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Monthly Update: December

We celebrate Cutting the Ribbon

On December 3, 2024 the city of Tucson gathered to witness and celebrate a first in our community with this vision becoming reality. To honor the resilience, determination, love, and unity with which this dream was realized. We hugged, took pictures, listened to one another, shed tears of joy, and proclaimed with one voice, "I Am Somebody!" We came together as community to respect and truly see the underserved population of young people who were falling through the cracks but are now being weaved back into the fabric of society. Tucson has a model of success, it's called the I Am You 360 model. It culminates in understanding "I Am Somebody and So Are They." This was a major milestone but we are not finished. The unhoused population is growing at unprecedently rates. We have a working solution of wrap around services, a holistic approach, and a new standard of care. We have a lot of work to do and we're grateful to be a part of the solution, moving the needle.

This is Community. We did not do this alone. First there was God, then there was you. Now that they are safely housed, the work of getting a positive return on your investment really begins. We can begin meeting human needs such as hygiene, building relationships, teaching life skills, planting seeds of hope, pouring love, light, and empowering them to be successful.

They can begin our curriculum, healing their whole person, addressing self limiting beliefs, gainful employment, setting goals, experiencing incremental victories, reconnecting with the truth that "They Are Somebody." We all win!

All of this is happening because of you, because you give. As we approach the holiday season and the associated year end giving, let me remind you that I Am You 360 is a Qualifying Foster Care Charitable Organization (QFCO). That means your contributions earn a higher individual income tax credit. The maximum QFCO credit donation amount for 2024 is $587 if filing single, married filing separate, or head of household and $1173 if married filing joint. We are challenging our community for 100 donations in each maximum credit donation amount. We appreciate every contribution, you can give directly or via your trustee as a Qualified Charitable Contribution, it all secures a positive return on investment.

My Heart To Your Ears

My dear Community,

On December 3rd history was made. I Am You 360 cut the ribbon for Tucson's first green, affordable tiny home community for aged out foster care 18-22. Because of your investment collectively, we made this historical project come to fruition. We did it!!!! Together we can trail blaze, set the bar high, and showcase this tiny home model. Right here in Tucson, we have national attention on our unique concept on housing with dignity, getting to the root causes, and introducing solutions. We all should be so proud. We all win! This is just the beginning. Your advocacy and donations as we continue this mission is appreciated. Together we can move the needle forward and get a positive return on your investment. Remember You Are Somebody and So Are They. Sending love and light to all with a heartfelt thank you.

Please share with family and friends that I Am You 360 is a (QFCO) Qualifying Foster Care Organization so we can continue to strategically do this unique work within our community. The maximum total contribution to QFCO organizations is currently $587 if filing single and $1173 if married filing jointly. This is a dollar for dollar tax credit against your Arizona State Tax liability. Your donations over the next couple of weeks will be crucial to finalizing the exterior such as the community garden, security gate, and holiday gifts for our residents.

Our ask of you is to support our Amazon Wish List and share with family and friends. Don't forget your donations are tax deductible and I Am You 360 is a QFCO. Friendly reminder, this is our last big push to completely set our residents up for success.

This is community. We all win.

Thank you Ribbon Cutting Vendors

We did not do this alone, this was a community effort. The heavy lift was supported by many hands. First there was God. Then there was you. Last but never least there were our vendors. The vendors created the wonderful atmosphere we all enjoyed. We do our best to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses because we are a grassroots organization and understand the value of community. Thank you DJ Impeccable for the conscious tunes you played throughout the event. The music kept us moving, grooving, and happy. DJ Impeccable also gave announcements and was a joy to work with.

Anywhere, Everywhere Bar Services kept the atmosphere festive with their beautiful smiles, contagious joy, and delicious cocktails. They served a full menu of wine, beer, and mixed drinks prepared and garnished to perfection.

Dessert Sky Party Rentals set the balloon decorations that served in the background of many pictures. They also operated the photo booth where pictures were printed immediately with I Am You 360 at the bottom.

Cookin with Cort served an amazing breakfast. Her quiches kept the crowd going back for more. She is our go to caterer.

TT Treats kept every sweet tooth satisfied with an assortment of cupcakes and pastries. Her delicacies are our favorites.

Joe Jackson Photography captured the moments. He made us feel like celebrities, posed us well, and organized very creative pictures. We look forward to working with him again.

Michael Schuette Videographer interviewed our team, residents, and attendees. He captured individual perspectives and enabled people to share their stories. He gathered a diverse pool of vantage points and united them around the common cause and pursuit of I Am You 360's mission.

Also supporting this event were officers from the Tucson Police Department along with Police Chief Chad Kasmar. We thank the City of Tucson and Pima County leaders who supported this journey

Hygiene Drives

To navigate holiday time constraints and ongoing construction efforts we will create a virtual wish list for you to conveniently contribute hygiene.

Our next hygiene drive will take place in 2025. The products donated benefit children in foster care. Thank you to every donor who pulled up and dropped off at our last Hygiene Drive.

You can also drop off housewarming and or holiday gifts for the homes.

Ribbon Cutting Celebration

Donate Today

Tucson, we did this, together! Thank you

Donor Highlights: Thank you to all of our donors and supporters. You enable us to move the needle

We thank our donor community. You Are Somebody! You are a big part of all the progress we are making. The life changing impact being made is supported by your generosity. It is appreciated.

Our program model prepares and empowers our residents to succeed as independent homeowners in our community. We want to take a moment to give a special thank you to the donors who supported the mission of homeownership by sponsoring a tiny home. A special thank you to OneAZ Credit Union for sponsoring unit 1. Thank you City of Tucson ARPA Grant for sponsoring units 2-6 and unit 8. Thank you Christ Presbyterian Church Tucson for sponsoring unit 7. Thank you Robert Kemper Corrigan Foundation for sponsoring units 9 and the community center.

Wishing you happy holidays. Happy New Year, we are thankful for you.

"Look Around! Do you see a problem? What can you do about it? Can you give? Can you share the cause?"

On behalf of I AM YOU 360, we sincerely appreciate your generosity and look forward to providing you with more positive and inspiring updates made possible by your gifts.

Best,

Desire Cook

CEO of I AM YOU 360

Helping Underserved Youth Grow…Change…Become

Connect with us

Visit our Website

Learn More About QFCO Tax Credit

Whole Healing approach to fight homelessness

I Am You 360 on KGUN 9

I AM YOU 360 looks for funding to complete tiny homes for unhoused youth

Queen Desiree Cook on the Fresh Start Show with Dr. Holt and cohost Tom Cortese

I Am You 360 Newsletter is composed by Lovely Ganthier

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