HEALTH AND GARDEN PROGRAMS

Funded by the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona and Native Seeds Search, this program is focused on creating a farm to table and workforce development program at the House of Hope Woman's Shelter in Douglas, AZ. 

Through this program, staff provide workforce training on growing native fruits/vegetables/herbs and utilize them for daily cooking as well as how to sell what they grow at local farmer markets and events. Staff also provide community cooking classes and business development training so community members can start their own small business to sell local produce.

Funded by Arizona Complete Health and Native Seeds Search, this program focuses on creating and sustaining farm to school programs, community gardens,  and workforce development training throughout Southern Arizona modeled after our original Growing Hope Program.

Funded by Cox Charities, this program connects students to healthy food and hands-on learning through school gardens, where they gain valuable knowledge in nutrition, science, and environmental stewardship. By turning outdoor spaces into living classrooms, the program promotes wellness, sustainability, and stronger connections between schools and their communities.

Growing Hope in St. David and Benson will directly impact more than 500 students and families through garden lessons, community events, and fresh produce grown on campus. This investment strengthens local food systems, encourages healthier lifestyles, and builds pride in rural schools. Together, we are cultivating the next generation of leaders who understand the importance of nutrition, sustainability, and community resilience.

Growing Hope in Yuma is a food security initiative made possible through generous funding from TC Energy. The program strengthens the resilience of Yuma County by improving equitable access to healthy food, reducing hunger, and empowering families with the knowledge and tools they need to make lasting changes. By combining direct food distribution, hands-on community gardens, and culturally relevant nutrition education, the program addresses both immediate needs and long-term challenges faced by residents in rural, agricultural border communities.

ABA partners with schools, nonprofits, and local organizations to provide fresh produce, healthy meal workshops, and family support services to households most affected by food insecurity. Growing Hope in Yuma reaches hundreds of residents each year, ensuring that children, families, and farmworker communities have access to nutritious food while building capacity for self-reliance. With TC Energy’s support, ABA is laying the foundation for a healthier, more resilient Yuma County where families thrive despite economic and environmental challenges.

Funded by Delta Dental, this program utilizes the '10 Minutes for Teeth' curriculum for grades K-6 in southern Arizona schools. Oral health education is critical for youth to begin proper brushing and oral care at a young age to prevent health issues as they get older.  This program supplies youth with the knowledge as well as the supplies (toothpaste, toothbrushes, & floss) to properly take care of their teeth.

The ABA also provides youth and families referrals to local dentists in their area as well as financial assistance for oral health care for families in financial need.

Funded by SRP, the Coolidge Healthy Choices Program is a community

driven initiative that empowers families in this underserved rural Arizona community through hands-on education in nutrition, oral health, and home gardening. Developed by the Arizona Border Alliance and the Coolidge Youth Coalition, the program addresses long-standing health disparities linked to poverty, limited access to care, and low health literacy in Coolidge.

The program provides bilingual workshops in local schools, libraries, and community centers focused on healthy eating, meal planning, and the connection between nutrition and oral health. Families receive free dental kits, participate in hygiene education, and have access to basic preventive screenings. Cooking demonstrations feature culturally familiar, low-cost meals made with fresh ingredients.

To promote food access and self-sufficiency, the program distributes home garden starter kits and offer training in sustainable, water-wise gardening practices. These efforts support farm-to-table habits and improve household access to nutritious food.  Through culturally relevant and practical education, the Coolidge Healthy Choices Program fosters healthier habits and long-term wellness for families across the community.

The Pinal County Water Collective, funded by the Central Arizona Project (CAP), is dedicated to promoting water conservation, drought preparedness, and sustainable resource management across Coolidge, Florence, Casa Grande, Eloy, and surrounding rural communities in Pinal County. Through bilingual workshops, school-based education, and hands-on conservation projects, the program empowers residents, students, and small growers to adopt water-efficient practices that protect Arizona’s most precious resource.

With CAP’s support, the program is bringing practical conservation solutions directly to the community. ABA is installing rainwater harvesting systems at schools and gardens, equipping small growers with drip irrigation kits, and providing households with water-saving tools. Through engaging workshops and outreach events, residents learn simple, sustainable ways to reduce water use and build long-term resilience. Together with schools, coalitions, and local partners, the Pinal County Water Collective is helping create a stronger, more sustainable water future for Pinal County.

Funded by the Arizona Community Foundation and the American Heart Association, the Arizona Border Alliance distributes Adult and Child CPR Anytime® Training Kits to expand lifesaving education in our communities. These self-facilitated kits are designed for individuals, families, schools, and organizations, making it possible for anyone to learn CPR and first aid in just 30 minutes. With 70% of cardiac arrests occurring outside of hospitals—most often in the home—this resource is especially critical in rural areas, where access to emergency services and hospitals can be limited. By equipping residents with the ability to act quickly, the project strengthens community preparedness and saves lives.

Each kit includes interactive tools such as Mini Anne manikins, an AED simulator, and access to the new CPR Anytime® app, ensuring a hands-on, practical learning experience. Participants can practice CPR with breaths, learn how to use an AED, and respond to choking emergencies in both adults and children. The training also covers essential first aid skills like allergic reaction response and bleeding control. By bringing these resources directly into homes, schools, and community spaces, the Southern Arizona Rural Lifesaving Project will help build a stronger, more resilient region where more people have the knowledge and confidence to respond when every second matters.

See our Training Page if you are interested in CPR certification, which we also offer.

In partnership with the Mendez Foundation,  Arizona Border Alliance staff provide the Seeds of Nutrition program to youth in southern Arizona schools in English and Spanish.

Seeds of Nutrition is a skills-based nutrition education curriculum designed to promote a priority for health within the adolescent.  The students learn the roles of nutrients, hydration, exercise, and rest in promoting physical and mental well-being.  Students exposed to this information will be more likely to adopt standards and norms consistent with a healthy lifestyle.

Seeds of Nutrition promotes a commitment to health and taking care of the body through the development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes children and teens need to make healthy decisions consistent with their healthy goals.

This program is utilized in all of our Growing Hope garden programs.

Funded by the American Academy of Pediatrics, this program aims to address the profound impact of parenting stress on childhood development in Southern Arizona, where systemic inequities exacerbate mental health challenges. In response to the U.S. Surgeon General's advisory on parental mental health, this initiative will provide families with essential stress-relief tools, parenting strategies, and community support through weekly parent-child groups for children aged 4-9 and 13-18. Each 6-week program will focus on community building, brain development education, and self-care techniques, fostering connections among families while enhancing their ability to manage emotions and behaviors. By creating a culturally responsive and accessible environment, the initiative seeks to improve overall well-being for families in Douglas, empowering them to thrive despite the challenges they face.

Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is a holistic approach to healthcare and human services that acknowledges the pervasive impact of trauma and aims to create safe and supportive environments for survivors. A trauma-informed approach recognizes that healthcare organizations and care teams must have a comprehensive understanding of a patient's life circumstances—both past and present—to deliver effective services with a healing focus.  Additionally, it can help reduce unnecessary care and excess costs in both the healthcare and social service sectorsTrauma-informed care seeks to

• Recognize the widespread impact of trauma and understand pathways to recovery.
• Identify the signs and symptoms of trauma in patients, families, and staff.
• Integrate trauma knowledge into policies, procedures, and practices.
• Actively prevent re-traumatization.

In today's rapidly changing world, with numerous global events, TIC is essential for understanding humanity and fostering comprehensive interactions with one another.

Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Yoga focuses on understanding and responding to the effects of trauma on individuals. The Arizona Border Alliance offers weekly Trauma-Informed Care Yoga classes, emphasizing healing and resilience. These services aim to address the root causes of risk factors and social determinants of health, promoting mental and physical well-being. By integrating TIC principles, the program seeks to create a supportive environment that fosters recovery and empowerment for individuals affected by trauma. 

If you are interested in signing up for one of our yoga classes send us an email.

The Douglas Run Club is a grassroots initiative designed to foster health, connection, and

community pride through running. Open to all ages and fitness levels, the club welcomes

walkers, joggers, and runners to participate in weekly meetups that promote physical wellness, mental health, and a positive, family-friendly environment.

The Arizona Border Alliance is proud to partner with the Douglas Run Club as part of

its commitment to community empowerment, wellness, and quality of life along the U.S./Mexico border. This partnership reflects a shared vision to create safe, inclusive spaces where residents of Douglas and surrounding areas can stay active, build meaningful relationships, and feel supported. Whether training for a local race or simply enjoying movement and community, everyone is invited to be part of this growing movement—one step at a time.

The Borderlands Bike Club is a health and wellness initiative focused on bringing safe, accessible, and engaging cycling opportunities to rural desert communities. By promoting fitness, outdoor recreation, and active living, the program helps address chronic health disparities while creating positive outlets for youth, families, and community members of all ages.

Through partnerships with LMNT, Trek Bikes, Borderlands Gravel, schools, health providers, and local agencies, the program offers community rides, youth cycling clubs, bike safety workshops, and cycling events. Together, these efforts foster healthier lifestyles, strengthen community connections, and expand access to the natural beauty of Southern Arizona’s desert landscape.