Mesa, AZ — On Saturday, September 20, 2025, Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) will host the 20th annual CARE: Celebrate the Art of Recovery Expo, Arizona’s leading community event honoring National Recovery Month. The event will run from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church, 15 E 1st Ave in Mesa.
Founded in 2005, CARE has grown into a cornerstone of Arizona’s behavioral health landscape, uniting individuals, families, providers, and advocates to promote recovery, wellness, and hope. This year’s milestone event will celebrate two decades of healing and connection in an open, supportive, and joy-filled atmosphere.
“CARE is joyful by design,” said Natalia Chimbo Andrade, Director of Community Education and Outreach at CBI. “Some people come in from really dark places, but here, they feel seen. They feel welcomed. It’s colorful, it’s diverse, it’s safe.”
CARE is a free, all-ages community gathering dedicated to promoting healing, understanding, and support for individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use challenges. The 2025 celebration will feature:
- A keynote speech by former Phoenix Police Officer, author, and inspirational speaker Jason Schechterle
- A wide array of recovery and wellness resources
- Workshops focused on tools for healing and personal growth
- Activities reflecting the eight dimensions of wellness: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual
- Opportunities for connection, celebration, and storytelling
“You feel the energy the moment you walk in,” said Anne Marie Johnston, Senior Director of Shelters and Outreach at CBI. “It’s like a natural high, the adrenaline, the music, the people who get it. We’re all celebrating each other’s journey.”
The event is presented by Community Bridges, playing a central role in programming, planning, and outreach. As an active participant in National Recovery Month, CBI believes that wellness is essential to recovery and quality of life.
The CARE event was founded by Barbara Brown, a longtime champion of community wellness and recovery support. As a founding figure behind CARE, Barbara has helped to establish CARE as a signature recovery event in Arizona and to ensure CARE remains accessible, inclusive, and compassion-centered.
“It’s an event where we’re giving back. That’s really it,” says Brown. “Let’s give back. Let’s see a light go off in someone’s eyes. I remember a woman saying to me, ‘I’m so glad I came today. It saved my life.’ I got all choked up and I was like, wow, people need to know they’re not alone. That’s a huge part of why we do this.”
Details
- CARE: Celebrate the Art of Recovery
- Saturday, September 20, 2025
- 10:00AM-2:00PM
- First United Methodist Church, 15 E 1st Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210
- www.celebratetheartofrecovery.org
Admission is free. All are welcome. Advance interviews can be set up with CBI leaders by contacting David Leibowitz at 602-317-1414 or by email at david@leibowitzsolo.com.
Mesa, AZ — The Mesa Prevention Alliance – powered by Community Bridges, Inc. through donations by our partners, the Valley business community, and local volunteers – will host its 5th Annual Back-to-School Event on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The event will offer free backpacks filled with essential school supplies for students in grades K-12.
In addition to school supplies, participants will receive free dental and health screenings, haircuts, kids’ activities, community resources, and a surprise visit from beloved Arizona sports mascots. This family-friendly event is open to everyone and aims to help students head back to school feeling prepared and confident.
“It’s wonderful to see the community come together to provide free support, ensuring that the youth in our community feel confident and ready to tackle another school year,” said Natalia Chimbo-Andrade, Director of Community Education & Outreach at Community Bridges, Inc. “Without our generous partners and sponsors, we couldn’t hold such a much-needed event.”
A key feature of this year’s event is the distribution of free refurbished computers for families without access to a reliable computer at home, generously provided by nonprofit partner Compudopt. Pre-registration is required to receive a computer.
Early arrival is strongly encouraged, as supplies and giveaways will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
According to national retail forecasts, parents and guardians are expected to spend an average of $875 per household on back-to-school clothes, shoes, and supplies, or approximately $586 per child. Events like this help alleviate that burden for families facing financial pressure.
For questions, email: communityeducation@cbridges.com
To donate school supplies, contact: nchimbo-andrade@cbridges.com
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About Mesa Prevention Alliance: To Empower the community members of Mesa by promoting health and wellness, and addressing substance use through education, awareness, advocacy, and connection. To learn more, follow the MPA on Facebook and Instagram.
About Community Bridges, Inc.: Founded in 1982, Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) is a statewide leader in integrated behavioral health services. With more than 40 locations across Arizona, CBI offers prevention, treatment, and recovery programs that support individuals and families facing substance use, mental health, and crisis challenges. Our mission is to maintain the dignity of human life by delivering compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers people to build healthier futures and stronger communities. Learn more at www.communitybridgesinc.org.