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Significant milestones in the pursuit of a better, more inclusive Arizona


Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP) has reason to celebrate as they have been awarded not one, but two crucial grants by the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family (GOYFF). The Trauma-Informed Substance Abuse Prevention Program (TISAPP) grant and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Governor’s Discretionary Fund grant are set to make a significant impact on the organization's mission and the communities they serve.


TISAPP: Supporting Resilience and Preventing Substance Abuse

The Trauma-Informed Substance Abuse Prevention Program (TISAPP) grant is a substantial investment in promoting resilience and preventing substance abuse within the state of Arizona. GOYFF, in its commitment to creating a better Arizona for everyone, has granted approximately $5 million in funding to 28 organizations across the state. AZYP was awarded $158,000 per year for this multi-year funding opportunity. AZYP’s role is vital in implementing culturally competent, evidence-based programs that focus on increasing protective factors and building resilience for youth, adults, and families. Additionally, AZYP’s TISAPP award aims to raise awareness of the impact of trauma, recognizing that trauma-informed care is a key component of preventing substance abuse in Pima and Gila County AZYP will serve youth grades 6-12 with evidence-based substance use prevention education, and will engage parents/caregivers in an evidence-based program to help strengthen parent’s skills to discuss issues related to drug misuse.


Tonya Hamilton, the CEO of GOYFF, highlighted the importance of providing Arizona entities with the necessary tools to support their communities. She emphasized the significance of early intervention strategies and community engagement in preventing substance abuse and enhancing support for citizens throughout the state. Over the course of a 12-month grant cycle, recipients from urban, rural, and tribal communities will collaborate with other agencies to foster community engagement and ensure the sustainability of their prevention programs.


The TISAPP grant represents a vital step forward in promoting the well-being of Arizona's citizens. It recognizes the importance of understanding and addressing the underlying causes of substance abuse and trauma, rather than solely focusing on punitive measures. AZYP, in partnership with GOYFF, is taking the lead in implementing these essential programs that will have a lasting impact on the state's communities.


WIOA: Investing in Arizona's Workforce for a Better Future

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Governor’s Discretionary Fund grant is another testament to the commitment of GOYFF in building a better Arizona for everyone. This grant provides approximately $5.9 million in funding to 16 organizations across Arizona. AZYP was awarded $180,000 in year one of this multi-year funding opportunity to support individuals ages 16-24 in Gila County. The aim is to implement best practices that address workforce needs and enhance collaboration among local, regional, and statewide entities that support this work. The grant is set to support programs in Arizona's diverse urban, rural, and tribal communities, catering to a range of target populations:

  • Currently and formerly incarcerated individuals.

  • Individuals involved or previously involved with the foster care system.

  • Disconnected youth.

  • Veterans.

  • High school students preparing for college or a career.

  • Individuals who are unemployed or underemployed.

  • Individuals with disabilities.

  • Individuals who have experienced trauma.

Governor Katie Hobbs highlighted the importance of ensuring all citizens have access to the education and training needed for their long-term prosperity. This grant is a reflection of the commitment to providing more Arizonans with the opportunity to develop the skills necessary for good-paying jobs. By investing in workforce development, Arizona is not only creating opportunities for its citizens but also bolstering its economy through a healthier, more dependable workforce. Participants of AZYP’s WIOA funded program will receive support and trainings to increase employability and sustained employment.


Tonya Hamilton, the CEO of GOYFF, echoed the sentiment of transforming how Arizona delivers much-needed workforce development programs to its residents. The impact of these grants on the lives of citizens across the state is eagerly anticipated as opportunities for thriving futures continue to expand.

In Conclusion:

The two grants awarded to Arizona Youth Partnership by the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith, and Family are significant milestones in the pursuit of a better, more inclusive Arizona. The TISAPP grant and the WIOA Governor’s Discretionary Fund grant reflect a shared commitment to understanding and addressing the root causes of substance abuse, trauma, and workforce challenges.

Through these grants, AZYP is not only poised to make a positive impact on the lives of the citizens they serve but also to set an example for the rest of the nation on how investing in prevention and workforce development can lead to a healthier, more prosperous future. As these programs are implemented and the fruits of their labor begin to manifest, it's evident that the great state of Arizona is indeed working towards a brighter and more inclusive future for all its residents.

To learn more about these grants and other awardees, visit:

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