single juvenile in a detention center. The only thing more significant is the effect on the people, especially the kids; now and for many years to come.

Wow! I was really grateful to be given the chance to participate in this event. I think the Yelp Helps events are a fantastic way for Elite Yelpers to show their support for the community they love. PB&J is a wonderful organization with a long history history (founded in 1972) of helping families in the area.Susannah Burke, the Executive Director of PB&J, gave us a tour of the facility and spoke to us about many of the programs PB&J has set up to help parents and children in ABQ and the central New Mexico area. Susannah was a passionate speaker who is obviously devoted to the program, her staff, and the families they support. She talked about helping incarcerated Moms and Dads make new connections with their children. She talked about the center and how it was a safe space for small children to relax, explore and be kids. She asked us to think about the fact that many children grow up in situations where the parents can not control the child's safety and comfort in their home environment, making the spaces PB&J provides so crucial to these families. She also spoke about PB&J's policies of being a totally non judgmental environment. Helping parents and acknowledging that they love their children and do the best they possibly can to care for them despite very difficult circumstances.After the tour, Elites helped around the facility in a variety of ways, spreading gravel on the playground, painting playground equipment, putting together rocking chairs and cribs for the nursery, and organizing the small library room. I had a really wonderful afternoon, and I'm really looking forward to further Yelp Help events.