History of coalition

In 2008, a group of concerned members in South Mountain came together to discuss the pervasive issues of youth substance use in the community. Story after story was heard about the shocking impact on youth trajectories and the devastation to families. Stories of how substance use almost felt like an expected, everyday part of life in the community.

 

With 1 in 3 South Mountain youth indicating underage drinking on the 2008 Arizona Youth Survey and 1 in 5 indicating drug use at the time, we recognized the urgency to act. Community leaders, including those who had been hit hard by the impact of youth substance use, began discussing ways to change the norm that South Mountain was simply just “a culture of substance use.”

 

The faith-based community, representatives from the Roosevelt School District, law enforcement and other community members all banded together to form the SMWORKS Coalition (South Mountain Working to build Opportunities, Resources, Knowledge and Skills). What started as only a handful of members has grown into a small, but mighty 147 plus member coalition over the past ten years.

Coalition Structure

Coalition Chair

William Beverly

 

Coalition Vice Chair

Sanghoon Yoo

Coalition Subcommittees

  • Marketing and Public Relations
    • Chair: Kyrene Yazzie 
  • Policy and Sustainability
    • Chair: Kara Jean Brei
  • Community Events and Activities

 

Coalition Workgroups

  • Harm Reduction Workgroup
  • Trauma Informed Community Workgroup
    • Chair: Tiara Stevenson 

Community Summary

The South Mountain community boundaries include zip codes 85040, 85041, and 85042. South Mountain Village has a diverse population, with families representing many cultures, languages, and generations.

South Mountain has come together to support young people, address substance use, and reduce the harms of alcohol, opioids and prescription drugs, marijuana and tobacco, including vaping.

Coalition activities

Community Education

Presentations, workshops and town halls regarding underage alcohol and drug use (i.e. harm reduction, resilience, prevention and treatment resources).

Public Information and Social Marketing (PISM)

Prevention and harm reduction information, resources, and media materials shared with the community through health fairs, social media, community meetings, and public service announcements.

Peer Leadership Councils/Groups

Peer leaders in South Mountain participate in workshops and meetings that build skills, resilience, and leadership. They engage in community service, develop events and campaigns, and provide peer presentations that promote prevention, harm reduction, and positive change.

Community Building

Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with the community that build ownership and drive impact through policy, environmental, and systems change in South Mountain.

South Mountain WORKS