READY4Life 2.0 - Child & Family Resources (CFR) is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with more than 50 years of experience providing prevention, education, family support and youth development programs throughout Arizona. CFR serves children, youth, and families through evidence-informed and evidence-based programs designed to strengthen protective factors, promote healthy decision-making, foster positive youth development, and improve community well-being. CFR has extensive experience and currently implements multiple evidence-based youth programs focused on healthy relationships, sexual risk avoidance, mental wellness, financial literacy, and leadership development across Arizona through established partnerships with school districts, county health departments, juvenile justice systems, community-based organizations, and other youth-serving agencies. Through the READY4Life 2.0 Project, CFR proposes a Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE) program serving 700 At-Risk youth in grades 6th -8th (ages 11-15) over three years in Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Cochise Counties using a trauma-informed and positive youth development approach to facilitate an evidence-based curriculum, Love Notes 4.2 Abstinence Only Middle School Adaptation that aligns with ACF vision, mission, values, priorities, and guiding principles. This project intends to teach and empower youth to refrain from non-marital sexual activity and other risky behaviors by building youth assets and strengthening their protective factors so that youth can reach their full potential thereby creating community change. The geographic focus of the proposed program is Arizona primarily underrepresented and/or underserved communities with high teen birth rates and/or at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) within Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Cochise Counties. Schools within area were selected based on high rates of poverty and high rates of free and reduced lunch, both risk factors for risky behaviors and teen birth. Arizona continues to experience significant disparities affecting adolescent health and overall well-being. Arizona also ranked 21 out of 51 in teen birth rate and those rates significantly increase to higher levels when examining underserved populations in the state child wellbeing. Arizona also ranked 39th nationally in the 2023 KIDS COUNT Data Book, reflecting persistent challenges in children’s health, education, economic well-being, and family and community factors (Annie E. Casey Foundation). READY4Life 2.0 will use a trauma-informed, positive youth development approach to deliver Love Notes 4.2 Abstinence Only Middle School Adaptation, a medically accurate, age- and culturally appropriate, evidence-based curriculum aligned with ACF's vision, mission, values, and priorities. The curriculum builds youth assets and protective factors, teaching healthy relationship decision-making, delayed sexual activity until marriage, risk avoidance, and STI/pregnancy prevention, alongside leadership, self-regulation, and communication skills. CFR's Project Director/Principal Investigator and Data & Impact Manager will track pre/post self-reported outcomes to measure program quality and effectiveness.
