Category: Youth

Early Childhood Day at the Capitol Advocates for Gov. Hobbs’ $100 Million Proposal

The Arizona Early Childhood Alliance (AZECA) hosted its 8th annual Day at the Capitol for parents, advocates, and legislators to raise awareness of the importance of a child’s earliest years.  Children’s Action Alliance is a member of the alliance.  This year’s event focus was centered around the Governor’s budget proposal of $100 million in child care assistance to stave off a looming funding cliff facing child care providers and parents in Arizona. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council meeting to share your story

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1. Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.

The CCC&Y Prevention Council has its roots in our long history of child abuse prevention, our most recent work with substance misuse prevention and our overall commitment to understanding the protective factors, resiliency research and assets our community needs to thrive.

Some examples include:
​​​​​​​
• Planning for previous Child Abuse Prevention Conferences
• Engaging in multiple projects with International Child Welfare expert, Kevin Campbell
• Developing a library of recorded webinars
• Initiating the PAWS community arts and education project​​​​​​​

City of Flagstaff — Volunteers needed for Point in Time Count starting Jan. 24

FLAGSTAFF — The annual Point in Time Count (PIT) willtake place starting Jan. 24 throughout the City of Flagstaff.This count documents the number of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness at a single point in time and isconducted across the country.

Local data collected during the annual PIT Count measuresprogress at local and national levels related to preventingand ending homelessness. Information gathered from thesurveys can help raise awareness about the challengesfaced by people who are experiencing homeless in thecommunity. Data is also shared at the local, state andnational level to determine funding for homeless servicesthroughout Coconino County. This count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Chamber Radio Program Features UWNA

I recently had the honor of being a guest on the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce’s radio show Bizz Buzz to talk about the United Way of Northern Arizona and our efforts to step up for our youth.

UWNA has been a proud Chamber member for many years. It was wonderful talking with Chamber President & CEO Julie Pastrick and sharing with her audience how we are expanding our efforts in positive youth development.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 15-19, 2024

Did you catch the pink glow the morning of January 17?

Hello, atmospheric optics! The sun emits white light, however, as the sunlight passes through the atmosphere during sunrise or sunset times, long-wavelength (red) light is scattered less than short-wavelength (blue) light. Therefore, red-ish colored light reaches the observer’s eyes and clouds aid to the pink color that could be observed.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth update for Jan. 17, 2024 — CCC&Y works with officials to meet goals of ‘The Reimagine Community Project’

CCC&Y, Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff continue to make progress meeting the goals of “The Reimagine Community Project,” a mental model change program ensuring trauma-informed and resilience information is understood at the City and County levels and enacted as policy change.

CCC&Y was one of four organizations in Arizona to be selected in April 2023 for the Vitalyst Health Foundation’s System Change Grant. The goal of the project is to improve patient engagement, treatment adherence, health outcomes and provider and staff wellness.

During a Zoom presentation in December 2023, CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie presented a draft webinar presentation for city leaders to receive feedback.

The webinar included an overview of “The 10 ACES,” (Adverse Childhood Experiences),” and how the effects of childhood trauma adversely affects individuals in their adult lives. Those 10 ACES include — physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect, emotional neglect, mental illness, divorce, substance abuse, violence against mother, having a relative who has been sent to jail or prison.

By understanding how both ACES and ongoing stress affect individuals, including oneself, the training is expected to improve customer service for community members and self-care and support to County and City employees.​​​​​​​

Sedona Arts Center — Gallery 928 – Attention: High School Students

This summer, Sedona Arts Center will offer its third year of Gallery 928, a unique art apprenticeship program for teens ages 15 to 18. Based on Chicago’s Gallery 37 summer public art program started in the 1980s, students will be hired to apprentice with a master artist to create a public art mural for the Sedona Arts Center.

This job opportunity is open to up to 12 artistic teens interested in expanding their skills and knowledge in the public art field as well as learning other art mediums and techniques. In partnership with Yavapai College, the students chosen to participate in the program will receive 3 free college credits. Students will also be paid a stipend of $500from Sedona Arts Center for their participation.

Flagstaff City — Coconino County Public Library — Happening at your library week of Jan. 15, 2024

View this email in your browser January 15th, 2024 Connect with your community Library Closures Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331 (Downtown Library)…

United Way of Northern Arizona — Earning Your Trust

There are many reasons why you can trust that your investment in the United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) will further our mission of creating lasting, positive changes in our region.

In addition to our exhaustive process of evaluating programs, so that your donations go where they can do the most good, we work every day to be good stewards of your funds.

UWNA recently received a “clean” audit report from Fester & Chapman PLLC of our 2023 financials, meaning our financial reporting was accurately stated and in compliance with general accounting principals.

As UWNA Board Chairman Mike Kelly said after reviewing the auditors’ report, “It’s one of the reasons I’m proud to be part of UWNA, because I can feel really good about how our monies are managed.”

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 8-12, 2024

Grand Canyon Dispatch reminds all residents, locals, and visitors that road information can always be found at 928-638-7496. This recorded line is updated with real-time information directly from units opening and closing the roads.

For State Route closures and other road closures within the state of Arizona, call Arizona DOT at 888-411-7623, visit them at AZ511.gov, and download the app.

Residents and employees are encouraged to sign up for Everbridge notifications in order to receive up to date inclement weather and roads information as they occur. To sign up, residents can follow this link.

The NAU Review — Our most read stories of 2023, a grant to address autism disparities and Sudipta Mallik’s love of math

What happened at NAU in 2023? From exciting grants and university announcements to Homecoming photos and inspirational student stories, relive some of the highlights you may have missed last year in The NAU Review with this list of most read stories (and a few of our other favorites)!

First Things First report details challenges facing Arizona’s youngest children

As we begin 2024, I’m looking forward to working with our state’s early childhood stakeholders – including parents and caregivers, child care and health providers, state and non-profit agencies, educators, businesses, philanthropists, faith organizations, policymakers and elected leaders – as partners in addressing children’s school readiness.

To help with those efforts, I am pleased to announce that First Things First has published the latest edition of Building Bright Futures – our biennial assessment on the status of Arizona’s youngest children. You can read more about the report on our latest blog.

The new report provides insight into the challenges facing young children in Arizona and details the need for continued work to ensure the future stability of child care in our state’s post-pandemic landscape.

Volunteers needed for annual Point in Time homelessness count on Jan. 24-28

FLAGSTAFF — The Point in Time is right around the corner and we need volunteers! 

The Point in Time or PIT count is a HUD requirement for COC’s nationally.  The count provides a snapshot of those experiencing homelessness at a single point in time. It is an opportunity to collect some basic data used to measure homelessness on a national, state and local level. Data is used for system and program planning and to measure progress in ending homelessness.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 1-5, 2024

Want to stay up to date with park information, including road closures?

Sign up for Everbridge notifications!

The Everbridge platform sends real-time texts, emails, and/or calls to park employees, residents, and community members.

NPS Everbridge notifications are distributed for incidents impacting public safety, means of travel, work conditions, utility interruptions, and significant park-wide incidents. 

Below are examples of incidents that may require notifications:

Children’s Acton Alliance — CAA heard at Legislative Hearing on Department of Child Safety

Yesterday, lawmakers from the Senate and House’s Health and Human Services Committees debated whether and for how long the Department of Child Safety should be allowed to continue, as part of the agency’s sunset review. While authorized to recommend continuation for up to 10 years, the Committee voted yesterday to endorse continuation for just 4 years, with two members voting against the continuing of DCS at all.  

Children’s Action Alliance provided public comment in support of continuation, noting the progress the agency has made since its inception 10 years ago in clearing a significant backlog of investigations, increasing supports for kinship foster parents, and strengthening services for young people as they transition from foster care to independence. CAA also acknowledged that there is much work to be done.

Providing Accessible Training and Home Support (PATHS) seeking parents to join Advisory Board

Are you a parent with an intellectual disability?

Join our Advisory Board

We are looking for parents with intellectual disabilities (ID) to make this project even better by joining the Advisory Board. We will meet twice before July 2024 for about an hour. You will be given $150 for each meeting you attend.

We are working to improve access to high-quality parenting support for parents with Intellectual Disabilities (ID).

Education Forward Arizona — Reflecting on a year of impact and influence

Building Bright Futures: One Student at a Time

Every student who walks across the stage, diploma in hand, is a testament to our important work and inspires us to keep moving forward. These students are the future of Arizona – and with each degree, we are closer to reaching our state’s Achieve60AZ attainment goal.

Here are just a few of the ways our work has made an impact on students’ lives this year:  

Flagstaff STEM City — Board Member Introduction: Tom Safranek

To me, the excitement around STEM is the potential for discovery, new fields of study and applications that make people’s lives better – both in the day-to-day and in the grander scheme of human exploration and endeavor.

Inspired by my fascination with STEM, I earned my degree in agriculture and plant science from the University of Arizona. I later went on to start my education career and taught 7th grade biology in Yuma and I’ve been working in education for the past 20 years.

FLagstaff Youth RiderS (FLYRS) — Cheers to 2023

2023 is almost over, and it’s time to reflect on what an exciting year it has been. We are so happy to have you all a part of FLYRS as we reached greater heights than ever before. With nearly 1000 youth served this year, we have worked further toward our mission of developing resilient, caring, and growth oriented youth through cycling. Thanks to your support, we have been able to strengthen our community by providing an ecosystem of bike-centric programs, events, and opportunities.

Check out this short reel of some fun moments from 2023.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Wishing you a very Happy New Year and thank you from CCC&Y

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

We want to wish you all a very Happy 2024.

We are so thankful for the support you have shown CCC&Y over the years.  We are looking forward to continuation of our Trauma-Informed systems work with the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County under the “Reimagine Community” program and we are excited to expand our webinar offerings in the coming year.  We will be having guest presenters, new outreach, more prevention and more healing!

We are hoping to count on you for support!

If you need to renew a membership, would like to make a donation, would like to give the gift of membership during the holiday season etc….please visit https://coconinokids.org/contribute/

P.S., 

Change is coming in 2024 for our popular News website and our weekly e-newsletter. Our News website is currently under construction and will eventually merge with our main website this year.

As part of that move, our regular weekly e-newsletter is also transitioning to a fresh look for 2024.

And we want your help!

Please CLICK HERE to submit your suggestions to help us better design a weekly e-newsletter that better meets your needs in 2024.​​​​​​​

Thank you to everyone who has already provided some great suggestions for our newsletter. Very much appreciated.

January 2024 at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Message from Mary –

As we all enter a new year and recover from the holidays, remember that a visit to the museum is a warm and welcome escape from winter. Come on a blustery day to enjoy the lush beauty of Tony Foster: Watercolour Diaries from the Green River. Visit alone when you need some calm and quiet or come with a friend for a social outing that prompts thoughtful discussion. No matter when you come or whom you visit with, museums are proven to be good for you, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and connecting you to the wonders of the world. A visit to MNA is a great way to start the new year!

Feb. 25 — Sedona Arts Center — Celebrate Sedona this Sunday, more events

FOOD, WINE, BEER, ARTIST DEMOS, SPECIAL EXHIBITION

Celebrate Sedona engages the local community while celebrating and
featuring local and regional arts, food and drink! Held at Sedona Arts Center,
Celebrate Sedona is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of our
community’s music, food, drink, and artistry.

March 1, 2 — NAU Department of Theatre is producing ‘Voices in America’

A modern retelling of Oedipus Rex by Sophocles.  The play is set in LA, and imagines that Oedipus is a young man in prison who is about to be released. He encounters Laius (his father) on the streets, they fight, and he kills Laius.  He then goes to the family compound of his friend from prison, Creon, asking to stay for a few days up to a week.  There he meets Jocasta, his mother and they have an instant connection.   

March 2 — Opening reception for Coconino Center for the Arts ‘Youth Arts 2024: Color Outside the Lines’

The annual Youth Arts exhibition showcases local youth artists in Coconino County and the regional community, exhibiting their recent artwork at Coconino Center for the Arts. The exhibition is open to and inclusive of all artwork submissions by youth artists (pre-K to 12th grade, living in Coconino or Navajo counties) that reflect the theme Color Outside the Lines. Our objective is to engage youth audiences throughout Northern Arizona and support a wide range of art disciplines. This exhibition is non-juried and all submissions were accepted.

March 4 — NAU to present ‘The Silver Women: How Black Women’s Labor Made the Panama Canal’

Flores-Villalobos argues that Black West Indian women fed, housed, and cared for the segregated Black West Indian labor force, subsidizing the construction effort. They did not hold contracts, had little access to official services and wages, and received pay in both silver and gold even though most other black workers were paid only in silver, while white workers were paid only in gold. West Indian women developed important strategies that helped them navigate the U.S. empire and nurtured further West Indian migrations, linking Panama to Harlem and Cuba.

Through March — ‘Resilience: Women in Flagstaff’s Past and Present’ exhibit on display at Historic Ice House in downtown Flagstaff

Exhibit includes 20 panels showcasing inspiring and impactful local women throughout Flagstaff’s history including past and present Hispanic residents Delia Ceballos Muñoz, Procure Vergara Martinez, Noemi A., Jessie Jimenez Alonzo, Bonn Baudelaire

FLAGSTAFF — Culture Connection AZ and the Martin-Springer Institute are presenting the historical exhibit Resilience: Women in Flagstaff’s Past and Present at the Historic Ice House in downtown Flagstaff. The exhibit will be on display for the full month of March, Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm.

The stories of women presented in the Resilience exhibit cover each decade from the 1880s to 2020s in the former pioneer and mountain town of Flagstaff in northern Arizona. Women have been part of Flagstaff’s social fabric from its very beginnings in the 1880s. Throughout the decades, women have shaped the town’s development as public figures and caretakers. Through their stories, we can trace societal changes in a small town of America’s Southwest.

April 11 — NAU will present ‘Electrifying Mexico — Technology and Transformation of a Modern City’

Montaño explores the role of electricity in Mexico’s economic and political evolution. She outlines the ways that the coal-deficient country pioneered large-scale hydroelectricity and sought to face the world as a scientifically enlightened “empire of peace.” Montaño documents inventions and adaptations that served local needs while fostering new ideas of time and space, body and self, the national and the foreign. Complicating historical discourses in which Latin Americans merely use technologies developed elsewhere, here Montaño emphasizes a particular national culture of scientific progress and its contributions to a uniquely Mexican modernist political subjectivity.

April 12 — NAU Dept. of History to present talk on ‘Yerba Mate: The Drink that Shaped a Nation’

FLAGSTAFF — The NAU Dept. of History will present a talk with author Julia Sarreal (ASU, History) on her new book: “Yerba Mate: The Drink that Shaped a Nation,” at 12:30 p.m. April 12 at Liberal Arts Building 136.

Her second book is the first to explore the history of Yerba Mate, an iconic beverage in Argentina, from the precolonial period to the present.

The event is co-sponsored by the NAU Latin American Studies.

April 21 — NAU to present Luis Alberto Urrea — “The Typewriter in My Kitchen: One Writer’s Fable

Luis Alberto Urrea, a Guggenheim Fellow and Pulitzer Prize finalist, is the author of 19 books including Devils Highway and House of Broken Angels. Join him for an evening in Cline Library Assembly Hall as he tells his story of growing up with the arts and humanities as a crucial lifeline to the world beyond his modest home.

May 4 — Flagstaff Festival of Science to present Scavenger Hunt

Taking place on May 4th, the Scavenger Hunt includes 20 participating destinations, an exclusive event tee-shirt, refreshments at the culminating event, volunteer support, a convenient bus pass for the day, and, an abundance of joy and inspiration! At the post-event celebration, everyone is a winner with prizes for top teams and attendee-voted superlatives, along with a slideshow of your terrific selfies, and snacks. Register today for an adventure-packed day with the Festival of Science!

June 7 — Local First Arizona presenting free ‘Rural Business Workshop — Marketing Plan’

Are you a rural-based business in Arizona looking to drive new customers and clients, grow your presence online, and maximize your time? Local First Arizona has crafted a network of the best rural-based marketing and business development companies to deliver education, trainings and exclusive services for you.

Businesses in Rural Arizona deserve resources and business opportunities that are built specifically for them. Join an upcoming free workshop to access the best advice in a variety of areas including:

Business Development Strategies

Telling Your Story and Why it Matters

Social Media Marketing

Getting Your Business Found Online

Through June 8 — Grand Canyon National Park hosts 34th annual Grand Canyon Star Party

GRAND CANYON — The 34th annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held from through Saturday, June 8, 2024, on the South and North Rims of Grand Canyon National Park. National Parks such as Grand Canyon are protective havens for some of the last remaining dark skies in the United States.

Dozens of telescopes will offer views of planets, double stars, star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies. By day, keep an eye out for solar telescopes pointed at the sun. Weather permitting, expect spectacular views of the universe!

Through June 28 —¡Que Hermoso! – A Celebration of Latinx Artists exhibit at the Sedona Arts Center

¡Que Hermoso!
– A Celebration of Latinx Artists
June 5-28, 2024
Sedona Arts Center is delighted to announce the return of ¡Qué Hermoso! June 5-28, 2024, an exhibition that explores and celebrates Latinx cultural identity and traditions. The exhibition opens with an artists’ reception Wednesday, June 5, from 4-6 p.m., held in conjunction with Celebrate Sedona. The afternoon features artist demonstrations, food, wine, beer and music by the Andrés Martínez Trío. Both events are free and open to the public.

¡Qué Hermoso! showcases a variety of artistic mediums and styles and celebrates cultural identity and traditions by Arizona artists including Tato Caraveo, Emily Costello, Charissa Cota, Zarco Guerrero, Lucinda Hinojos, Annie Lopez and Gretchen Lopez. More than 35 artworks will highlight histories, familism, forgotten stories and rich personal and collective experiences.

Sept. 20 — Bilingual report — Culture Connection AZ, The Literacy Center, and NAU’s Center for International Education present the 3rd Annual Welcome To Flagstaff at The Historic Ice House

Culture Connection AZ’s Executive Director, Audra Travelbee, said “We are so excited to be partnering with NAU’s CIE and The Literacy Center to once again welcome international newcomers to Flagstaff. At last year’s event we welcomed over 150 international students, workers, and residents, and we expect to exceed that number this year. At a time when there is a lot of negative talk about immigrants, we believe it’s important to let them know that they are an extremely valuable part of what makes our community special, and we want them here.” 

Oct. 1 — NAU to present the ‘ABRAZOS TOUR — Borderlands / The Line Within’

FLAGSTAFF — NAU’s Latin American Studies and the Martin-Springer Institute will present the “ABRAZOS TOUR — Borderlands / The Line Within,” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1 at NAU’s Liberal Arts Building, Room 136.

This free film screening is for a very powerful new film, with a Q&A at the end with the filmmakers!

From the website (link in comments)

The United States border is not just a geographic location. The border is everywhere. It lies within every undocumented immigrant family with the threat that at any moment they can be captured, incarcerated, deported; their lives destroyed. BORDERLAND | The Line Within not only exposes the profitable business of immigration and its human cost, but weaves together the stories of immigrant heroines and heroes resisting and showing a way forward, intent on building a movement in the shadow of the border industrial complex, recognizing the human rights of all.

Oct. 19 — Flagstaff Mall to hold Health and Wellness Fair

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Mall to hold its annual Health and Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19.

The event includes:

Over 50 Community Partners!
FREE resources!
FREE information!
Prizes and giveaways!
In the Entertainment area by JCPenney

Oct. 30 — NAU Ethnic Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies programs hosting Open House — The Day of the Dead Altars Showing

FLAGSTAFF — The NAU Ethnic Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies programs hosting Open House — The Day of the Dead Altars Showing from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30 at SBS West Suite 100.

Contact ethnicstudies@nau.edu for more information.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Looking Back & Planning Ahead

This year has been one of change and progress for United Way of Northern Arizona.

Before we take a look at some of the biggest events that defined this year, I wanted to thank you not only for your support of UWNA, but also for the kindness you have shown me during my first year as the President & CEO of this superb nonprofit.

When I joined UWNA, I was thrilled to help lead a nonprofit known for its ability to address the big issues and be an agent for change. The Board of Directors and staff of UWNA are committed to amplifying UWNA’s role as a community convener in 2024 and beyond.

Thank you for your support of UWNA in the past year and for living United in Purpose.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Approves Youth Behavioral Health Project

COCONIO COUNTY —The Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved the implementation phase of the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Youth Behavioral Health Project (YBHP) at their December 12, 2023, regular meeting.

The YBHP, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will offer preemptive behavioral healthcare for youth utilizing a hub and spoke youth-based and youth–led model. YBHP facilities and services will provide emotional, physical, and social support services for youth aged 12-18. 

As a result of the Board’s approval, CCHHS will move forward with the final planning and construction of an innovative, youth behavioral resource center facility in Flagstaff, and begin planning for services in outlying communities including Page, Williams, Tusayan, and Fredonia.

You can you still make a donation to Theatrikos

December is the time of year for charitable giving. And to become a member of Theatrikos. We hope you’ll become a member today so Theatrikos can keep bringing the best theatre to Northern Arizona.

We’ve only been able to reopen because pandemic relief grants and annual memberships have made it possible. But disaster relief is pretty much over. So annual memberships are all the more important. Your donation will make a difference.

City of Flagstaff awarded $9.6M grant for Butler Avenue Complete Streets Conversion

FLAGSTAFF —The City of Flagstaff has been awarded $9.6M from the United States Department of Transportation to implement the Butler Avenue Complete Streets Conversion. The City will convert 0.9 miles of arterial road in the urban center of Flagstaff to a Complete Street. The project includes installing bike lanes that are grade-separated from motor vehicle traffic; three protected intersections; a new pedestrian crossing; upgrades to an existing pedestrian crossing; and pedestrian comfort features, such as landscape buffers, that also result in reducing speeds through the historic Southside Neighborhood in the core of Flagstaff.

Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett said “Safe streets for all is our goal and this grant will put our pedestrian and bike designs for Butler Avenue into action. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Flagstaff has received $58M to date and residents and visitors alike will get to enjoy transportation and infrastructure projects designed to make moving around town on foot, bike, bus, and car easier and more convenient. Thanks to Arizona’s Senators Kelly and Sinema for their part in making this happen.”

United Way of Northern Arizona — Northeast AZ Teen Concerns Highlighted in Youth-Driven Survey

A recent survey of students from Holbrook and Joseph City High Schools illustrates some of the mental health concerns of teens in Navajo County.

According to the survey, which was administered by two students at the high schools, a majority of the teens interviewed indicated they frequently feel anxious and under pressure in school and work.

About half felt they had someone to talk to about their concerns. Most relied on music, exercise, sleeping, or time alone as ways of coping with the stress they feel.