Arizona_Faith_Network__Experience_and_Expertise__BPM006479__1.pdf

EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE

5.2.1.3.1 Arizona Faith Network (AFN) is a well-established interfaith organization with a strong track record of uniting communities across Arizona to address pressing social needs. Since 1948, AFN has served the state with a mission of fostering connections among diverse faith traditions to promote peace, justice, and mutual understanding. The organization leverages a broad network of over 4,500 faith leaders, congregations, and community partners, extending its reach to provide impactful community support programs. This extensive network and AFN’s diverse Board of Directors representing various faiths and professional backgrounds reflect the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and collaborative leadership.

One of AFN’s core programs is the Heat Relief initiative, a critical response to Arizona’s extreme summer temperatures, which pose significant risks to vulnerable communities. Recognizing the need for cooling centers, AFN launched the program with designated cooling sites across Maricopa County, including faith-based and community locations. These 17 centers are designed to offer life-saving relief through air-conditioned spaces, hydration stations, nourishing snacks, and access to supportive services from community partners. With over 45,000 visits in 2024 alone—an increase from the 25,000 visits across 13 sites in 2023—the program has established itself as a critical resource for thousands in need.

AFN’s rapid response expertise was demonstrated during the summer heat emergencies of the last two years. In partnership with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), AFN has successfully operated two cooling centers within Phoenix’s Governmental Mall, located at 1818 W Adams St. and 1601 W Jefferson St. During Governor Hobbs’ heat emergency declaration, AFN swiftly mobilized to open these centers within 48 hours, showcasing its operational agility and commitment to community welfare.

These centers provide essential resources and are staffed by trained personnel who oversee daily operations, ensure visitor hydration, monitor for heat-related illnesses, and respond to emergencies as necessary.

Building on its experience, AFN has enhanced its cooling center operations each year, improving supply chain logistics to maintain essential items, streamlining visitor check-in and data collection, and refining training protocols for staff and volunteers. All personnel, including Site Leads and Assistants, undergo comprehensive training in crisis intervention, mental health first aid, and naloxone administration, ensuring they are prepared to meet the diverse needs of visitors. The team includes full-time and part-time employees, with additional on-call staff to handle high-traffic periods, providing flexible support across locations.

Outside of its collaboration with ADHS, AFN has managed similar projects with faith-based and community organizations throughout Arizona, such as establishing hydration stations and respite centers in heat-vulnerable areas identified through partnerships with local health organizations. This extensive experience has enabled AFN to refine its approach, prioritize client dignity, and develop a reliable, responsive infrastructure for emergency relief.

With a strong foundation, statewide network, and experienced staff, AFN is well-positioned to continue its Heat Relief program in partnership with ADHS, ensuring that Phoenix’s high-risk populations can access safe, welcoming cooling centers during the most dangerous heat conditions. This commitment, supported by its Board and community network, allows AFN to serve as a reliable partner in addressing Arizona’s ongoing heat relief needs.

Arizona Faith Network, Experience and Expertise, BPM006479, 1

5.2.1.3.2

AFN has developed a comprehensive training program for all employees at its cooling centers, emphasizing safety, crisis response, and compassionate service. These training policies ensure that each team member is fully prepared to support individuals facing extreme heat conditions with professionalism and empathy. Below is a detailed outline of the training requirements and opportunities provided to all AFN cooling center employees.

Required Training Programs

211 Mental Health Crisis Response Training: All staff must complete 211 Mental Health Crisis Response training, which equips them to identify and respond to mental health crises, utilize de-escalation techniques, and access community resources. This training ensures that staff can effectively support distressed visitors and respond appropriately to individuals facing psychological or emotional challenges.

Narcan/Naloxone Administration Training: Staff members must also undergo naloxone administration training through the HEAAL Project by Tanner Community Development Corporation. This essential training prepares employees to recognize symptoms of opioid overdose and administer Narcan/naloxone when necessary, equipping them to respond effectively in life-threatening situations.

AFN Staff Expectations and On-Site Procedures: Led by the AFN Community Resilience Manager, this training covers staff expectations and detailed on-site procedures, including daily setup and takedown, check-in and screening processes, incident reporting, and safety protocols. Staff are also trained to create a welcoming, non-proselytizing environment that respects all visitors' dignity. This training ensures alignment with AFN's inclusivity, support, and professionalism values. All training is conducted with trauma-informed and culturally sensitive values.

Professional Development Opportunities: AFN is actively developing professional development opportunities for its cooling center staff through partnerships with organizations like CHASE's community development and career training programs. These programs include mock interviews, resume reviews, and budgeting courses, providing practical skills that support career advancement and financial literacy.

While these programs are optional, they are strongly encouraged, reinforcing AFN's commitment to its employees' personal and professional growth.

Future CPR Certification: Currently, AFN is conducting research on adding CPR certification to its training program for heat relief staff. This additional certification would enhance staff readiness by preparing them to respond to a broader range of health emergencies, ensuring an even higher standard of care and safety at each cooling center.

Certification and Continuing Education: AFN encourages all employees to stay updated on best practices in mental health crisis intervention, emergency response, and community health through continuing education and certification programs. The organization regularly evaluates emerging training and certification opportunities to strengthen its team's expertise and emergency preparedness. Staff members are encouraged to participate in further training as it becomes available, ensuring that AFN's cooling centers maintain the highest safety and service standards.

AFN's training policies for cooling center employees are designed to equip all staff with essential skills in crisis intervention, health emergency response, and community support. With required training programs, professional development opportunities such as mock interviews, resume reviews, and budgeting courses through CHASE, and the potential addition of CPR certification, AFN ensures its employees are prepared, compassionate, and capable of serving Arizona's vulnerable populations during heat conditions.

5.2.1.3.3 AFN has maintained a high performance standard, meeting all contractual obligations without formal notices to cure deficiencies or defaults. However, to continuously enhance its operations and ensure optimal service delivery, AFN has proactively identified areas for improvement based on feedback, operational observations, and the evolving needs of its programs. Three primary areas of focus for improvement include the enhancement of team training, the strategic addition of a Financial Operations Coordinator to manage billing and reimbursement processes, and ongoing improvements in supply acquisition and distribution.

Over the past years, AFN has implemented additional training and clarified job descriptions for team members. This includes expanded training on cultural competence, trauma-informed care, and community engagement, equipping staff to better meet the varied needs of individuals seeking assistance at cooling centers. Improved job descriptions have helped define each team member’s responsibilities, ensuring a clearer understanding of organizational roles and expectations. These updates have strengthened staff readiness, enhancing the quality and consistency of services provided to Arizona’s vulnerable populations.

AFN has recently identified the need for a dedicated Financial Operations Coordinator to oversee its programs' billing, reimbursement, and financial compliance. As AFN’s Heat Relief program and other initiatives have expanded, the complexity of managing funds, tracking expenditures, and ensuring timely reimbursements has increased. A Financial Operations Coordinator will streamline these processes, providing accurate and timely billing and supporting AFN’s fiscal accountability. This role will also involve developing improved financial tracking methods, coordinating with program staff to ensure compliance with ADHS financial reporting requirements, and supporting AFN’s strategic growth by building robust financial infrastructure.

AFN continually refines its supply acquisition and distribution processes better to meet the demands of each cooling center season. Each year brings insights that allow AFN to improve the efficiency and reliability of acquiring essential supplies such as water, electrolyte-rich drinks, and first aid materials.

These operational improvements ensure that centers are consistently stocked, well-prepared, and capable of meeting visitor needs even during peak periods.

These improvements are designed to strengthen AFN’s operational capacity and ensure the highest accountability, professionalism, and service quality standards in all its programs. AFN is poised to sustain its successful partnerships and deliver even more effective and impactful services to the Arizona community by continuously evaluating and addressing these areas.

We are grateful for the opportunity to submit this proposal and for the support of the Arizona Department of Public Health. Together, we can safeguard the health and well-being of all residents throughout Arizona during the extreme heat season. Thank you for your consideration.