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Arizona Youth Partnership cultivates healthy foundations to build stronger families through youth and family programs. AZYP Empowers Youth to Harness their Strengths to Live Healthy and Purposeful Lives Home Page Slider Graphics (1920 x 1080 px) (2) Nov 2025 CMSC Click to Watch! Home Page Slider Graphics (1920 x 1080 px) (2) 1/21 WHAT WE DO Building Solid Foundations for Youth & Families OUR EVENTS See what's coming up in near future events in your area OUR PROGRAMS Youth, Family and Community programs offered and the difference they make GET INVOLVED Empower Youth & Families Throughout Arizona

AZYP's 'Connecting Minds, Strengthening Communities' virtual series, tackles critical issues like youth mental health, substance misuse, and family dynamics. Monthly expert-led discussions empower parents, caregivers, and communities to support Arizona's youth. Join our monthly virtual series tackling the issues that matter most to youth and those who support them. What is Connecting Minds, Strengthening Communities? "Connecting Minds, Strengthening Communities" is Arizona Youth Partnership’s monthly virtual series designed to bring experts, community leaders, and families together to discuss critical issues impacting youth and families in Arizona. From substance misuse and youth mental health to homelessness and healthy relationships, we provide valuable insights and tools to help caregivers and community members empower the next generation. Each session is free to attend and available live on Facebook. You can find past broadcasts below for viewing at your convenience. Watch on YouTube or Facebook NEW NEW Become a Sponsor NEW Join Us for These Monthly Topics Discover actionable strategies and trending information on these pressing issues Help Us Strengthen Communities You can make a difference by supporting Connecting Minds, Strengthening Communities. Your sponsorship helps us deliver this vital information to parents, caregivers, and community members across Arizona. Benefits of Sponsorship Marketing exposure to 6,000+ social media followers and 1,000+ monthly website visitors. Align your brand with a mission-driven initiative focused on creating positive change. Enhance your company’s community commitment. Sponsorship Levels: Presenting Sponsor | Gold Sponsor | Silver Sponsor | Bronze Sponsor Become a Sponsor NEW Have questions or want to learn more about sponsoring Connecting Minds, Strengthening Communities? We’d love to hear from you! azyp@azyp.org 520-744-9595 Watch Anytime: Past Sessions On Demand TARGETED: SOCIAL MEDIA & YOUTH - LANGUAGE, EMOJIS, & APPS During this discussion, we explored how social media influences youth communication, peer interactions, and potential risks. A huge thank you to Robert DeVries for sharing valuable insights on how social media influences youth and what parents & caregivers should know. Learn more about Robert’s impactful work at MSTEPP . 💬 Key Topics Covered: ✅ The evolving digital language of youth ✅ Hidden meanings behind emojis & slang ✅ Popular apps and their potential risks ✅ How parents & caregivers can stay informed NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH This month, in honor of National Nutrition Month, we’re excited to welcome Preston Harris, PhD, RDN, CLT as our featured speaker. Dr. Harris, a leading expert in nutrition and wellness, will discuss the critical role of nutrition in youth development and overall well-being. Learn how balanced diets, healthy eating habits, and proper nutrition impact physical health, cognitive function, and long-term success for young people in our communities. 🔹 Nutrition Trends (foods & social media) 🔹 How can families support healthy eating habits? 🔹 Tips for Youth & Parents/Caregivers Visit www.dukenutritionexperts.com to learn more about their services. YOUTH FINANCIAL LITERACY In this May edition we explore the power of financial literacy in helping youth build a strong foundation for adulthood. Our featured guest, Orlando Guillen from Vantage West Credit Union, shares valuable insights on how financial education can reduce stress, promote smarter decision-making, and empower young people to build a more resilient future. 💸 Key questions explored in this session include: 🔹 How can “buy now, pay later” apps like Afterpay and Klarna impact a young person’s financial health? 🔹 Why might a credit union, like Vantage West, be a better banking option for youth than traditional banks? 🔹 How can parents and caregivers help prepare youth for financial independence while still offering guidance and a safety net? Whether you're a parent, educator, or youth mentor, this session provides practical strategies and real-life advice to support financial empowerment. Thank you to Vantage West for being a Silver Sponsor of the CMSC series! KEEP OUR YOUTH SAFE In this July edition of Connecting Minds, Strengthening Communities, we focus on practical ways to keep youth safe. Our panel of expert guest speakers includes: 👥 Amy Lantz, Speak Up Be Safe Coordinator, Childhelp 👥 Pete Plahmer, Trauma Outreach & Injury Prevention Coordinator, Banner University Medical Center 👥 Sergeant Jessina Janes & Deputy Elliott Lyle, Pima County Sheriff's Department Together, we discuss: Water Safety Tips for summer activities, Warning Signs of Abuse in sports and extracurricular settings, and Spatial Awareness and Personal Safety as youth return to school. 📚 Resources Shared During the Session: 🔹 Learn more about trauma and injury prevention at Banner UMC: https://surgery.arizona.edu/divisions-and-sections/trauma-surgical-critical-care-burns-and-acute-care-surgery/services/trauma 🔹 Explore Childhelp’s child abuse prevention education: https://www.childhelp.org/ 📞 National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 🔹 Learn about the Pima County Sheriff’s Department School Resource Officer (SRO) program and community services: https://www.pimasheriff.org/services/SRO 👉 We encourage you to check your own county’s sheriff department website to see what youth safety services are available in your area. KEEP OUR YOUTH SAFE In this September edition of Connecting Minds, Strengthening Communities, we tackle a deeply important topic: Suicide Prevention—Supporting Youth Who Have Experienced Loss. We’re honored to welcome Jacob Meyer-Van Damme, Territory Director for Charlie Health, who partners with hospitals, schools, and community providers to expand access to care across Southern Arizona. Jacob will help answer tough but vital questions, including: ✨ How can youth cope with grief after losing someone to suicide? ✨ What unique challenges do they face, and what are the first steps to healing? ✨ What warning signs should parents and caregivers look for? ✨ How can community leaders help reduce stigma and build prevention through education? 📌 Resources: - National 24-Hour Crisis Hotlines: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 - National Substance Use and Disorder Issues Referral and Treatment Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - Charlie Health: www.charliehealth.com Admissions: 1 (866) 948-2178 - Arizona Statewide Crisis Hotline: 1-844-534-HOPE (4673) - Teen Lifeline: 602-248-TEEN (8336) NATIONAL RUNAWAY PREVENTION MONTH: SHOWING KINDNESS & GIVING SUPPORT In this November edition of Connecting Minds, Strengthening Communities, we recognize National Runaway Prevention Month with a powerful conversation on how families, caregivers, and communities can better support youth who feel unseen, unheard, or overwhelmed. Our speaker, Kelly Tanner, AZYP’s Director of Youth Services, explores the emotional, social, and environmental factors that lead young people to consider running away—and what caring adults can do to help. 🧠 Key questions discussed: 🔹 How can adults show genuine, non-judgmental care to a young person who feels misunderstood? 🔹 What do teens who have run away wish they knew beforehand—especially with social media glamorizing escape? 🔹 What early warning signs do parents often miss or dismiss as “normal teen behavior”? 🔹 What myths about runaway and homeless youth prevent communities from stepping up with real support? 📚 Resources shared during the stream: 🔗 National Runaway Safeline: https://www.1800runaway.org/ 🔗 Teen Lifeline: https://teenlifeline.org/ Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, youth mentor, or community member, this session offers meaningful insight into how kindness, connection, and awareness can change a young person’s path. TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS: HELPING YOUTH ESTABLISH HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS While February’s Connecting Minds, Strengthening Communities session isn’t available on video, we’ve created a helpful worksheet with the key topics and practical strategies to support youth in building healthy, respectful relationships. ✅ Download the worksheet here: ALCOHOL AWARENESS & REDUCING UNDERAGE DRINKING In this April edition we’re recognizing Alcohol Awareness Month with an important conversation on Reducing Underaged Drinking. Our featured speaker, Jessica Valadez, Prevention Specialist with the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) Education and Prevention Unit, shares essential information for youth, parents/caregivers, and community members on preventing underage alcohol use and promoting safer environments. 🧠 Key questions discussed: 🔹 What are the biggest health and safety risks teens face when they drink underage, and how can they protect themselves? 🔹 What signs should parents look for if they suspect their teen might be drinking? 🔹 How can community members report suspicious activity—like adults buying alcohol for teens—without escalating tensions? 📌 Resources shared during the session: 📞 Report underage drinking: 1-877-668-5345 or 602-364-0079 📞 Report complaints (e.g. over-serving, violence at establishments): 602-542-9062 🌐 Learn more: azliquor.gov RUNAWAY & HOMELESSNESS YOUTH: UNDERSTANDING VARIED EXPERIENCES In this June edition we focus on the complex and diverse realities of runaway and homeless youth. Our featured speaker, Matt Finley, Prevention Specialist and Youth Services Planner with the Maricopa Association of Governments and the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care, offers critical insight into the unique challenges facing youth experiencing homelessness, especially those who identify as LGBTQ+, live in rural communities, or have experience in the foster care system. 🧠 Key questions discussed: 🔹 What resources are available for homeless youth, especially LGBTQ+, rural, or foster care youth, and how can they access them? 🔹 How can marginalized youth identify and avoid discrimination when seeking help? 🔹 What role can community members play in providing safe, inclusive support for youth in crisis? 📌 Resources shared during the session: 📞 Teen Lifeline: 1-800-248-8336 📞 National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-786-2929 📞 Suicide and Crisis Line: 988 YOUTH FRIENDSHIP Join us for this session of Connecting Minds, Strengthening Communities as we explore Youth Friendship: How social media influences youth's friendships. This important conversation highlights the ways social media impacts bullying prevention, online awareness, and the safety of young people navigating friendships in today’s digital world. We’re honored to be joined by Kacie Passamonte, Prevention Operations and Support Manager at Childhelp , who brings over 20 years of experience working with youth as an educator, advocate, and coach. Kacie helps lead child abuse prevention efforts through education, training, and curriculum development, and shares her deep understanding of the challenges youth face today. ✨ Together, we’ll discuss: How social media shapes youth friendships The risks and threats young people encounter online Practical strategies for parents, caregivers, and communities to support safe and healthy friendships 📘 Below are two helpful resource documents: How to report online harm or exploitation Getting help if online harm happens Learn more about Childhelp's Speak Up Be Safe here YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE: IT'S HAPPENING In this October edition of Connecting Minds, Strengthening Communities session, we’re diving into an important topic — Youth Substance Use. Together, we explore what Arizona youth, parents, and schools can do to stay informed and proactive about emerging trends and prevention strategies. Here are some of the key questions discussed in this session: 1️⃣ How can youth handle peer pressure at school events or parties, especially with the rise of fentanyl-laced vapes? 2️⃣ How is social media fueling prescription pill misuse among youth — and what red flags should you watch for? 3️⃣ What steps should parents take if they see substance-related content or links online? 4️⃣ How can schools and youth organizations work with prevention partners to strengthen fentanyl education in Arizona? 📌 Resources: www.dea.gov/onepill www.saclaz.org/ www.azhidta.org/expert-resources MANAGING MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE HOLIDAYS & SELF-CARE The holidays can be joyful, but they can also be overwhelming for youth and families. In this December edition of Connecting Minds, Strengthening Communities, Corytha Gastineau and Trish Ford are leading an important conversation on supporting mental well-being during a busy, emotionally loaded season. 🧠 They’ll be answering questions like: 🔹What are simple, no-cost ways youth can practice self-care when time and money are limited? 🔹Why is it important for parents to model self-care—and what does that look like when they’re exhausted too? 🔹If we want our community to feel mentally safer for youth and families, what’s one thing everyone can start doing today? Join us as we wrap up the year with tools, insight, and encouragement for a healthier holiday season. 📚 Resources shared during the stream: 🔗 www.thetrevorproject.org 🔗 www.charliehealth.com 🔗 Veterans Crisis Line 🔗 National Helpline for Mental Health, Drug, Alcohol Issues | SAMHSA 🔗 Mindfulness Exercise: Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) 🔗 Mindfulness Exercise: Vagus Nerve Reset National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (available 24 hours a day) 1-800-273-TALK (8255) [24/7 Hotline] 1-888-628-9454 (Spanish) 1-800-799-4889 (TTY) Text “MHFA” to 741741 Download AZYP's "How Are You Feeling Today?" Sheet Download the 988 Info Sheet Download the Mindful Moments Sheet

Ways to Give to AZYP Donate Online Employer Matching Donations We are grateful for the following corporations who participate in Employee Giving and Matching Campaigns! Check with your employer to see if they have a matching or payroll deduction program. Give by Phone Please call Jetzabel Glennon, Development and Communications Director at 520-500-9995 to make a secure transaction by phone. Donate by Mail Mail a check to: Arizona Youth Partnership PO Box 64190 Tucson, AZ 85718 ShopRaise Leave a Legacy Make a legacy gift by including Arizona Youth Partnership (EIN 86-0669087) in your estate planning. Planned gift options include wills and bequests, stocks and mutual funds, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, life insurance retirement plans or IRAs, real estate transfers, and more. If you tell us about your future gift in advance, we can help ensure that your intentions are carried out. To make a legacy gift, contact: Jetzabel Glennon, Development and Communications Director at Jetzabel@AZYP.org | 520-500-9995, or Shirley Lamy, Chief Financial Officer at Shirley@AZYP.org | 520-500-9991. Donate a Car Easily donate your car to benefit AZYP! CLICK HERE TO DONATE YOUR CAR Host a Fundraiser Easily host a fundraiser to benefit AZYP by selecting Arizona Youth Partnership on Facebook! CLICK HERE to setup your Facebook fundraiser

The Empowering Minds Conference, held on October 21, 2025, was more than just an event, it was a movement toward stronger, more connected communities. Hosted by Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP), the conference brought together more than 200 participants for a full day dedicated to suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and gatekeeper trainings. From Planning to Purpose: The Road to Empowering Minds The journey to the conference began months in advance, with a shared goal: to provide the best possible experience for attendees while increasing Arizona’s capacity to recognize and respond to mental health crises. Every detail mattered; from finding the perfect breakout session presenters to securing sponsorships and community partners that made this event possible. One of the biggest priorities in planning was ensuring attendees could walk away with real connections and local support. As a parent who has personally navigated the challenges of helping a child through a mental health crisis, I know how overwhelming it can feel to not know where to turn. That experience fueled my commitment to building a strong network of tabling partners representing a wide range of mental health, wellness, and community resources. The result was a huge success. The ballroom was filled with organizations ready to offer guidance, services, and support to anyone seeking help for themselves or someone they care about. Having those resources all in one place truly brought the vision of Empowering Minds to life. A Day of Learning, Healing, and Empowerment The conference opened with a heartfelt Land Acknowledgement by Mr. Jonathon Rios , followed by a warm welcome recognizing our sponsors, presenters, and tabling partners, the heart of this event. Their expertise and passion helped equip attendees with the tools to strengthen mental health supports in their communities. Our morning keynote speaker, Dr. Lexi Hernandez , set the tone with an inspiring message on resilience and self-care. We cannot give from an empty cup, and Lexi's message was a needed reminder for our attendees, dedicated to becoming gatekeepers and supporting their communities through a mental health challenge or crisis. Throughout the day, participants engaged in gatekeeper trainings such as SafeTALK, Be A Link, and Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA), gaining evidence-based skills to recognize and respond to signs of suicide and mental health distress. Breakout sessions offered opportunities for deeper learning on specific topics regarding populations in Arizona where there are high rates of suicide. These breakout sessions included: Mental Health Across the Lifespan: Supporting Older Adults In Our Own Voice (NAMI) Mental Health in Rural Arizona Self-Care and Coping Strategies Supporting LGBTQ+ Communities and Suicide Awareness Supporting Military Families and Veterans Honoring Resilience: Mental Health and Historical Trauma in Indigenous Populations During lunch, Dr. Anahi Ortiz, AZYP Board Member, delivered a moving keynote address rooted in lived experience. Her reflections on prevention, loss, and healing offered a powerful reminder of why this work matters. A Day Recognized and Remembered Adding to the celebration, the City of Tucson Mayor’s Office issued a Proclamation declaring October 21, 2025, as “Empowering Minds Day.” This recognition underscored the importance of collective action in advancing mental health awareness and suicide prevention across Arizona. The Lasting Impact By the end of the day, participants left not only with new knowledge but with a renewed sense of purpose. The Empowering Minds Conference succeeded in: Equipping community members with practical, culturally relevant suicide prevention skills. Expanding partnerships among schools, behavioral health agencies, and local organizations. Increasing Arizona’s statewide capacity for early identification, intervention, and referral for youth and adults experiencing mental health challenges. Connecting individuals and families to a powerful network of resources through our dedicated tabling partners. As one attendee shared, “It was more than a conference, it was a reminder that every one of us can be a lifeline.” Through shared learning, honest conversations, and collaboration, the 2025 Empowering Minds Conference truly lived up to its name; empowering each of us to build stronger, safer, and more compassionate communities. Written by: Kelley Coronado, Director of Youth Wellness Division.

Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP) is proud to announce that we have been selected as  the only grantee in Arizona  for the  Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood (HMRF) grant , awarded by the  Office of Family Assistance (OFA), Family and Economic Stability Demonstration and Innovation Division (FED Innovation Division) . This highly competitive national grant supports programs that help youth and families build and sustain  healthy relationships ,  strong marriages , and  positive father-child interactions —all essential components of long-term family and community well-being.    Through this funding, AZYP will launch  Project READY (Relationship Education & Development for Youth) , designed to strengthen the foundation of healthy relationships among high school students across five Arizona counties:  Gila, Navajo, Mohave, Pinal, and Pima . With a special focus on  rural communities , Project READY will use a  systems-level approach  to bring relationship education directly into schools and community spaces, ensuring both youth and educators have the tools to foster strong, respectful, and supportive relationships while learning skills that support  successful transitions to adulthood.    The initiative is part of the  Relationships, Education, Advancement, and Development for Youth for Life (READY4Life)  opportunity under the HMRF program. This effort aims to help youth, particularly those in  high school (grades 9–12)  and  early adulthood (ages 18–24) , develop skills to navigate relationships, understand the value of marriage and family formation, and prepare for a successful transition into adulthood.    Project READY will incorporate  evidence-based curricula  to teach essential life and relationship skills such as communication, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and decision-making. But the project extends beyond the classroom – it involves  school staff, peer groups, and community awareness campaigns  to create lasting change and promote a culture of healthy connections among youth.    “Strong relationships are the cornerstone of thriving communities,” said  Gauri Gladish, CEO of Arizona Youth Partnership .  Through Project READY, we’re equipping young people with the knowledge and tools they need to build healthy relationships in high school and for their future. Learning the importance of these skills during high school years creates a strong foundation for setting healthy relationship expectations, fostering stable families in the future, and contributing positively to the communities they call home.      Arizona Youth Partnership is honored to bring this impactful program to youth across the state. As the sole Arizona recipient of this federal award, AZYP remains committed to  empowering youth to harness their strengths, make positive choices, and live healthy, purposeful lives .    Stay tuned for more information  about Project READY, including updates on program activities, partnerships, and the launch of our new Project READY webpage —coming soon to www.azyp.org !

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