|
Upcoming Events
GFCF Cooking Class
May 31 - Scottsdale
ABA Training Class
GALA Conferencia de Autismo
ASA Autism Conference
May 3 & 4 - Phoenix |
|
Take Advantage
Contact us about any of the services below by clicking on the link.
|
|
Each provider agency has its own unique set of services and benefits to consider. Here are some things that AZA United can offer you:
For Hab & Respite Providers:
Wages up to $13.50/hour
Matching wages for transfers
Frequent raise opportunities
Home visit support any time
Paychecks twice per month
Taxes withheld
Coming soon:
Health insurance
401K plans
Online timesheets
Performance reviews
Lead Habilitator positions
For Families:
Home visit support any time
Monthly family events
Free skills assessments
Voting rights (Annual Meeting)
Ongoing employee recruiting
No sequenced waiting lists
Hab M services available
For more information about our services, please contact us. |
|
Link of the Month
Autism Speaks presents "In Their Own Words," a series of personal writings from parents, professionals, and individuals on the autism spectrum.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Passion Stirs at the Annual Meeting  This year's Annual Meeting was a monumental event for all in attendance. Parents congregated to discuss ways to improve and expand AZA United's services to keep up with growing needs while gaining a better understanding of the Human Service Co-op model and the value of self-determination. Meanwhile, children were entertained with games, art and fun outdoor activities. Everyone enjoyed a free relaxing massage from our volunteer massage therapists as well as fruit, cookies and lemonade under the shade of pecan trees. Relive the moment by viewing this lovely picture slideshow from our volunteer photographer (scroll down to the "AZA United" section, then click on the "play" icon). We have also posted notes from the meeting and responses to our annual Parent Survey on our website. To keep the momentum rolling, this issue of Co-op Culture includes some direct insight from our parent-based Board of Directors. |
|
GFCF Cooking Class  Many families have experimented with gluten-casein free diets for their children, often reporting effects such as improvements in social attention and eye contact, as well as decreases in self-stimulatory behaviors and irritability. However, any family who has tried it will tell you one thing: it's not easy! Our society simply isn't set up to accomodate these diets without strict attention and diligent research on each individual food item. Figuring out what NOT to eat is only half the battle, and perhaps the easier half. Foods that can be eaten are not always the tastiest, especially for our kids who may be quite limited in what they will try in the first place. Parents, if this sounds all too familiar to you, you are in luck: for the next AZA United monthly family event, we are hosting a GFCF cooking class with a professional chef! He will demonstrate how to cook a few delicious dishes and have many more for you to sample. Kids are welcome to attend! We'll have activities for them too, and maybe even little chef hats... You'll have a chance to ask the chef your own questions and collect some recipes to make your GFCF experience a great one. Space is limited (and we'll likely do this again), so RSVP early! Contact us for more information. Also let us know if you or your company is interested in being a sponsor for this event! |
|
Basketball Committee Starts Planning  This summer AZA United will be hosting a one-day basketball camp for kids of all ages on the autism spectrum! A special committee of parents, siblings and our staff has been formed to plan the event. We are tentatively planning a Saturday in July on a centrally located court. Activities will vary based on age and skill level, and there will be something for everyone. If you would like to join the planning committee or volunteer for this event, please contact us. |
|
A Note from our President  I'd like thank everyone who came out to our Annual Meeting last Saturday at The Farm at South Mountain. It was a beautiful day to be outdoors and everyone had a great time. I personally liked getting to know other families, hearing their stories, and the exchange of ideas that flowed back and forth - it was just so exciting! It was great to hear parents be so hopeful for the future, but the best part of all is that because we are all members of a cooperative, we CAN make our ideas a reality. So, for those of you who weren't able to attend on Saturday, I'd like to extend a special invitation to you to communicate your ideas and/or concerns to our wonderful AZA United staff, so we can support you and fulfill the needs that you feel will enrich your family's way of life. As I explained at the meeting, every member of this cooperative has a voice, and if you'd like to take a more active role in the makeup of your agency, you can. So, I encourage you to pick up the phone and call AZA United - you will be heard!
Donna Gómez is the parent of a child with Autism.She has served on the Board of Directors for AZA United since its inception in 2005, as well as on the Board for Grupo de Apoyo para Latinos con Autismo (GALA). She currently works for the Arizona Foundation for Eye Health. |
|
Our Newly Elected Vice Chair  I'm amazed at what AZA United has accomplished this past year and so very excited about the year to come!The whole team is dedicated to making the co-op concept a rich and interactive experience for members who choose to participate, and participation is the best way to ensure meaningful services for your child and family. I know that I am my child's best advocate.As Vice Chair, I plan to continue that role as an advocate for the membership, assuring that AZA United brings quality and meaning to the families it serves.
Wade Newhouse is the father of a 9 year old girl with Autism. He has served on the Board of AZA United for one year. He worked at the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center for three years and is currently the IT Manager for Stirling Energy Systems. |
|
Our Newly Elected Treasurer  AZA United provides a unique opportunity to assist families affected with autism and I am excited to be a part of it. Because we are member driven, decisions about programs, services and direction come from those that have the keenest sense of what is necessary to provide assistance in the community.Between the energized staff and engaged membership, we are positioned to rally the autism community toward creating synergies that currently will be meaningful and dynamic. Thanks to everyone who has been involved so far for creating such an amazing vision of which I can be a part!
Nicole Geremina has served as a Board member of AZA United for the last 6 months and has offered valuable guidance regarding finance and operations. She has 14 years of management experience in financial services and IT, including executive leadership, operations management, and new business development. |
|
Welcome, New Board Member!  My vision for AZA United is to grow our presence in the community. I have often said that SAARC has a wonderful program and Raising Special Kids was truly a life saver for me and my family in the early stages of our son's diagnosis. However, I would like for us to become more present in the community and provide more education on what a "co-op" really means. I feel that each of us serve as ambassadors for the AZA United vision and goals. I sincerely look forward to serving you all as a newly elected Board member.
Lynette Tolliver is the mother of a child on the Autism Spectrum and also serves as a community leader in advocacy for children and family members with special needs. She is currently the Governance Board Administrator for Magellan Health Services of Arizona and part of the leadership team for the Maricopa County Regional Behavioral Health Authority. | |
|
Getting Ready for Summer  Summer is approaching fast and, with that, changing schedules. Here at AZA United we are doing all we can to plan ahead and make sure your family has the support you need to make this summer a great one. Parents, give us a call to let us know what additional hours you will need covered. Employees, let us know if you are interested in picking up more habilitation or respite hours over the summer. Stay tuned as AZA United is working on some fun summer activities for our providers to do with our kids. If you have an idea, let us know! |
|
Thanks for all you do, and don't forget to tell us what else we can do...for you! |
|
|
