September Newsletter: Centering Families Through Every Turn

September 2025 Newsletter

Centering Families Through Every Turn

by Claire Louge, Executive Director

I've been thinking a lot about thinking lately. The way we think shapes how we act, and our actions shape our possibilities. Change your thinking, change your future.

That's why shifting the way people think – shifting mindsets – is key to shifting the world for the better. But as a recent experience showed me, we have a lot of work to do on this...

IMPACT

2nd Annual Family Resource Center Summit: 'Collective Action to Create Real Change in our Community'

Love. Family. Passion. That’s why Family Resource Center (FRC) professionals do their work.

On August 21, 120 Family Resource Center (FRC) professionals gathered for the 2nd Annual FRC Summit, made possible by First Things First, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice, Mercy Care, and the Garcia Family Foundation. With the theme “Anchored in Purpose, Navigating Change,” the day was filled with inspiration, connection, and learning—reminding us that when FRCs are strong and supported, families and communities can flourish...

TODAY IN PREVENTION

Navigating Parenthood: The Birth to Five Helpline

Parenting young children is joyful – and challenging. Sleepless nights, feeding struggles, or developmental worries can leave families feeling uncertain. That's where Southwest Human Development's Birth to Five Helpline comes in. As Arizona's only free, statewide helpline for parents and caregivers of young children, it connects families with early childhood specialists who listen, reassure, and help find solutions.

From September 29–October 3, we're celebrating the fifth annual Helpline Awareness Week! Help us spread the word with the Awareness Toolkit HERE.

Webinar Shares Successful Strategies

to Help Families Maintain Stable Housing

Family Keys is a proven innovation that helps families facing housing instability stay together. In Wisconsin, 77% of families in the program maintained stable housing and avoided foster care – saving counties significant costs.

Now, Imagination Factory is bringing Family Keys nationwide. Learn how your community can get involved by joining one of these webinars:

Oct. 2, 12–1:30pm ET Register Here

Oct. 8, 3–4:30pm ET Register Here

ADVOCACY

Federal Update: Now Is the Time for Prevention

Congress was on recess until September 2, and now they're racing to finalize federal funding before the September 30 deadline. The Senate's proposed FY26 Labor-HHS bill includes encouraging investments for children and families – like continued funding for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention, ACEs prevention, child sexual abuse prevention, and increased support for childcare and Head Start.

But these gains won't become reality unless the House and Senate agree this September. Now is the time to raise your voice. Use the button below to tell Congress you want them to prioritize children – it takes 10 seconds!

Tell Congress Prevention is Essential

Brownies and Fun(ding)

Chick-fil-A Brownies for Benefits:

A Sweet Way to Give Back

From September 22–27, every chocolate fudge brownie you buy at any Arizona Chick-fil-A helps support Prevent Child Abuse Arizona!

For each brownie sold, Chick-fil-A will donate $1 to PCAAZ.

It's the perfect excuse to treat yourself (and maybe grab a few extras for friends or family) while helping make Arizona a safe, supportive place to grow up. Because making a difference can be as simple – and sweet – as enjoying a brownie.

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.