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[ARIZONA] – Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to youth development, is thrilled to announce the receipt of substantial funding from the AZ Blue Foundation. This generous grant will play a pivotal role in enhancing the engagement and retention of youth aged 10-14, along with their families, in evidence-based substance use prevention programs across Cochise, Mohave, Pima, and Santa Cruz County. Specifically, the grant will have a profound impact on AZYP's Hobbies not Habits (HNH) event in Lake Havasu City, scheduled for April 2024. HNH is a community-driven initiative that promotes healthy hobbies, providing a platform for youth to explore new activities, learn valuable skills, and engage with peers and families. Over the years, the event has attracted over 200 youth and families. In Mohave County, the funding will focus on eliminating barriers that hinder youth from participating in hobbies available at Lake Havasu City. AZYP recognizes that family finances are a significant obstacle to youth enrollment in such activities. The AZ Blue Foundation's support will be instrumental in removing financial barriers by providing resources such as art supplies, martial arts uniforms, and sports equipment. The Young Adult Development Association of Havasu (YADAH), a federally funded coalition, organizes HNH and invites various community organizations to set up activities or workshops for youth of all ages. The ultimate goal is to promote protective factors and reduce risk factors associated with substance use, delinquency, stress, anxiety, depression, and risky behaviors. Additionally, AZYP holds state funding through the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith, and Families to facilitate the 8-week Stronger Families Project (SFP) in Cochise, Mohave, Pima, and Santa Cruz County. This project combines skill-building and substance use prevention curricula, including the Strengthening Families Program: For Parents and Youth 10-14 and Parent/Youth Rx360. Family dinners are a crucial component of the SFP curriculum, promoting cohesion and participation in Kids at Hope activities. The funding from AZ Blue Foundation will specifically support the provision of family dinners during the sessions, aiming to increase enrollment, retention, and overall engagement. These initiatives are designed to serve as preventive and protective factors against high-risk behaviors, particularly substance use. By investing in youth development and family support, AZYP and the AZ Blue Foundation are collectively working towards building stronger, healthier communities. AZYP extends its heartfelt gratitude to the AZ Blue Foundation for their commitment to empowering youth and families through these impactful programs. To learn more about HNH visit azyp.org/yadah-coalition, or SFP visit azyp.org/stronger-families-project

(ARIZONA) - Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP) is proud to announce that it has been selected as a grant recipient by the Arizona Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family to launch Project VIP (Violence Is Preventable) in Pinal and Mohave Counties. This initiative aims to address and prevent violence against women in high-risk and underserved areas of Arizona. Project VIP focuses on implementing comprehensive prevention and intervention approaches to combat violence against women, especially in isolated and underserved communities. The program is designed to achieve the following four key goals: 1) Increase Protective Factors for Youth: Empower youth in Pinal County by enhancing protective factors that help them avoid unhealthy relationships with the potential for abuse. The program also seeks to increase awareness and knowledge among youth to identify harmful behaviors in themselves or others that may lead to abuse. 2) Bystander/Community Awareness and Support: Raise awareness and knowledge within the community regarding abuse and violence towards women. By increasing awareness, Project VIP aims to provide resources and support for women who are victims of violence. 3) Enhance Self-Sufficiency and Safety for Women Survivors: Employing a survivor-centered approach to increase self-sufficiency, safety, and healing for women survivors of violence, including those affected by human trafficking. The program recognizes the unique challenges faced by survivors in rural communities and tailors its approach accordingly. 4) Promote Accountability and Behavior Change: To break the cycles of violence, Project VIP works towards increasing accountability, coping skills, and behavior change for individuals who have committed abuse or violence against women. By addressing the root causes, the program seeks to contribute to the lasting prevention of violence in the targeted communities. "We are honored to receive this grant from the Arizona Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family to expand our efforts in Pinal and Mohave County through Project VIP," said Gauri Gladish, CEO of Arizona Youth Partnership. "This funding allows us to make a meaningful impact by ending violence against women in high-risk and underserved locations in Arizona. Project VIP includes programming targeting youth, survivors of violence/human trafficking, community-bystanders, and offenders of violence against women. The focus for all approaches is to prevent or end violence against women in our communities through a comprehensive and evidence-based approach." AZYP is dedicated to working collaboratively with community partners, stakeholders, and residents to achieve the program's objectives and contribute to a future free from violence against women in Arizona. For more information, visit azyp.org/projectvip or contact JulieCraig at 928-961-0426 | JulieC@azyp.org. ### About Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP): AZYP is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of young people and their families. AZYP works collaboratively with communities to develop innovative programs and services that address the unique challenges faced by youth. For more information about AZYP, please visit www.azyp.org.

Arizona Youth Partnership is at the forefront of empowering youth, strengthening families, and building thriving communities. As part of our commitment to making a positive impact, interns Keeli Putnam and Dylan Schoenhardt, both seniors at the University of Arizona, recently wrapped up a transformative four-month internship. Let's dive into the unique experiences of Keeli and Dylan as they contributed to the organization's mission. Keeli Putnam's Journey Keeli, a public health major with an emphasis in global health, took on a pivotal role within the Youth and Family Division. Throughout her internship, she had the opportunity to facilitate and shadow various classes, including Love Notes, Positive Potential, and the Strengthening Families Program. In doing so, Keeli witnessed firsthand the profound impact these programs have on the local youth community. As an intern, Keeli went beyond classroom involvement. She conducted research, honed her communication skills, and played a key role in developing and implementing social media campaigns. One standout achievement was her creation of a Toolkit for Parent Advocacy, a comprehensive resource designed to empower parents in advocating for and understanding the importance of healthy relationship education. Keeli's dedication reflects the passion AZYP instills in its interns, fostering a commitment to creating positive change in communities. Dylan Schoenhardt's Perspective Dylan, another talented intern, shared his enthusiasm for the impactful experience he gained at AZYP. Welcomed by a supportive team, Dylan emphasized the organization's commitment to prioritizing youth in every aspect of their work, as symbolized by the Y in their logo. Throughout his internship, Dylan witnessed the team's dedication to adapting curriculums and making continuous improvements to better serve the evolving needs of the youth they support. Dylan's role extended beyond observation; he actively contributed to the organization's growth by learning and developing essential skills for his future career. His gratitude for the internship experience was evident as he highlighted the immeasurable knowledge he gained and the personal growth he witnessed in the youth over the course of a single semester. The stories of Keeli and Dylan Schoenhardt exemplify the profound impact that Arizona Youth Partnership has on the lives of young individuals and families. Through their internships, Keeli and Dylan not only learned valuable skills but also contributed significantly to the organization's mission of empowerment and community development. As AZYP continues to shape the future by investing in the potential of youth, it is clear that the organization's commitment goes beyond words—it is evident in the real, positive change happening within the communities they serve. Keeli and Dylan's experiences serve as a testament to the transformative power of AZYP and the importance of fostering a generation of empowered individuals and communities.

Dear Honored Friend of our Cause, On behalf of the entire team at Arizona Youth Partnership, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support. Your generosity has had a profound impact on countless youth and families in our communities. Here is a brief overview of the impact your kindness in 2022-2023: Educators taught life skills like healthy relationship skills, leadership skills, financial literacy, and positive decision making, among other important life skills to 2,147 students throughout the state. Over 40 families in the Stronger Families Project received programming to meet their unique needs. 18 pregnant and parenting teens received support through AIM 4 Teen Moms program. 127 parents attended Active Parenting Classes to build positive parenting skills. 304 adults were certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. 30,313 Arizonans were reached through media, community presentations, and events on Substance Abuse prevention and education. Youth shelters housed 68 youth this year. Your dedication to our mission has made these remarkable outcomes possible! I invite you to explore the achievements of the past year in our report. Your support has directly contributed to our success, and we are incredibly grateful for your ongoing commitment. Thank you for being an essential part of the work at AZYP. Your generosity is deeply appreciated. Sincerely, Gauri Gladish, CEO Download A Copy of Our Annual Report Below

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: https://goyff.az.gov/2024TISAPPrfgaAwardees https://goyff.az.gov/2024WIOArfgaAwardees

On October 12th, 2023, NUCOR Steel Kingman hosted its 3rd Annual Golf Tournament, and it was a day filled with golf, camaraderie, and most importantly, a commitment to making a difference in the lives of youth and families in Arizona. This year, Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP) was selected as the beneficiary of the tournament. We cannot express our gratitude enough to NUCOR Steel Kingman, the sponsors, and all the dedicated golfers who participated. Their support will have a profound impact on the lives of Arizona's youth. Golfers from all walks of life came together not just to showcase their skills on the greens, but to also showcase their commitment to the community. The funds raised during the tournament will enable AZYP to expand their outreach, enhance their programs, and provide much-needed support to those who need it most. NUCOR Steel Kingman's 3rd Annual Golf Tournament was more than just a sporting event; it was a testament to the power of collaboration and compassion. It highlighted the positive change that can be achieved when individuals and businesses join forces to support a noble cause.

ARIZONA YOUTH PARTNERSHIP AWARDED GRANT TO IMPLEMENT LINKING ACTIONS FOR HEALTHY MOTHERS & BABIES PROGRAM IN GILA COUNTY [GILA COUNTY, AZ] — Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP) is thrilled to announce that it has secured funding from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) to implement the Linking Actions for Healthy Mothers & Babies (LAHMB) program in Gila County, Arizona. This grant marks a significant advancement in improving healthcare for young pregnant and parenting families in the area. Gila County leads Arizona in the incidence of opioid overdose and death (49.9/100,000. Rates among women of childbearing age have been steadily climbing at a rate of 2% increase per year, with Gila County reported as one of two counties with the highest Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome incidence rates in Arizona. The month of October signifies National Substance Use Prevention Month, and Arizona Youth Partnership along with community partners are coming together to address the vital role substance abuse prevention plays in both individual and community health. The LAHMB program aims to reduce Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) by implementing a comprehensive approach across the preconception, prenatal, and postpartum phases. It will engage, educate, and coordinate services for at-risk substance users, pregnant individuals, and parents in Gila County. NAS is a condition that occurs when newborns withdraw from substances, including opioids, they were exposed to before birth, leading to symptoms such as tremors, irritability, and sleep problems. The LAHMB Consortium's comprehensive approach includes the following key components: Early Identification and Intervention: Improving early identification and intervention for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) among pregnant women and mothers. Labor and Delivery Practices: Enhancing labor and delivery practices to meet the unique needs of mothers with SUD. Postpartum Support: Strengthening postpartum support for both mothers and babies. Outreach and Education: Expanding outreach and education efforts related to healthy pregnancy, parenting, and SUD disease prevention. Data Collection: Improving coordinated and uniform data collection procedures among service providers. Sara Sherman says, “AZYP is honored to receive HRSA funding for the LAHMB program, which will improve the well-being of young pregnant and parenting families.” AZYP is addressing issues like substance abuse, prenatal care, and postpartum support, and aims to enhance overall health outcomes for mothers and babies in the region. For more information about the LAHMB program, please contact Sara Sherman at 520.719.2014 or SaraS@azyp.org. ### Since 1990, Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP) has been a leader in Arizona, providing prevention and community resources to support youth in becoming healthy, self-sufficient adults. AZYP offers a range of programs for youth and families to increase youth skills, family cohesion and create safe communities. AZYP is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Visit www.azyp.org for details.

Dear community members, Through our AIM 4 Teen Moms and Active Parenting: First Five Years programs, we will continue to offer supporting services while we transition prior pregnant and parenting programs to new and creative ones. Thank you for your unwavering support and for being an integral part of the Starting Out Right program. Contact Sara Sherman, Chief Initiatives Officer, at 520-744-9595 or by email at SaraS@azyp.org with any questions or concerns. Active Parenting: First Five Years, a multi-model parenting education program, is still available in Gila county. Visit the program webpage for more information and to sign up. AIM 4 Teen Moms, an evidence-based intervention to reduce rapid repeat pregnancies among teen moms, is available virtually across the state at no cost. Visit the program webpage for more information and to sign up. RESOURCES FOR PREGNANT AND PARENTING YOUTH Maricopa County: Phoenix Indian Medical Center - Health education for mothers https://www.ihs.gov/phoenix/contactus/ 602.364.5039 40 N. Central Avenue, Suite 504, Phoenix, Arizona 85004 Banner Health Center Maricopa - Childbirth education https://www.bannerhealth.com/locations/maricopa/banner-health-center-maricopa?y_source=1_MTE5MDczOTAtNDgzLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D 520.233.2500 17900 N Porter Rd., Maricopa, AZ 85138 Dignity Health - Birthing and baby classes, support groups, free car seat, etc. https://www.dignityhealth.org/arizona/locations/chandlerregional/classes-and-events/motherhood Mountain Park Health Center - Women's Health Care/Pregnancy, Pediatrics, WIC https://mountainparkhealth.org/services/ 602.243.7277 Healthy Families America https://www.healthyfamiliesamerica.org If your child is under 3 months, mention you are referred by the Starting Out Right Program and you will qualify for the Healthy Families Program Tucson: Download Tucson resources below

AZYP Newsletter Download the newsletter below

This is my first semester with AZYP. So far, I've really enjoyed it and learned a lot about health topics such as sexual health, pregnancy prevention, substance abuse, mental health, eating healthy, and youth education. Through this internship I have strengthened my skills in research, marketing, educating, and I have learned to use new platforms such as Canva and Microsoft Excel. In addition, I have improved a few of my personal characteristics, such as organization, punctuality, and communication. Communications Projects: At my internship, one of my responsibilities is to create a calendar each month that includes the public health recognition days for that month. The calendar's purpose is for everyone on the team to learn about them and implement these recognition days in the community. The calendar is also used to create educational social media posts for the followers of AZYP. On the calendar, I include the recognition day, its date, research and the significance of recognizing the day, and finally, how this public health day relates to one of the AZYP programs. Another task I've been given is to design and create posts for AZYP's social media platforms, which include Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. These posts contain educational information about community public health and youth wellness recognition days. Followers are instructed on how to participate in the recognition day and why it is so important. The public health topics are also linked to one of the programs provided by AZYP, and a link is provided so that they can easily access the website if they want to learn more or get help. Reasearch Projects: One project I worked on this semester was a research report on STDs in Maricopa County, which I then compared to the state of Arizona as a whole. I began by categorizing my research by disease, which included chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. The data was then sorted by year, from 2015 to 2020. The CDC has not yet released data for 2021 and 2022. This information is useful to the agency because it allows them to learn more about the most common STDs in Arizona and improve sexual education in their lesson plans. Another assignment I completed this semester was on pregnancy rates in Maricopa County and the state of Arizona as a whole. I organized this information by year, from 2015 to 2019. (Data from 2020, 2021, and 2022 has not been released yet by the Arizona Department of Health Sciences). Second, by age range, which included 10–14-year-olds, 15–17-year-olds, 18–19-year-olds, and a total of all females aged 19 and under. This information is important to the agency because it will help them improve their "Starting Out Right Division," which provides pregnancy and parenting support to youth and adults throughout Arizona. This semester, I worked on a third research project about the effects of COVID-19 on youth. I talked about how the pandemic has affected kids in both positive and negative ways. Moving to an online schooling format to help youth improve their technology skills and understanding is one of the benefits. This is advantageous because the world is moving toward more technology, so gaining this experience early on can help prepare them for their future. Another advantage of moving classes online is that children can stay in school and continue their studies rather than having school cancelled entirely, which would put students far behind. Unfortunately, it appears that there are more negatives than positives. Online classes significantly reduce social interaction, and students do not have the opportunity to interact with their peers on a daily basis. Also, in online classes, participation and attendance are more difficult to track because many students turn off their camera and microphone. This can lead to a lack of information retention, causing students to cheat, look up answers on the internet, or ask their peers for help. With all of the tests available online, this makes it a lot easier. Due to the closure of schools, sports teams, and public hangout areas to prevent the spread of the covid virus, youth do not have adequate places to socialize with their peers. Learning communication skills is an important part of maturing and becoming successful. With less social interaction, youth develop weaker social skills, which can harm them in many areas of their lives, including school, work, relationships, and mental health. There are many online platforms for socializing, but they do not provide the same skills that face-to-face contact does, rather learning to hide behind a screen. Online platforms and social media can cause a slew of issues, including low self-esteem and confidence. Trainings: Finally, I went to a suicide prevention training where I learned the QPR method: question, persuade, and refer. The QPR Institute, whose mission is to reduce suicidal behavior and save lives by providing innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training, taught this (QPR Institute). They believe that a good education allows everyone, regardless of background, to make a difference in the life of someone they know. This training was especially informative and beneficial to me. We were taught the three-step suicide prevention strategy and then given time to practice various scenarios with the instructors and other class participants. Prior to this training session, I had little knowledge of how to properly assist someone who I suspected was struggling or contemplating suicide. This class helped me understand how common suicide is around the world and why it is critical to learn and practice prevention methods as a student about to enter the public health field.