Monthly Update: April
The Month of New Beginnings and Restoration
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Thank you for fulfilling our Amazon Wish List
As you and I say goodbye to the month of April we honor the month of new beginnings, restoration, and newness of life. During April I AM You 360 persevered through multiple rounds of inspections and problem solving to prepare for move in day. During the month of April you supported us by providing the items needed from our Amazon wish list. It is almost fully completed, thank you. You also generously gave of your time and money. We thank you for partnering with I Am You 360 and if you're an Arizona State Resident we hope you maximized the Qualified Foster Care Organization (QFCO) tax credit. You also advocated for our cause and because of you I Am You 360 is being recognized not only in Tucson but nationally and internationally for our unique, holistic, whole person healing approach to addressing homelessness. You have empowered I Am You 360 to be the voice of the underrepresented, to demand that our young people be dignified and allowed to embrace the truth that they are somebody. As spring breathes new life into our community, I Am You 360 Continues to sow seeds of hope and positive transformation for our youth and families. Your Support allows us to create safe, sustainable pathways to independence for those who need it most.
This Spring, you and I are not just celebrating renewal- we're celebrating ownership, stability, and a new beginning for our youth. Thanks to your unwavering support, I Am You 360 has built beautiful sustainable tiny homes for young people aging out of foster care- and now, Move-in Day is just around the corner! Every tiny home you help fund is a launchpad to independence- complete with mentorship, hygiene care, workforce training, and a community that says, You matter.
You and I are not just ending youth homelessness- we're redefining what's possible. Ownership creates a ripple effect: stronger mental health, better job stability, and a future driven by self worth instead of survival.
The Power of a Key
Imagine the feeling of holding the key to your first home. It's more than shelter. It's safety. It's Identity. It's dignity. For our young adults, many of whom have faced instability and abandonment, homeownership is life changing. Now, they can say:
✨ This is mine.
✨ I belong.
✨ I am somebody!
And that's only possible because of people like you.
Here's a look at what blossomed in April.
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My Heart To Your Ears
My Dear Community,
I am beyond excited to share a milestone that's been years in the making. The journey begins in 9 young lives taking one bold step toward ownership. Our residents will be moving into their new tiny homes May 11. This is more than just a move, it's the beginning of a homeownership journey for nine extraordinary young adults who are rising above every obstacle life has thrown at them. They are thriving. They are investing in themselves. They are engaged in community service, exploring careers, and most importantly, they are filled with hope. And because of you, this is happening.
We are now in the process of selecting the next group of residents to move into Phase 1 safe housing. Impacting a total of 19 lives. These young people will no longer be statistics. They'll be homeowners, contributors, leaders, and changemakers. From the beginning you've cheered them on, stood with us, and believed in what's possible. We are so grateful for your patience and prayers, as this vision becomes a reality. It's God first- and then YOU. Thank you again for believing in I Am You 360. We can't wait to share move in day photos and videos of the moments our young adults receive the keys to their new homes. Stay tuned in our next newsletter for a full look at move in day, a celebration of resilience, hope, and community powered transformation.
| | | We can't thank you enough for believing in I Am You 360 and our forward thinking, award winning programs and services. | |
Upcoming Events: Stay in the know
The need for hygiene security continues to increase in our community, please stay tuned for opportunities to help us meet this basic human need. We are so grateful to the University of Arizona Athletics and other community partners helping us meet the hygiene need.
| | You are invited, please register for this upcoming webinar | | |
How you can help this month:
$45.00 provides hygiene products for 1 youth for a month
$100.00 supports workforce readiness coaching
$500.00 sponsors a resident for 30 days
How you can Empower Ownership:
$350 furnishes a bedroom
$2000.00 sponsors utilities and mentorship for a year
$15,000 builds the foundation for a new home
Thank you for helping our youth go from "Where will I sleep?" to "Welcome to my home."
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Announcing "I Am Somebody"- A Podcast by I Am You 360. Real voices.
Real stories. Real transformation.
Episode One
This is what community looks like.
This is what healing looks like.
This is what you make possible.
We are honored to host esteemed guests that will pour life into you. Please subscribe to our YouTube channel and set your notifications so that you don't miss any of these inspirational moments.
A bold, honest, and healing space where we explore self worth, purpose, and rising above the odds. Our next four episodes feature powerful voices who not only believe in our mission, but live it everyday.
Meet our inspiring guests:
Dr. Amanda Goodson
An international leadership strategist, people developer, and motivational powerhouse. Dr. Goodson brings insight on breaking barriers and building confidence, especially for young women navigating trauma and identity.
Read Dr. Goodson's Bio
Lalita Arnold
Educator, advocate, and survivor, Lalita speaks truth to the healing journey. Her story of reclaiming identity through faith and education is a testimony to the power of self worth.
Read Lalita's Bio
Larry Starks
A community builder and mental health advocate, Larry shares his journey from pain to purpose- using transparency and resilience to inspire young men to embrace healing and emotional strength.
Read Larry's Bio
Beverely Elliott
A compassionate community leader and devoted youth advocate, Beverely inspires a legacy of self love. Her wisdom touches generations and speaks to the heart of our mission
Read Beverely's Bio
Their answer to 'What does I Am Somebody mean to you?" will move you and remind you why this work matters. You'll be inspired by what our guests have to say about healing, identity, and belonging.
| | | We're all in. They're all in. Are you all in? | Donor Highlight: Thank you to everyone who supported our Amazon Wish List. You enable us to move the needle. | |
We are deeply honored to share that I Am You 360 was selected by Governor Katie Hobbs for the "Triumph Over Tragedy Award" during National Victim Rights Week.
We were also named a finalist for the Children's Advocacy Center's "Heroes Without Capes-Healing Award."
We are humbled. We are grateful. We are energized.
We want to thank Social Venture Partners for their commitment to the the nonprofit community in Tucson. We benefitted from their Fast Pitch program and were able to give back by presenting with our resident Ariana during their 10th anniversary Celebration.
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Volunteer Spotlight
We once again send heartfelt gratitude to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Eta Epsilon Omega Chapter. These beautiful ladies rolled up their sleeves and helped us clean, unpack, and get the tiny homes ready for move in day. They are faithful partners and have been steadfast in their service to this cause. Thank you AKAs
| | | CEO and Founder Desiree Cook with Board Members Lisa Hagin and Lovely Ganthier at Chamber Business Mixer | | |
We thank Alyssa Burton Charlow for inviting I Am You 360 to join the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. Board members Desiree Cook, Lisa Hagins, and Lovely Ganthier joined her for our first networking event on the beautiful grounds of Tohono Chul Gardens. We are looking forward to exploring new connections and opportunities with our powerful mission. Becoming official members reflects our continued growth as a community driven nonprofit. We are opening the doors to:
New Funding Opportunities
Business Community Partnerships
Workforce Development Alliances
Greater Visibility for the I Am Somebody movement. As we grow, we're staying grounded in our mission- to transform lives from the inside out and empower our youth to own their worth, their future, and their story. Stay tuned!
| | We are thrilled to celebrate our incredible Board President, Nikieia Nicole Johnson, on her recent appointment as the Director of the African American Museum of Southern Arizona! Nikieia is a visionary leader, cultural advocate, and a passionate voice for equity, history, and community empowerment. Her dedication to uplifting marginalized stories and preserving African American heritage makes her the perfect fit to lead such a meaningful institution. At I Am You 360, we've been blessed by her- and now the entire region will benefit from her powerful leadership, wisdom, strength, and commitment to building transformative pathways for community connections. Congratulations Nikieia! We love you Queen! | | We are proud to celebrate our amazing board member Margo Susco for her recent appointment to the board of the Juneteenth Festival. After two years of passionate volunteer service, Margo's commitment, consistency, and heart for community have been rightfully recognized. Her work uplifts culture, fosters unity, and ensures that the spirit of Juneteenth is honored with excellence and purpose. At I Am You 360, we are grateful to serve alongside leaders like Margo- people who live the mission, empower others, and lead with humility and heart. Congratulations Margo, your light continues to shine across our city and beyond. We love you Queen! | | |
At I Am You 360, we are honored to be led by a powerhouse board made up of seven extraordinary women leaders. Each one serves like a true gem bringing unique brilliance, bold vision, and a deep commitment to transformation. From advocacy and education to cultural preservation and healing justice, these women are not only shaping our organization- they're shaping the future. Together, they embody what it means to lead with purpose, integrity, and heart. This is what women led impact looks like. This is I Am You 360.
I want to stress the valuable return on your investment and the gratitude of our residents. This is a tangible result of planting seeds of hope and watching our youth grow.
On a final note I want to remind you that we are a QFCO Qualified Foster Care Organization which means that your donations are not only tax deductible but also eligible for an Arizona state dollar for dollar credit based on your filing status.
We welcome your donations of diverse gift types, consider I Am You 360 in your planned giving. This work can be a part of your legacy.
We are thankful for you.
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