Prism Network

The Greater Yavapai County Coaltion (GYCC) now provides one of the Top 10 Rated Suicide Prevention Trainings in the nation:  SafeTALK Suicide Alertness for Everyone.

On October 15, 2019 the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), in coordination with the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) announced their Top 10 selections for Suicide Prevention Training in answer to the mandated Senate Bill 1468.

See the full article Here:

The mandate states that AHCCCS will select and post evidence-based, best practice suicide prevention training materials on their websites.  Therefore, schools can select a program from this list as they move to meet state requirements.  In addition, all school staff who interact with students in grades 6 through 12 must receive suicide prevention training at least once every three years.

The law, known as the Mitch Warnock Act, was named after a Tempe Arizona teenager who died by suicide.

GYCC offers SafeTALK to Community Leaders, Educators, First Responders and anyone who is interested in building a suicide safer community.  GYCC also offers Youth Mental Health First Aid and we have an ASIST Trained Staff Person available.

Here are the evidence-based, suicide prevention training programs have been selected:

Suicide Alertness for Everyone (safeTALK)

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)

At-Risk for High School Educators (available online)

ACT on FACTS (available online)

More than Sad – Suicide Prevention Education for Teachers and other School Personnel

Be a Link! Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training

Do you know who to call when someone is experiencing Suicidal Thoughts or Behavior?

Take a moment and put several of these Numbers in your Phone.

Suicide Prevention Resources- Yavapai County

Local Crisis and Help Lines:

West Yavapai Guidance Center Crisis Line:           877-756-4090

Walk in Crisis Stabilization Center:    8655 East Eastridge Dr., Prescott Valley   877-756-4090

National Crisis/Help Lines

Teen Life Line:     602-248-TEEN (8336)  Phone or Text

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:      1-800-273-TALK (8255)   suicidepreventionlifeline.org

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline TEXT: Text the word “HOME” to 741741

Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386            LGBTQ+ Support and Crisis Intervention    24 Hr

Central Arizona Crisis Line: 1-800-631-1314

Northern Arizona Crisis Line: 1-877-756-4090

Central Arizona Warm Line: 602-347-1100

Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline        800-422-4453    24 hours crisis line

Children of the Night:     800-551-1300   www.childrenofthenight.org   24 hr Sex Trafficking Hotline

Domestic Abuse Hotline:      800-799-7233     www.thehotline.org  24 hours

Narcotics Anonymous Hotline:   480-897-4636   24 Hours

Suicide and Crisis Hotlines by County

Health Choice Integrated Care:   Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navojo and Yavapai Counties

1-877-756-4090

Mercy Maricopa Integrated Care:    Maricopa County      1-800-631-1314  or   602-222-9444

Cenpatico Integrated Care: Cochice, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yuma

1-866-495-6735

EMPACT:  Gila River and Ak-Chin Indian Communities     1-800-259-3449

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Thanksgiving 2019 was a wonderful time for Rainbow Youth and Family Support Network. As our first event with GYCC we took on Thanksgiving. We decided we wanted to provide families with boxes that included all the fixings for dinner including the turkey. Then we provided a dinner for anyone who wanted to show up. We had over 10 volunteers to help serve and make food. Towards the end of the night we separated the leftover food and gave it to 5 local shelters including Operation Deep Freeze. Our goal for boxes was at least 20 but we exceeded our goal and handed out 50 boxes in total!! As we enter 2020, we are planning for Thanksgiving 2020 with more boxes and another dinner.

We hope to see you out here to volunteer your time or even donate money to Thanksgiving 2020. Stay tuned for more info and updates on Thanksgiving 2020!

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Do you believe that LGBTQ+ people can change?

Do you think that sexuality is a matter of choice?

Have you ever really talked to someone in the LGBTQ+ Community?

What do you really know about Religious Gay Conversion Therapy (RGCT)?

There are a lot of folks whose have come to conclusions about these questions who have had no real or direct experience with RGCT or even the LGBTQ+ Community.

Many may be well meaning people whose religious programming has convinced them that it must be effective.  For them it is the only way they can reconcile their LGBTQ+ friends, family and congregation members to what their theology teaches.

It seems there are only a few choices for these people:

1. Sexuality is not a choice for heterosexuals, but somehow is a choice for the LBGTQ+ Population.
2. Because it is a “choice”, then the LGBTQ+ Population could become “straight” through God’s Divine intercession via “faith”, “prayer”, “re-education” or a combination of techniques.
3. Because it is a “choice”, then being in the LGBTQ+ Population is a “sin” that can be stopped.

Anything contrary to the above set of reasoning if a confrontation to their theology. Pastors, parents, friends and family can be severely challenged by this issue.

Often conversations can look like this: “So if this is a choice, then conversion therapy should be an effective treatment, after all you can choose differently and “nothing is impossible for God”.

But what is the success rate of Religious Gay Conversion Therapy?  And at what Cost?

Perhaps a look at how RGCT has worked- or not worked may give you insight into these questions.

Anthony Venn- Brown is a former high profile Pastor in the New Zealand Mega Church “Hillsong”. He has been through the process of RGCT and has compiled a report which includes many of the issues facing LGBTQ+ in the United States.

Are you a Pastor, parent, friend or loved one who is LGBTQ+?  Are you open minded enough to examine Conversion Therapy closer even if it is challenging?

You can read Anthony Venn-Brown’s report Here:

https://www.abbi.org.au/2018/05/gay-conversion-therapy-in-austraila/

This link has been approved by Mr. Venn-Brown and ABBI.

GYCC’s 5TH ANNUAL LGBTQ+ FRIENDS AND FAMILY PICNIC

It’s that time again!  Time to dust off the Frisbee!  Make your famous potato salad!  Grab your friends or come and meet new ones at the 5th Annual GYCC LGBTQ Picnic!

We will be at Watson Lake in Prescott again this Year!

This is a FREE event!  Hot Dogs, Hamburgers and Water are provided!

There is a $3 Park Fee for Parking- Scholarships are Available:)

We are aiming for a Small Town Picnic feel this year!  Everyone is welcome to bring a Potluck Item

We will have a few Community Organizations in our Resource Area but are going to just focus on Friends and Conversation.  And who knows….maybe another Twister or Two!

So grab your sunscreen and come meet the Community!

For more info contact GYCC at GYCCinfo@gmail.com

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LGBTQ+ Faith Support

John Fitz Gerald came to GYCC’s Faith Bridge in 2017. He has a B.S. degree from Michigan State University in Police Administration.  Energetic and well spoken, John brings a 40 year background in Federal Criminal and Private Investigation.  Because of his background, John is able to work collaboratively with people from a wide range of backgrounds.

In his 40’s, John began his own journey into self discovery.  He identifies as a member of the LGBTQ Community.  This personal discovery culminated in his desire to help others with their own journeys.  As a result, he works with Faith Bridge to help Faith Communities understand and accept LGBTQ people.

To learn more about GYCC’s Faith Bridge or  find an Inclusive Faith Organization in Yavapai County click here.

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GYCC’s COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROGRAM

Each week GYCC receives calls from Community Members in need.

Because of this, we created the GYCC Community Support Fund.            

As a result, we were able to meet so many needs!  Here are some highlights:

GYCC provided:

• A Veteran LGBTQ Community Member emergency vet care and medication for their licensed support dog.
• Food, mattresses, bedding and kitchen wares for a formally homeless LGBTQ family moving into their first apartment.
• Diapers, Formula, Baby Bottles, Clothes and Supplies for a new Single Mom.
• Baby clothing, diapers, wipes & toys for new LGBTQ Foster Parents who took in two foster kids without any supplies.
• Emergency overnight lodging and transportation to an inclusive shelter for an LGBTQ couple experiencing homelessness.
• Grocery cards for a Community member that needed a little help at the end of the month.

GYCC’s first priority is to provide support, resources and love to Community Members in need.

Help us continue our work by supporting the Community Support Fund Here!

A Message from Molly:  GYCC’s New Director of Operations

What’s New at GYCC?

A full time job, a family, a new adopted teen and suddenly in charge of a growing 501C3?  Until a few months ago I was happily working hard in a support role at GYCC.  All of a sudden, my life changed dramatically.  In the middle of a full life, I was now in a leadership role and facing a very steep learning curve.  How do you restructure an organization and build an infrastructure with a group of volunteers? Did I mention these volunteers also have  full time jobs and families?  In short,  it’s been a very busy 2019!

Fortunately I have an amazing team of very busy people. Every day, they dedicate their free time and their energy  to supporting the LGBTQ+ Community.  In response to this new need, my team stepped up and worked even harder. As a result GYCC  now has some great victories to share with you.

We have been working on Infrastructure, Administration and Financial Support

Here are the Highlights:

•  GYCC is now a registered 501C3
•  We have a new address and a brand new Logo
•  Launched our brand new Website
•  We received a $5,000 Grant from ACF
•  Received over $5,000 in private and corporate donations
• GYCC is now a proud member of the Quad City Interfaith Counsel

We developed a Suicide Prevention Program

Recently,  Yavapai County Suicide rates have increased  alarmingly. As a result, Suicide Prevention Hotlines have been overwhelmed. Therefore we found ourselves responding to many more crisis calls every week.

Because of this, GYCC  committed to training our staff and volunteers. At this time, most of our staff and volunteers are trained in Suicide Prevention and Mental Health First Aid and that enabled us to train over 100 Community Leaders in Suicide Prevention .

We now provide the following:

• SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Training and Certification
• Youth Mental Health First Aid Training and Certification
• An ASIST trained Suicide Prevention Interventionist on staff
• Support to the  Yavapai County Coordinated Community Response Team

Faith Bridge started a Community Support Program:

Currently,  GYCC receives calls for Support every single week. In response to these calls, Faith Bridge created a program specifically to meet this need.

Each month we provide:

• Emergency Food and Housing
• Crisis intervention and referral
• Transportation, Help with relocation, Gas Money
• Financial Aid for Medical Expenses and Prescriptions
• Job Support

NAZGEM Provided Special Events and Support Groups

Here are small list of what was provided:

• Housing and Job Support
• Crisis Intervention
• Suicide Prevention
• Support and Activities
• Events

As you can see, we have been crazy busy!  And now we need your help!  GYCC is powered completely by Volunteers!  Do you love your Community?  Do you want to make a difference?  Do you want to help build a more Inclusive Yavapai County?  We need your voice!

Volunteer Opportunites:

• Our Board Meeting is open to everyone!  It’s the 2nd Monday at 7:00 pm at GPUU
• Could you help plan our Annual Picnic?
• Would you like to help with Social Media?
• Do you have a great idea for Activities or Events?
• Would you like to receive training in Suicide Prevention or Mental Health?

We’d love to hear from you!  Contact us at GYCCinfo@gmail.com

Molly Freibott

GYCC Director of Operations

Here is a short list of terms and what they mean.  PLEASE to not take this as a comprehensive list as things change in a very quick manner in our society.  Also please take into account as most groups of LGBTQ are isolated and sometimes develop their OWN definitions to terms, be mindful if someone says that is now what a term means, they were just told differently usually.

Pronouns:  very important to use the pronouns they prefer: chosen name and he/she/they.  It is never impolite to ask if you are just trying to learn.

CIS: one of the more controversial for some, it is the MEDICAL term for someone who is NOT transgender, born with a body and psyche that match.  They generally fit into the stereotypical gender binary.

Gender Dysphoria:  This is the medical term that basically defines someone who is a transsexual.  They are psychologically distressed by the fact their body does NOT match their gender identity.  This was originally called “Gender Identity Disorder” or GID and was before they finally could say for certainty that being trans was NOT a mental disease, which is why they changed it.  Just like being gay was once considered to be a mental illness, and was finally found to be just a variation in humanity, just like in a lot of species.

Transition:  there are two types of transition, see the definition below
1.  Social Transition: this is when a child who has been through enough therapy that both the parents AND the therapist feel it is in the best interest, medically and psychologically, of the child to be allowed to present as their proper Gender.  A LOT of people misunderstand this and think it is a MEDIC transition, which a lot of groups, who are using outdated information or propaganda, feel is basically child abuse.  The opposite is the truth of course.  NO CHILD is EVER given any drugs or surgeries to start transition until at LEAST puberty.

Medical Transition: This is when the Medical Doctor comes into the picture, after all three, the parents, therapist AND MD agree it is safe for the child, at puberty they might be started in Puberty Blockers. Despite claims by those who oppose this, there is a LONG medical history for this, not just Trans kids, but children who have incurable aging conditions, etc.  There are NO lasting side effects, the only “negative” is that they MIGHT lose some height, etc if they prolong the use of blockers for more than a few years.  Usually by then, they are sure that the child is truly a transsexual (not all transgender persons use medical procedures or prescriptions to change their body) and can then proceed to using HRT to “induce”  the proper puberty for the child. This keeps them from developing unwanted secondary sexual charactistics like body hair, an Adams apple or breasts (if they are a Female to Male transition), thus removing the need for expensive, and only marginally successful, procedures later in life.

This is what I give as a first, basic set of information for those who are trans, supportive of trans, or questioning persons.

1. Transgender is intended to be an umbrella term, it basically covers anyone who does NOT fit the Gender Binary, and even someone who is a “tomboy” could be transgender.  Most children in that kind of situation are not, and grow out of it, which is the basis of the “it’s a phase” denial by parents.
2. The various “segments” that generally fall under this umbrella are:
   Transsexuals – those who feel their body/mind/soul do not match.  (Note: some do NOT like this term as it is felt to focus on the act of sex, not the physical sex of a body.  The medical/legal term is Transsexual though, but usually safe to just use trans or transgender)
   Cross dressers – persons who dress in the other sex’s clothing, purely because the like the feel, etc, but take no other action (some use the term transvestite, mostly older persons)
   Drag Performers – persons who dress up in the opposite sex’s clothing, primarily as a performer, sometimes in caricature, sometimes not. (Note: some transsexuals have used being a drag performer as a way to be in the proper clothing for their gender expression and avoid some harassment, or just because they are still trying to see exactly WHERE on the Gender Spectrum they fit. Also can be a decent way to make money towards medical costs for some)
   Intersex – some do NOT feel they are part of this umbrella, some do. Due to their circumstances at birth, sometimes the doctors make mistakes and “chose” the wrong physical sex for the child, thus making them Transsexuals by default. Some are CIS, their body/mind/soul match so have no issues.
   Various – there are a lot of newer forms of transgender coming out as time progresses. They include Agender, Gender Fluid, non-binary and Gender Queer. There are likely others but whatever someone asks you to use as a term, it is polite to do it, even if YOU do not understand. This has caused some consternation as those who think it is a “mental illness” will use comparisons like “I feel like a giraffe today” or “I feel like a space alien” etc.  It is up to you to choose how you deal with them, but I always just advice ignoring them unless they get violent or threatening.  Then contact authorities and try to get to a safe place with a lot of people.  Also some of these new groups/identifications do NOT like being associated with transgender, so again, just use what they ask you to use.
3. The best way to deal with anyone who is transgender, or you think is, is to just ask their name and their pronouns.  Use them, it costs you nothing but it gives a LOT to those who are young and just trying to find themselves. Being kind and supportive of ANYONE, especially a child is always the best way to act.  If you don’t know how to help someone, ask for help.  Every town usually has at LEAST one group that can help, PFLAG, Some LGBTQ coalition group or a specific Trans group.  We have all three, as well as some that groups that specialize in Trans youth, etc.  Please go to the contact us page if you have any need of help or know someone who does. Contact any of the groups if you are not sure who is best to help, we can help figure it out for you.

New transportation in Prescott Valley!  

The YavaLine Regional Transit System (“YAV” for short) is the first-ever transit service in the Prescott Valley area!

The YAV is starting with a shared ride, on-demand service.  Think of it like a minibus that comes when you want, where you want.

Input your pickup and drop-off addresses in their mobile app, and they'll provide a few ride options within the Transit Zone. Choose the option that works best for you and we’ll send a driver your way.

If you would like to contact us\them to request a trip by phone instead, call 1-866-YAV-TRAN (1-866-928-8726).

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Find out more about the new YAV TRANSIT SYSTEM HERE!

Click HERE for a Map of the Transit Zone!

We know you’ve been meaning to! We're all realizing that in the last few years resources have moved, rebranded or simply disappeared.

PRISM Network is working with state and community organizations to GET YOU UPDATED!

Our goals are to provide:

*      Current, up to date links, phone/text numbers and hours of operation

·      Resources for all populations including underserved communities

·      Shareable graphics and imaging when available for websites, social media campaigns and newsletters

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START BY ADDING THE NEW 988 MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS LIFELINE

One of the biggest Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Announcements is the NEW 988 Mental Health Crisis Line.

988 is now active across the United States and should be at the top of your Suicide Prevention List!

This system is designed to provide a Mental Health Specific Crisis Line separate from the 911 Emergency System

One three-digit number will route callers directly to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline which was formally the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

When people call, text or chat 988 they will be connected to trained counselors that are already part of the established Lifeline Network.  These counselors will then be able to connect them directly to support and resources specific to their needs and difficulties.

SAMSHA has provided a 988 Media Toolkit so your organization can get the word out!

The Toolkit has graphics you can use on your website, social media and newsletters!

Access the SAMSHA 988 Toolkit Here

Here is a sample of images available for your organization to use:

For more logo and branding ideas click here: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/partner-toolkit/logo-branding

Need help adding 988 Information to your organization's website or resource list? Contact us at azprismnetwork@gmail.com

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Inc. Team Article for Sept. 23

By Gene Fougner

Lately, I have been thinking about a question. Perhaps it is part of my journey through prejudice and

privilege. Why do we who are gay (or dark skinned or disabled or anything else) need to make others

aware of injustices perpetrated toward us while seeking acceptance. Why can’t we go on with life on

our own terms, gather with our own kind ignoring those who would oppress us? After all, the problems

are not of OUR making. Why must there be a Gay Pride or a Black Lives Matter or a Feminist agenda, etc.

To get specific, I’ve been wondering what those of YOU, in the dominant culture, think of our efforts to

explain the LBGTQIA+ community and racism experiences. Do you get weary of hearing about it even in

church? What do ordinary people of privilege feel when hearing how the dominant culture has hurt

people of color or trans people, etc.? Often I wonder if you in the dominant culture feels attacked or

belittled by rants of minorities. I would understand, if so. None of us created racism, homophobia, or

misogyny, yet could the burden of privilege be to bear the blame? Our participation in prejudice and

privilege is sort of inherited and often invisible.

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Sometimes, I’m thinking there are more of us in little groups working toward equality than there actually

are in the dominant culture we speak to. Is our talk of awareness and becoming “woke” being wasted

on “preaching to the choir”?

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In her book, Waking Up White, Debby Irving quotes Father Boyle, “When we relearn our loveliness, we

begin to foster tenderness for our own human predicament. A spacious and undefended heart finds

room for everything you are and carves out enough space for everyone else.” She goes on, “Sitting right

in front of us are the seeds for our own salvation: each other.” We all need to listen to each others’

stories and provide safe harbor for one another…setting our hearts at peace. Authentic Christians have

a good model for this…Jesus. Perhaps this is an answer to my “why bother” with all this fuss question.

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COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

MARCH 2023

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PRICELESS PROM PROJECT

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North Star Youth Partnership, a program of Catholic Charities, in partnership with Tri-City College Prep, offers free prom attire on a first-come, first-served basis. Available items include nearly new dresses, purses , shoes, jewelry, tuxedos and suits.

Catholic Charities is a member of Quad City Interfaith Council which Prism also participates in.

Volunteers are needed to set up the store on Friday March 3rd and tear it down on March 30th.

Assistant Shoppers are needed to help at the event from Wednesday, March 20th to March 29th from 3:30-5:30pm at the Prescott Gateway Mall.

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MATFORCE offers free training for Volunteer Coaches

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Volunteer Coaches help build and strengthen our communities while giving formerly incarcerated individuals the opportunity for community support, to create hope for the future and to restore and rebuild their lives. Receive free training to learn needed skills for working one-on-one in helping provide referrals, emotional support and resources for former inmates. No experience or prior education is needed.

Upcoming trainings:

MATFORCE

March 25, 2023

9:00-12:00pm

8056 East Valley Road, Suite B, Prescott Valley AZ

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June 17, 2023

9:00-12:00pm

601 South First Street, Camp Verde AZ

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October 7, 2023

9:00-12:00pm

8056 E. Valley Road, Suite B, Prescott Valley AZ

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Contact: Nikki Rosson 928-708-0100

nrosson@matforce.org

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More MATFORCE Trainings: