THE ALLIANCE UPDATE
JULY 2020
The Casa Grande Alliance provides trauma-responsive prevention education programming and services, youth coalition leadership, and treatment and recovery resource information navigation. The Alliance is a network of organizations dedicated to building individual, family and community resiliency.   

Individual School Supply Kit Content: Pencil box, 3 ring binder, spiral notebooks, markers, folders, pencils, highlighters, glue sticks, crayons, scissors, water bottle, face masks and individual tissues.
START STRONG - STAY STRONG
A Back to School Virtual Experience
This year, given the challenging times we face, our Second Annual Back to School Event, Start Strong will be going virtual. Given that students will not be permitted to carry backpacks or share supplies as a result of COVID-19, it will be important for every child to their own gear.

Back to School Virtual Experience -
For students to earn their free school supply kit,
they will participate in a virtual experience that will provide the opportunity to think about and set goals for the year, learn more about study habits, tips and tricks, how to end bullying, and learn positive ways to deal with upset and stress.

Students will also learn more about all of the great ways to get engaged in our community through scouts, clubs and sports.
SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE TO BENEFIT STUDENTS IN NEED
Help us collect school supplies to help get our children START STRONG and STAY STRONG this year.

HOW YOU CAN HELP!
  • Purchase school supplies and drop off at the CG Alliance office (or call and we will pick up!)
  • Request a school supplies donation box for your business or organization.
  • Donate - Sponsor a child, classroom or more!

SPONSOR A CHILD!
  • One student $ 25
  • Ten Students $250
  • Classroom $750
  • More? (Please Contact CGA, Thanks!)
To Sign  Up :   WORKSHOP REGISTRATION
COLLEGE, CAREER AND BEYOND!
In Person Workshop –
LIMIT 10 students per session
Want to know more about college? Want to find out which career is great for you? Join us for a two day workshop. Topics include, getting to know our strengths and interests, career assessment, self discipline, college or university, scholarships, a future with the military, Tips on o survive through High School get ready for college!  Middle school and high school students are welcome! Face masks for students required and appropriate social distancing will be observed!
Offered: Thursdays and Fridays, from 10 am to 3 pm, next session: July 9 and 10. 
FREE LUNCH will be provided.

SELF CARE AND REGULATION: OF INCREASING IMPORTANCE!
Prioritizing our own self-care benefits our families, friends, co-workers and most of all… ourselves. A popular saying suggests that, “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” If you are tired, worn out, frustrated, stressed, or feeling beat down, being there for the others in our lives just does not work. 

This year has presented us with many new, unprecedented, and difficult challenges. Furloughs, unemployment, working from home, schooling our children from home, grocery and supply panic. The critical importance of wearing masks and social distancing everywhere we go. The new stressors will continue to impact our lives for the foreseeable future.  
NEED HELP WITH OPIOIDS? CALL THE OARLINE.
FREE and confidential
information 24 hours a day.
1-888-688-4222
OPIOID ASSISTANCE AND REFERRAL LINE
The Arizona Department of Health Services offers a free hotline to help people learn about opioid medicines and side effects as well as help with opioid use, long-term pain & opioid withdrawal to patients, caregivers, friends, & family on any day at any time. Our free, confidential services include:
  • Expert advice on reducing chances of overdose, injury, or death
  • Follow-up calls to check progress & offer more help
  • Assistance navigating health insurance
  • Transportation assistance to health appointments
  • Appointment reminders
  • Assistance securing naloxone, an opioid-reversal medication
  • Naloxone (Narcan®) training
PLUS, help with finding the right provider and making the appointment: Behavioral Health, Chronic Pain Providers; Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT); Rehabilitation for Opioid Treatment, etc.

CG Youth Alliance Forming
We continue to recruit seventh through twelfth grade students who are interested in making a difference. Our goal to help our members to learn effective methods to tackle issues facing youth today. We seek students that are willing to develop and strengthen leadership skills while working on projects to benefit our community.
For questions, please call (520) 5022 or eamail youthhope.cga@gmail.com.

STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-CARE
Exercise, eating well and regulating our thoughs, feelings and behavior is key to building our resilience so that we can be present for the others in our lifes.

 
PREVENTION POSTER PARTNERS
Help strengthen community-wide prevention efforts by displaying our monthly prevention poster in your office or place of business. Please visit our website to LEARN MORE!
Community Speaker Webinar Series
Professional Development Certificates Available!
WEBINAR
Adverse Childhood Experiences - The Basics
Monday, July 6, 2020
2:00 PM
Bob Shogren, M.Ed. , CGA, Inc.
Arizona ACEs Consortium
This workshop will explore how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) impact learning, long-life health and well-being in children, adolescents and adults. The workshop will review recent research on the impact of ACEs on development, social problems and a range of health problems. This workshop will also incorporate ideas for trauma-informed activities to incorporate when working with children and adults.

This is part one of a three-part webinar series on Adverse Childhood Experiences and Substance Use Disorder.


WEBINAR
Educating with Empathy: Cultivating Kindness, Compassion, Cooperation and Good Behavior
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
2:00 PM
Katrina DeVinny, First Things First
The importance of empathy in working with and raising children is now more important than every before. However, researchers have found that empathy has on the decline, corresponding to the rise in social media, bullying, and social isolation.

Fortunately, researchers in the cognitive and social sciences are findings ways train positive emotions (kindness, compassion, hope) in children.Join us to explore the “Science of Human Goodness” and how empathy, compassion, and kindness are hardwired in the brain and are essential for human survival.

WEBINAR FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Pursuing a Future in the Military
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
11:00 AM
Iyannah Carranza
NAU -CSI AmeriCorps Member, CGA, Inc.
If you are interested in joining a branch of the U.S. military immediately after high school graduation, this webinar will include resources that may be helpful as you prepare to enlist. Time in the military can teach you a valuable trade; prepare you for a lifelong career serving our country; or simply give you time to decide what you want to do next. It can be a valuable experience with good benefits and structure.

To learn more about the Arizona Ready for College and Career AmeriCorps program, please visit  Northern Arizona University - Civic Service Institute

WEBINAR
Red Cross: Coping In Today's World - Part 1
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
2:00 PM
Shannon Durham, MSW, LCSW, ACSW
American Red Cross - AZ and NM
PART ONE of a curriculum that teaches participants how to build their own resilience - the ability to recover quickly during difficult times. Neighbors teaching neighbors to cope with stress and build resilience in each other and their children.

FEATURES
  • Psychological First Aid Training
  • Emphasis on building resilience for both children and adults
  • Positive coping strategies that address day to day challenges to large scale disasters
  • Guidance on how and when to seek additional support and community resources
  • An easy to use resource book
  • Interactive - exercises that can be adapted
  • Facilitated by mental health professionals




WEBINAR
COVID-19 and Fair Housing Basics
Thursday, July 9, 2020
2:00 PM
Savannah Sayers,
Southwest Fair Housing Council
COVID-19 is evolving and affecting housing in many ways. Sign up to learn more about COVID-19 and fair housing; what is happening, what does the law say, what are your housing rights. This training contains useful information for both housing providers and tenants. 

Southwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC) seeks to provide comprehensive services to achieve and preserve equal access to housing for all people. The elimination of all forms of illegal discrimination related to housing. Through our research, advocacy, enforcement, community outreach, passionate staff and diverse board, we help more people achieve equal access to housing and we are recognized as one of the superior fair housing organizations in the nation.  Learn more about the Southwest Fair Housing Council


WEBINAR
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Substance Use Disorder -- Part Two
Monday, July 13, 2020
2:00 PM
Bob Shogren, M.Ed. , CGA, Inc.
Arizona ACEs Consortium
This webinar will explore how childhood trauma increases risk behaviors and contributes to opioid use disorder and how trauma affects the care and treatment of individuals with substance use disorder.

This is second of a three-part webinar series on Adverse Childhood Experiences and Substance Use Disorder.



WEBINAR
For Parents and Caregivers: Prescription Drug Misuse Prevention

Tuesday, July 14, 2020
2:00 PM
Bob Shogren, M.Ed.
CGA, Inc.
This webinar will provide important information to parents, grandparents and caregivers to help them understand their important role in preventing prescription drug misuse. You will learn about why people misuse prescription drugs; how to spot medicine abuse; how to talk with family/friends; how to safeguard your medications; and, proper medication disposal methods.



WEBINAR FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
The What, Where and How of Scholarships
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
11:00 AM
Kacee Rowland
NAU -CSI AmeriCorps Member, CGA, Inc.
Many scholarships are competitive, this webinar provides advice on finding those that are right for you, crafting your application essay and submitting applications, so that you can maximize your chances of getting the award!

To learn more about the Arizona Ready for College and Career AmeriCorps program, please visit  Northern Arizona University - Civic Service Institute

WEBINAR
Red Cross: Coping In Today's World - Part 2
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
2:00 PM
Shannon Durham, MSW, LCSW, ACSW
American Red Cross - AZ and NM
PART TWO of a curriculum that teaches participants how to build their own resilience - the ability to recover quickly during difficult times. Neighbors teaching neighbors to cope with stress and build resilience in each other and their children.

FEATURES
  • Psychological First Aid Training
  • Emphasis on building resilience for both children and adults
  • Positive coping strategies that address day to day challenges to large scale disasters
  • Guidance on how and when to seek additional support and community resources
  • An easy to use resource book
  • Interactive - exercises that can be adapted
  • Facilitated by mental health professionals

Thursday, July 16, 2020
2:00 PM
Martha O'Sullivan, CGA, Inc.
Bob Shogren, M.Ed. Bob
Safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments are essential to prevent early adversity, including child abuse and neglect, and to assure that all children reach their full potential.

This webinar will describes a framework to guide activities that will support the types of relationships and environments that help children grow up to be healthy and productive members of their communities so that they, in turn, can build stronger and safer families and communities for their children.

Safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments are important for preventing abuse, neglect and other adverse experiences that can lead to shorter life-spans, chronic disease and substance use disorder.
WEBINAR
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Substance Use Disorder Part Three
Monday, July 20, 2020
2:00 PM
Bob Shogren, M.Ed. , CGA, Inc.
Arizona ACEs Consortium
This webinar will explore how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) change the way the people think, feel and behave as a natural and normal response to prolonged exposure to high levels of toxic stress. This presentation will also make clear the connection between trauma and substance misuse/addiction. We will also explore the role of caring adults to help those with ACEs move past their trauma.

This is part three of a three-part webinar series on Adverse Childhood Experiences and Substance Use Disorder.



WEBINAR
Red Cross: Coping In Today's World - Part 3
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
2:00 PM
Shannon Durham, MSW, LCSW, ACSW
American Red Cross - AZ and NM
PART THREE of a curriculum that teaches participants how to build their own resilience - the ability to recover quickly during difficult times. Neighbors teaching neighbors to cope with stress and build resilience in each other and their children.

FEATURES
  • Psychological First Aid Training
  • Emphasis on building resilience for both children and adults
  • Positive coping strategies that address day to day challenges to large scale disasters
  • Guidance on how and when to seek additional support and community resources
  • An easy to use resource book
  • Interactive - exercises that can be adapted
  • Facilitated by mental health professionals

WEBINAR
Tips and Tricks to Succeed in College

Wednesday, July 22, 2020
11:00 AM
Samantha Lairmore
NAU -CSI AmeriCorps Member, CGA, Inc.
In this webinar, we will talk through the many strategies to help you succeed in college. College itself takes time and learning a handful of tips and tricks can help!

Explore the lessons learned in  How to Graduate from College the Easy Way  (and other popular fairy tails) by Sidney Pogatchnik.

To learn more about the Arizona Ready for College and Career AmeriCorps program, please visit  Northern Arizona University - Civic Service Institute
WEBINAR

Service to Country in Our Community: Explore service through the NAU AmeriCorps Programs

Thursday, July 23, 2020
2:00 PM
Andrew Facemire, Johnna Perrino, and
Ramsay Shannon
NAU -CSI AmeriCorps Programs
Learn about AmeriCorps positions available statewide, including in Casa Grande and Florence. Opportunities with Arizona Ready for College & Career, Alternatives to Managing Pain and Prevention, and VISTA will be discussed. Learn about benefits of being a member, how to apply, creating a strong application, and hear from current members about their experiences.
Professional Development Certificates Available!
HELP WITH THINKING ABOUT COLLEGE
AND CAREER
In partnership with Northern Arizona University - Civic Service Institute , the Casa Grande Alliance is now a part of a statewide network providing direct service to youth and families. The focus is to increase the on-time high school graduation, community college, university and trade-school enrollment and career exploration Members assist with FAFSA completion, scholarship searches, college applications, and MORE INFORMATION

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS OPEN!
The Alliance strongly believes in the value of volunteers. Volunteers willing to join our team are welcome and very much appreciated. Current Positions open!
  • Gardening!
  • Strong Family Support Specialist
  • Family Resource Center Organizer
  • Front Desk/Special projects


“Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.”  – Helen Dyer
RESOURCES
Need someone to talk to? Problem with drugs? Alcohol? Depression? Mental Health? Suicide?
ARIZONA COMPLETE HEALTH 24 HOUR CRISIS LINE 1-866-495-6735

Teen Lifeline is a 24-hour service wwith trained Peer counselors available from 3 - 9 pm Daily
TEEN LIFELINE 1-800-248-8336

Assisting Veterans and Military Families in Pinal County by providing services or connecting them to
providers that will assist with life’s challenges. 
Honoring/Hiring/Helping Our Heroes of Pinal County (520) 866-3645 

Does someone's drinking bother you?
AL-ANON 1-888-415-1666
The Casa Grande Alliance is generously supported by: