Resources for Wellness
Tara Lynn Tsosie, Oct 22, 2026
Restoring and Celebrating Family Wellness at Phil Thomas Performing Arts Center, Shiprock, NM
Sometimes, the most important part of attending a community wellness event is not just the information we bring, but the conversations we have with the people we meet. These events give us a chance to connect with our community, learn about the challenges families are facing, and share resources that may help someone when they need it most.
Through Navajo Family Voices, we continue to share information about programs and services available to individuals and families throughout the Navajo Nation and surrounding communities. Whether it is help with childcare, behavioral health, family support, domestic violence services, or health insurance, knowing where to turn can make a difference for someone who may not know where to begin.
While attending a wellness event, I had the opportunity to meet a woman who shared how much she enjoys attending these types of conferences. She spoke about how passionate she is about learning about new resources and finding ways to help others. After working for the Navajo Nation for many years, she eventually retired when funding became limited. Even though she is no longer working, her interest in helping people has not changed.
She explained that she enjoys gathering information at these events and sharing what she learns with her family and friends. Sometimes, someone close to her may need help finding a program or service, and having that information already available allows her to point them in the right direction. For her, attending these conferences is about more than just picking up brochures. It is about staying informed and making sure the people around her know that help may be available.
One concern she brought up was the need for more housing resources on the Navajo Nation. She expressed her frustration with the difficulties families experience when trying to find housing, especially families with children who need a safe and stable place to live. She questioned why so many houses sit abandoned or in need of repairs when families are struggling to find somewhere to call home. She also shared her concerns about how people are treated when seeking housing assistance and felt that community members deserve better support and more opportunities.
Her words were a reminder that access to resources is not always as simple as knowing a program exists. People may still face barriers, long waits, limited funding, and other challenges when trying to get the help they need. Housing is one of those basic needs that affects so many other parts of a person’s life, including their health, their children, and their ability to feel secure.
Before we parted ways, she expressed how grateful she was to continue seeing Navajo Family Voices at community events. She appreciated that we take the time to share information about our program and talk with people about the different ways we may be able to help. She wanted us to know that our presence at these events matters and that she is thankful we continue to show up for our people.
That conversation stayed with me because it showed how one person can make a difference simply by sharing what they know. The information she gathers does not stop with her. It reaches her family, her friends, and anyone else who may need a little help finding their way.
As we continue our work, we are reminded that community outreach is about more than handing someone a flyer. It is about listening to people, understanding the challenges they face, and helping them find information that could make a difference in their lives. Sometimes, a conversation is where that support begins.
Our people deserve access to resources, safe housing, and the opportunity to live with dignity. By continuing to share information and connect with one another, we can help make sure families know they are not alone and that there are people willing to listen, share, and help where they can.
Community Resources
The following resources may be helpful to individuals and families seeking support with family services, childcare, behavioral health, healthcare benefits, and other needs.
1. Family Crisis Center — Farmington, NM
Provides support for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence and other family crises.
- Phone: (505) 325-3549
- Email:
- Address: 208 East Apache Street, Farmington, NM 87401
- Website: https://www.familycrisiscenternm.org/
2. Northern Navajo Medical Center — Domestic Violence Prevention Program
Contact: Stacie Litke, MSN, RN
For information about domestic violence prevention services and available support, contact Stacie Litke.
- Phone: (505) 368-7369
- Email:
3. Navajo Nation Department for Child Care and Development
Provides information about childcare programs and services for eligible families.
- Phone: (505) 368-1269
- Email:
- Website: https://ndcfs.org/department-for-child-care-and-development/
4. Family Resource Center — Central Consolidated School District
Provides family resource information and support for community members.
- Phone: (505) 581-1768
- Website: https://centralschools.org/en-US/intercultural-outreach-3ce49763/safety-net-1573fde6/family-resource-center-beef00e4
5. Keep Your Benefits New Mexico
Provides information to help New Mexicans understand and maintain their healthcare coverage and other eligible benefits.
- Phone: 1-800-283-4465
- Website: https://www.hca.nm.gov/keepyourbenefitsnm/
6. Turquoise Care — New Mexico Medicaid
Provides information about New Mexico’s Medicaid managed care program and available health services.
- Phone: 1-800-283-4465 or 1-888-997-2583
- Website: https://www.hca.nm.gov/turquoise-care/
- Online Benefits Portal: https://yes.nm.gov/
7. Navajo Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services — Shiprock
A local resource for individuals seeking behavioral health services and support.
- Phone: (505) 368-1438
- Website: https://www.nndbmhs.org/locations/shiprock/
8. UnitedHealthcare — New Mexico
Provides information about health insurance plans and member services.
- Phone: 1-877-236-0826 (TTY 711)
- Website: https://www.uhc.com/individuals-families/new-mexico
9. San Juan College Partnership
Contact the organization for information about its available programs and services.
- Address: 1515 E. 20th Street, Suite B, Farmington, NM 87401
- Alternate/Mailing Address: 3535 E. 30th Street, Farmington, NM 87402
- Phone: (505) 566-5867
- Email:
A Reminder to Our Community
If you or someone you know needs assistance, reaching out to a local organization can be a good first step. Services and eligibility requirements may vary, so contact each organization directly to learn more about the help available.
Sharing resources is one way we can continue looking out for one another. Whether we are helping a family find childcare, connecting someone with behavioral health services, or listening to a community member who is struggling to find housing, every conversation matters.
Through Navajo Family Voices, we hope to continue building connections, sharing information, and helping our communities find the support they deserve.
