June brings with it a spirit of celebration - around the globe, across the country, and right here in northern Arizona.

From today's Juneteenth observance to international Pride Month, we are reminded of the power of visibility, freedom, and community. Closer to home, we just celebrated a major milestone in Holbrook with the funding of a new teen center that very soon will offer support and opportunity for young people.

Juneteenth

Today's Juneteenth celebrations is a powerful reminder of resilience, hope, and the ongoing journey toward freedom and justice for all.

This day commemorates the moment in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned they were free - two months after the end of the Civil War and two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

As we reflect on this important milestone in our nation’s history, we remain committed to building stronger, more equitable communities where every voice is heard, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Pride Month

Pride Month is a time to uplift and affirm the dignity, strength, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community.

At United Way of Northern Arizona, we believe that strong communities are built on respect, compassion, and the shared belief that everyone deserves to live authentically and without fear. This month - and every month - we stand alongside our LGBTQ+ neighbors, partners, and friends as we work together toward a more connected and inclusive northern Arizona.

This weekend Pride in the Pines will celebrate with a parade in Historic Downtown and a festival at Thorpe Park.

Wellpoint presents check for $150,000 for the new teen center. From right to left: Grow Arizona Workforce Network Co-CEO Linda Kor; DualPoint Strategies owner Diana Policky; Wellpoint Government Relations Director Zach Stoebe; Wellpoint Marketing Director Tara Kimbell; UWNA President & CEO Liz Archuleta; Holbrook Mayor and Co-CEO of Grow Arizona Kathleen Smith; and UWNA Board Treasurer Liberty Urias.

We also have a very local reason to celebrate. Last Friday, renovations began in Holbrook to create something teens in northeast Arizona have told us they needed: a teen center. UWNA was able to secure a $150,000 grant from Wellpoint, a leading healthcare company, that is financing the transformation of a retail building into a space where teens can learn valuable skills and plan for a successful future. The center will be operated by Grow Arizona Workforce Network, a local nonprofit focused on workforce readiness and youth empowerment.

All of these moments in June reflect what we strive for at United Way of Northern Arizona: communities where everyone is seen, supported, and empowered.