activities · 7
what they do
direct service · 6
- Back to School Supply Drive Back-to-School Supply DistributionCollects and distributes backpacks and school supplies for foster youth through an annual Back to School Drive, serving approximately 3,800 children, caregivers, and visitors.
- Community Events and Enrichment Programs Foster Family Enrichment EventsOrganizes large-scale community events such as the Enchanted Island Foster Festival, Train Park Picnic, and Children’s Holiday Party to provide joy, resources, and a sense of belonging to children in foster care. Also provides access to community event tickets for sporting events and cultural experiences.
- Educational Support and Tutoring Youth Workforce Development for Foster AlumniProvides tutoring and educational enrichment programs for children in foster care, often integrated with the mentor program to help with homework and build skills.
- Foster Youth Mentoring ProgramMatches children aged 5-18 in state care with qualified, background-checked volunteer mentors for at least one year, focusing on academic performance, social skills, life skills, and self-esteem. Mentors commit to 8 hours per month.
- Holiday Gift Distribution Foster Youth Gift DistributionDistributes gifts to over 500 foster children annually in December through a Holiday Drive program, and provides birthday gifts and gift cards to foster youth through a Birthday Drive program.
- Supervised Visitation ServicesOperates two visitation centers in Phoenix and Mesa, providing safe, home-like environments for supervised parent-child visits and enabling families to maintain connections. These centers have served over 1,088,000 individuals since 2003.
capacity building · 1
- Community PartnershipsActively cultivates partnerships with other community organizations to expand the range of services and support available for at-risk children and families in foster care.
strategies · 5
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Community Partnerships for Service Expansion partnership_network_expansionThe organization expands its services for at-risk children by actively cultivating partnerships with other community organizations, ensuring the implementation of best practices through collaborative efforts.
- Creating Positive Experiences and NormalcyThe organization addresses the limitations and instability faced by children in foster care by creating meaningful experiences, events, and special programs. These initiatives aim to bring joy, expand horizons, build confidence, foster social connection, and provide a sense of normalcy, belonging, and value.
- Family-Centered Supervised Visitation family-centered visitation modelThe organization facilitates family connection and supports reunification efforts by providing supervised visitation in home-like, supportive environments, which also serves as a strategy to strengthen family bonds and build skills.
- Leveraging Tax Credits for Funding tax_credit_leveragingThe organization utilizes the Arizona Foster Care Tax Credit program as a mechanism to encourage donations, allowing contributors to reduce their state tax bill while supporting children in foster care.
- Mentorship for Foster Youth mentorshipThe organization provides consistent and stable role models for children in foster care by pairing them with adult volunteers who offer guidance, support, and friendship. Mentors are matched based on shared interests and personality, complementing other professional support services.
named programs · 6
what they call their work
Children’s Holiday Party
A festive celebration for children and caregivers with games, crafts, food, music, and holiday fun to create a joyful seasonal experience.
Community Event Tickets
Provides children and families in foster care with access to tickets for sporting events, cultural experiences, and entertainment throughout the year.
Enchanted Island Foster Festival
An annual event where foster families enjoy a full day at Enchanted Island Amusement Park with rides, games, food, and entertainment at no cost.
Mentor Program
Pairs foster youth (ages 5-18 in DCS care within Maricopa County) with caring adult volunteers for consistent support, role modeling, and shared experiences, requiring an 8-hour per month, one-year commitment.
Train Park Picnic
An annual picnic hosted in partnership with the Model Railroading Society, offering children the opportunity to explore model trains, enjoy rides, and engage in hands-on activities.
Visitation Centers
Provides safe, welcoming, and home-like spaces in Phoenix and Mesa for parents and siblings to maintain connection and rebuild relationships when children are removed from their homes.
relationships · 5
who they work with
- Desert Heritage Church Partner — Hosts the Mesa Visitation Center on its premises
- Executive Council Charities Partner — Participating charity in the Executive Council Charities Challenge, receiving 100% of contributions and a 25% matching grant.
- Model Railroading Society Partner — Partners to host the annual Train Park Picnic.
- PayPal Giving Fund Partner — Accepts online tax-credit donations through PayPal Giving Fund, which covers processing fees and distributes funds to the organization.
- Rim Country Arizonans for Children Partner — Organization seeking partnerships with other entities to benefit at-risk children.