Arizona’s Children Association donates historical archive

Arizona’s Children Association recently donated a significant collection of historical materials to the Arizona Historical Society to increase accessibility of the information while ensuring ongoing preservation of the materials.

Arizona’s Children Association was founded in Tucson, in 1912, as a receiving Home for the dependent and neglected children of Arizona. The agency has grown tremendously over the years to provide a diversity of services now available within each county of Arizona. Their story is a testament to the people of Arizona who have remained committed to providing hope for children and families.

The bulk of the collection contains materials from 1915 – 1960 and includes early newsletters, Board minutes, business correspondence, accounting journals, a treasure trove of photographs and scrapbooks as well as the memoir of one of the original founders, Minnie Tevis Davenport. The oldest document in this collection is a scrapbook, from 1915, containing newspaper clippings from “opening day.” The donation does not contain case records or adoption information.

“We are very fortunate that our agency’s founders and early leadership had the foresight to preserve so many original materials,” said Arizona’s Children Association’s President and CEO Fred Chaffee. “As we celebrate our ‘First Century of Hope,’ we are also looking forward to the future and we recognize that it is our responsibility to ensure that these materials are protected and remain accessible for generations to come.”

The Arizona Historical Society Library and Archives’ actively collects and preserves materials that chronicle the history of Arizona. The story of Arizona’s Children provides a rare insight into the development of child welfare across Arizona.

“We are thankful to the Arizona Historical Society for their support of Arizona’s Children Association,” added Fred Chaffee. “Our agency has a proud and interesting history that will now be preserved as a significant part of the state’s history.”

To learn more about the history of Arizona's Children, visit www.arizonaschildren.org and click on AzCA Centennial.

Discover How Infants and Toddlers Learn

Why are the years from birth to 5 years old so important?

How does a child learn?

Parents and caregivers often struggle to understand the best choices for their child when there are so many products for sale that promise drastic changes in your child’s development.

These are the kinds of questions that New Directions Institute for Infant Brain Development (NDI) answers so that parents and caregivers can help children develop healthy brains. This information is provided in Wired for Success® Workshops that are provided free of charge at locations all over the state.

Wired for Success® explores brain development with a special focus on Security, Touch, Eyes (vision), Play, and Sound, the five key components of NDI's S.T.E.P.S. to Early Brain Development® curriculum. This workshop addresses new and cutting-edge developments in neuroscience and presents practical methods for stimulating healthy early brain development in children. It provides parents and caregivers with training and tools to help every infant, toddler and preschooler in Arizona develop a healthy brain and enter school ready to learn.

Upcoming dates and locations listed below. We invite you to please join NDI for one of these free workshops:

Tempe:
Saturday, July 16, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM,
Tempe St. Luke's Hospital, Tempe
(en español)
Sponsored by First Things First

Tucson:
Saturday, July 16, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
University of Arizona Medical Center
Sponsored by Freeport-McMoRan

For more information call 602-371-1366 or visit our website www.newdirectionsinstitute.org.

New schedule information updated regularly online.

Foster Parents of the Year Award

May was National Foster Care Awareness Month and our foster care programs celebrated their families with events across the state. Among the celebrations, we are very pleased to announce that Lin LeClair-Turner and Dan Turner and Phillip and Theresa Michelle McNeal, two of our very own Arizona’s Children Association foster families, tied for the “Keith Smith Foster Parent of the Year Award” in Pima County. This award is given by the Child Abuse Prevention Awards (CAP) to honor those who have made a difference in the continued fight against child abuse.

Lin, Dan, Michelle and Phillip were honored at the Tucson Juvenile Court as a part of the 2011 March for Children activities. This distinctive award is given “to an outstanding foster parent(s) who has made an impact in the lives of children and youth in foster care.”


Lin and Dan have been foster parents since 2005 and have made incredible contributions to children over the past six years. They have taken in 26 children, most of whom have significant developmental delays and/or medical needs. Lin and Dan note that their goal has always been that no foster children will leave their home until placed in a permanent home. Lin and Dan have achieved this goal time and time again. Their AzCA licensing worker described them as “persistent and loving advocates for children between the ages of zero and five. They have a true understanding of the importance of healthy bonding and attachment for children within this age range.”

Although it is hard to believe that they would have time, the Turners are also long term, active members of the Foster Care Review Board and the Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents where Dan also serves as Board Member.


Phillip and Michelle McNeal have been foster parents since 2006. Their AzCA licensing worker describes them as “a foster family who goes above and beyond in providing the children in their care with love, acceptance, and a sense of family.” Michelle and Phillip care for children of all ages, including youth with emotional or behavioral issues that are difficult for other families to handle. They never seem to refuse a placement, even if they are only given short notice.

Phillip and Michelle have cared for more than 40 children since they began. They have dealt with mental illness, mental retardation, aggression, oppositional behaviors, threats of violence, learning disabilities, drug use, and much more, yet they are able to remain positive and act as mentors to other foster families by speaking at trainings intended to recruit more foster parents to provide care.

Foster families are needed across the state. We will provide the training, resources and support your need to change a child’s life. To learn more about AzCA’s foster care program and find out how you can get involved, visit www.arizonaschildren.org and click on ‘Permanency.’

University of Phoenix Provides Laptop Donation for Arizona’s Children Staff and Client Use

The University of Phoenix recognizes the value of technological skills and positive learning environments for those in their communities. In an effort to encourage opportunities for those served by our programs, The University of Phoenix has chosen Arizona’s Children Association as the recipient of 20 lap top computers. All donated computers were refurbished, re-licensed and re-programmed for use by AzCA staff and clients.

Arizona’s Children Association will use the laptops for training staff and family partners in our more than 25 offices around throughout the state. “The donation of laptops from the University of Phoenix will allow families we serve across the state access to valuable tools and resources to improve their lives,” said Denise Ensdorff, Director of Operations for Central, Western and Northern regions. “This will touch many, many lives.”

“University of Phoenix strives to remove barriers to higher education,” said John Ramirez, University of Phoenix School of Advanced Studies associate campus director. “The laptop donation gives the University’s School of Advanced Studies an opportunity to donate valuable resources and provide access to necessary tools to make a difference in our community.”

Thank you to University of Phoenix for their support.

Left to Right, John Ramirez, University of Phoenix School of Advanced Studies associate campus director, Nick Galemore, Business Analyst, Denise Ensdorff, Director of Operations for Central, Western and Northern regions and Irene Blundell, Director, Public Relations. Photo courtesy of University of Phoenix.

Arizona’s Children Association Centennial Celebration honors Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall with the “Centennial Legacy” Award

Arizona’s Children Association is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding in Tucson in May 1912, with a full schedule of Centennial Celebration events throughout the state and wrapping up with grand celebrations in Phoenix and Tucson in May 2012.

Local community leaders joined Arizona’s Children Association staff and supporters on Thursday, May 5, to honor the donors, volunteers, employees and families who have contributed to our success over the past 100 years. The celebration highlighted the sexual abuse support services offered by Las Familias Angel Center for Childhood Sexual Abuse Treatment, a member of Arizona’s Children Association family of agencies. The event was also an opportunity to celebrate Arizona’s Children Association’s commitment to providing a second century of hope to our communities. Arizona’s Children Association board members, Tom Knox and Pamela Traficanti, served as hosts for the event.

Among the highlights of the evening, Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall was honored with the “Centennial Legacy” Award for her dedication to ensuring that our community meets the needs of children and families who are victims of crime. More than 25 years ago, the Pima county attorney’s office was among the founding members of the development of Las Familias when they identified the critical needs of victims of childhood sexual abuse and recognized the need for specialized services. Since she joined the Pima County Attorney’s Office, Barbara LaWall has been a strong supporter of agencies like Las Familias and she has been a strong advocate for child victims of sexual abuse.

Guests at the Centennial Celebration were also asked to sign a “Book of Hope” to offer advice that will inspire future generations of children, families, volunteers, communities, staff members, business partners, elected officials, financial donors and Board members all working together to continue a legacy of hope for Arizona. The “Book of Hope” will travel to Centennial receptions across Arizona during 2011-2012 and then be preserved for Arizona’s Bi-Centennial.

A very special thank you to Community Partnership of Southern Arizona for their support of Arizona’s Children Association and our celebration of our 100 years of providing hope to Arizona.

Eat Out. Make a Difference. Dine Out for Safety on Wednesday, April 20

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month. As a nonprofit with the mission of “protecting children, preserving families,” Arizona’s Children Association works tirelessly across the state to end interpersonal and family violence. We rely heavily on individual and corporate contributions to maintain the quality and efficiency of our programs to help make all our Arizona communities a safer, healthier place to live.

For the past 15 years, local restaurants, businesses, organizations and individuals have united with the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault in Tucson in a unique and fun community wide experience to support services for survivors of sexual assault and children affected by family violence called “Dine Out for Safety.” Last year, AzCA expanded “Dine Out for Safety” statewide.

Plan to eat out and make a difference on Wednesday, April 20, 2011. Participating restaurants in Tucson, Flagstaff, Prescott and Yuma will generously donate up to 20 percent of their day’s proceeds to support Arizona’s Children Association’s services for survivors of sexual assault and children affected by family violence.

Generous sponsorships of Dine Out for Safety permit all proceeds to be directed to the Arizona's Children Association programs aimed to prevent family violence, child abuse and domestic violence in the community where the funds are raised.

To check out the yummy participating restaurants in your community, visit www.dineoutforsafety.com. To learn more about other Sexual Assault Awareness activities throughout the month of April, visit www.sacasa.org/saam.html.

My Name is Teri Hess

A Personal Reflection by a Foster and Adoptive Mom

My name is Teri Hess and I have fostered 12 children and adopted seven through Arizona’s Children Association Foster Care Program. When I became a foster parent in 2003, I never expected that I would one day be the parent of eight children. I had one daughter, Tina, and had always wanted more children. As a single parent, adoption appeared to be a good option for me. Tina was at an age where I felt I had the time to give to a child.

Ashlee was placed with us in 2003. On my way to pick her up, I learned about her sister Mimi who was placed at a separate shelter. At ages 2½ and 1½, the sisters were separated and labeled as “violent.” I brought both girls home that day, and adopted them in November, 2005. While they have their sibling rivalries, I have never seen the “violent” behavior I was warned about.

Jillian was placed with me in June of 2004, seven days before her first birthday. She was returned to her mother in December of 2005, which was devastating to me, as I had hoped to adopt her as well. I was able to put my feelings into a letter to her mother, which lead to a positive relationship and we continued to keep in touch after Jillian returned home.

After Jillian left, Angelina was placed in my home. I was asked to adopt her and fully intended to do so. However, a year later, the case manager contacted me and informed me that Angelina was to be placed with a relative who had come forward. My family was once again crushed, but we went along with the case plan and Angelina went to her aunt’s home in August 2007. Four months later, the case manager called and asked if I would still like to adopt her. My answer was “YES!” and Angelina was adopted in March of 2008.

During this time, a three year old named Alexis was placed in my home. She was labeled as “withdrawn, antisocial, and unaffectionate.” Her two younger siblings were placed halfway across the valley. When I asked about the younger siblings, I was told that Lexi’s brother, Issac, had anger issues at age one. Her younger sister, Arianna, was less than a year old. I told my workers, “we have to get her siblings here.” In November 2006, Isaac and Arianna were brought to my home. I immediately saw a change in Lexi. It appeared as if she was finally able to relax, knowing her siblings were with her. What came next was a few years of court dates, and in November 2009, I adopted all three kids on National Adoption Day.

You would think this is where my story ends… but if you are keeping track, I have only talked about 6 of the 7 children I have adopted.

So here is what I call my “swan song” – in July 2007, Jillian was found in a parking lot in Payson. Her mom was struggling with mental health issues and was in a down cycle. The CPS case was transferred down to Phoenix, and since it had been over a year since Jillian had been returned home, reunification efforts were put into place again. At this time, Jillian was four years old and had spent half her lifetime in my home. As she watched her siblings get adopted, Jillian hoped that one day she, too, would be adopted into the family. Her wish came true in June 2010, when, at 6½ years old, she officially became Sierra Jillian Hess.

The past seven years have been a roller coaster of emotion for me. I have learned a lot about relationships and formed lifelong friendships. I am still in contact with many of my children’s “other mothers,” and we still talk about them to this day. We have nothing but positive thoughts towards them, and wish them the very best. Things happen for a reason, and while I was heartbroken each time a child left my home, I knew that there was another one who needed me at that time. There is always another child who needs you.

I have learned so many lessons along my journey. First of all, I have learned to not listen to the "labels" that are placed on children. What they really need is love and nurturing. I am so grateful that I took the time to form my own opinions about the children placed in my home. I have witnessed my only daughter grow from an awkward, rebellious teenager into an amazing big sister, then into a young woman, and now, a soon to be mother.

People often ask me how I manage as a single parent of seven young children. I tell them “I never wanted to adopt 7 kids, but God has a sense of humor. Some days are better than others, and other days are not as good as some.” My life revolves around my kids and I would not have it any other way.

As the Foster Care and Adoption chapter in my life closes, I know many of you are just beginning your journey. I wish you the very best and offer you this piece of advice: Follow your heart and do what is right for the kids – because you are their voice. Speak up and actively participate in every aspect of these children’s lives, because there is someone out there that can help, you just have to find them.

To learn more about foster care and adoption with Arizona's Children Association, visit www.arizonaschildren.org and click on "Permanency."