Arizona’s Children Association receives grant from Child Abuse Prevention License Plate Program

Arizona’s Children Association recently received $30,000 through the Child Abuse Prevention License Plate Program - a partnership between The Arizona Republic, 12 News and the Governor's Office for Children, Youth & Families.

Arizona’s Children Association is one of 22 agencies funded through the Child Abuse Prevention License Plate Program during this year's grant cycle. Arizona’s Children Association provides a broad spectrum of services to children, individuals and families that foster healing and promote emotional well-being. The $30,000 award will assist in funding two of Arizona’s Children Association programs, The Parent Connection and New Directions Institute for Infant Brain Development. The Parent Connection program works to decrease primary risk factors associated with abuse and neglect by teaching new parents how to develop positive attachments with their baby and gain positive parenting skills. New Directions Institute provides free workshops throughout the state for caregivers and parents to learn the state-of-the-art science of early brain development and its practical application in the care of children.

“This grant from the Child Abuse Prevention License Plate Program is a tremendous support to our programs that aim to address the issue of child abuse and neglect at its root,” said Michael W. Coughlin, Arizona’s Children Association president and CEO. “We don’t have to wait for crisis to happen in order to respond, when it is emotionally and financially more productive to prevent crisis situations before they arise.”

More than 25,000 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. This year, $562,005 was distributed, including $185,000 in matching funds from The Arizona Republic Charities and its funding partners: Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, BHHS Legacy Foundation, Arizona Community Foundation and Valley of the Sun United Way.

Of the $25 license plate purchase price, $17 plus the match from The Arizona Republic Charities, goes directly to primary prevention efforts. More than $8 million has been distributed to date.

Centennial Finale Reception honors Funders and Supporters

It’s official! As of May 2012, we are officially 100 years old! A 100th birthday celebration was held last month to close out the year’s centennial festivities. The celebration was held in Tucson, the home of Arizona’s Children Association founding 100 years ago. The event highlighted the work of the agency over the past 100 years with children and families in need across Arizona. The event was also an opportunity to celebrate our commitment to providing a second century of hope to our communities.

Among the highlights of the event, Fletcher J. McCusker, Chairman and CEO of Providence Service Corporation and Snell & Wilmer, LLP, were awarded with “Centennial Legacy” awards for their support for kids and families in Arizona. McCusker was honored for his dedication to providing in-home services in Tucson and across the country. McCusker served as an employee of Arizona’s Children Association beginning in 1967 through the mid-70s and has upheld his commitment to those in need, establishing the national headquarters for Providence in Tucson and continuing to be a leader in community revitalization. Snell & Wilmer, LLP, were honored for their service and commitment to Arizona’s Children Association over the years. Snell & Wilmer’s firm has a history of connection to Arizona’s Children which dates back to 1923. The large majority of work for AzCA has been on a Pro Bono basis, something which Snell & Wilmer believes is an important professional responsibility. While both businesses have evolved in name and services over the years, the continued connection between Snell & Wilmer and Arizona’s Children Association has proved to be an historic Tucson partnership.

In addition, Arizona’s Children staff members who have worked for the agency for 20 years or more were also honored for their commitment to the agency’s work. Among the staff who were able to attend were Dara Dupree, Liz Wong, Marcie Velen, Margie Munoz, and Don Dugdale (who just reached his 40th anniversary!). A special recognition to additional 20 year plus employees who were unable to attend: Mary Lyman, Elizabeth Hardin, Helen Gutierrez, Allan Luther, Donald Miretsky, Mary Hernandez and Robert Lopez.

Throughout the last year, guests at our centennial celebrations around the state have been asked to sign a “Book of Hope” to offer advice that will inspire future generations of children, families, volunteers, staff members, business partners, elected officials, and Board members all working together to continue a legacy of hope for Arizona. The “Book of Hope” has travelled to centennial receptions across Arizona during the last year and will be preserved by The Arizona Historical Society along with other Arizona’s Children Association archives.

A very special thank you to Community Partnership of Southern Arizona, NextGen, Snell & Wilmer LLP, Providence Service Corporation, and CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services, Inc for their support of Arizona’s Children Association centennial events.