January Newsletter

January 2023 | ISSUE 185

2nd Annual Run for Autism

Join AZA families and supporters for our 2nd Annual Run for Autism on Saturday, March 11th at 9:00 AM, at Freestone Park in Gilbert. Bring the whole family, there is something for everyone! Runners, walkers, strollers, leashed dogs and virtual participants are all welcome.

This event will offer 3 different options: a 5k, a 1-mile Family Fun Run and a Kids Dash. Participants will also enjoy an appearance from the Phoenix Suns Gorilla, lawn games, interactive sports activities, an awards ceremony, and more! All registrants will receive an event t-shirt and tracking bib, and the first 300 registrants will receive a participation medal. You can register as an individual runner or as a team. Also, if you register a team of 2 or more, you will receive $5 off each team member's registration! All teams created by February 15th will have their team name printed on the back of the event shirt!

Discounted pricing ends February 15. For event details and to register, visit our event website below. Please join us at this event to help promote autism and neurodiversity acceptance. We look forward to seeing you and your family there!

For information on team registration or sponsorship opportunities, contact [email protected]

Welcoming Our Newest Board Member

Arizona Autism United is very happy to announce the addition of Mary Jo Jerde as a new member of our volunteer Board of Directors. Mary Jo currently serves as Senior Vice President of the Center for Clinician Advancement at UnitedHealth Group. With over 40 years of experience in the healthcare industry, she is highly skilled in the areas of health management strategy and operations, program design and operation, leadership development and strategic planning. In addition, she has received numerous honors and degrees during her professional career, including the Women's Business Leaders in Healthcare's "Woman of Inspiration and Influence" award in 2019.

Mary Jo is excited to serve on AZA United's Board of Directors and join with us to advance our mission of helping families living with autism and other developmental disabilities. Welcome Mary Jo!

As a nonprofit organization, the Board of Directors is AZA United's governing body. Individuals who sit on the board are responsible for overseeing the organization's activities. Board members meet periodically to discuss and vote on the affairs of the organization.

Read about our Board of Directors

You Can Direct Your Tax Dollars to Help Families

As we are preparing for tax season, keep in mind that a great way to give back with no cost to yourself is by taking advantage of the Arizona Charitable Organization Tax Credit. That means you can get a 100% refund for your contribution!

Many of the families we serve face unimaginable challenges every day, and you can help! By directing your tax dollars to AZA United, you support programs for families with diverse types of needs. These programs allow children to acquire basic daily skills, like taking their first steps, saying their first words, preparing their first meal independently, and graduating from school. You also support programs to help children learn appropriate behavior so they can live fulfilling lives at home and be integrated in the community.

This unique program allows donors to receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit up to $400 for individuals or $800 for married couples. You can decide how your tax dollars impact the community when you make a contribution to AZA United and receive a refund when you file your taxes. It's that easy!

Make a secure online donation here

3 Things Families Most Often Say About AZA United

The mission of AZA United is "to help as many families as possible with individualized supports." We are strongly committed to treating each family and each situation as unique, and we tailor our supports to align with those goals. In providing services to families, our organization defies the "one-size-fits-all" attitude and keeps our core value "to be of service" always at the forefront of mind.

But it's not just us who claim this to be true. Each month, we gather parent feedback by sending out surveys to all of our families specific to the services we provide. We ask questions such as "What does AZA do well?" and "How can AZA continue to improve?" so that we can continue to adapt to the needs of our clients. To read more about the 3 key things that families say about us, click the link below for our full blog post!

Read or share this awesome blog here

Other Announcements & Resources

AZA United Merchandise

Help support AZA United by visiting our storefront and purchasing some merchandise! From t-shirts to mugs to backpacks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. All of the sales revenues go toward programs that help children and families learn how to thrive in their homes and communities.

Upcoming Sibshops Event

Join us on February 4th from 10-11AM on Zoom for our next Sibshops events for siblings. Registration is FREE and required to obtain the login information. Email or call us at [email protected] or 602-773-5773 to register or if you have any questions.

Paid Parent Provider Survey

In September of 2024, the Paid Parent Provider Program for minors is set to expire. Raising Voices Coalition has created a survey for parents in Arizona utilizing DDD services, with the goal to use these survey results to advocate for a permanent program with our elected officials and state departments. Visit this link to take the survey, and please share on your social media accounts and with your contacts also participating in this program!

Job Opportunities with Team AZA

AZA United is a growing organization and we are always hiring great people to join our team! Click on any of the featured jobs below to learn more, or view all job openings here.

ABA Therapist / Behavior Technician

Our ABA Treatment Services program is growing, and we have some new openings for ABA Therapists across the valley! Positions are available for valleywide in-home services or at one of our Children's Therapy Clinics in Mesa & Avondale.

Licensed Professional Counselor

We are searching for a talented and passionate LPC with supervisor qualifications to join our Resilient Hearts Individual & Family Counseling program. This program addresses an underserved need in the autism community for individual, couples, family and group counseling. Recipients include individuals on the autism spectrum (child through adult) and family members. Sessions take place in our office clinics or via telehealth.

Occupational Therapist (West Valley)

Our interdisciplinary team is growing at our brand-new therapy clinic in the West Valley, and we are seeking a licensed Occupational Therapist to become a part of this team. If you or someone you know is interested in contributing your skills to an interdisciplinary therapy model, this may be the perfect fit!

Arizona Autism United | 602-773-5773 | www.AZAunited.org

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January 2﻿023 | ISSUE 185

January 2023 | ISSUE 185