October 2025 Newsletter

Director's Corner: Clarity of Purpose

by Claire Louge, Executive Director


In 2009, I moved across the country from my hometown of Ithaca, New York, to Prescott, Arizona, by myself. I packed as much as I could into my 2001 Toyota Corolla, and knew I’d piece the rest of my new life together with thrift store furniture and a resourceful spirit.


I moved here to be an AmeriCorps VISTA with First Things First in Yavapai County, and anticipated living in Arizona for one year.



It’s now been 16 years.


IMPACT

Hope Horizons:
Supporting Arizona Families in Recovery

More than 240 attendees gathered in Glendale for Hope Horizons: Supporting Arizona Families in Recovery Statewide Institute on September 8 & 9 for two days of learning and connecting. Local and national experts shared tools, research, and strategies to support families navigating recovery.


A powerful highlight was the Arizona premiere of the documentary Our American Family, followed by an engaging discussion on the realities of substance use disorder and healing.


This event was funded by AHCCCS and created in partnership with Kate Dobler, State Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA) and Women's Services Network Coordinator. The institute was fueled by the desire to create community and mindset shifts in how we see and care for families.

ADVOCACY

Family Resource Centers Recognized in

Senate FY26 Committee Report

The Senate Labor, Health, and Human Services (LHHS) Appropriations Committee has once again included supportive language for Family Resource Centers (FRCs) in its Fiscal Year 2026 Committee Report (see page 216). This marks the second year FRCs have been recognized at the federal level, reflecting growing acknowledgment of the value of localized, family-centered support systems.


At Prevent Child Abuse Arizona, we’ve deepened our focus on FRCs over the past several years, recognizing their vital role in strengthening families and communities. Later this month, we’ll be announcing a webinar opportunity to explore Arizona’s growing FRC movement. Stay tuned!

TODAY IN PREVENTION

Administration for Children and Families'
New Strategic Alignment Initiative


The U.S. Administration for Children and Families (ACF) shapes much of the national landscape for children and families. ACF oversees and funds programs many of us rely on, including Head Start, child welfare services, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), child support enforcement, and family strengthening initiatives. Its priorities influence how states, communities, and organizations like ours support families.


ACF recently introduced a new strategic alignment initiative outlining its vision, mission, and values. We encourage you to review it, as these shifts influence the course for funding and policy nationwide:

An Evolution in Understanding:

Join Rick Griffin's Neuro Notes

Many of you know Rick Griffin – he’s been a keynote and workshop presenter at our Child Abuse Prevention Conference, and he also serves on Prevent Child Abuse Arizona’s Board.

Rick is now stewarding an exciting evolution in our field: moving from trauma-informed to neuro-informed approaches.

Through his new newsletter, Neuro Notes, he shares bite-sized, easily digestible tips and insights on how our brains work in the present – and how that understanding can transform the way we connect, teach, and lead. We think you’ll love it!

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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. We envision an Arizona where all families and children live happy and purposeful lives with hope for the future. For more information, visit pcaaz.org.