AZYP through funding from the United Fund of Globe/Miami will support local residents in becoming licensed childcare providers and launching a home-based childcare businesses. GLOBE/MIAMI, AZ. — October 6, 2026 — Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP) is excited to announce the launch of Project Childcare, a three-year initiative designed to expand access to safe, affordable, and flexible childcare in the Globe/Miami community. With support from United Fund’s United in YES for 2030 initiative, AZYP will provide financial assistance, training, business development support, and individualized guidance to local residents interested in becoming licensed home-based childcare providers. The program will support the creation of six new licensed home-based childcare businesses over three years helping address the community’s need for additional childcare options while creating new opportunities for local residents to build sustainable small businesses. “Childcare is an essential part of a healthy community and a strong local workforce,” said Charlene Becker of Arizona Youth Partnership. “Project Childcare is designed to address two needs at the same time: helping families access the childcare they need while creating an opportunity for local residents to build their own childcare businesses. We are grateful to United Fund for investing in this innovative, community-based solution.” A New Opportunity for Local Residents Project Childcare is seeking Globe/Miami-area residents who are interested in becoming licensed home-based childcare providers. Participants will receive hands-on support throughout the process of developing and launching their childcare businesses. Depending on individual needs and eligibility, program support may include: Assistance with the childcare licensing process Funding for eligible licensing and insurance costs and background checks Support for required home safety improvements and modifications Essential childcare equipment and supplies CPR and First Aid certification Early childhood development and parenting education Financial literacy and budgeting education Small-business development, including business formation and marketing Nutrition planning and information about the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Workforce readiness and individualized case management Technical assistance, coaching, and business support during the first year of operation Participants will develop individualized plans with AZYP staff and receive ongoing support as they work toward licensing and opening their childcare businesses. Meeting a Critical Community Need Globe and Miami have been identified as a childcare desert, meaning families have limited access to available childcare. The need is particularly significant for families whose work schedules do not follow traditional daytime hours. Local industries, including mining and healthcare, rely on employees who may work evenings, nights, weekends, or other nontraditional schedules. Project Childcare will encourage flexible home-based childcare models that can help meet the needs of these working families. “Project Childcare is about creating solutions that come directly from our community,” said Charlene Becker of AZYP. “By supporting local residents to become childcare providers, we can increase childcare availability while also creating pathways to economic opportunity for participating families.” Who Should Consider Applying? AZYP is particularly interested in hearing from individuals who: Live in the Globe/Miami community Are interested in operating a childcare business from their home Enjoy working with young children and families Are willing to complete the required training and licensing process Are interested in developing a sustainable small business May benefit from support with startup costs, business development, and licensing Are interested in providing childcare for families who work nontraditional schedules You do not need to already have a childcare business to participate. AZYP will provide guidance and support throughout the process. Community members interested in learning more or expressing interest in participating should contact: Arizona Youth Partnership – Project Childcare Abby Fergason Phone: 928-813-6229 | Email: Abigail@azyp.org Interested individuals are encouraged to contact AZYP even if they have questions about whether they meet the program requirements. AZYP staff will provide information about the program, eligibility, licensing process, and next steps. Building a Stronger Future for Globe/Miami Families Project Childcare is part of AZYP’s broader commitment to strengthening children, families, and communities throughout Arizona. With more than three decades of experience providing evidence-based programs and supportive services in rural and underserved communities, AZYP will combine its existing parenting education, workforce development, case management, and community partnerships to support Project Childcare participants. Over the three-year project period, AZYP will work toward establishing six licensed home-based childcare businesses and developing a stronger local network of childcare providers. The long-term vision is to create a sustainable, community-driven childcare network that helps families remain in the workforce, supports children's early development, and provides participating childcare providers with an opportunity to build stable businesses. About Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP)AZYP is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to building healthy, resilient youth and strong families. Through evidence-based prevention programs and community support services, AZYP empowers youth to harness their strengths to live healthy and purposeful lives. ###

Dear Supporter, For more than a decade, Providence Place, Arizona Youth Partnership's shelter for girls, has been a safe place for girls and young women in our community when they have nowhere else to go. On September 29, 2026, the very last day of our grant period, we learned that the funding that supports Providence Place in Bullhead City, AZ would not continue. We believe in this shelter so deeply that we have committed $68,000 of our own organizational funds to keep it moving forward and to give us time to secure sustainable funding. Now we are asking our community to help us match that investment. Why does this matter so much? Within 48 hours of becoming homeless, upwards of 85% of girls are approached by a trafficker who uses their most basic needs, like food and a safe place to sleep, to coerce them into unsafe and exploitative situations. Providence Place is a 24-hour intake shelter, which means our team springs into action at any hour to help girls find safety, so they don't spend those critical first hours alone. Here is what your gift of support can do: • $30 provides a full day of meals for one girl • $150 fuels the shelter van to get girls to and from school, appointments, counseling, and activities • $345 covers half a day of support, including staffing for an overnight shift when a girl may arrive with nowhere else to go • $685 keeps Providence Place open for one full day • $4,800 provides approximately one week of operations • $10,000 helps provide more than two weeks of shelter and services • $20,000 helps provide approximately one month • $65,000 can help sustain Providence Place for approximately one quarter • $125,000 provides approximately six months • $250,000 can sustain Providence Place for an entire year Every gift counts toward matching our $68,000 commitment and gives us the time we need to secure long-term funding. If you can't give right now, please share this email with someone who cares about keeping girls safe in our state. Thank you for standing with us and with the girls who depend on Providence Place. Sincerely, Gauri Gladish Chief Executive Officer Arizona Youth Partnership | www.azyp.org 520-500-9990 | Gauri@azyp.org

TUCSON, AZ. — [September, 2026] — Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP), a statewide nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth to live healthy, purposeful lives, today announced the mural reveal in their community-room at their new Tucson office, made possible through the generosity of Vantage West Credit Union and the artistry of Tucson-based painter and Vantage West team member, Jessica Contreras. Jessica and a team of Vantage West employee volunteers painted the mural over the course of a five-day community effort, September 15–19. AZYP staff and Vantage West Volunteers pose proudly with their families in front of their vibrant, completed mural. The murals stretch across the walls of AZYP's new community space, depicting a joyful desert world of saguaros, roadrunners, javelinas, quail, hummingbirds, and howling coyotes rendered in bold, folk-art-inspired color. Woven throughout the artwork is AZYP's own heart-and-leaf mark, a quiet reminder that this space, like the organization itself, is being built with care for the youth and families who will fill it. "This mural is so much more than paint on a wall," said Gauri Gladish, CEO of AZYP. "It's going to be the first thing families see when they walk into our new Tucson space, and we wanted it to say: you belong here, this is yours, and this community was built with you in mind. Jessica captured that feeling perfectly, and we are so excited to see it come to life." A Space Built for Community Vantage West volunteer Gavin adds vibrant colors to the mural. AZYP's new Tucson office is designed to be more than a program site, it's a gathering place. The community room will host a dedicated parent space for connection and quiet work while youth attend programming, new mental health programs for children ages 0–5, family game nights, youth-led clubs, nonprofit networking events, and AZYP's existing suite of programs serving youth and families across Southern Arizona. The space will also be home to Nigel's Nourish Nook, a resource corner stocked with hygiene items, socks, school supplies, weekend snack packs, and essentials for young children — free and accessible to every family who walks through the door. The murals set the tone for all of it: a space that feels warm, welcoming, and unmistakably rooted in the Southern Arizona community it serves. A Partnership Rooted in Belief in the Mission Artist Jessica Contreras creates a vibrant mural featuring desert-themed elements while including the AZYP logo. The project began when Jessica Contreras, a Tucson artist and employee of Vantage West Credit Union, learned about AZYP's mission and offered to bring the community room to life herself, free of charge. Her generosity opened the door to an even bigger partnership: Vantage West employees volunteered their time alongside Jessica to prime, paint, and finish the space, turning the mural into a true community effort. "As an artist, there's nothing more meaningful than creating something that brings people together. When I learned about AZYP's mission and the impact they have on youth and families across Southern Arizona, I knew I wanted to contribute in a way that felt personal. My hope is that this mural helps create a space where every young person who walks through the door feels welcomed, valued, and inspired. The fact that Vantage West volunteers will help bring it to life makes it even more special because it truly reflects the power of community. — Jessica Contreras, Artist and Records Coordinator, Vantage West Credit Vantage West's involvement reflects the credit union's deep commitment to the communities it serves. “Our partnership with Arizona Youth Partnership is rooted in a shared belief that strong communities are built by empowering young people and the families who support them. By helping create a welcoming space for connection, learning, and growth, we're investing in the long-term well-being of Southern Arizona youth. We're proud to stand alongside AZYP in advancing opportunities that help young people thrive.”— Rosanna T. Ramirez, AVP of Market & Community Engagement, Vantage West Credit Union Volunteers from Vantage West Credit Union and staff from AZYP proudly pose in front of a vibrant, colorful mural they contributed to completing. About Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP) AZYP is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to building healthy, resilient youth and strong families. Through evidence-based prevention programs and community support services, AZYP empowers youth to harness their strengths to live healthy and purposeful lives. Learn more at www.azyp.org About Vantage West Credit Union Striving to provide its members with the personalized service, knowledge and honesty they deserve in a financial partner, Vantage West is proud to be among the largest credit unions in Arizona. From a one-room Air Force barracks over 71 years ago to $3.3B in assets and serving nearly 220,000 members, Vantage West has been dedicated to earning and rewarding the loyalty of the people and communities they serve, so they can all thrive together. Learn more at www.VantageWest.org. ###

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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.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2026 AZYP's Linking Actions for Healthy Mothers and Babies Program Draws Nationwide Praise at Premier Addiction Conference GLOBE, AZ — Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP) is proud to announce its participation in the 2026 Rx and Illicit Drug Summit, held April 6-9, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. The annual summit is the nation’s premier gathering for stakeholders committed to addressing the opioid and addiction crisis – bringing together voices from federal agencies to advance evidence-based solutions in prevention, treatment, and law enforcement. About the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit The Rx and Illicit Drug Summit is where solutions are formulated, stakeholders from federal to family convene, and change begins. The Summit plays a vital role in addressing the ongoing addiction crisis by fostering collaboration across sectors and promoting evidence-based solutions – equipping attendees with the latest knowledge, tools and connections needed to drive meaningful change in their communities and organizations. AZYP Presents the LAHMB Program Julie Craig, Director of Community Impact at AZYP, and Charlene Becker, Senior Program Manager, co-presented on AZYP’s Linking Actions for Healthy Mothers and Babies (LAHMB) Program — a groundbreaking initiative designed to support pregnant mothers experiencing Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in Gila County, Arizona. Julie Craig opened the presentation with a compelling overview of the opioid epidemic’s devastating toll on Arizona and Gila County specifically, citing sobering statistics on opioid-related deaths. She also provided an educational breakdown of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS), explaining how these conditions affect newborns and the urgent need for targeted, compassionate intervention programs. Charlene Becker then detailed the LAHMB program’s holistic, wrap-around model of care. The program integrates healthy pregnancy and childbirth education classes with individualized case management and peer support — creating a judgment-free environment where mothers with SUD can find community, strength, and hope. The program’s guiding philosophy is to meet mothers where they are: helping them feel accepted, supported, and empowered in their journey through motherhood rather than isolated or stigmatized. “Our goal is to help these mothers feel accepted and supported,” said Charlene Becker. “We want them to be with peers and find solace in motherhood, rather than feeling shame or being singled out. Every mother deserves that dignity and belonging.” Program Impact and National Recognition To date, the LAHMB program has successfully connected 10 mothers with the critical resources needed to support themselves and their babies through withdrawal — a milestone that reflects the program’s life-changing potential in one of Arizona’s most rural and underserved counties. The presentation was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees and HRSA representatives present at the Summit. The response was so enthusiastic that multiple participants inquired about the possibility of expanding the LAHMB model to other counties across Arizona and replicating it in states throughout the country — a testament to the program’s transferable, evidence-informed design. “We are incredibly proud of what this program represents and what it has already accomplished for families in Gila County,” said Julie Craig. “The interest we received from HRSA and our fellow grantees was inspiring.” About Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP) AZYP is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to building healthy, resilient youth. Through innovative evidence-based prevention programs and community driven initiatives like LAHMB program, AZYP empowers youth to harness their strengths to live healthy and purposeful lives. ###

Posted By: Mireya McPhee What is Love Notes? Love Notes Risk Avoidance Adaptation (SRA) is an Evidence-Based Program (EBP) that studies these matters through skill-building and knowledge to foster positive relationships in all forms (romantic, friendship, familial, educational, and professional). How Love Notes Applies to High Schoolers The high school years are crucial for making decisions. Love Notes empowers teenagers to safeguard their future. The Program Assists High Schoolers by: Setting Healthy Boundaries Understand the distinction between a healthy relationship and an unhealthy one. Selecting Partners Learn how to pick partners and friends who share similar visions and align with their long-term goals. Sexual Risk Avoidance Accentuate the value of excluding sexual behavior in youthful relationships, enabling them to concentrate on self-development and academic achievements. Trusted Connections Incorporates exercises which help in connecting the youth to their parents or other trusted individuals, initiating essential discussions on matters relating to life and romance. What’s Happening in the Classroom: A Look at the Lessons It starts by looking inward before looking at a partner. Students don’t just read a textbook. Instead, they engage in activities along with journal activities designed to reveal their own social patterns. Understanding Personality Colors: One of the most popular segments involves students discovering their own personality types. By identifying their traits, students can learn... Self-Awareness:  Why they react the way they do in stressful situations. Compatibility:  How to navigate a relationship with someone who has a completely different personality vibe. Empathy:  Recognizing that a friend or partner isn't being difficult -they just process information differently. Master Classes in Communication: In the how it applies phase, students move into the Evidence-Based Communication portion of the program. They move away from “you-statements" (which cause defensiveness) and learn the power of "I-statements." Specific skills taught include... The Speaker-Listener Technique:  A structured way to ensure both people feel heard without being interrupted. Conflict Management:  How to "time out" during an argument so a disagreement doesn't turn into a "red flag" situation. How High Schoolers Are Engaged If you were to walk into a classroom at Walden Grove or Sahuarita High School during a Love Notes session, you won’t see students staring blankly at a screen. You’ll see them engaged in real talk. High schoolers are leaning into this curriculum because it respects their autonomy. They aren't being told what to do - they are being taught how to think through their choices. Students are actively participating in shaping their own social and emotional intelligence. Testimonial After sitting through the lessons on healthy boundaries and the "Red Flags" of toxic behavior, a 9th-grade student realized that a relationship she was currently in didn't align with the values she was learning. A 9 th grade student at Sahuarita High School found the courage to end that toxic relationship because of what she learned in Love Notes. Kourtney Kazakos brought these lessons to life by creating a judgment-free zone where students feel safe enough to audit their own lives.

Arizona Youth Partnership is proud to share our 2024–2025 Annual Report , highlighting a year of resilience, growth, and unwavering commitment to youth and families across Arizona. Despite statewide uncertainty in nonprofit funding, AZYP continued to expand impact through prevention education, youth wellness programs, and community partnerships. This milestone year also marked our 35th anniversary , a testament to decades of showing up for young people with compassion, consistency, and purpose. In the past year alone, AZYP: Distributed 1,483 naloxone kits  to save lives Reached over 1,000 students  through drug prevention assemblies Supported 51 youth in shelters , 19 in transitional living , and 35 youth & families  in court‑related programs Trained 677 individuals  in Youth & Adult Mental Health First Aid Empowered 1,200 community members  through literacy and resilience‑building events Ensured that 84¢ of every dollar  directly supported youth and family programs This report also celebrates the retirement of Shirley Lamy , AZYP’s CFO of 14 years, whose leadership helped sustain and strengthen our mission. We invite you to explore the full report and see the powerful difference your support makes in communities across Arizona. Don’t forget that your support qualifies for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, allowing you to give back while reducing your tax burden. QCO code 20953. www.azyp.org/donate .

As the nation observes Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) , Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP)  is reaffirming its commitment to helping young people build safe, healthy relationships by offering two free , evidence-based virtual programs for youth across Arizona. Beginning this spring, AZYP will offer virtual cohorts of Positive Potential  for middle school youth and Love Notes for high school youth, removing geographic barriers and expanding access for teens statewide. Free Virtual Spring Cohorts Love Notes is a proven, research-based program that helps high school teens learn how to create and keep healthy relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners. Participants explore communication, conflict resolution, boundaries, emotional safety, and how to identify the signs of unhealthy or unsafe relationships. Positive Potential is a proven curriculum for middle school youth that teaches how to build healthy relationships, strengthen decision-making skills, and set meaningful goals for their futures. Lessons support youth during a critical stage of development, helping them grow in confidence, communication, and resilience. A Crucial Moment for Prevention TDVAM brings attention to the alarming reality that one in three teens will experience some form of dating violence. AZYP is dedicated to prevention by equipping youth with skills that promote safety, respect, and emotional well‑being. “Empowering young people with the knowledge and tools to build healthy relationships is one of the most effective ways to prevent dating violence,” said Kourtney Kazakos, lead program coordinator. “We’re excited to offer these virtual programs so youth across Arizona can access them easily, no matter where they live.” Registration Now Open Parents, caregivers, educators, and community partners are encouraged to share these opportunities with teens who may benefit. For program details or to register, visit www.azyp.org/love-note   or www.azyp.org/positive-potential

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