November Newsletter: The Power of Kindness

November Newsletter

The Power of Kindness

Last month, I got the chance to attend a Prevent Child Abuse America board meeting in Chicago. Part of the time was focused on celebrating the life of SuEllen Fried, a beloved Prevent Child Abuse America lifetime board member, who passed away on October 3 at the age of 92.

The stories shared by the staff and board that knew her were a gift to listen to. It was moving to feel how she had impacted so many. It wasn’t only the work she did that had changed lives, it was who she was that changed lives.

I didn’t know SuEllen well, but the few times I had met her were unforgettable. She was the kind of person who would make you feel deeply, unquestionably valuable and important. She made you feel seen. She called out the best in you because of her boundless, unshakable kindness.

Kindness has that power. Kindness is deeply memorable. And kindness can heal...

Welcoming our New Family Resource System Coordinator!

In October, we welcomed Rene RedDay as our new Family Resource System Coordinator— a role that will strengthen partnerships and strategize the expansion of Family Resource Centers (FRCs) in Arizona's rural counties.

Based in Flagstaff, Rene brings 29 years of experience in education, program development, and community engagement. Her work as a consultant focused on empowering schools, family-serving organizations, and local governments through collaboration and relationship-building.

As an educator and community builder, Rene values the transformative impact of Family Resource Centers. She will work closely with partners in Coconino, Yavapai, and Yuma counties to help strengthen support systems and build resiliency for families across Arizona.

IMPACT

Creating Change Together

“What do we need to focus on to move our work forward?”

Claire Louge posed this powerful question to nearly 300 Healthy Families Arizona team members at October’s Healthy Families Institute in Chandler.

Rather than offering solutions, Claire handed over the reins, allowing attendees to take charge of their own learning and growth through an innovative, open-space format. Participants proposed discussion topics, selected sessions to attend, and shared insights that will shape the future of their work with families.

TODAY IN PREVENTION

11th Annual ACEs & Resilience Summit

This year’s theme is Resilience in Action is Connection, with a focus on building relationships within a trauma-informed lens and building trauma-responsive systems. The summit will be held virtually from December 9-12, 2024.

Thriving Families Safer Children National Website

TFSC is a national movement that brings together national agencies to unify visions of preventing child abuse and neglect and addressing racial disparities in child welfare. Each site has developed a project that is relevant to its local context and needs. Site teams work to center community voice, establish partnerships, and build on existing assets. The NEW website highlights each sites' work, including Arizona's!

Visit the Website

PARTNERS IN PREVENTION

A Sweet Impact: Chick-fil-A Raises $53,853 for Arizona Families

This October, Chick-fil-A franchises across Arizona raised an incredible $53,853 through their annual Brownies for Benefit campaign, donating $1 from every brownie sold to Prevent Child Abuse Arizona.

This remarkable contribution, which has grown by over $20,000 since the campaign began in 2022, reflects the dedication of Chick-fil-A owners, employees, and customers. Each brownie sold represents more than just a delicious treat—it’s a step toward building stronger, safer families and communities.

We are grateful to Chick-fil-A for their dedication to our mission. Their support empowers us to expand essential resources and uplift families statewide. Thank you, Chick-fil-A, for making a difference!

As a 501(c)3 organization, Prevent Child Abuse Arizona is eligible to receive bequests. Please contact Molly Peterson at molly@pcaaz.org if you would like to discuss including Prevent Child Abuse Arizona in your legacy.

Prevent Child Abuse Arizona can only accept donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations located in the State of Arizona.

Tax ID #86-0832901

Prevent Child Abuse Arizona is dedicated to strengthening families and protecting children through collaboration, education, and advocacy. The organization provides research-based prevention services, education and training to help promote strong families and safe, healthy children. For more information, visit pcaaz.org.