Arizona’s Children Association (AzCA) deeply mourns the tragic loss of life and wellbeing of so many individuals in Israel and Gaza in the occupied Palestinian territory. As violence intensifies and civilian casualties rise following Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel, our AzCA family recognizes the lasting impact on the victims, their families, survivors, local communities, and the international community.

For me, the idea of becoming a mother through adoption started when I was in high school. I took a class on early childhood development where I learned about the impact on a child’s brain when deprived of loving touch. That’s when I read David Pelzer’s book, A Child Called It. I read all of his books and recall being horrified by what he endured at the hands of foster parents. I remember thinking, “I can do better.”

In the wake of yet another mass shooting that took place yesterday in Nashville, the AzCA family is pained by the loss of lives and the impact on the victims’ families, survivors, local community, and nation as a whole. We want to take a moment to let you know that we are here to support you, especially when tragedy strikes. Sometimes it is difficult to speak to children about community violence, while also keeping ourselves regulated. We want to provide you some resources for speaking with your families about this tragic event, and provide information on ways to help them feel safer and more secure… and build hope for a more peaceful, kinder future.

In 2016, Lupe heard that his sister had sponsored two kids to provide holiday gifts for through Arizona’s Children Association (AzCA).

He credits his sister and his friend, Imelda, who is a Director at AzCA, for getting him involved. That was only the beginning.

November is National Adoption Month, and we are grateful for the opportunity to highlight one family’s story. Last fiscal year, AzCA helped facilitate 326 adoptions and placed more than 1,200 children and youth in loving foster homes. Learn more about foster care and adoption with AzCA by attending one of our adoption info sessions or by contacting us.