United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) is proud to announce it has received a $150,000 grant from Wellpoint, a leading healthcare company, to support the transformation of a former retail space in Holbrook into a teen center. The center is being developed by Grow Arizona Workforce Network, a local nonprofit focused on workforce readiness and youth empowerment.
“Wellpoint is proud to support the creation of the teen center in Holbrook. We believe in the power of strong communities, and this project reflects our commitment to helping young people access the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive,” said Tara Kimbell, marketing director at Wellpoint. “From career training and educational planning to mentorship and emotional support, this center will be a safe and inspiring place where teens can build confidence, learn valuable skills, and plan for a successful future. We are grateful to help create pathways to brighter, healthier futures for Arizona’s youth.”
The project stems from a youth-led mental health survey conducted two years ago through a UWNA-supported initiative, which revealed a strong desire among teens in the region for a safe, inclusive space they could call their own. At the same time, Grow Arizona was planning to launch a plan to establish a dedicated facility to serve as both a teen center and a workforce development hub.
“The Teen Center proposed by Grow Arizona perfectly aligned with United Way of Northern Arizona’s number one priority – our youth – and we were determined to help,” said UWNA President and CEO Liz Archuleta. “This is a collaborative community vision brought to life. Thanks to Wellpoint’s investment and the work of Grow Arizona, we’re removing barriers and creating opportunities for our youth to grow, connect, and thrive.”
The property, located at 1002 W. Hopi Drive, has been donated for the teen center and the renovation kickoff celebration will be held on-site at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 13, bringing together community members, partners and supporters to mark the beginning of construction and honor the collective efforts driving this transformative project.
“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to creating opportunities for youth across Navajo County,” said Holbrook Mayor and Grow Arizona Co-CEO Kathleen Smith. “We are especially grateful to Wellpoint for their generous support in funding the remodel of the space – turning a former retail space into a vibrant, welcoming place for the teens in our region, and improving an existing business space within the City of Holbrook.”
Wellpoint’s investment is part of its broader commitment to advancing equity and opportunity in underserved communities. The company supports youth-focused programs that provide wraparound services including mental wellness, social-emotional development, and life skills education. This project also aligns with Wellpoint’s belief that investing in youth is a powerful long-term strategy for building healthier, more resilient communities.
The teen center is a true community effort. In addition to Wellpoint’s financial support and the donation of the building by Brian Gardner, and local contractor Arizona State Contracting’s pledge to contribute services at cost to make the vision of the center a reality.
There are also future plans for an adjacent two-story Entrepreneur Center, which will feature a resale shop, an artist consignment space, and two hospitality-training vacation rental units to further expand youth employment and business learning opportunities.
“This effort represents more than just a building,” said Grow Arizona Co-CEO Linda Kor. “It’s a commitment to the young people of Navajo County. We believe this center will shape lives by providing teens with meaningful opportunities to explore new interests, develop real-world skills, and build confidence in themselves and their futures. Through access to art, music, technology, culinary learning, and mentorship, the center will be a place where youth feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow. We can’t wait to open the doors and begin this journey with them.”
About United Way of Northern Arizona: Serving Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties since 1967, UWNA is dedicated to improving lives by mobilizing communities collaborating with partners to create lasting, positive changes with a focus on early childhood development, youth opportunity, and the safety and security of all who call northern Arizona home.
About Wellpoint: An affiliate of Elevance Health, Wellpoint is a provider of a wide variety of health insurance plans that focus on comprehensive solutions encompassing both physical health and the social and behavioral factors that impact it.
About Grow Arizona: Grow Arizona Workforce Network is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering regional workforce development in northeast Arizona. Its mission is to help youth by connecting them with the resources and support they need as they transition into their post-secondary lives.
