Positive Potential helps middle school youth build confidence, healthy relationships, decision-making skills, and resilience. Positive Potential In partnership with local schools and communities, Arizona Youth Partnership is proud to facilitate Positive Potential programming. This holistic, preventative and positive curriculum focuses on the youth’s development of assets and competencies. This program helps schools increase protective factors, promote school connectedness, and increases developmental assets. Available to students in 6-8th grade and can be delivered 100% virtually or in person. Evidence Based Results Age-appropriate lessons on bullying, self-confidence, and avoidance of risky behaviors Increases positive attitudes about increased knowledge Increased skills to help them avoid sexual activity in high school More teens made a commitment to delay engaging in sexual activities to reduce their risk of an STD More teens learned about the hazards of sex and agreed the best way to avoid and STD or unwanted pregnancy is not to have sex More teens said they were less likely to have sex in the next year, if they were to have sex, 69% were more likely to use birth control and 68% were more likely to use a condom Learn from the Curriculum Developer EXCITING VIRTUAL OPPORTUNITY! Register your youth here! For more information 520-744-9595

Up Meet The Team Leadership Support Services Youth Services Division Youth Wellness Division Community Impact Division Leadership Leadership Gauri Gladish Chief Executive Officer Gauri@AZYP.org Julie Craig Director of Community Impact Julie@AZYP.org Kelley Coronado Director of Youth Wellness Kelley@AZYP.org Jodi Krause Director of Finance Jodi@AZYP.org Kelly Tanner Director of Youth Services Kelly@AZYP.org Jetzabel Glennon Director of Communications and Outreach Jetzabel@AZYP.org BACK TO TOP Support Services Division Paul Billig People Relations Generalist Paul@AZYP.org Aaron Radosevic Operations Manager Aaron@AZYP.org BACK TO TOP ADMN Youth Services Division Kelly Tanner Director of Youth Services Kelly@AZYP.org Trent Chambers Program Manager Trent@AZYP.org Stephen Cheatheam Program Manager Stephen@AZYP.org Dana Davis Program Manager Dana@AZYP.org Ricarda DeAnda Senior Program Manager Ricarda@AZYP.org Karime Olvera Program Manager Karime@AZYP.org BACK TO TOP YOUTH SERV COMM INIT Community Impact Division Julie Craig Director of Community Initiatives JulieC@AZYP.org Josh Cummings Program Manager Josh@AZYP.org Darien Mathews Senior Program Manager Darien@AZYP.org BACK TO TOP Youth Wellness Division YOUTH WELLNESS Kelley Coronado Director of Youth Wellness Division Kelley@AZYP.org Kari Stewart Program Manager KariS@AZYP.org Charlene Becker Senior Program Manager Charlene@AZYP.org BACK TO TOP Join the Team! Apply Today Arizona Youth Partnership works primarily with youth in rural areas throughout Arizona. Our ideal team member is someone who enjoys working with teens, wants to make a difference in the lives of youth, and improve their community. APPLY HERE azyp@azyp.org 1-877-882-2881

Project VIP provides violence prevention education, survivor support and healthy relationship resources for communities in Pinal County. Project VIP (Violence Is Preventable) 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: 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. Learn more about One Love Workshops 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. 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. 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. This program is made possible thanks to funding from the Arizona Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family Fill out the appropriate form below and someone will be in contact with you shortly. Sign Up For The Support Program Here Request Youth Education Here For more information 520-744-9595

The Youth Services Division focuses on providing information, resources and programming to youth and community members. Harbor House Harbor House is a Basic Center Program that addresses the needs of the runaway and homeless youth and their families in Mohave county and its surrounding communities. The program is built on the principles of positive youth development, emphasizing the strength of each individual and family unit served. Learn More Providence Place Providence Place is a Basic Center Program that addresses the needs of the runaway and homeless youth girls and their families in Mohave county and its surrounding communities. The program is built on the principles of positive youth development, emphasizing the strength of each individual and family unit served. Learn More Solutions of Success Solutions for Success uses the Mind Matters curriculum. Mind Matters focuses on: Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience supports the healing process in young people who have experienced trauma. This research-based curriculum offers strategies to help teens and young adults (ages 12-25) understand the effects of adversity and toxic stress... Learn More A Hand UP Drop In Center A Hand UP Drop In Center for youth up to the age of 24 is located in Kingman Arizona. The main focus of the center is to provide resources and a safe space for youth to find resources and escape the elements. Learn More Horizons of Hope TLP Horizon of Hope Transitional Living Program addresses the needs of runaway and homeless youth in the underserved rural Mohave County. Learn More Youth Advisory Board Turn your lived experience into leadership. AZYP’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is calling homeless and at-risk youth to step up, share their voice, and make change happen — and get paid for it. Learn More Stronger Families Project The Stronger Families Project goal is to build a positive relationship between family members, especially between parents and their youth. This is done by... Learn More Kelly Tanner 928.718.0442 Kelly@AZYP.org

Trauma Informed Care Training Youth who have experienced trauma have become part of the landscape in America today. Though the youth’s backgrounds are diverse, research suggests that most of these youth have experienced early and multiple traumatic events. Not surprisingly, these youth experience significant mental health problems, including depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, suicidal ideation, behavior disorders, conduct disorders, attachment disorders, and substance abuse disorders. The goal of Trauma Informed Training is to improve the quality of services for youth who have experienced trauma by increasing the trauma-related knowledge and skills of direct care personnel that are responsible for engaging and retaining youth in services and providing the support and care these youth require. Specific objectives include: Participants will have increased knowledge regarding trauma and their impact on child/adolescent growth and development; Participants will understand adolescent high-risk behaviors in the context of trauma; Participants will understand the importance of an agency wide approach to managing trauma in youth Participants will develop skills to help youth recognize their trauma and to self regulate Participants will understand the impact of secondary trauma and the importance of self care. Contact: Julie Craig 928.961.0426 JulieC@AZYP.org

Healthy Relationship Education Our Healthy Relationship Services AZYP implements a variety of curriculums to educate youth and equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to create long lasting, successful, and healthy relationships. Our healthy relationship c urriculums include Love Notes Sexual Risk Avoidance Adaptation (SRA) Evidence -Based Program (EBP) addresses these issues by building skills and knowledge for healthy relationships of all kinds (romantic, friendly, family, school, and work). Love Notes This program helps schools increase protective factors, promote school connectedness, and increases developmental assets. Positive Potential For more information 520-744-9595

Mental Health Intercept Map This page is designed to explain AZYP’s Help & Hope for YOUth’s Mental Health Intercept Model and ways it can be implemented into communities that need it. Background information Mental Health Intercept Map The Digital Toolkit (coming soon) Arizona's Rankings According to The State of Mental Health in America 2022, we are currently one of the worst ranked states in America for mental health. Our Youth is ranked 50 of 51* and our adults are ranked 42 of 51. In the past eight years, the highest Arizona ranked overall was 28th. *District of Columbia Included Sequential Intercept Map The Mental Health Intercept Model (MHIM) is adapted from the Sequential Intercept Model to focus on mental health and Implements the Mental Health Continuum. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) created this model to help communities find gaps and resources for those with substance use and mental disorders, and how they encounter the criminal justice system. For more information on their model, Click Here Anchor 3 The Mental Health Continuum Image of Mental Health Continuum from Delphis.org.uk The mental health continuum is a spectrum which everyone falls upon. It is something that is used to describe one’s current wellbeing and can change no a day to day or an hourly basis. If you feel like you have been in “surviving” or lower, it is encouraged to potentially seek to move through the MHIM. The continuum is categorized into five key categories. This continuum is from Delphis. For a more detailed description, Click Here It is important to understand that the descriptions are what people may feel. This is not an exhaustive list. The Model As previously mentioned, this model is meant to be adapted into our communities. With the background information out of the way, the model can be more effectively explained. Mental Health Intercept Map Based on where someone is at in the mental health continuum (and have been feeling less than thriving for the past few weeks), they may need to move forward into the model. The MHIM is made up of four intercepts: Prevention, Early Intervention, Treatment, and Recovery. At each intercept, we identified potential gaps and proposed solutions to prevent from moving forward into the model. Click on each button below to go through the four intercepts. Prevention Early Intervention Treatment & Recovery Please feel free to adapt this model to best fit your community. It is meant to be used to benefit mental health across Arizona. Go Back Anchor 1 Anchor 2 Contact: Kelley Coronado P: 520.591.1490 E-mail: Kelley@AZYP.org

AZYP’s free Summer Leadership Institute helps youth 11–17 build leadership, self-esteem, healthy relationship, and decision-making skills. Summer Leadership Institute This free summer program provides a safe and fun environment for youth (ages 11-17) to learn how to succeed as a leader in their world. Using the "Positive Potential 6th grade" curriculum and a community service project, participants learn skills such as how to resist peer pressure, effective communication, building healthy relationships, self-esteem and goal setting. Each day provides opportunities to learn in small and large group settings and collaborate with peers about topics and issues of interest to youth. Prizes and snacks are provided during the program. REGISTER HERE The Positive Potential 6th grade curricula have been presented in schools and communities at a local and national level. This week-long program helps youth learn about: Self-esteem and sense of purpose Making healthy decisions Communicating effectively Understanding healthy relationships such as friendship, dating, and familial Avoiding high-risk behaviors And many other topics related to healthy relationships. The primary goal for these programs is to provide information that will enable youth to understand that they are valuable and that attached to that value is purpose. AZYP believes that each one of the youths that participate has a significant role to play in society. By incorporating refusal skills and reinforcing positive youth development, youth can become more confident in themselves and in their ability to take on life's greatest challenges. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CURRICULUM HERE Kourtney Kazakos KourtneyK@azyp.org 520.719.2007

*AZYP's Youth & Family Division has merged with our Youth Wellness Division, which supports youth in developing healthy mental, emotional, and physical well-being through education. The Youth Wellness division strives to help youth reach their full potential, mentally, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Our goal is to help youth not just survive, but thrive. Youth Mental Health First Aid Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach teachers, family members, caregivers, school staff, health and human services workers and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18)... Learn More Wake Up! Wake Up! is a drug education diversion program for individuals aged 12-22 who have been arrested for drug and/or alcohol related charges. This program allows participants to consider their choices... Learn More Healthy Relationships AZYP implements a variety of curriculums to educate youth and equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to create successful, healthy relationships. Learn More Teen Maze Teen Maze is an interactive, one-time, 30-minute event for high school youth to think about their decision-making process. This exercise emphasizes non-fatal... Learn More Wyman's Teen Outreach Program Wyman’s Teen Outreach Program acknowledges that adolescence is a time of rapid change and growth physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. This program aims to help teens improve... Learn More Help and Hope for YOUth Help & Hope for Youth is a multi-sector initiative of Arizona Youth Partnership and was created to expand youth mental health awareness and education to reduce stigma that surrounds mental health... Learn More Summer Leadership Institute This free summer program provides a safe and fun environment for youth (ages 11-17) to learn how to succeed as a leader in their world. Learn More AZYP Youth Council Arizona Youth Partnership's Youth Council is a paid leadership program for youth ages 11–19 who want to take action on issues that matter, like mental health, bullying prevention, and youth wellness. Learn More AIM 4 Teen Moms AIM 4 Teen Moms (AIM4TM) is an evidence-based intervention to reduce rapid repeat pregnancies among teen moms by helping teen mothers... Learn More Active Parenting: First Five Years Active Parenting: First Five Years is a parenting education program that works with parents and their children ages 0-5 on relationship improvement, mental... Learn More Project VIP 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... Learn More Kelley Coronado 520.591.1490 Kelley@AZYP.org

Help & Hope for YOUth expands youth mental health awareness, reduces stigma and connects people across Southern Arizona with resources. Help & Hope for YOUth is a multi-sector initiative of Arizona Youth Partnership. The Help & Hope for YOUth Alliance (formerly the Arizona Youth Mental Health Alliance) was formed in 2017 by the National Alliance on Mental Illness Southern Arizona (NAMISA) with University of Arizona partners Southwest Institute for Research on Women (SIROW) and the Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM). Help and Hope for YOUth was created to expand youth mental health awareness and education in Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz and Pinal Counties so that more young people will seek help when they begin experiencing symptoms. Mission End The Stigma Resources The Mission: Reduce stigma associated with mental health conditions and increase social emotional learning and suicide prevention so that children, youth, and young adults ages 5-24 seek help when experiencing mental or behavioral health issues. Anchor 1 Objectives: Build capacity to improve youth mental health in Pima, Pinal, Cochise and Santa Cruz Counties. Key to the long-term success of Help & Hope for Youth is building a strong collaboration of organizations and individuals— the Help & Hope for YOUth Alliance— who understand the importance of stigma elimination and join in advocacy and educational efforts. The Alliance is composed of mental health organizations and providers, school districts and associations, faith, business and community leaders. Activities are directed toward: Getting information out to the community on stigma (in both English and Spanish) Promoting help seeking Ensuring information on resources is widespread and easily available Developing long-term funding and in-kind support to sustain efforts Widely disseminate education and training on stigma reduction and information on mental health resources in four counties. Ending the Silence (ETS), NAMI’s effective stigma reduction program, is being expanded to more middle and high schools throughout Southern Arizona, both directly by NAMI SA staff and volunteers and through training local coordinators and presenters. Text, Talk, Act, a text-messaging platform to guide conversations about mental health, and Not Broken, an Arizona Public Media documentary on youth mental illness, are available to schools and youth-serving organizations now. Other stigma reduction strategies, programs and curricula will be reviewed and made available. Advocate for State-wide systemic change The collective leadership of the Help & Hope for YOUth Alliance will enable us to advocate for policy changes in Arizona that serve to reduce stigma and encourage help seeking behavior. Systemic change will involve bringing together major providers of youth mental/behavioral health services, including primary care providers in integrated healthcare settings, and youth, to conduct a dialogue that leads to early intervention and improved access to appropriate mental /behavioral health services. End the Stigma Stigma is the single biggest deterrent to mental health treatment and recovery. Stigma keeps 60% of people who could be helped from accessing treatment. Symptoms may begin at age 14 or earlier, yet the stigma associated with mental illness often results in a staggering delay of 8-10 years between onset of symptoms and receiving treatment. Today, young people are increasingly vulnerable to depression, anxiety and other forms of mental illness. According to Mental Health America’s recent report, The State of Mental Health in America 2017, youth depression rates have risen from 8.5% in 2011 to 11.1% in 2014. In Arizona, 13% of youth reported suffering from at least one major depressive episode in the past year and 10% had severe depression; of these, nearly 70% of youth with major depression did not receive any mental health treatment. Currently, Arizona ranks 50th among 50 states and the District of Columbia for youth (12 to 17) with higher prevalence of mental illness and lower rates of access to care. Mental illness stigma disproportionately affects help seeking among youth, especially among ethnic minorities. If untreated, mental health disorders can lead to skipping school, substance abuse, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, dropping out or being expelled from school, violence, and suicide or a psychotic episode. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for ages 10-24. Youth mental health in Arizona is ranked 49 of 51 (Mental Health America, 2022). Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among youth. It is estimated that about 20% of youth experience a mental disorder at any given year. Anxiety, depression, and attention deficit/hyperactivity are some of the most common disorders that children experience. With about 17% of children having a diagnosed mental health issue, prevention and early intervention are key in improving later outcomes in life. Currently, mental health in youth is worsening. According to Mental Health America’s State of Mental Health in America, from 2015-2022, Arizona have remained on the bottom half of the rankings lists from overall ranking, youth and adult individual rankings, and access to care. However, there was an incline for a brief time in rankings, but due to the hit of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the rankings have receded. Resources Mental Health Intercept Map & Toolkit Crisis Hotlines Youth Resources Family Resources School & Youth Organization Resources Anchor 2 Anchor 3 Contact: Kelley Coronado P: 520.591.1490 E-mail: Kelley@AZYP.org

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. A virtual series that tackled the issues that matter most to youth and those who support them. What is Connecting Minds, Strengthening Communities? "Connecting Minds, Strengthening Communities" was Arizona Youth Partnership’s monthly virtual series in 2025 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. 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

Get involved with Arizona Youth Partnership by volunteering, donating, or pursuing a career that supports youth and families across Arizona. Get Involved with AZYP Donate, Volunteer & Join Our Team Every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, and you can help make that possible. Whether you choose to volunteer, donate, or join our team, your support helps Arizona Youth Partnership provide life-changing programs , family support services , and safe shelter for youth across Arizona. Volunteer Make a direct impact in your community by sharing your time and talents. Volunteers support youth programs, community events, administrative projects, and other initiatives that help strengthen Arizona families. Learn more about volunteer opportunities. Donate Your generosity helps us provide essential services to youth and families facing challenges. Donations support prevention programs, leadership development, mental health resources, family support services, and youth shelter operations throughout Arizona. Discover ways to give. Careers Join a mission-driven team dedicated to empowering youth and strengthening families. AZYP offers rewarding career opportunities for professionals who are passionate about creating positive change in communities across the state. View our job opportunities. Make a Difference Today No matter how you choose to get involved, your support helps us reach more youth, strengthen more families, and build brighter futures throughout Arizona. Together, we can create lasting change. VOLUNTEER DONATE CAREERS