When people tell Elisa, a licensed foster parent with Child Crisis Arizona, “I could never foster—I’d get too attached,” her response is simple: “That’s the point.”


“You’re supposed to get attached,” she says. “It helps the kids build secure attachment. They come into your home, and they don’t know safety or security. It’s your job to give them that.”


Elisa, a trauma therapist with personal and professional ties to the foster care system, has cared for five children and provided respite for several more since becoming licensed in 2022. She supports the children in her care while also embracing the opportunity to build bridges with their biological parents. “They’re people too—just like you—who have experienced trauma and often lack support. If no one helps them, the cycle continues.”



By opening both her heart and her home, Elisa is helping children heal, grow, and experience what it means to be truly cared for. Her compassion demonstrates that love is exactly what these children need most.


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A Brighter Future for Luis

Extended Foster Care pairs young adults aging out of the foster system with a dedicated Success Coach who meets with them weekly to build on their strengths and support their transition into adulthood. The program helps youth access housing, education, healthcare, employment, and lasting connections.


For Luis, that support came at a critical time. After experiencing poverty, homelessness, loss, and time in juvenile detention, Luis found hope through his Child Crisis Arizona Success Coach, Marrtell.


"When I met Marrtell, he gave me the confidence to accomplish my goals. He helped me focus on my future," Luis said.


Today, Luis is in college, advocating for foster youth, and rewriting his story:

"I moved from a cell to a college classroom. I never saw myself here."


His journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when young people have someone in their corner.


Last year, 269 young adults stepped into independence—supported by Child Crisis Arizona Success Coaches who guided them toward financial stability, education, and mentorship.

You Have the Power to Transform Lives

Explore Foster Care & Adoption


Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a safe, loving home—and you can help make that possible. Whether you're single or partnered, we welcome all individuals to consider foster care or adoption.


If you’ve been thinking about becoming a foster or adoptive parent, join us at our next virtual Meet & Greet to learn about the process, the needs of children in care, and the support available to families.

Give Back while you Grocery Shop at Fry's


Did you know your everyday shopping at Fry’s can support Child Crisis Arizona? Through the Fry’s Community Rewards Program, a portion of your purchases is donated to us—at no extra cost to you. Simply link your Fry’s Shopper’s Card to Child Crisis Arizona in your digital account, and every time you shop, you help build stronger families and safer communities.


Steps to Enroll:

1. Sign in to your digital account through www.frysfood.com/account/communityrewards

2. Select "Enroll Now"

3. Type Child Crisis Arizona into the search bar or enter ID: QT877

4.Click "Enroll"

Enroll your Student at Spark Community Schools


Child Crisis Arizona is proud to partner with Spark Community Schools to offer a safe, supportive, and personalized learning environment for students in kindergarten through third grade for the 2025–2026 school year.


Why choose Spark Community Schools? 

  • Small class sizes 
  • Learning that fits your child’s needs
  • Families and teachers work together
  • No cost to families
  • All information is kept private


At Spark Community Schools, kids can be themselves and do their best. The Spark classroom is located at our Early Education building in Mesa, 817 N. Country Club Drive.


School starts August 4 – enroll today!


The Center for Child & Family Wellness

Take a Tour


Join us for an exclusive tour of the Center for Child & Family Wellness. You’ll explore our facility, hear powerful stories, and learn how our programs support vulnerable children and families across Arizona. See our mission in action and discover how you can make an impact.

Child Crisis Arizona’s mission is to provide children and youth in Arizona a safe environment, free from abuse and neglect, by creating strong and successful families.

Torrie A. Taj, CFRE

Chief Executive Officer


Lisa A. Ricci, CPA

Chief Financial Officer


EJ Hughes

Chief Operating Officer

Kristin Andrew

Vice President of Programs


Justin Duran, CFRE

Vice President

Development & Communications


Rick Wolverton, CPA

Controller

childcrisisaz.org | 480.834.9424

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Child Crisis Arizona | 424 W. Rio Salado Pkwy | Mesa, AZ 85201 US