.png)
Thank you to our friends, family, and community for showing up to commemorate this milestone event! Read NAC's official press release regarding our celebration.
Native American Connections Celebrates its 50th Anniversary: CEO Diana “Dede” Yazzie Devine was also honored on her retirement
Phoenix, Ariz. – Native American Connections (NAC) commemorated 50 years of providing culturally appropriate health, housing and community development services to individuals and families with a celebration at The Phoenix Indian School Visitor Center, on Friday, November 18. At the reception, NAC honored CEO Diana “Dede” Yazzie Devine on the occasion of her retirement from the organization after 43 years of service.
“I have been honored to serve Native American Connections as CEO for 43 of its 50 years. During that time, we have worked hard at changing lives, strengthening families, and building healthy communities throughout Arizona,” said Yazzie Devine. “I’m looking forward to retirement and spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren. I am confident that NAC will continue its tradition of service for another 50 years.”
NAC has grown from a grassroots organization helping Native American men in recovery from substance use disorders to a Native American-operated non-profit that touches the lives of more than 10,000 individuals and families each year with comprehensive behavioral health and integrated medical services, affordable housing, and community-based economic development opportunities.
As CEO, Yazzie Devine has worked to educate the public about the history of the Native American community in Phoenix. During her 43-year tenure, she has helped NAC grow to include more than 1200 units of affordable housing for working families and permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals, impacting countless lives in the urban Native American community.
About Native American Connections
Native American Connections has been healing individuals, changing lives, and strengthening communities since 1972. We integrate Native American healing with evidence-based practices to support health and wellness, provide affordable housing, and champion community development projects. We are a leader in developing, building, and managing advanced behavioral health and state-of-the-art housing communities, and own and operate 21 sites throughout Central Phoenix. Our services are open to all, and we touch the lives of more than 10,000 individuals and families each year.