ACMF is a non-profit organization in Arizona that works with public and private partners to build the state’s capacity to support Arizona’s 500,000+ service members, veterans, and their families with a collective impact model that uses an upstream approach to suicide prevention. | | A Space to Connect, Collaborate, and Contribute | | |
Dear Friends and Supporters,
In every community, some people step forward, not for recognition, but out of a deep commitment to care for others. That’s exactly who we have in the Coalition: a network of individuals who give their time, energy, and heart to support those who serve. If you’ve ever wished you could connect with others who share that same drive and purpose, the Be Connected Hive was built for you.
The Be Connected Hive is our members-only online space for people across Arizona who are working to support service members, veterans, and their families. Whether you’re part of a nonprofit, a government agency, a business, a faith-based group, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, you belong here.
The Be Connected Hive isn’t just another forum. It’s a place to have real conversations, exchange ideas, ask questions, and collaborate with others who are doing work similar to yours. Members share insights, solve problems together, and help each other.
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If you’re looking for a way to stay in the loop, discover new partnerships, or get fresh ideas, the Be Connected Hive is a great place to make that happen. You’ll find topic-specific discussions, announcements about training and events, and resources that make your work a little easier. And you have the opportunity to connect directly with members of the Be Connected team.
If you haven’t joined yet, I hope you’ll give it a look. The Hive grows stronger with each new voice, and yours matters. Joining is fast, easy, and free. Visit ConnectVeterans.org/Hive and look for New Users – Join the Hive.
Warm regards,
Thomas Winkel
Director, Arizona Coalition for Military Families
| | A Free Resource for Those Facing Suicide Loss | | |
When a suicide loss occurs, it can leave families, workplaces, and communities searching for answers and support. The Be Connected Postvention team is here to help, offering compassionate guidance and resources for navigating the days, weeks, and months that follow.
Our Community Guide to Postvention provides practical steps and connection to support across Arizona. It’s free and available to anyone who may need it.
| | | Strengthen Your Skills to Support | | |
Understanding What Shapes Health
Health is about more than doctor visits. It’s shaped by where we live, how we work, what we eat, and the support systems around us. These are called the Social Determinants of Health—and they play a major role in the well-being of service members, veterans, and their families.
The Be Connected Community Corps training is a free, self-paced online course that introduces you to these factors and how they impact the military and veteran community in Arizona. You’ll also learn simple, meaningful ways to recognize when someone may need support—and how to connect them to resources that can help.
Whether you’re a neighbor, professional, or someone who cares, this training equips you to make a real difference.
Learn more and sign up at: ConnectVeterans.org/BCCChelper
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If you know a service member or veteran in Arizona who could use some support, one of the most impactful things you can do is make a referral to the Be Connected program. It’s a simple step that can open the door to a wide range of no-cost services and resources designed to support their well-being.
It’s not always obvious where to begin when an issue arises. That’s where our team comes in. We’re here to listen, ask the right questions, and help match Arizona service members, veterans, and their families with the right resources for their situation.
Here’s how it works:
- Anyone can make a referral: friends, family, coworkers, professionals, or even refer yourself
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Go to ConnectVeterans.org/Referral
- Select the general referral at the top of the page, or select a specific program. Don’t worry if you’re not sure which to choose. Our team will connect you to the right program
- Fill out the form with basic contact information
- Our team will reach out to see how we can help
It’s that easy.
| | | |  | | A connection coach from the Coaching Into Connection program started working with a veteran who, due to health and mobility challenges, had become socially isolated. During the creation of the veteran's connection plan, the veteran mentioned that he owns a guitar but has never learned to play it. After expressing his desire to connect with a guitar class, the connection coach developed a plan and successfully facilitated a connection with Guitars 4 Vets, an online Zoom guitar class specifically designed for veterans. Through this opportunity, the veteran now has a stronger social network that explores his new hobby, works with his limited mobility needs, and helps keep him connected to a new social network of people who share the same interests. | | Arizona is leading the way in supporting veterans and their families - and you can be part of it. This free training shows you how. To learn more, visit ConnectVeterans.org/BCCCHelper. | | Get ready for a series of exciting upcoming events that promise to bring the community together. From important historical observations, thought-provoking discussions to engaging activities, there's something for everyone to look forward to – mark your calendars and join us for memorable moments ahead! Visit ConnectVeterans.org/events for more information on these and other events. | | Follow Us on Social Media! |
| The Arizona Coalition for Military Families works collaboratively with government agencies, community members, and partner organizations to form an Ecosystem of Support that Arizona's service members, veterans, and their families can access through the Be Connected support line, 866-4AZ-VETS, and ConnectVeterans.org. Be Connected offers no-cost support and connections to resources and has trained more than 6,000 community members to provide resource navigation services. | | | | |
