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 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.

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 as well.

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.