LPKNC

01/21/2026

I love my organization and working with our community! Such amazing youth and people.

SOMOS SUNNYSIDE!

We’re joined by Jamal K. Givens, CEO of LPKNC, to talk about empowering youth, strengthening families, and building a healthier, drug-free future for Tucson’s southside communities. 💙 From prevention and mental wellness to community voice and youth leadership, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Listen and subscribe on any of the streaming platforms below! You can also listen to our podcast directly on our website!
🔸 susd12.org/somos-sunnyside/
🔸 Spotify
🔸 Podbean
🔸 Amazon Music
🔸 iHeartRadio

01/19/2026

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of service and community action. At LPKNC, we're inspired by his vision of lifting up our communities together.

This week, consider how you can give back - whether it's volunteering, mentoring a young person, or simply showing up for your neighbors. Our Southside youth thrive when the whole community invests in their future. 💙

01/16/2026

You don't need substances to cope. You need real tools that actually work.

Feeling stressed, anxious, or just off? A lot of us do. Some people turn to w**d to deal with it. Not to party, but to numb out, to escape. And yeah, it might feel like it helps for a minute. But that feeling fades. And the stress? Still there. Sometimes worse.

Using w**d to cope doesn't solve the problem. It just hides it. Over time, it can mess with your mood, your memory, your motivation, and your mental health.

But here's the reality: there are better ways to handle stress. Talk to a friend or a caring adult. Dance, create something, move your body. Take a moment to reset, not to check out.

You don't have to have it all together. You just need a few tools that actually work. LPKNC is here to help you find them.

If you're struggling with stress, anxiety, or substance use, we offer real support with no judgment. You're not alone.

Visit www.lpknc.org to learn more.

01/15/2026

LET’S SERVE FOR SOMETHING BIGGER 🏓🥒🥎

We’re beyond excited (and incredibly grateful) to be the beneficiary of the 3rd Annual Serve for Wellness Pickleball Tournament, presented by sonora.behavioral.health

Every serve, rally, and laugh helps us continue empowering youth and families right here in Southern Tucson.

📅 Feb 27
📍 Corbett’s, Tucson
🏆 Prizes, food, costumes, team name bragging rights & good vibes guaranteed

Show up. Play hard. Give back.
We’ll see you on the court. 💥

01/14/2026

Your support changes lives. 💙

LPKNC is dedicated to keeping Southside youth safe through substance abuse prevention education, mental health resources, and community support. Every donation—big or small—helps us reach more families, provide critical workshops, and empower the next generation of leaders in our community.

How Your Donation Helps:
💙 Support our future leaders through youth empowerment programs
💙 Fund substance abuse prevention workshops in schools and community centers
💙 Provide mental health resources and support for families in need
💙 Expand our reach across the Southside to serve more young people

When you invest in Southside youth, you're investing in the future of our community. These young people are our future leaders, changemakers, and problem-solvers. Together, we can create lasting change.

Will you join us?
Donate today: LPKNC.org

01/13/2026

There’s power in being able to say, “I’m not okay”—and being met with support.

This Black men’s healing space is rooted in trust, openness, and community, offering a place to grow emotionally and support one another.

LPKNC is proud to support these spaces that help build healthier men, families, and communities.

01/12/2026

Fentanyl is in our community, and everyone needs to know the facts. Overdose remains the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18-44, and fentanyl continues to be the primary driver of these deaths.

What You Need to Know:
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that's 50 times stronger than he**in and 100 times stronger than morphine. Just 2 milligrams - the size of a few grains of salt - can be lethal. It's being mixed into counterfeit pills, co***ne, methamphetamine, and other drugs, often without the user knowing. Counterfeit pills that look identical to prescription medications like Xanax, Percocet, and Adderall are increasingly contaminated with deadly doses of fentanyl.

Warning Signs of Overdose:

- Extreme drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Confusion or inability to speak
- Blue or gray lips or fingernails
- Small "pinpoint" pupils

Have the Conversation:

Parents: Talk to your teens early and often. Focus on facts, not fear. Let them know they can come to you without judgment. Remind them that one pill can be deadly - even if their friends have tried it before.

Teens: If you or someone you know is offered pills, remember that counterfeit pills are everywhere and can contain fentanyl. One pill can be deadly. You can always reach out for help - no judgment, just support.

Naloxone (Narcan) Saves Lives:
Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose and is available without a prescription at Arizona pharmacies. Keeping it on hand can save a life. Learn how to use it and where to get it.

LPKNC is here to help Southside families with education, resources, and support. If you need to talk or want more information, reach out to us. You're not alone in this. 💙

01/09/2026

"I don't know what the big deal is..."

Sound familiar? A lot of families feel this way about ma*****na use among teens. After all, many of us experimented when we were younger. So what's changed?

Here's what the research shows:
The ma*****na today is NOT the same. THC levels are 3-4 times higher than they were decades ago, making it significantly more potent and harmful.

The developing brain is at risk. When kids use ma*****na before age 18, 1 in 6 will become addicted. And those who become addicted are 3 times more likely to use he**in or other drugs.

Most youth AREN'T using. Despite what it might seem like, 70% of young adults are not smoking ma*****na. The majority are making healthy choices.
Where are they getting it? Many youth access ma*****na through relatives with medical ma*****na cards. It's closer to home than we think.

Your kids' futures matter. College scholarships, brain development, and lifelong health are all at stake. Prevention starts with education and honest conversations.

Want to learn more or schedule a workshop for your group? Visit www.lpknc.org

01/07/2026

Myth: "Ma*****na is natural, so it's safe."

Fact: Natural doesn't automatically mean safe. Poison ivy, to***co, and arsenic are all natural too, but you shouldn't put them in your body.

Here's what's really going on: today's ma*****na is not the same as it was decades ago. THC levels (the part that gets you high) are 3-4 times higher than they used to be. That means stronger effects on your developing brain.

Your brain is still growing until around age 25. Regular ma*****na use during your teen years can affect memory, learning, decision-making, and mental health.

Just because something comes from a plant doesn't mean it's harmless, especially when it's been modified to be more potent. Know the facts, know the risks, and make informed choices about your future.

Questions about ma*****na or other substances? Visit www.lpknc.org to see how we can help!

01/05/2026

Education empowers change.

LPKNC has reached 28,739 students in the Tucson community through our prevention workshops. From substance abuse education to mental health support, we're equipping young people and families with the tools they need to make informed decisions and build healthier futures.

Our workshops cover:
🔹 Ma*****na, prescription drugs, and alcohol awareness
🔹 Fentanyl dangers and overdose prevention
🔹 Mental health and stress management
🔹 Healthy relationships and boundaries
🔹 Social media safety and cyberbullying prevention
🔹 QPR su***de prevention training
🔹 And more

Available in English and Spanish, our workshops are designed for youth, parents, and community members. Whether you're a school, youth organization, or community group in Tucson's Southside, we're here to bring real education and real support directly to you.

Prevention works when communities come together. Let's keep building stronger, healthier futures for our youth.

Want to schedule a workshop? Visit www.lpknc.org or message us to get started.

01/01/2026

🎉 Happy New Year from LPKNC!
Thank you for being part of our community and for supporting the work we do all year long. We’re looking forward to a hopeful, healthy, and meaningful 2026 with you.

12/31/2025

Thank you to our community for the encouragement, engagement, and care you’ve shown us this year. Every connection matters to us. We appreciate you walking alongside our mission and helping us continue serving with compassion and purpose.

Here’s to another great year ahead!💙