Join Arizona Youth Partnership for the Empowering Minds Conference—a one-day, high-impact event delivering suicide prevention education, gatekeeper trainings, and community-led sessions to equip over 200 Arizonans with tools to support mental health and save lives. 2nd Annual Conference Empowering Minds Conference HOSTED BY ARIZONA YOUTH PARTNERSHIP Register Now To Attend! About the Conference The 2nd annual Empowering Minds Conference, hosted by Arizona Youth Partnership, is a one-day, high-impact event designed to bring together over 200 Arizonans in a unified effort to address suicide prevention through education, training, and community engagement. By combining evidence-based gatekeeper trainings, dynamic speakers, and diverse breakout sessions, Empowering Minds equips participants with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to make a meaningful difference in their families, schools, workplaces, and communities. September 25, 2026 8:00am-3:30PM Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa 245 E. Ina Rd. Tucson, AZ 85704 $40 Gatekeeper Trainings Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in one of three powerful, evidence-based trainings that help build stronger safety nets for youth and adults: SafeTALK Presented by Kari Kane, Arizona Youth Partnership A practical, hands-on training that empowers participants to recognize when someone may be thinking about suicide and connect them to life-saving help. No prior experience required, just a willingness to help others and be a proactive part of a safer, more supportive Arizona. Be-A-Link Yellow Ribbon Training Presented by Mariela Romero, Arizona Youth Partnership This compassionate, stigma-reducing training encourages every participant to “be a link” in the chain of support. Learn how to recognize warning signs, reduce barriers to conversation, and build a culture of mental wellness across your personal and professional circles. QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Presented by Trish Ford, Arizona Youth Partnership A research-backed training that teaches participants three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Like CPR, QPR is designed for everyday people, not just mental health professionals, empowering communities to act quickly and confidently. Breakout Room Topics Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth 101 Presented by Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF) Learn how to better understand, affirm, and support LGBTQ+ youth. This introductory session provides practical tools, inclusive language, and best practices for creating safe and supportive environments for all young people. Light the Spark: Empowering Wellbeing Through a Strength-Based Lens Presented by Frannie Neal Mendoza, Sources of Strength Discover evidence-based, practical daily tools to strengthen wellbeing and foster meaningful connections and resilience for both youth and adults. From Plant to Potent: A Brief Overview of the Risks of Kratom and 7-OH Presented by Amanda Hoskin, Metro Phoenix Partners in Prevention This session provides an overview of kratom and its potent derivative, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), including how these substances affect the body, their increasing availability, and associated risks such as dependence and adverse health outcomes. Participants will learn how these products are marketed, why they are often misunderstood as "safe," and how to recognize warning signs of misuse. Talk More, Tech Less Presented by Josh Cummings, Arizona Youth Partnership Explore the impact technology and social media have on youth mental health while learning practical strategies to strengthen communication, connection, and healthy digital habits. Recognizing Early Psychosis in Youth Presented by Hayley Lawhorn, LMSW Learn about the early warning signs of psychosis in youth, the connection between substance use and psychotic symptoms, and why early identification and intervention are essential for improving outcomes. The Rise of Fentanyl Presented by Analysa Sanchez, Arizona Youth Partnership Explore today's fentanyl crisis, emerging drug threats, and practical strategies for prevention, recognizing overdose, and saving lives. Supporting Indigenous Youth Through Culture & Resilience Presented by Mariah Zavala Explore the impact of historical trauma while highlighting the strength, resilience, and cultural protective factors that support Indigenous youth and families. Empowering Minds, Building Resilience: Understanding ACEs' Impact on Youth Mental Health and Substance Misuse Presented by Pima County Community Mental Health & Addiction This session introduces ACEs and childhood trauma, exploring how early adversity shapes brain development, emotional regulation, and risk-taking in adolescence. Participants will leave with trauma-informed strategies to strengthen protective factors and resilience — tools applicable at home, in the classroom, and in the community. Supporting Youth Mental Health Presented by notMYkid Learn practical strategies for recognizing mental health concerns in youth, starting supportive conversations, and connecting families with resources. Dance. Healing. Advocacy. Presented by Esperanza Dance Project Join the dancers of Esperanza Dance Project for a powerful discussion exploring their personal stories, advocacy work, healing through movement, mental health, and raising awareness about sexual violence. In Our Own Voice Presented by NAMI Southern Arizona Hear personal stories of hope, recovery, and resilience from individuals living with mental health conditions. Ending the Silence Presented by NAMI Southern Arizona Learn to recognize the warning signs of mental health conditions in youth and how to reduce stigma while encouraging help-seeking. How Teen Lifeline Can Help Presented by Teen Lifeline Learn how Teen Lifeline empowers youth through peer support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention resources for schools and communities. Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others Presented by University of Arizona Campus Health Discover practical self-care strategies to reduce compassion fatigue, prevent burnout, and maintain your own well-being while supporting others. Who Should Attend Parents and Caregivers Teachers, School Counselors & Staff Nonprofit & Youth Program Leaders Healthcare Providers First Responders & Law Enforcement Veterans, Military Families, and Advocates Anyone committed to mental wellness and suicide prevention Why It Matters Every life is worth protecting. Suicide is preventable when communities are equipped with knowledge, resources, and connection. The Empowering Minds Conference is your opportunity to be part of a statewide movement to uplift mental health, strengthen support systems, and save lives. Register Now To Attend! Thank you to our Center Piece Sponsors Become a Sponsor The Empowering Minds Conference is made possible through the generous support of community partners and sponsors. By sponsoring this event, your organization will play a vital role in advancing mental health awareness and suicide prevention across Arizona — while gaining meaningful visibility with a dedicated, mission-driven audience of 200+ attendees. Premier Partner- $12,000 • Exclusive Title Sponsor Recognition: "Empowering Minds Conference sponsored by [Your Company Name]". • Logo Placement: Prominent logo placement on all print materials, website, signage, and promotional items. • Speaking Opportunity: Opening session address to attendees (5-8 minutes) to highlight your business’s active partnership in supporting and addressing mental health. • Exhibit Space: Premier tabling and exhibit space at the conference venue. • Media Exposure: Recognition in press releases and media coverage. • Social Media Promotion: Highlighted posts on AZYP’s social media channels leading up to and during the event. • Thank You Recognition: Custom plaque presented at the event acknowledging your support of mental health awareness and community support. Catalyst Sponsor - $6,000 • Logo Placement: Logo placement on conference program and website • Tabling Space: Premier tabling space at the conference venue • Media Exposure: Recognition in press releases and media coverage • Social Media Promotion: Featured posts on AZYP’s social media channels • Thank You Certificate: Custom framed certificate presented at the event MindSpace Breakout Room Sponsors- $2,000 • Logo Placement: Logo placement on Breakout Room conference materials. • Social Media Promotion: Mention in AZYP’s social media channels • 2-3 minute Welcome to Breakout Session to roughly 30 participants during the event. • Thank You Recognition: Sponsorship recognition in Breakout Room Tabling Partner - $150 • Tabling Space: Dedicated table space at the conference venue with one 6-foot table and two chairs • Lunch for the 2 team members who are tabling the event BECOME A SPONSOR Contact Kelley Coronado | Kelley@azyp.org | 520-462-1289

AZYP offers youth support services, prevention programs, family support, parenting help, shelters, camps, and outreach in Arizona. 1/6 Arizona Youth Partnership Empowering Youth to Harness Their Strengths to Live Healthy and Purposeful Lives Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP) works to build brighter futures for young people across Arizona. We partner with schools, families , and communities to provide evidence‑based programs that support healthy decision‑making, strengthen family relationships, and create safe, resilient environments where youth can thrive. Our team serves both rural and urban communities, ensuring every young person has access to the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. Join us in creating safer, stronger communities across Arizona. Explore our programs , connect with our team , or get involved to support youth and families statewide. WHAT WE DO Building Solid Foundations for Arizona Youth OUR EVENTS See what's coming up in near future events in your area OUR PROGRAMS Learn about our programs and the difference they make GET INVOLVED Empower Youth Throughout Arizona Programs That Create Real Change AZYP offers a wide range of youth programs designed to meet real needs. From prevention education and leadership development to crisis support and family strengthening , each program is built on proven strategies that help youth grow with confidence and purpose. We also support parents and caregivers through classes and resources that encourage communication, stability, and connection at home. Our community coalitions bring together local leaders, educators, and partners to address challenges unique to each region. By working collaboratively, we reduce risk factors, increase protective factors, and build healthier communities for everyone. Whether a young person needs a safe place to stay, a family needs support, or a school is looking for effective prevention programming, AZYP is here to help. Youth Leadership & Life Skills Read More > Substance Use Prevention Read More > Shelter & Direct Support Services Read More > Family & Parenting Support Read More > Mental Health & Wellness Education Read More > News & Success Stories Collaboration Over Competition: Arizona's Story at the National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference January - March 2026 AZYP Newsletter Arizona Youth Partnership Presents Innovative Maternal SUD Program at National Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Nashville. See All Support Life‑Changing Programs Every donation strengthens programs that keep young people safe, supported, and connected. Donate

Join AZYP’s Youth Advisory Board and turn experience into leadership. Ages 16–24 can earn money while shaping Arizona youth programs. Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP) is launching something powerful — and we want YOU to be a part of it. Use Your Voice and Make a Difference! We are building a Youth Advisory Board (YAB) that will be made up of real youth with real experiences who want to change the future of their communities. Each member will represent one of the counties within the Balance of State (BOS) region in Arizona and will work together to create meaningful change at both the local and state levels. This isn’t a volunteer role. It’s a paid leadership opportunity. ✔️ $50/hour ✔️ Mentorship and professional development ✔️ Real impact in your community What Is the Youth Advisory Board? The Youth Advisory Board is a paid leadership group made up of youth who bring firsthand experience to the table. Whether you’ve faced homelessness, struggled with substance use , or grown up in the foster care system , your voice matters here. As part of the YAB, you’ll: Speak out on the issues that affect you and your peers Represent your county on local Coalitions to End Homelessness (LCEH) Help guide programs and policies across the BOS region Ensure youth voices are heard in all decisions that impact young people in Arizona Who Can Apply? We’re looking for youth who: Are between the ages of 16 and 24 Live in a Balance of State (non-Maricopa, non-Pima County) area in Arizona Have lived experience with homelessness, substance use, and/or foster care Want to speak up, share ideas, and help make a difference Apply Here Why Should You Join? Because you’ve lived it — and now, you have the chance to lead change. We believe that young people with lived experience are the experts in what youth really need. This is your opportunity to: Be a Leader: Build leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Make a Difference: Help shape programs and policies that reflect youth needs and interests. Gain Experience: Network with professionals, mentors and peers. Speak Up: Have a real voice in decisions that impact your community. How Do I Join? It’s easy! Just click the button below to fill out a quick interest form. We’ll follow up with next steps. 👉 Apply Now to Join the Youth Advisory Board Monthly YAB Meeting Schedule (All Virtual) 1st Wednesday of the Month (6:00–7:30 PM) 📍 Statewide YAB Meeting (Maricopa, Pima, and BoS) Purpose: Collaboration across all three YABs Platform: Zoom 2nd Wednesday of the Month (6:00–7:00 PM) 📍 Training Opportunity Purpose: Skill-building, education, or guest presentations Platform: Zoom Note: Topics vary monthly 3rd Wednesday of the Month (6:00–7:30 PM) 📍 BoS Local YAB Meeting Purpose: BoS-specific updates, planning, and member discussion Platform: Zoom Once Monthly (Date/Time Varies) 📍 Local Coalition to End Homelessness (LCEH) Meeting Purpose: Represent youth voice in broader local homelessness coordination Location/Platform: Varies by region Contacts: Kelly Tanner: 928-718-0442 | Kelly@AZYP.org Stephen Cheatheam: 303-903-6497 | Stephen@AZYP.org

Download the newsletter below

Download the newsletter below:

By Kelly Tanner, Youth Services Division Director, AZYP There's something incredibly rewarding about standing in a room filled with people from across the country who are all working toward the same goal: ending youth homelessness. This year, I had the privilege of presenting at the National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference alongside colleagues representing all three Arizona Continuums of Care — the Arizona Balance of State CoC, Maricopa Regional CoC, and Tucson/Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness. For me, this presentation represented much more than sharing a project. It was an opportunity to showcase what can happen when communities choose collaboration over competition and commit to improving systems for young people. A Statewide Approach to Systems Change Our session focused on Arizona's Youth Homelessness Systems Improvement (YHSI) work. Rather than concentrating on individual programs, we shared how our three Continuums of Care have worked together to strengthen youth-serving systems across the state. While each community faces unique challenges, we have discovered that many of the barriers young people encounter are universal. By working together, we have been able to develop solutions that are stronger, more sustainable, and more responsive to the realities youth experience. Throughout the presentation, we discussed the importance of youth-centered, cross-system collaboration. Housing providers, child welfare, education, behavioral health, juvenile justice, workforce partners, and youth themselves all play a role in creating pathways out of homelessness. No single organization or system can solve youth homelessness alone. Keeping Youth Voice at the Center One of the most meaningful aspects of our work has been ensuring that youth voices remain at the center of every conversation. Young people with lived experience have helped shape priorities, identify gaps, and influence decisions throughout this initiative. Their perspectives continue to remind us that systems should adapt to meet the needs of youth, not the other way around. The Strength of Rural Arizona As someone who works primarily in rural Arizona, I was especially proud to highlight the unique strengths and challenges of serving youth outside large metropolitan areas. Rural communities often operate with limited resources, vast geographic distances, and fewer specialized services, yet they consistently demonstrate creativity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to supporting young people. Sharing these experiences on a national stage reinforced that rural communities have valuable innovations and lessons to contribute to the broader conversation. Learning From Each Other Perhaps my favorite part of the session was the discussion that followed. Attendees from across the country shared their own successes and challenges, asked thoughtful questions, and explored ways to apply similar approaches in their communities. Those conversations reminded me that while every state has its own systems, we all benefit when we openly share what we've learned. One of the greatest takeaways from the conference was seeing Arizona recognized not only for the work we've accomplished, but for how we've accomplished it. Presenting together as three Continuums of Care demonstrated that statewide partnership is possible. It showed that organizations with different perspectives, service areas, and responsibilities can align around a common vision for youth. Looking Ahead I returned home energized and inspired, not because our work is finished, but because it affirmed that we're moving in the right direction. There is still much to accomplish, but Arizona has built a strong foundation for lasting systems change. I'm grateful to the National Alliance to End Homelessness for providing a platform to share our story and to everyone who attended our session for engaging in meaningful conversations about improving outcomes for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Most importantly, I'm grateful to the many partners across Arizona whose daily work makes this progress possible. Systems change doesn't happen because of one organization or one presentation. It happens because people across communities continue showing up, working together, and keeping young people at the center of every decision. The conversations we started at the conference don't end there. They continue back home — in our communities, our partnerships, and our collective commitment to ensuring every young person has the opportunity to achieve safe, stable housing and a future filled with possibility.