Three Agencies Combine for A Total of 120 Years of Service
Native Health, Native American Connections and Phoenix Indian Center each have worked for decades to improve the lives of Native Americans in Greater Phoenix. The organizations combine critical services with Native traditions and culture for a unique approach for this important population.
The three organizations serve Native Americans from tribes and nations throughout the United States who have relocated to the metro Phoenix area and outlying areas in Arizona.
Native Health, founded in 1978, provides urban Native Americans high-quality, culturally competent primary health care, dental, medical and wellness services. Designed to not only help Native Americans address illness, these services promote a healthier lifestyle for both patients and their families. Each year, Native Health serves more than 12,000 individual patients representing between 80 and 100 different tribes, the majority from within Arizona.
Native American Connections began in 1972 to provide a safe haven for Native Americans recovering from substance abuse. Over the years, it has evolved into a nationally recognized provider of affordable housing, behavioral health services and community economic development. Native traditional healing ceremonies and practices are integrated into all of its services. The organization serves families in more than 300 owner-operated single-family homes and multi-family affordable housing. More than 5,000 individuals/families benefit from Native American Connection’s comprehensive behavioral health and housing services each year.
Phoenix Indian Center is the oldest Native American agency in Phoenix and was the nation’s first Indian Center. Founded in 1947, the Center began as a drop-in location for Native Americans coming to Phoenix looking for work. Today, the organization serves urban Natives through workforce development, education, cultural and language preservation and family counseling. At any given time, more than 4,000 Native Americans access the Center’s services. More than two-thirds of those are unemployed and more than 75 percent live below the poverty level. The majority of these households are headed by women and include children.
The organizations’ rich histories, and expertise in service provision make them the right collaborative group for the Urban Native American population. Plus, with more than 120 years of combined experience, the organization and in turn the collaboration will weather adversities as it arises.
