COMMUNITY AWARENESS RESOURCE ENTITY OF ARIZONA

Prevention-The CareAz Prevention Program is guided by the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) and is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The program is designed to prevent the onset and reduce the progression of substance misuse and its related consequences while strengthening long-term prevention capacity and infrastructure at the community level. CareAz takes a data-driven, culturally responsive, and collaborative approach to prevention, with a strong focus on youth, families, and underserved communities throughout Apache County. In tribal communities of Apache County, CareAz has successfully engaged community stakeholders to establish the Youth Running Strong Task Force, a multi-sector coalition dedicated to addressing youth substance use. The Task Force includes representatives from education, law enforcement, healthcare, government agencies, parents, students, faith-based organizations, and the business community. Through this collaborative structure, CareAz fosters shared responsibility, community ownership, and coordinated prevention efforts. CareAz is currently working alongside the Task Force to develop and implement culturally aligned, evidence-based prevention programs that strengthen community collaboration, increase social connectivity, and address underlying risk factors such as poverty that contribute to youth substance use disorder. These efforts emphasize cultural relevance, community strengths, and sustainability to ensure meaningful and lasting impact. In non-tribal communities of Apache County, CareAz delivers evidence-based prevention education to adults, youth, and families, focusing on substance misuse awareness, skill-building, and healthy decision-making. Prevention services and resources are also provided to justice-involved individuals, recognizing the critical role prevention plays in reducing relapse and recidivism. CareAz provides these resources through the SOS House, a community-based center serving individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder. The SOS House also supports justice-involved individuals by connecting them to prevention education, recovery resources, and reentry support services that promote stability and successful community reintegration upon release. Additionally, CareAz implements the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Program in the southern Navajo Nation community of Sanders, Arizona, and surrounding areas. This program supports a community coalition that empowers local stakeholders to prevent youth substance use and delay the onset of alcohol and drug use through coordinated, community-led prevention strategies. Through coalition building, culturally responsive programming, and evidence-based education, the CareAz Prevention Program strengthens community resilience, empowers families and youth, and creates sustainable systems of prevention that reduce substance misuse and promote healthier futures across Apache County.

Community Reentry-The CareAz Reentry Program is designed to support individuals transitioning back into the community after incarceration by addressing the complex challenges that often contribute to substance use relapse and recidivism. Grounded in a recovery-oriented and person-centered approach, the program helps individuals build stability, independence, and long-term success while reducing barriers to reentry. CareAz works directly with justice-involved individuals to provide comprehensive case management and individualized reentry planning that begins at release and continues throughout the reintegration process. Participants receive support in navigating critical needs such as housing, employment, education, healthcare, legal obligations, and transportation. By coordinating services across systems, CareAz ensures participants are connected to the resources necessary for a safe and successful transition. Recognizing the strong link between incarceration, substance use disorder, and trauma, the Reentry Program prioritizes recovery support and relapse prevention. Participants are connected to substance use treatment, behavioral health services, peer support, and recovery resources that promote sustained sobriety and overall wellness. CareAz emphasizes accountability, empowerment, and skill-building to help individuals regain confidence and self-sufficiency. The program also focuses on employment readiness and life skills development, offering assistance with job placement, vocational training, resume building, and interview preparation. Participants are supported in developing practical skills such as financial literacy, time management, and decision-makingtools essential for long-term stability and reduced justice involvement. CareAzs Reentry Program is rooted in community collaboration and lived experience. By partnering with local service providers, employers, healthcare organizations, and community stakeholders, CareAz creates a coordinated network of support that promotes dignity, equity, and opportunity. The program is especially responsive to the needs of rural and underserved populations, ensuring individuals have access to culturally responsive and locally relevant resources. Through compassionate support, accountability, and community connection, the CareAz Reentry Program helps individuals rebuild their lives, strengthen families, and contribute positively to their communitiescreating safer, healthier outcomes for everyone.