About this Event
Together We Thrive: Connections that Support Veteran Recovery
Join us in person for a powerful gathering focused on building meaningful connections that help veterans heal and grow. This event is all about supporting recovery through community, sharing stories, and creating bonds that last. Come meet others who care, learn new ways to offer support, and be part of something bigger. Don’t miss out on this chance to thrive together!
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Sign-in/Registration and Networking
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Opening Ceremony
Info: Presenting Colors by DMAFB Honor Guard, National Anthem by Tiana Haire, and Invocation by Troy Parson.
🕑: 09:15 AM - 09:30 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks with SAVAHCS Peer of the Year Presentation
Info: Peer Specialist of the Year Award presented to Wayne Edmondson
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:20 AM
Tucson Police Department Mental Health Support Team (MHST)
Host: Sgt. Jason Winsky
Info: The Tucson Police Department’s Mental Health Support Team (MHST) is a specialized unit that responds to mental health and substance use crises with early intervention, connects people to treatment, and works to prevent harm while reducing unnecessary arrests and SWAT deployments
🕑: 10:20 AM - 11:10 AM
Connection in Action
Host: Francesca M. Chacon Carreon - Community Engagement
Info: Presenters will explore how meaningful engagement can reduce isolation, strengthen peer connection, encourage healthy routines, and create welcoming pathways into both VA and community-based supports. Veterans, family members, caregivers, staff, and community partners will leave with concrete ideas for connecting Veterans to programs that promote belonging, recreation, learning, and whole-person wellness.
🕑: 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
Community, Connection, Recovery: A Peer Support Specialist Panel
Host: Richard Brown - SAVAHCS Peer Support Specialists (BHIP)
Info: Peer Specialists embody the power of lived experience and connection. Hear from the panel of Peer Specialists how they help Veterans move from isolation to community, and from struggle to recovery.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Stronger Together: SAVAHCS and Community Resource Fair
Info: Connect with SAVAHCS programs, VA services, and community partners dedicated to supporting Veterans and their families. Explore mental health resources, peer support, wellness opportunities, social connections, and practical services that can help strengthen recovery and well-being. Stop by to meet local providers, learn about available support, and discover new pathways to connection.
🕑: 12:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Connect and Play: Interactive Socialization Opportunities
Host: Dungeon and Dragons tabletop role-playing game
Info: Join your peers in an engaging, low-pressure space where you can connect through shared activities. These interactive opportunities are designed to encourage conversation, teamwork, creativity, and a sense of belonging in a welcoming environment. Connect and Play highlights the role that recreation, creativity, and peer connection can have in supporting recovery and well-being. No prior experience is needed—come as you are, try an activity, and connect with others.
Event venue & nearby stays
SAVAHCS Auditorium - Building 4, 3601 S. 6th Ave, Tucson, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.