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From Risk to Resilience: Help Us Change the Current for Maricopa Teens

Be Awesome is making a splash this summer with the launch of its “Make a Splash, Change the Current” campaign—a mission-driven initiative supporting local youth through high-energy events, skill-building workshops, and paid leadership roles. The goal? To help teens develop into confident, connected, and successful individuals.

Maricopa is growing fast—adding more than 250 new residents each month—but many teens are feeling left behind. According to the latest Arizona Youth Survey:

  • Over half of Maricopa teens report feeling disconnected from their neighborhoods

  • Nearly 46% say they’ve been rewarded for antisocial behavior

  • 57.1% see little to no risk in using drugs


“We know that when young people don’t feel connected, they’re more likely to make risky decisions,” said Priscilla Behnke, Executive Director of Be Awesome. “Our goal is to turn the tide by giving them real opportunities to belong, succeed, and thrive.”

That’s where Make a Splash comes in.

With a goal to raise $25,000, the campaign invites the community to invest in programming that directly supports Maricopa teens, including:

  • Community-Wide Teen Events like the recent Nerf N’ Surf, a water-filled, team-based adventure, and a Pokémon-themed citywide scavenger hunt. These events provide safe, fun activities where teens can connect with peers, build friendships, and be a part of something positive and exciting.

  • Educational Workshops & Information Nights on relevant topics such as internet safety, health and wellness, drug and alcohol prevention, and career readiness. These events equip teens with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate life with confidence and purpose.

  • A Weekend Retreat focused on building confidence, resiliency, and self-awareness through strength-based activities and team-building challenges.

  • Paid Teen Internship Positions that provide local youth with meaningful entry-level work experience while developing entrepreneurial thinking, project planning, and communication skills they can carry into future careers.


“I am so blessed to have this job, it has made a big difference in my life,” said 18-year-old team member Kim Daniels.

“This job pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me invaluable lessons. I experienced the power of a united team and what we can accomplish when we work hard and support each other. I had the privilege of attending coalition and city hall meetings, gaining insight into how my city operates. I learned that I can love my job, have fun, and still make a meaningful difference in my community. Most importantly, I realized I want my future career to be centered on serving and uplifting the people around me. I’m deeply grateful to wake up every day excited to go to work.”

This is a micro-donation campaign, where every gift—from $10 to $500+—helps make waves. Whether you’re sponsoring a teen’s first event or funding an entire month of leadership programming, every dollar creates real impact.

Be Awesome invites local residents, businesses, and community leaders to be part of the movement. Whether you’re a parent, neighbor, teen, or someone who believes in lifting up youth—this is your chance to make a lasting difference in Maricopa’s future.

Donations can be made at https://beawesomeyouth.life/turn-the-tide

To learn more or become a monthly supporter, visit the website or follow @beawesomeyouth on social media, or contact Brandi Homan at bhoman@beawesomeyouth.life or by phone at 520-428-6633

 


Link: http:// https://beawesomeyouth.life/turn-the-tide

Submitted: 07/29/25
Article By: Be Awesome Youth Coalition