Dr. Larry Acosta, President Urban Youth Workers Institute

As President of UYWI, I wholeheartedly endorse the ministry of Hope for Youth Alliance, an organization that mentors at-risk youth. As an organization committed to strengthening the next generation urban leaders for transformational ministry, we are deeply concerned about the lack of development for youth in their respective communities. HYA will play a vital and long overdue role in helping the youth of New Mexico heal, find hope and make right and wise choices because of a mentor who would dare join them on their journey.

Luther and Carmen Runge, Mentors

We first met Daniel when he was a teenager serving time at the New Mexico Boys School in Springer, NM (New Mexico’s Juvenile Prison). Daniel’s hunger for the Word of God was unmistakable. He asked Carmen and I for a Bible, as he had given his away to another inmate who needed it. Upon receiving the requested Bible from us, Daniel quickly put it to good use. He not only read it but also took the extra step of taking regular correspondence courses in the Scriptures through a solid Christian institution. As Daniel showed us his progress and his excellent grades in these courses, we were delighted. Our encouragement flowed easily as we watched Daniel growing toward manhood. It was a particular joy to see Daniel recently ordained as Associate Pastor of The Rock Christian Fellowship, a ministry that extends beyond its church walls to the hurting throughout the community. After having personally experienced the importance of mentors in his life, Daniel is pioneering a mentoring program for youth throughout northern New Mexico through Hope For Youth Alliance. We are thrilled to see this boy we mentored, now a grown man with a vision for mentoring troubled youth. We believe mentors through Hope for Youth Alliance will change hearts and will grow men and women of God who will change their world.

I have known Daniel since 1995, as his Chaplain, a friend and as a fellow minister of the gospel. I have known of few, if anyone who I would consider an expert on at-risk youth. His knowledge and expertise with at-risk youth is extensive. Daniel is a man of integrity, a family man, and outstanding public speaker and a good friend. I endorse him wholeheartedly in any endeavor that God may lead him to be involved. Daniel has proven himself in any area of service, however in my humble opinion, he shines brightest with a heart for young people. He is an example for young people, and for all of us, of how a life can be turned around and used for good.

Mentoring Our Boys- Jeff Perkiss

Rio Grande Sun

About Daniel Arellano

Daniel is the founder and president of Hope for Youth Alliance in Espanola, NM a 501(c)(3) a youth community solutions corporation. He has been serving young people in Northern New Mexico for the better part of a decade, and is well respected for rebuilding lives of youth in Espanola. He is highly respected for his expertise in youth ministry, has a heart for troubled youth, is deeply concerned about the issues among fatherless youth, and speaks to hundreds of teenagers annually. While remaining locally connected He has also been selected to participate in national leadership development programs such as The Devos Urban Leadership Initiative. He holds ministerial credentials with The Rock Christian Fellowship. Daniel’s enthusiasm is to strengthen a generation of youth, assisting them to overcome the empty voids and deficit’s they are dealing with through meaningful mentoring relationships, that will help youth heal, find hope, and purpose. Daniel is married to his best friend and his middle- school sweetheart Esperanza, together they have three sons, Uriah, Elias, and Malachi, they live in Espanola, NM.