Arizona Adoption & Foster Care

We have such awesome families

2012-02-21T13:38:00.003-07:00

Look at this amazing cake one of our families made and brought to our training class last night!! We are so grateful for the opportunity to meet such wonderful, committed, caring people. You guys are all amazing and we truly appreciate you and all you do for Arizona's children.

Happy Birthday, Arizona!

2012-02-14T09:53:00.005-07:00

Today our lovely state turns 100! To celebrate, I included some interesting trivia below. Who knew we had official state neckwear? Enjoy!

Arizona is a right-to-work state. The law states no person shall be denied the opportunity to obtain or retain employment because of non-membership in a labor organization.

The Arizona trout is found only in the Arizona.

The saguaro cactus blossom is the official state flower. The white flower blooms on the tips of the saguaro cactus during May and June. The saguaro is the largest American cactus.

Arizona leads the nation in copper production.

Petrified wood is the official state fossil. Most petrified wood comes from the Petrified Forest in northeastern Arizona.

The bola tie is the official state neckwear.

The Palo verde is the official state tree. Its name means green stick and it blooms a brilliant yellow-gold in April or May.

The cactus wren is the official state bird. It grows seven to eight inches long and likes to build nests in the protection of thorny desert plants like the arms of the giant saguaro cactus.

Turquoise is the official state gemstone. The blue-green stone has a somewhat waxy surface and can be found throughout the state.

Arizona is home of the Grand Canyon National Park.

The ringtail is the official state mammal. The ringtail is a small fox-like animal about two and one-half feet long and is a shy, nocturnal creature.

The amount of copper on the roof of the Capitol building is equivalent to 4,800,000 pennies.

Arizona observes Mountain Standard Time on a year round basis. The one exception is the Navajo Nation, located in the northeast corner of the state, which observes the daylight savings time change.

The battleship USS Arizona was named in honor of the state. It was commissioned in 1913 and launched in 1915 from the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

World War II brought many military personnel to train at Luke and Thunderbird fields in Glendale.

The Castilian and Burgundian flags of Spain, the Mexican flag, the Confederate flag, and the flag of the United States have all flown over the land area that has become Arizona.

In 1926, the Southern Pacific Railroad connected Arizona with the eastern states.

The geographic center of Arizona is 55 miles (89 kilometers) southeast of Prescott.

Arizona's most abundant mineral is copper.

Bisbee, located in Tombstone Canyon, is known as the Queen of the Copper Mines. During its mining history the town was the largest city between Saint Louis and San Francisco.

The state's most popular natural wonders include the Grand Canyon, Havasu Canyon, Grand Canyon Caves, Lake Powell/Rainbow Bridge, Petrified Forest/Painted Desert, Monument Valley, Sunset Crater, Meteor Crater, Sedona Oak Creek Canyon, Salt River Canyon, Superstition Mountains, Picacho Peak State Park, Saguaro National Park, Chiricahua National Monument, and the Colorado River.

The Arizona tree frog is the state official amphibian. The frog is actually between three-quarter to two inches long.

Once a rowdy copper mining town, Jerome's population dwindled to as few as 50 people after the mines closed in 1953.

The original London Bridge was shipped stone-by-stone and reconstructed in Lake Havasu City.

The capital of the Navajo Reservation is Window Rock.

The state's precipitation varies. At Flagstaff the annual average is 18.31 inches; Phoenix averages 7.64 inches; and Yuma's annual average is 3.27 inches.

Crops include 2%; pastureland 57%; forests 24%; and other uses are 17% in land-use designation.

The Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake is perhaps the most beautiful of all eleven species of rattlesnakes found in Arizona.

The colors blue and gold are the official state colors.

Located in Fountain Hills is a fountain believed to be the tallest in the world.

Four Corners is noted as the spot in the United States where a person can stand in four states at the same time.

The age of a saguaro cactus is determined by its height.

The Apache trout is considered a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Arizona, among all the states, has the largest percentage of its land set aside and designated as Indian lands.

Rising to a height of 12,643 feet, Mount Humphreys north of Flagstaff is the state's highest mountain.

The Hopi Indians of Arizona are noted for growing their multicolored corn.

Barry Goldwater, a famous public official, senator, and presidential candidate was born in Phoenix.

In 1939 architect Frank Lloyd Wright's studio, Taliesin West, was built near Phoenix.

Oraibi is the oldest Indian settlement in the United States. The Hopis Indians founded it.

Grand Canyon's Flaming Gorge got its name for its blazing red and orange colored, twelve-hundred-foot-high walls.

Grand Canyon's Disaster Falls was named to commemorate the site of a previous explorer's wreck.

Grand Canyon's Marble Canyon got its name from its thousand-foot-thick seam of marble and for its walls eroded to a polished glass finish.

Arizona became the 48th state on February 14, 1912.

The world's largest solar telescope is located at Kitts Peak National Observatory in the city of Sells.

At one time camels were used to transport goods across Arizona.

Between the years 1692 and 1711 Father Eusebio Kino focused on area missionary work. During the time many grain and stock farms began.

A person from Arizona is called an Arizonan.

Phoenix originated in 1866 as a hay camp to supply Camp McDowell.

The famous labor leader, Ceasar Estrada Chavez, was born in Yuma.

Tombstone, Ruby, Gillette, and Gunsight are among the ghost towns scattered throughout the state.

For more fun and trivia, visit: www.50states.com/facts/arizona.htm

Arizona's Safe Haven Law

2012-02-09T12:50:00.006-07:00

With the recent headlines about "baby Kathleen", the newborn baby who was found in the front yard of a Phoenix home on Tuesday, we feel compelled to remind everyone of Arizona's Safe Haven law that states that a person is not guilty of child abuse and will not face criminal charges for leaving an unharmed newborn baby, 72-hours-old or younger, with a Safe Haven provider.

Under Arizona's Safe Haven law, a newborn up to 3 days old can be dropped off at any hospital, fire station or church - no questions asked. Many people don't know about Arizona's Safe Haven law and we ask for your help in spreading this important message.

For more information on Arizona's Safe Haven law, please visit the Arizona Safe Baby Haven Foundation's website: http://www.azsbh.org/

In their own words

2012-01-23T13:44:00.006-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I received an email with a link to this clip on YouTube. The film features children, teens and adults who have all been adopted. Some were adopted as infants, some were older, some were adopted through the foster care system, others were adopted privately and some internationally.

In the video, they each answer questions about their own experiences, challenges they have faced, birth families, adoptive families and more. Each shares their unique story and the special bond they have with their families.

Working in the adoption and foster care industry we are often asked to hear from the perspective of the child. This brief film shares exactly that.

Link to Video: http://bit.ly/zzMJwk

It's tax time!

2012-01-18T11:01:00.007-07:00

I'm sure many of you are starting to work on your 2011 taxes, or are at least thinking about it, and if the adoption tax credit applies to you, please do yourself a favor and invest in an accountant who is well-versed in adoption tax credits. We have received lots of questions about the tax credit and our agency is unable to offer any tax advice however we hope that you will find the information below helpful. Your accountant (who is educated on the adoption tax credit!) will be able to answer questions specific to your situation.

Who Qualifies?

You qualify for the adoption tax credit if you adopted a child and paid out-of-pocket expenses relating to the adoption. The amount of the tax credit you qualify for is directly related to how much money you spent on adoption-related expenses. If you adopt a special needs child, however, you are entitled to claim the full amount of the adoption credit, even if your out-of-pocket expenses are less than the tax credit amount.

How much is the tax credit?
The adoption credit is calculated on Form 8839 Qualified Adoption Expenses (PDF). You may claim an adoption credit of up to $13,360 (for tax year 2011) per eligible child.

Adoption Tax Credit Amounts
2013: $5,000 or $6,000 for a special needs child (projected)

2012: $12,650, non-refundable

2011: $13,360, refundable

2010: $13,170, refundable

2009: $12,150, non-refundable

2008: $11,650, non-refundable

2007: $11,390, non-refundable

2006: $10,960, non-refundable

The adoption credit was scheduled to sunset at the end of 2010. However, the massive health care reform legislation extended and revised the adoption tax credit.

The health care legislation enhanced the adoption tax credit in three ways:

1. It bumped the maximum adoption credit from $12,150 to $13,170.

2. It extended this increased tax credit amount to the year 2011.

3. It made the adoption credit refundable.

The Tax Relief Act extended increased dollar amounts for an additional year, through 2012.
Taxpayers who adopt a special needs child can claim the full amount of the adoption credit without regard to the actual expenses paid in the year the adoption becomes final.

Adoption Tax Credit Resources and Information
Internal Revenue Code Section 23 (Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School)
Adoption Credit (Tax Topic 607 from the IRS)
IRS Audit Guidelines and Required Documentation (from the Internal Revenue Manual)
Revenue Procedure 2010-40 for the year 2011 adoption credit and phase-out amounts.
Revenue Procedure 2011-52 for the year 2012 adoption credit and phase-out amounts.

Refundable Adoption Credit and Substantiation Requirements

Adoption Tax Credit Instructions from the IRS
Adoption Credit
Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN)
Instructions for Form 8839

Urgent Need for New Foster Parents

2012-01-09T11:30:00.005-07:00

With more than 11,000 children currently living in out-of-home care in Arizona, there is a critical need for new foster and adoptive parents. Recent stories of abuse and neglect in our state have drawn attention to this urgent and growing need. A recent article in The Arizona Republic noted the significant gap between the number of new families becoming licensed to provide foster care and the number of families who are closing their homes. Becoming a foster or adoptive parent gives families the opportunity to have a positive, lasting impact on Arizona's most vulnerable children.

Who are the children?
Most children have been removed from their birth families' care due to abuse or neglect; they range in age from birth to 17 years and often consist of sibling groups. They come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and have experienced loss and disappointment. These children all need the same things - love, comittment, patience, consistency, and someone to advocate for them.

Foster Care
Foster families are stable, nurturing individuals or families who, knowing that their time with the children is only temporary, provide them with love and consistency and are there to instill in them the skills they need to meet life's uncertainties. General foster care requirements include fingerprinting, criminal background check, home inspection, physician's statement verifying emotional and physical health, economic stability, 33 hours of training, must be 21 years or older.

Adoption
Adoptive families are committed to providing a permanent loving home where their children can grow and understand what it means to be a family. General adoption requirements include fingerprinting, criminal background check, physician's statement verifying emotional and physical health, economic stability, 36 hours of training, must be 18 years or older.

Arizona Adoption & Foster CareArizona Adoption & Foster Care (AAFC), a project of the Child Crisis Center, is a nonprofit organization that provides parents with exceptional training, child-family matching services, and post-placement support and services. Learn more about becoming a foster or adoptive parent by attending an orientation session.

Learn about how you can make a difference in the life of a child by attending an orientation session or by helping us spread the word about this critical need. Orientations are held in the Family Resource Center (817 N Country Club, Mesa)

Upcoming Sessions:

Jan 10: 6 pm - 8 pm
Jan 21: 10 am - 12 pm
Feb 7: 6 pm - 8 pm
Mar 6: 6 pm - 8 pm
Mar 17: 10 am - 12 pm
Apr 3: 6 pm - 8 pm
May 1: 6 pm - 8 pm

Life Book volunteers needed!

2011-06-06T15:24:00.005-07:00

Photo by Rick d'Elia

Arizonans for Children needs help creating Life Books for children living in out-of-home care. Life Books are scrapbooks that include photos, artwork and other personal items that tell the story of children who are no longer living with their biological parents. The books connect the children to their biological family and early history, promoting a sense of identity and attachment.

Volunteer Job Description:

- 2 hours per week for six months (approximate commitment)

- Must have some time available during regular business hours (M-F, 8-5) in order to conduct the CPS File Research (during the initial phase of the project

- Meet with the case worker to develop a research plan

- Read the child's case file, collect information

- Conduct research:

*Contact previous foster parents, relatives, case workers, etc...

*Collect information, photos, letters, anecdotes, memorabilia

*Meet the child and caretaker

*Access child's memories through his/her storytelling, photos, drawings

* Maintain contact with the case worker and/or therapist regarding issues that arise for the child

- Write narrative
- Create scrapbook
- Attend presentation party
- Work with the program coordinator and case manager to ensure appropriate interaction with the child and meet the child's needs.

If you are interested in learning more about this program or would like to volunteer with the Life Book program, visit www.arizonansforchildren.org/page.php?link=life_book

Sew for Survivors Project

2011-06-01T14:20:00.002-07:00

A special thank you to Donald Smith and all of the amazing volunteers who helped with the Sew for Survivors project. The group donated 80 handmade bags for children and youth in foster care. We are so grateful for the time and effort Donald and his team put into this important project. We appreciate you!

Teen Support Group: You are the author of your own life story

2011-05-24T12:51:00.005-07:00

Jessica Hogan will be leading the teen support group (ages 12 and up) that will be meeting simultaneously with the foster parent support group. The theme for this month will be finding motivation through life's journey. The class will begin by having the kids explore the quote "You are the author of your own life story." They will be watching several video clips of inspirational individuals who have persevered through difficult obstacles. They will also have an open discussion about facts and figures of teens in foster care and how every teen is responsible for their life choices. There will be two teenage girls who have been through foster care who have overcome the adversity in their lives.

Foster Parent and teen support groups are scheduled to meet tomorrow, Wednesday, May 25th from 6-8pm here at the Family Resource Center - 817 N. Country Club. Please email Nikki.Boruch@aafcaz.org if your teen would like to participate or if you have a younger child who needs childcare. No need to register for the parent group - just show up! Hope to see you there!

May is National Foster Care Month

2011-05-16T14:49:00.005-07:00

As most of you probably know, May is National Foster Care Month. This month gives us a chance to shine a positive light on the essential service that foster and adoptive parents provide for the children living in their homes. The love, support and stability that these parents provide to the children whose lives they touch is so important and often goes unrecognized. While the state does provide some financial reimbursement for these parents, the sacrifices they make each day to care for children who have suffered such tremendous loss and disappointment in their lives warrants the appreciation and support of the entire community.

Our program director spoke at a community meeting a few weeks ago and she opened up her presentation by asking how many people in the room had been touched by foster care. She was surprised to find that nearly every hand went up. People began sharing their stories about people they knew who were foster parents, friends they grew up with who were living in foster care, and so on. All shared stories about how vital foster parents are to the communities we live in.

I hope you'll take a moment this month and think about the important role that foster parents play in the community and how much they give in order to make a lasting impact in a child's life. Think about what it really takes to provide a safe, loving family environment to a child at a time when they need it the most. Now, take some time to think about what makes you different from a foster parent? Are you really all that different? The need for new foster homes is greater than ever. Please consider opening your home to one of Arizona's 10,000 children living in out-of-home care. For more information or to find out how you can become a foster or adoptive parent, visit http://www.aafcaz.org/.

Foster Care Support Group - March 23rd

2011-03-14T13:51:00.005-07:00

Our monthly foster parent support group is scheduled for next Wednesday, March 23rd from 6-8pm at the Family Resource Center (817 N. Country Club, Mesa). The support group takes place on the fourth Wednesday of each month and parents of all stages are encouraged to come and participate.

We've received great feedback from the families who have participated. The more experienced parents enjoy sharing insights with other veterans as well as helping the newbies work through a variety of challenges. Newer foster parents have expressed that they take comfort in knowing that they're not alone in this and that other parents understand exactly what they're going through.

In addition to the parent support group, we also offer a teen support group that takes place during the same time. The teen group offers an environment for foster youth to talk about their experiences and connect with other teens living in out-of-home care. Child care for children age 9 years and younger is also available for $1 per child.

Please RSVP by March 16th to Jean Anderson, Jean.Anderson@aafcaz.org or 480.345.9555 to reserve a spot for your child in the teen group or child care. There is no need to RSVP if you are not bringing children. Hope to see you there!

The impact of aging out

2011-02-21T10:47:00.006-07:00

An article was posted on Grist.org today encouraging those who want to raise children or make a lasting impact on a child's life to become foster or adoptive parents. A study released last week tracked hundreds of foster youths ages 17 through 24, was mentioned in the article. The article identifies some sobering statistics about youth who age out of the foster care system and how the vast majority struggle to find housing and jobs and most don't pursue higher education.

- Only 6% of of those surveyed had finished a two- or four-year college degree by age 24, and nearly one-quarter did not have a high school diploma or GED.

- Nearly 60% of the young men had been convicted of a crime.

- Only 48% were working, compared with 72% of their peers who hadn't been in foster care. For those working, the median annual income was just $8,000.

- Nearly 40% had been homeless or had "couch-surfed" since leaving foster care, and three-quarters of the young women had received public assistance in the last year.

The writer challenges readers to think about the impact on our communities, cities, children and our future if those children and teens had found stable, nurturing families before they turned 18. The writer also points out that adoption can and should be viewed as an intentional way to build a family, rather than a "last ditch" choice.

For more information on this study or to read the full article, visit the link below.

http://www.grist.org/article/2011-02-20-family-values-for-population-hawks-adopting-or-fostering-a-child

Play the role of your lifetime...become a foster parent.

2011-02-09T10:07:00.008-07:00

There is a great need for new foster parents in Arizona, particularly families who are willing and able to care for older children and sibling groups. There are nearly 10,000 children living in out-of-home care in Arizona. Our foster care program gives families the opportunity to have a positive, lasting impact on our state's most vulnerable children.

Most children have been removed from their birth families' care due to abuse or neglect; they range in age from birth to 17 years and often consist of sibling groups. They come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and cultures. AAFC's foster families are stable, nurturing adults who, knowing that their time with the children is only temporary, provide them with love and consistency and are there to instill in the children the skills and values they need to meet life's uncertainties.

Arizona Adoption & Foster Care (AAFC) is a nonprofit foster care and adoption agency that provides parents with exceptional training, child-family matching services and post-placement support and services. AAFC serves single and two parent families and has no limitation on religious beliefs, ethnicity or sexual preference.

Learn more by attending one of our upcoming foster care and adoption orientation sessions:

Saturday, 2/19, 10a-12p at 1 Voice Community Center (725 W. Indian School, Phx - 1vcc.org)

Saturday, 2/26, 10a - 12p at the Family Resource Center (817 N. Country Club, Mesa)

Tuesday, 3/1, 6-8p at the Family Resource Center (817 N. Country Club, Mesa)

Orientations are free and there is no need to RSVP.

Visit our website for general requirements and additional information: http://www.aafcaz.org/

Reasons to adopt or foster a teen

2011-01-21T10:35:00.005-07:00

~ No diapers to change! Many of them are even willing to do their own laundry and help with house and yard work.

~ They are NOT typically morning people. No 2am feedings, 4am diaper changes and up to watch Sesame Street at 6am. Everyone gets to sleep in!

~ Teenagers will keep you up to date on the latest fashion trends. Who could pass up a live-in style consultant!

~ They can teach you how to program your IPOD and troubleshoot computer issues.

~ They share more interests with you and you can have meaningful conversations about life goals and dreams for the future.

An argument I often hear about parenting infants and toddlers instead of older children and teens is that they don't want to miss all of the "firsts" in a child's life. Even if you decide to adopt or foster a teen, there will still be plenty of "firsts". First driving trip, first college visit, first time they cook dinner, first crush, prom, graduation, etc... There are so many important firsts that you will get to be an important part of! You may miss the first word, but you'll get to hear the first word they learned in high school Spanish. You may miss the first step, but you'll be there to see the first step in high heels! These are all firsts that no child or teen should have to experience alone.

Most importantly, when you become a parent of a child of any age, life is no longer about you. Ideally, yes, you'd have a child from birth/toddlerhood through adulthood, raised in your home with your values, traditions, and memories, who will grow up to automatically cherish you simply because you are mom or dad. But in reality, there are so many older children and teens who are facing tomorrow knowing that they are completely alone in this world. Desperately latching onto anyone that will pause long enough, or rejecting everyone thinking they can do it alone.

Being a teen is hard enough for those of us who were fortunate enough to have the unconditional support of a family. Now imagine what your teen years would be like if you were alone. No child, regardless of age, should have to live without knowing what it feels like to be a part of a family. None of us are perfect, how can we expect children and teens who have experienced such tremendous grief and disappointment in their short lives to be perfect?

Foster Parent Support Group

2011-01-11T16:33:00.002-07:00

Beginning Wednesday, January 26th, AAFC will be offering a Monthly Foster Parent Support Group that will take place on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The support group will meet at the Family Resource Center located at 817 N. Country Club Drive in Mesa from 6 to 8pm. Experienced foster parents as well as parents who are just beginning the process to become a foster parent are encouraged to come and discuss challenges they are facing and participate in the group. It is our hope that as a group we will be able to encourage one another and give advice to each other. Foster parenting is not a journey that shouls be taken alone.

We plan to have a support group for children over age 10 that will take place at the same time and child care for children under age 10 will also be available. Cost for both is $1 per child.

Please RSVP to Tasia.Grzecka@aafcaz.org or call Tasia at 480.345.9555 with children's names and ages by 1/19/2011 to secure a spot for your child. There is no need to RSVP if you are not bringing children. Hope to see you there!

Snacks and drinks will be provided.

AAFC to offer new monthly adoption support group

2010-11-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

Join us for our monthly adoption support group to families who are at any point in the adoption process (i.e. waiting, placement and pending finalization, fostering-to-adopt, and post-finalization). The group will welcome all adoptive families, and is intended to offer information, resources, support and "a break" to our AAFC Adoption Community. Childcare will be provided by the Family Resource Center's excellent professional childcare staff. We are one another's greatest resource.

Please call Nikki Boruch at 480-345-9555, ext. 476 to register. If you will be utilizing childcare, registration at least one week prior is respectfully requested. Please see this attached fact sheet made available by the National Adoption Council on Adoptable Children: http://www.nacac.org/parentgroups/value.html

We look forward to developing this vital component of a family strengthening adoption community.

Why not start a garden?

2010-10-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

With Spring Break quickly approaching, many of you are probably wondering what you're going to do to keep your child/children busy during the break. Why not start a garden?

Nurturing a plant helps children learn to nurture themselves while teaching responsibility through plant care and building self-esteem through accomplishment. Many parents find gardening an excellent way to spend quality time with their children, teach lessons such as environmental awarneness, the workings of naure, the nutritional benefits of garden-fresh goodies, and have good old-fashioned fun outdoors. Give your child a small spot of their own where they can help create a small garden.

Start with a Small Sunny Spot

It's best to give your child a small sunny spot in a prime location to start. This will allow them more opportunity for success. They can also easily show off their accomplishments to others and be encouraged to continue their newly learned skills. Plants need sun and circulating air to grow the best. For best results, choose a place that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sun each day.

What to Grow...

Visit your local nursery or garden center for advice on which plants will do best in your child's garden. Give your child a choice of several different seeds to plant. This allows your child to feel a sense of ownership in the experience.

Today is the last day to register to vote!

2010-10-04T09:56:00.004-07:00

Today is the last day to register to vote in the November 2nd general election. Voters have until midnight to register. The Secretary of State's Office will host a voter-registration drive from 4:30pm - midnight today in the parking lot west of the Executive Tower at the state Capitol, 1700 W. Washington street in Phoenix.

You can also register online by visiting http://www.azsos.gov/ and click the voter registration bar where you will find answers to frequently asked questions, a list of acceptable identification documents and more.

It's important to note that voters who have moved to a new coutny must reregister to vote. Early voting begins Thursday. Register to vote and take some time to read up on the issues and candidates and talk to your kids about voting!

For information on how you can involve your kids, visit www.kidsvotingaz.org

Family Day - 2010

2010-09-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

Did you know that today is Family Day - a day to eat dinner with your children? Family Day is a national movement to inform parents that the parental engagement fostered during frequent family dinners is an effective tool to help keep America's kids substance free.

CASA's annual teen survey, which this year interviewed 1,055 teens ages 12 - 17 and 456 parents of teens via the Internet. The study shows that 72% of teens indicated that eating dinner often with their parents is very or fairly important, however, only 60% of teens say they eat with their families at least five times a week.

More important than the actual meal is that parents spend time listening and talking to their children. It's about parental engagement. For more on this study and Family Day, visit http://bit.ly/cGGEIZ

Michael Franti - Adoption Story

2010-09-04T10:40:00.000-07:00

I hope all of you will take a moment to watch musician Michael Franti's adoption story. It's a touching story that shows how significant adoption is to a child. I dare you to keep a dry eye while watching this...

http://bit.ly/4u2k39

We Need Your Help

2010-08-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

In recent months, there has been a decline in the number of foster parents being licensed. We are interested in expanding our recruitment efforts in order to draw in high quality candidates to meed the needs of kids in care. There is a great need for foster families who will accommodate sibling groups and who will take older children.

We are asking our current foster parents and friends of AAFC to help us with these efforts as you are one of our greatest resources in recruiting new families. If you are involved with a church, club, or group where there might be individuals or families interested in learning about foster care, please let us know. Someone from our foster care or adoption department will provide information, brochures or a brief presentation on the process, the kids and of course will answer questions.

Please help us spread the word that we are in need of stable, loving foster families who are interested in making a long term impact on the children in Arizona's foster care system and helping them realize their potential.

Thanks for your support.

~ Your friends at AAFC

Helping AAFC's kids start the school year with confidence

2010-07-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who helped with this year's back-to-school drive! We are so grateful for the support we received from the community.

Landmark Restaurant in Mesa hosted a back-to-school drive for us for the 16th year!

We also appreciate the continued support from Mountain View Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee and First Covenant Lutheran Church in Scottsdale! You guys are so good to us.

This year we also received lots of help from Kids Celebrate Magazine, a FREE family and child-focused magazine distributed throughout the southeast Valley. Amaya Hurd, a junior reporter for the publication wrote a wonderful article promoting this year's back-to-school drive that was featured in the June/July issue of the magazine. She also contacted local businesses to help with this years drive. Amaya is an incredible young lady who worked very hard during her summer break to make sure each child living in AAFC's foster homes would be able to start the new school year with a brand new backpack, school supplies and a back-to-school outfit. We've learned that giving a child who has been neglected or abused new clothes and school supplies helps ease the transition into the new school year and helps to build that child's confidence.

Thanks to Amaya, we received support from Portraits by Christina in Gilbert, Art Rocks Studio in Chandler, Horsing Around Toys in Chandler, The Little Gym of Gilbert, and Little Da Vinci in Chandler. Amaya's efforts brought in 40 backpacks filled with supplies and 90 outfits! WOW!!!

We can't thank you enough for all you do for our kids!

Thank you Intel!

2010-07-21T11:51:00.000-07:00

Thank you to our fantastic volunteers from Intel who spend the afternoon shopping for back-to-school clothes for children living in our foster homes. This year, we are happy to say, every foster child served by AAFC was given a new backpack filled with supplies and a brand new outfit. Thank you to all of our wonderful friends in the community for making this possible! We couldn't do it without your support.

Thank You Fourth of July Family Camp Sponsors!

2010-07-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

We are so grateful to those of you who helped us make this year's Fourth of July Family Camp possible.

Thank you to the following individuals, groups and organizations for your support:

Camp sponsors

National Charity League

Arizona Workers Compensation Claims Association

BARD Peripheral Vascular

Melissa Myers, Camelback Retirement Planners

PSCU Financial Services

Carol Krieger, Redeemer Lutheran Church

Welcome bags

Marcia and Ross Reck

Snacks

Frank and Christine Scarpati

S'mores

Eric and Betty Gibson

Sports equipment

Karen Bea

Fireworks show location and planning

Larry Gibson

Fireworks music and entertainment

Aaron Prillaman

Water bottles

Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona

Campership sponsors and additional support

Matt and Cathy Barto

Bob Dauber and Lisa Lundquist

Ruth and Steve Deemer

Tara de Souza and David Lathrop

Mary Louise Hall

National Association of Health Underwriters

Emily Nock

Carol Summersgill, Therma-Tru Doors

Kristin Webber

Lorraine Webber

Camp wouldn't have been possible without your support. Thanks for all you do!

Talking to your kids about drugs

2010-06-28T15:13:00.004-07:00

I just finished reading a great blog entry on the Mom's Like Me website. The piece was written by Karina Bland and addresses the difficulty many parents face when having the "just say no" talk with there kids.

Sadly, only 37 percent of teens in a recent survey by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America said they learned a lot about the risk of drugs from their parents.

Research shows that kids are 50 percent less likely to use drugs if their parents talk with them about the dangers. This is the perfect time of year to have the talk. Marijuana use among teens is highest during summer, and June and July are the months when many kids try pot for the first time. The average age of first drug use is 13.

Take the time to talk to your kids this important summer. Tell them you don't want them to smoke, drink or use drugs and why. Talk about the legal, social and health consequences. If you have a history of addiction in your family, talk about that. Arm them with as much information as possible.

For the full story, visit:

http://phoenix.momslikeme.com/members/JournalActions.aspx?g=247134&m=12680968&source=nletter-MLMNewsletter_Phoenix

Keeping your kids busy this summer

2010-06-24T12:55:00.003-07:00

Who says there's nothing to do in the Phoenix area during the summer? Sure, it's hot outside but there are still lots of fun things that you can do with your children that are entertaining and educational. I found this great article on http://www.azcentral.com/ that offers some great ideas!

Enjoy!

http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/kids/articles/2010/06/10/20100610things-to-do-kids-arizona-summer-events-family-fun-educational.html

Mr. Moms becoming more common

2010-06-20T14:01:00.005-07:00

A coworker of mine came across a great article on CNN.com about Atlanta radio personality Jimmy Baron who describes the events that left him unemployed as a perfect storm. In 2006, after having his pay reduced by 60 percent, he quit and began looking for new work. With the downturn in the economy his job offers dried up.

Baron describes this period as horrendous, emasculating, one of the worst in his life. Baron finally got the offer he was looking for late last year but on his first day back in the workforce, he realized there was a downside to the new job -- he hadn't been in the house when his son woke up, and he missed his role as Mr. Mom.

Fathers are the primary caregivers for about a quarter of the nation's 11.2 million preschoolers whose mothers work, according to the US Census Bureau. Some men are leaving the work force by choice. An estimated 158,000 married fathers with children younger than 15 left the labor force for at least a year to care for their family while their wives went to work, according to a Census Bureau report based on data from last year.

To learn more about this trend and Jimmy Baron's story, visit the link below:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/wayoflife/06/18/mr.moms/index.html

The Dinner Garden - One Mom's Inspiring Idea

2010-05-27T16:08:00.005-07:00

Photos courtesy of www.thedinnergarden.org

A coworker of mine recently pointed out an article that is included in this month's issue of Redbook magazine. The article features one mom's story that I found so inspring. In 2008 Holly Hirshberg, a 38-year-old mom in Texas and her husband started The Dinner Garden, a nonprofit organization working to end hunger in the united States through home and community gardening.

The idea for the organization came about eight years ago when Holly and her husband adopted their son, Sam, now 18, and Daughter, Jacqui, 17, from foster care. "They'd never had enough to eat," Holly says of their childhoods. "I wanted to give them a sense of security and teach them that if you grown your own food, you won't go hungry."

The organization's goal is to help create one garden for every six people living in our country. You provide the dirt and water and The Dinner Garden wil provide the seeds! The Dinner Garden's website features a planting guide, seed saving tips, general gardening tips, inspirational stories and more!

Since beginning their mission in early 2009, The Dinner Garden has provided seeds to over 48,000 families and over 120 community gardens and have reached all 50 states! Way to go, Holly!

Redbook Magazine Article:

http://www.redbookmag.com/health-wellness/advice/feed-the-hungry

The Dinner Garden Website:

http://www.dinnergarden.org/

what's in a name?

2010-05-10T12:28:00.003-07:00

There was a wonderful article in yesterday's NY Times that I think you'll enjoy. The article is titled What's in a Name? A Lot, as It Turns Out is about a young man's journey to choose a name for himself.

The young man featured in the article is a cartoonist who spent 19 years of his life named Baby Boy Pauson. His journey is an interesting one that is worth a read. Enjoy!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/10/us/10name.html

May is National Foster Care Month

2010-05-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

May marks the return of National Foster Care Month, a time when people across the country focus their attention on the on-going needs of children and teens in foster care. There are nearly 10,000 children in Arizona who are living in out-of-home care because their own families are unable to care for them. National Foster Care Month seeks to address the magnitude and urgency of this important issue, and motivate the country to respond, whether that's by making a lasting impact on a young person's life by becoming a foster parent, becoming a mentor for a child in foster care, or by organizing a donation drive for an agency in your area.

This May we would like to recognize the thousands of dedicated foster families and other caring individuals and organizations who are already supporting these young people. For more information on how you can help make a difference in the lives of Arizona's children, visit our website (http://www.aafcaz.org/) or call 480.345.9555.

For more information on Foster Care Month visit:

http://www.fostercaremonth.org/Pages/default.aspx

Should you change your adopted child's name?

2010-04-14T14:16:00.000-07:00

Children who are adopted have a deep need for a sense of connection. Adoption experts Drs. Brodzinsky and Schechter state in their best-selling book Being Adopted: The Lifelong Search for Self that an adoptee's need for connection can be compared to a starving man's need for food.

Because the adoptee's connection with the birth parents was severed at birth, or later, there is a deep need to feel a sense of connection to them. Should an adoptee's name be changed? Many adoption experts and therapists believe it should be preserved and honored. It is the link to the past portion of an adopted child's identity.

To wipe it out would be one more loss for the child. Changing an adopted child's name will likely cast an unfavorable light on the birth family, instead of honoring them and sends the message to the child that their past is something to be ashamed of, covered up or forgotten. Honor your child for who they are and cherish every bit of them by preserving who they are and who they were before they came to you.

Beauty is deceiving

2010-03-30T10:06:00.004-07:00

If your child is overly concerned about his or her looks, make sure you emphasize what's really important - the beauty of their soul. As this video (created by Dove) shows, much of what our culture defines as beauty is manufactured. Teach your child to focus on what lasts forever - a beautiful soul.

Your words will contrast those of our culture's "only-skin-deep" propaganda. Share this video with your children and ask them what they think about it. I particularly like the end when the two girls are walking in front of the billboard. How symbolic!

Remember to celebrate your child's uniqueness and teach them to love themselves for who they are. The best way to teach a child is through modeling so make sure you're doing the same for yourself.

Link to video:

http://www.allprodad.com/page.php?id=193

URGENT: Make your voice heard!

2010-03-15T10:09:00.005-07:00

The House of Representatives - almost entirely along party lines - passed all 15 special session budget bills. Unfortunately, virtually all of the budget cuts to children and families are set to become law. There is still time for legislators to withdraw their attack on First Things First funding for young children - which comes from a dedicated tobacco tax and does not affect the budget deficit at all.

If you agree that First Things First is valuable to kids and families, please let your representative know! The vote for SCR 2001 (a resolution to raid early childhood funds) will be taking place TODAY at 1pm. Make your voice heard!

Visit the link below for more information.

https://secure3.convio.net/voices/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=1989&autologin=true&JServSessionIdr004=yvy7iahqo2.app332b

Keeping your kids safe online

2010-02-24T12:31:00.008-07:00

Below are 10 tips to help you keep your kids safe on social networking websites.

1. Know the password to your child's page.

2. Customize your child's privacy settings to make their profile safer.

3. Visit your child's page regularly to monitor their activity.

4. Create an account on the same social networking sites as your children and add your child as a "friend"

5. Tell your children not to add strangers as friends.

6. Set a time limit for social networking sites.

7. Keep your computer in a common area of your home, such asthe living room, where it will always be in view.

8. Teach your children not to share their personal information (address, phone number, etc...) with anyone.

9. Ask your children to tell you immediately if they see anything or are contacted by anyone that makes them uncomfortable. It is your job to take action immediately by blocking the user and reporting the material.

10. Discuss these guidelines with your children. Determine the consequence broken rules such as setting a probationary period or deleting their account until they earn back your trust.

Here is a link to an excellent guide to help you talk to your children about internet safety.

http://www.onguardonline.gov/pdf/tec04.pdf

MyChild'sReady update

2010-02-22T10:14:00.004-07:00

If you agree that our new MyChild'sReady program, which is funded by First Things First, is valuable to kids and families, please let Rep. Crandall know. HCR 2050 is a bill that would ask voters to alter the tobacco tax funding for First Things First that was passed by voters at the ballot in 2006. This bill is being heard on Monday, February 22, at 2pm in the House Education Committee. Representative Richard Crandall from Mesa is the prime sponsor of the bill and teh Chair of the Committee.

If HCR 2050 is passed by the House and the Sentate, it would put proposed changes on the 2010 general election ballot in November. The proposed changes to First Things First include:

Click on the following link to learn more about HCR 2050:

https://secure3.convio.net/voices/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=1927&autologin=true&JServSessionIdr004=rhvu3akxx2.app333b

For more information on MyChild'sReady, please visit the following link: http://www.childcrisis.org/mychildsready/

Helen's Hope Chest

2010-02-02T15:13:00.005-07:00

Mesa United Way started collecting new and used clothing for children in foster care after state budget cuts reduced the clothing allowance down to roughly $12 per month last March.

Helen's Hope Chest helps to alleviate some of the financial strain many foster families face when caring for Arizona's most vulnerable children by providing children with basic needs including clothing, baby items, school supplies, hygiene products and basic household items. This project was named in honor of Helen Paula Simmons, 78, a former foster child who managed to raise a family of her own despite difficult circumstances.

Helen passed away in June 2009. Helen's Hope Chest honors her memory with a place where children in foster care will have their own "store" where they can pick out whatever they need at no cost.

Thanks to the generosity of the City of Mesa, Helen's Hope Chest has a home located at 415 N. Pasadena in Mesa. This building has 16 different rooms. Each room will accommodate the basic needs of infants, toddlers, children, teens and young adults.

Rooms will also be dedicated to toys and gifts for special occasions, sports equipment, school uniforms and supplies, and basic toiletries.

For more information on how to donate, or for information on holding a drive for Helen's Hope Chest, please email or call Janine at hhc@mesaunitedway.org or (480) 969-8601.

AAFC Teen Featured on ABC15 News!

2010-01-29T11:07:00.003-07:00

AAFC teen Kei Harris was featured on ABC15 News Wednesday evening for his High School Rudy Award Nomination. Kei is a semifinalist for this national award which recognizes athletes across the country for their academic and athletic accomplishments as well as their ability to inspire others. Kei grew up in an abusive household and has been living in foster care since he was 10. He is an inspiration to his younger siblings and his classmates at La Joya Community High School in Avondale.

To view the ABC15 News feature and read the article, please click on the link below.

http://bit.ly/abc15kei

Don't forget to vote for Kei Harris! Voting ends on January 31, 2010. You and your friends can vote as many times as you'd like by clicking the link below.

http://www.highschoolrudyawards.com/Nominees/222/nominee.aspx?pid=222

Sewing project to help Arizona foster kids gets overwhelming response!

2010-01-14T09:53:00.003-07:00

Adriane Grimaldi, a foster parent with AAFC, was saddened to see her foster children arrive with their belongings in black trash bags and decided to do something about it. She was concerned about what message this might be sending to children to have their things put in trash bags and felt it was "just wrong."

A couple of years ago she began to recruit others who would like to make duffle bags for CPS to put the children's belongings in when they moved into care.

Today, over 3,000 homemade duffle bags have been donated. Adriane then distributes these to CPS offices, licensing agencies, and AAFC to give to children. Adriane was honored at the 7th Annual Children Need Homes Recognition event where she received an award for her commitment to her project and for making a difference in the lives of so many foster children. All of us at Arizona Adoption & Foster Care are grateful for Adriane's work and her dedication to Arizona's foster children.

If you are interested in helping with this Sewing Project to Help Foster Kids, please contact Adriane at (480) 423-3590 or sewingproject@cox.net

Kei Harris, High School Rudy Awards Semifinalist

2010-01-07T15:33:00.005-07:00

Trusted Sports' search for the nation's most inspiring high chool football player has been narrowed down to 30 semifinalists from 22 states and our own Kei Harris, a teen living in one of our foster homes, was recently recognized as one of 30 national semifinalists! A $10,000 academic scholarship and the inagural RUDY Award goes to the winner with $5,000 scholarships going to each runner-up.

The High School Football RUDY Awards, established by Trusted Sports and Daniel 'Rudy' Ruettiger, honor student-athletes who most completely represent the 'Rudy' on their team...someone whose courage and commitment inspires others to excellence. These same traits were immortalized in the blockbuster film 'Rudy', starring Sean Astin and Jon Favreau. To connect with the 30 semifinalists' exciting life stories and vote for our hometown favorite, Kei Harris, visit the link below. Please share this with your friends and family and ask them to vote often before the January 31st deadline!

http://www.highschoolrudyawards.com/Nominees/222/Kei_Harris.aspx

New Year's Resolution

2010-01-06T15:48:00.003-07:00

Make it your New Year's Resolution to read to your children every night. Reading helps children to develop vital language skills, social skills, and a healthy imagination. According to the U.S. Department of Education, if you read to your child from infancy until age five for 30 minutes each day, you will have read to your child for 900 hours!

Reading to your children is a great way to strengthen your relationship and will quickly become something your child looks forward to. The following tips and suggestions will help you get started on that important road to reading with your child:

Be an example. Let your child see you reading every day.

Read together. Spend time together reading books and discussing what you've read.

Let your child read to you. Choose an age-appropriate book together and let your child read to you.

Only a generation of readers wll span a generation of writers. --Steven Spielberg

AAFC appreciates the support of the community this holiday season!

2009-12-21T11:49:00.005-07:00

We appreciate all of the support we've reveived this season from community groups, churches, organizations and families who have helped our families and children in need through our Adopt-a-Family program, teen shopping event, Hoilday Wish Tree program, volunteering, and those who have sponsored individual children during their time in need. You truly have helped to make the holidays a much brighter time for the children and families we serve and we can't thank you enough! Happy Holidays!!!

Thank you, Target!!

2009-12-16T15:37:00.002-07:00

A special thank you to Target's executive team member volunteers who spent the afternoon with us organizing and wrapping clothes and toys for our kids. You guys truly made a difference and we can't thank you enough for your support. Thanks for making the holidays a much brighter time for our children living in foster care.

Thank you National Council of Jewish Women, Arizona Section

2009-12-07T12:07:00.003-07:00

Lynn Schmelzer, President, National Council of Jewish Women, Arizona Section, Irene Magerman, Cheri LeMeiux

We would like to extend a warm thank you to the National Council of Jewish Women, Arizona Section for their time and dedication to Arizona Adoption & Foster Care. They spent last Thursday afternoon helping our staff prepare for the holiday picnic which took place Saturday at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler. The volunteers from NCJW helped us package raffle items for the event and they did a beautiful job! Thank you NCJW!!!

Allie's Story

2009-12-03T11:27:00.004-07:00

Children living away from their biological families often spend many hours wondering where they belong. Thanks to your support, children like Allie have answers and bright futures.

You can click on the link below to read Allie's life book and learn about how the Child Crisis Center's programs help build happy memories.

Make a difference in the lives of the children of Arizona Adoption & Foster Care and the Child Crisis Center and earn Arizona tax credit! Donations up to $200 (filing single) or up to $400 (married, filing jointly) can be made directly to AAFC. Thank you for your support! Tax ID #86-0407090

http://www.childcrisis.org/images/new/ar09.pdf

Thank you Desert Palm Church!

2009-12-01T09:24:00.005-07:00

The holidays can be especially tough for children living our foster & adoptive homes, who often face the season without parents, siblings or other relatives. Donations from the community help make the holiday season brighter for our kids.

We truly appreciate all of the support we receive from groups like Desert Palm United Church of Christ in Tempe for their continued support. Last week we filled our agency van with toys for the kids living in our foster homes. The support of the community makes it possible for our agency to make sure every child living in our foster homes receives a shiny new toy or bright new outfit this holiday season.

AAFC Halloween Party

2009-11-05T18:07:00.003-07:00

A special thanks to everyone who worked so hard to help make AAFC's Halloween party such a huge success!!! Many of our families and kids said it was the best ever!

We'd like to thank Desert Palm United Church of Christ and the girl scouts for all of the wonderful cakes, Patty Hornbeck and Keller Williams Arizona Realty for providing the food, craft projects, games, decorations and volunteers, the Ahwatukee Foothills Chapter of the National Charity League for all of their hard work volunteering at the event, Sprouts Farmers Market for donating pumpkins and bags, Dollar Days for all of the fun prizes and treats for the kids, and of course, all of our wonderful foster and adoptive families for attending. We couldn't have done it without all of you and your hard work!

Macy's Shop For A Cause

2009-10-13T16:21:00.002-07:00

Since 2006, Macy’s Shop For A Cause Event has partnered with non-profit organizations nationwide to raise more than $28 million for their ongoing charitable efforts. This is your chance to be part of this monumental eventon Saturday, October 17, 2009.

Shop For A Cause gives you the opportunity to help the Child Crisis Center by purchasing a $5 Shopping Pass* for exclusive savings and special offers in every Macy’s store on Saturday, October 17th. As a participating charity we keep 100% of the proceeds from the sale of each pass. Plus, you can enter to win a $500 Macy’s Gift Card!Come together with Macy’s and us, and while you’re out enjoy a day of shopping and great savings, you’ll be helping our community at the same time.*Some exclusions apply.

For more information or to purchase a shopping pass, call contact Pam Godfrey at 480-969-2308 or pamela.godfrey@childcrisis.org

http://www.macysinc.com/shopforacause/

National Council of Jewish Women helped us get organized!

2009-10-12T13:47:00.005-07:00

Marcia Reck, AAFC's program director, Marian Barchilon, Lynn Schmelzer - president, Sylvia Ulan and of the National Council of Jewish Women - Arizona Section donate their time to AAFC.

All of us at AAFC would like to thank Lynn Schmelzer, Sylvia Ulan and Marian Barchilon of the the National Council of Jewish Women - Arizona Section for spending the afternoon with us. They did an incredible job organizing our toy and clothing donation center and puting our training materials together.

National Adoption Day 2009

2009-10-08T17:53:00.002-07:00

November is National Awareness Adoption Month. A time to be thankful for the joys adoption has brought to countless families and mindful of the many children in this country still waiting for families to call their own. If you or someone you know has been fortunate enough to build a family through adoption, now is the perfect time to celebrate.

Last year, Phoenix ranked number one in the nation for the most adoptions finalized on National Adoption Day. National Adoption Day is a collective national effort to raise awareness of the 129,000 children in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families.

This one day has made the dreams of thousands of children come true by working with policymakers, practitioners and advocates to finalize adoptions and find permanent, loving homes for children in foster care. In total, more than 25,000 children have been adopted from foster care on National Adoption Day.

This year 225 children’s adoptions are expected to be finalized in Phoenix alone! Join the celebration on Saturday, November 21st from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Juvenile Court Center Durango Facility. This year’s event will include entertainment, activities for children and families, a picnic and much more!

The need for new foster and adoptive parents is greater than ever. For more information on how you can become a foster or adoptive parent, visit our website http://www.aafcaz.org/ or call us 480.345.9555. Play the role of your lifetime…become a foster or adoptive parent.

Ways to make a difference this holiday season

2009-09-28T16:25:00.004-07:00

Toys collected by Bard Peripheral Vascular in Tempe

‘Tis the season to start thinking about giving back. Please consider hosting a toy, clothing or gift card drive this holiday season. The holidays can be a tough time for children living in foster care who often face the holidays without parents, siblings or other relatives. Your donations will help make the season a brighter time for these children by making sure they have new toys and clothes – things every child deserves. For more information on how you can help, please contact Katie Reck, katie.reck@aafcaz.org or 480.345.9555.

Holiday Wish Tree
We are looking for local businesses, churches and community groups to display a holiday wish tree. You provide the tree and we’ll provide the gift tags complete with a child’s name, age, gender, clothing size and holiday wish.

Teen Shopping Event
This is one of our favorite events of the year. We are in need of individuals, businesses and community groups to sponsor a teen for the holidays. Teens will be given a $100 gift card to Target to shop for their birth family, siblings, foster family or anyone else they choose. For many of our teens, this is the first time that will have the opportunity to buy a gift for someone they care about. Please consider sponsoring one of our teens for $100.

Adopt-a-Family Program
Help make the holidays a brighter time for our families in need. We are looking for local businesses, community groups and church groups to adopt foster families in need for the holidays. This wonderful program has grown tremendously due to the current state of the economy and the rise in joblessness. Groups interested in this program will be paired with a foster family who doesn’t have the financial means to celebrate the holidays without assistance. You will be given a wish list and it is up to you how you’d like to help the family. Some groups have decorated homes with Christmas lights, decorated trees and cooked Christmas dinners while other groups have decided to anonymously provide the families with gifts from their wish list. Families included in this program are truly grateful for the generous support of the community.

Holiday Clothing, Toy and Gift Card Drives
Another great way to give back is to organize a holiday clothing, toy or gift card drive at your office, church or with a community group. Collect toys, clothes and/or gift cards for children in need, just be sure to bring them to AAFC (or arrange for a pick-up) by Monday, December 14th.

Greatest parenting tips ever - from CNN.com

2009-09-17T16:43:00.003-07:00

Follow the link below to an entertaining parenting article I stumbled on at CNN.com. This article is fun to read and also offers some great parenting advice. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

http://bit.ly/parentingtips

If you have advice or tips of your own that you'd like to share, please add them to this post!

Laughter - a great way to reduce stress

2009-09-09T12:37:00.004-07:00

We all need humor and play in our lives. It connects us, lightens our burdens and keeps things in perspective. A hearty laugh makes us feel good, even after the laughter stops. Humor helps relieve stress. It reduces tension and makes us more relaxed in our personal and professional lives.

• Learn to laugh at yourself. Humor reminds us it's okay to be human. Laughter keeps us from taking ourselves too seriously. If we can live with and laugh at our own flaws, we can reduce the stress of not always meeting our own expectations.

• Laugh together. Nothing in this world is perfect; including co-workers, family, and friends. Sharing the humor that often comes from imperfections binds us closer together instead of separating us.

• Use humor wisely. Let humor help you share openly and talk about feelings and problems, but don't let it prevent you from dealing with important issues in your life. Don't use humor to embarrass or hurt people.

• Add humor to your everyday life. Take time to laugh each day. Read or tell jokes, listen to a funny CD, rent a funny movie or reminisce about funny memories. If you hear a joke you like, write it down and tell it to someone else. Start looking for the silly or funny things that go on around you.

Remember to take some time each day to laugh with those around you and you'll find the stress just melts away.

From UNL Keeping Families First

Child abuse prevention license plates

2009-08-17T11:25:00.003-07:00

More than 30,000 of the blue “It shouldn’t hurt to be a child” license plates are on the road today, making it the most popular specialty plate in Arizona. Of the $25 license plate purchase price, $17 plus the match from The Arizona Republic Charities, goes directly to primary prevention efforts – including the Child Crisis Center! More than $6.3 million has been distributed to date. Child Abuse Prevention Plates can be purchased at www.servicearizona.com

A special thanks...

2009-08-13T09:07:00.004-07:00

A special thanks to Sandi O'Connor and her coworkers Calvin Raup, Renee Schranz, Barb Dolinar and Jean Cooper for helping us bring our idea for a family pool party to life! We truly couldn't have done this without your support. Your generous donation helped us bring nearly 200 people together for a wonderful afternoon at Hamilton Aquatic Center in Chandler. Families had a chance to reconnect with each other during this relaxing event. We can't thank you enough for your support.

Families had a blast at our end of summer pool party

2009-08-10T11:15:00.006-07:00

Thanks to all of our wonderful families, volunteers and staff who joined us for the So Long To Summer Family Pool Party at Hamilton Aquatic Center in Chandler on Sunday. Our staff, families and volunteers all had a wonderful time on the water slides, lazy river, whirpool and the zero depth play area. A special thanks to the Ahwatukee Foothills Chapter of the National Charity League for providing treats and for volunteering at the event. We truly couldn't have done it without your help!

Foster-care cuts put strain on parents trying to help

2009-08-04T09:42:00.003-07:00

Photo by David Wallace/The Arizona Republic

The Mumford family (clockwise from top left), Doug, Cayli, Miley, a foster child who is not being identified and Alicia, say a prayer before dinner.

As the Legislature’s struggle to repair the budget deficit enters its eighth month, the Mumford family, like many other Arizona foster families, is struggling to make ends meet. In March, the state cut foster care reimbursements by 20 percent in an effort to help balance the budget. As a result, foster parents statewide are taking on more of the financial responsibility in order to continue providing safe, loving homes for their foster children.

For the Mumfords, the cuts translate into a tougher time buying school clothes and lunches for their children, among other challenges.

Foster-care cuts put strain on parents trying to help

Shared via AddThis

So long to summer family pool party

2009-08-03T14:04:00.006-07:00

I wanted to remind everyone about our family pool party coming up on Sunday!

DATE: Sunday, August 9, 2009

TIME: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Hamilton Aquatic Center
3838 S. Arizona Avenue, in Chandler
NW Corner of Arizona Avenue and Ocotillo Road

RSVP: Nichol Quinn, Nichol.Quinn@aafcaz.org or 480.345.9555
Enjoy a fun afternoon with AAFC families and staff at Hamilton pool.

This end-of-summer gathering is FREE and open to AAFC families and other individuals/families interested in learning more about foster care and adoption.
Bring your bathing suits, towels and plenty of sun block.
We hope to see you there!

'Children Matter' campaign sponsored by the East Valley Tribune and Mesa United Way

2009-07-29T08:05:00.004-07:00

This is a great story about one of AAFC's wonderful foster and adoptive families who has touched the lives of so many children. The article was printed in today's East Valley Tribune.

'Children Matter' campaign would help family

http://http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/142247

Arizona budget cuts puts strain on foster families

2009-07-28T15:04:00.001-07:00

Here's a link to a great article featuring one of our foster families. Thanks for all you do, Laura!

Arizona budget cuts puts strain on foster families

Shared via AddThis

A life book is a child's story

2009-07-22T09:04:00.002-07:00

When children enter the foster care system, they leave behind everything they know, everything familiar- their home, their routine, their school, teachers, friends, family…everything. Imagine how difficult it must be for a child to lose nearly every connection he/she has, not once but possibly many times over as children move in and out of multiple foster homes. This is the very reason why a life book is so important to foster and adopted children. Life books give children and teens in foster and adoptive homes a connection to who they are and where they came from. Life books give them a sense of ownership. Simply put, a life book is a child’s story.

I’ve included a link to a wonderful New York Times article about the impact life books can have on a child’s life. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/19/nyregion/19life.html

To learn how you can make a life book for your foster or adopted child, visit http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fewhours/foster-care.htm

Thanks for helping us outfit our kids for the new school year

2009-07-16T16:26:00.003-07:00

All of us at AAFC would like to thank Landmark Restaurant, Mountain View Lutheran Church and New Covenant Lutheran Church for hosting back-to-school drives for children and teens living in our foster homes. This is the 15th year that Landmark Restaurant has hosted a back-to-school drive for our agency! Thank you for making the start of the school year an easier time for our kids.

So long to summer family pool party

2009-07-14T11:41:00.005-07:00

Say so long to summer with other great families at the AAFC family pool party. This event is FREE and open to AAFC families and other individuals and families interested in learning more about foster care and adoption. Bring your swimsuits, towels, and plenty of sunscreen. We hope to see you there!

Sunday, August 9, 2009 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Hamilton Aquatic Center
3838 S. Arizona Ave. in Chandler
NW corner of Arizona Ave. and Ocotillo Rd.
RSVP to Nichol Quinn 480.345.9555.

FOX Sports Arizona helps spread the word about our clothing drive

2009-07-07T11:31:00.006-07:00

The start of the school year can be a rough time for children in foster care and the excitement of putting on a new outfit can help ease the transition and build a child's confidence. Thanks to FOX Sports Arizona and their generous viewers, many of our kids will have brand new outfits to wear on the first day of school. Thanks for showing our kids how special they are!