Two longtime Valley nonprofits are joining forces to serve vulnerable families, just in time for the holidays. Child Crisis Arizona announced it will assume day-to-day management operations of Chandler nonprofit, FANS Across America, which provides clothing, hygiene items and household goods to families in need as well as services to homeless youth in Chandler.
“This is an exciting expansion for us because it will allow us to serve even more youth and families with basic necessities that are often taken for granted,” said Torrie Taj, CEO of Child Crisis Arizona. “The mission of FANS aligns perfectly with the work we do.”
FANS Across America has operated in Chandler for 10 years. The organization takes referrals from local school districts, domestic violence shelters and from the Department of Child Safety, of youth and families in transition that could use temporary help. These families may qualify for government assistance with food and housing but they still struggle to afford tangible items like diapers, clothing, personal hygiene items, school supplies and household cleaning products. During the holidays, FANS also collects and distributes toys to children who have been identified as in need.
“This new partnership will allow Child Crisis Arizona and FANS to provide more resources to youth in transition, low-income families and expand its services to even more foster and adoptive families,” said George Macedon, President/Executive Director of FANS. “These basic items are often an immediate need when a child enters the foster care system.”
Kelly Shewbridge, a foster mom in Chandler, has adopted one child and is currently fostering three. She said a service like this for foster parents makes a big difference.
“When I picked up my girls they didn’t even have shoes on their feet,” said Shewbridge. “It was September and they were wearing winter clothes and I remember asking the case manager if she even had an extra diaper we could take with us until we had time to run to the store.”
During the holiday season FANS will serve an estimated 1,200 children with toys and clothes. The community can help support efforts financially by utilizing their Arizona state tax credits. FANS is a Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO) at fansacrossamerica.org, Child Crisis Arizona is a Qualified Foster Care Organization (QFCO). Donations to either or both organizations qualify for a dollar for dollar tax credit against your Arizona state tax liability. For more information call 480-834-9424 or visit childcrisisaz.org.
