The agency is proud to announce new members who have recently joined the statewide board of Arizona’s Children Association:

Cedric Wade, financial advisor for CUE Financial Group

Bill Barquin, General Sales Manager, La Campesina 88.3 FM

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"Change for Children" campaign aims to extend statewide. "We're looking for motivated companies or organizations with stores or different outlets to collect funds for Arizona's Children Association," said Richard Couch, AZCA board member and CEO of Reay's Ranch Investors.  Businesses devote at least one month to raising money for AZCA by placing collection canisters in high traffic areas such as check out counters, lunchrooms, etc.  Those who donate $1 or more write their name on a placard that is displayed at the business.  "The campaign is turn key," added Couch. "We've got printed materials, canisters, posters and a guide to setting up the drive.  You will also receive direct support from the AzCA development team.  All you need to do is place the connection canisters on your counters and the funds will come in." Reay's Ranch Investors recently completed its "Change for Children" drive over three weeks in stores in southern and southeastern Arizona and raised more than $54,000.  For more information about conducting a "Change for Children" campaign in your business or organization, contact Miguel Quezada at 800-947-7611, x 1311 or e-mail mquezada@arizonaschildren.org.

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Marcie Velen was recently honored with the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration of Children and Families' national Adoption Excellence Award in the category of individual contributions.  "In her 33 years as a child welfare professional, Marcie has had a profound and lasting impact on the state's child welfare system," said Fred Chaffee, president and CEO of Arizona's Children Association (AzCA).  Marcie is the director of Permanency Planning in the Southern Region of AzCA.

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Child Haven is in desperate need of diapers for young children and families in crisis with no alternative resources.  Diapers of all sizes are needed, but particularly in sizes 3, 4 and 5.  Child Haven is a crisis nursery program that provides short-term housing and care for vulnerable infants and children.  Child Haven also provides diapers, wipes and formula to families in financial crisis. "We work with a lot of parents of young children at a difficult time in their lives," said Virginia Hout, northern regional director.  "No matter what the circumstance of their family, we don't think any babies should have to go without clean diapers."  To donate, contact Virginia via email or call 928.443.1991.

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AzCA and the University of Arizona's Southwest Institute for Research on Women (SIROW) were recently awarded  a $1.2 million Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant to implement a program called "Las Rosas," to expand, enhance and strengthen substance abuse treatment services for girls between the ages of 12 and 17 in Pima County.  The project will take place over the next three years and include a study of residential treatment services, outpatient treatment options, continuing care and community supports.  AzCA will provide treatment services through La Canada, its inpatient substance abuse program and Cornerstone, its intensive outpatient substance abuse program.  To learn more about La Canada, click here.

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The Arizona’s Children Association Work-Scholarship Program helps youth work to their academic potential.  Students enter the program in 7th to 9th grade.  They are assigned to a school-based youth advisor who provides support to help students develop good habits, acquire essential skills and achieve their potential.  The program succeeds because of strong partnerships with all sectors of the community. AzCA began rolling out the program in the Phoenix Unified High School District and will slowly expand across the state. Click here to learn more.

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AzCA in Yavapai County is starting a chapter of Trips for Kids, a national organization dedicated to opening the world of cycling to disadvantaged kids through mountain bike rides and earn-a-bike programs.  The bicycles will be used to help youth in the program gain confidence, reach for their full potential and learn to take care of their environment.  To find out how you can help Trips for Kids at AzCA, click here.

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The Yavapai KARE program was inspired to create the Kindred Spirits program by the stories of many families who have difficulty affording the extracurricular activities of their kin.  The intent of the program is to create opportunities for children in kinship families to experience opportunities and activities that their family may not be able to afford to participate in otherwise, such as team sports, music lessons, camps and after-school activities.   “We would like to be able to help kinship caregivers give their children music lessons, or pay for them to play sports, said regional director Virginia Hout.  “We live in a generous community of donors who we know will help once they know about the need.”   For more information, contact Chris LeBlanc via email or call 800.944.7611 x166.

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Volunteer companies and organizations have a unique opportunity to conduct in-house drives to provide necessary items for children and families in Arizona. AzCA is pleased to offer these unique collection opportunities for groups who are interested in helping the children and families we serve.  Little things can make a big difference!  Click here to learn more.