AZYP’s Darien Mathews works with kids during a recent youth conference. Photo by Nichole Aranda
The Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP) is an organization that was founded in 1990 and is dedicated to building strong foundations for youth and families through various programs aimed at addressing local issues such as substance abuse, homelessness, and educational opportunities. During the month of June, Staff and Volunteers from this organization will travel all over the Copper Corridor, enriching the local youth on values that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives by hosting Youth conferences themed, “Superheroes: Working Towards Prevention of Substance Abuse and Making Wise Choices.”
On June 5, a conference was held at Hayden High School. The youth were met by their opening speaker, Terri Gardner, who spoke to them about the importance of fitness. They also got the opportunity to hear from Winkelman Fire Department where the firefighters talked about Fire Safety and demonstrated all the equipment and gear, they use.
June 10, at the Ray Elementary School Cafeteria, two different age groups were hosted. Age group 9 and under learned all about emotions; What they are, how to process them, and how they influence our lives. Youth 10 and over learned team building, wise decision making, and cause and effect of those decisions. They had an opening speaker, Bill Dunn, who spoke about hard work and how it pays off; and a closing speaker, Larry Bravo, who taught them about legal ramifications of poor decision making.
Both locations had great activities. A life size “Sorry” board game, had examples of good and bad decisions on each space which dictated if the player could move forward or backward on the board and they also made their own stress relief journals. The youths in attendance were also served lunch and prizes were given out.
AZYP would like to thank their sponsors: Asarco, Norms IGA, Gloria Ruiz, Sheer Expressions, Copper Basin Jr. Chamber, Cafecito de Oro, Set Free Church, Elks Lodge, Hayden School District, Ray School District, Old Time Pizza, Dunns Ranch, Winkelman Fire Department, Dudleyville Fire Department, Terri Gardner, Larry Bravo, Town of Kearny, Clements Water Company, and Julie’s Sweets and Treats. Without our volunteers and sponsors, events like these would not be possible.
Cheryl and Warren Chester of Eddie Tire in Hayden donated an electric scooter ($200 value) and a waterproof speaker ($100 value) to be raffled off to all the youth who attended a AZYP Youth Conference in the Copper Corridor; Cheryl and Emilia drew the winners last Thursday, June 12th. The winner of the Electric Scooter was Michael Hernandez and the Speaker went to Saveya Shaver.
To learn more about AZYP, their programs, upcoming events or volunteer opportunities, visit their website at AZYP.org or contact them by phone at (877) 882-2881.