The “Why” of Finds Their Way

Challenges are meant to be overcome. To me, as an educator, Transition Specialist, and resident of the community that I serve, I take one best step at a time to tackle challenges and to work hard on any project with a clear vision in mind: our youth.  Supporting the Sonoran Center’s Finds Their Way (FTW) program in its beginnings and serving one of its pilot schools is one of the best steps that we have undertaken for our district’s transition program.

The excitement that I am feeling for FTW as the Sonoran Center and Baboquivari Unified School District (BUSD) begin the planning phase is so great. So great that I am even more observant, in search, in action, and in a mission to find ways and means to guide our youth.

"Supporting the Sonoran Center’s Finds Their Way program in its beginnings and serving one of its pilot schools is one of the best steps that we have undertaken for our district’s transition program."

As a service provider for our Tohono O’odham students, the immense pride that I have for the culture that I am immersed in and the culture that I much respect is rooted from the warm, welcoming O’odham themselves. I was welcomed with open arms as a teacher from the Philippines.  Time builds relationships.  I am appreciative of the relationships that I have developed with Tohono O’odham people for many years.

BUSD has transition programs in place that are strengthened by partnerships. A few highlights of these partnerships include Arizona Transition Youth award for student’s participation in the Sonoran Center’s work-based learning and Vocational Rehabilitation’s work-adjustment program. Hosting the Sonoran Center, Navajo school district, and Chairperson Harunah Damba from Uganda (virtual) on campus this year also created great collaborative work as we share Baboquivari High School facilities, work-based learning, and transition program. With Finds Their Way, our students have the opportunity to participate in a Youth Leadership conference. One is coming up in June 2023 at Dine College, Tsaile, Arizona. The Arizona Youth Leadership Forum would be the very first conference that we will be attending. What a wonderful experience for our youth to practice self-advocacy, develop their leadership skills, and build friendships with youth from all over Arizona!

Another exciting project is a three-year FTW plan that we are currently developing.  The framework will include priority goals and activities in the area of youth development, resources, and family & community engagements. Also included in the framework is a three-year strategic plan with action steps that FTW partners will carry out. It’s a three-year action plan that starts in 2023 and will include identified focus areas, monitoring and evaluation, adjustment, and sustainability of its mission. FTW is an amazing project in progress!

BUSD’s relationship with the Sonoran Center has strengthened in a span of seven years and with Sonoran Center’s executive director, Dr. Wendy Parent-Johnson, and her continued quest for partnerships with schools in far rural places.  The project initiatives, with supports that are extended and provided for with passion and teamwork, will be realized.

Nothing but the best for our Native American youth! We can make a difference…together!

Funding for Finds Their Way is made possible by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official policies of these organizations and entities.