|
Local Events
ABA Training Class: Part 2
January 30th
AZA United (Phoenix)
Family Nights with the Phoenix Suns
January 22nd
March 1st US Airways Arena (Phoenix)
Disability & Human Services Summit
February 20th
City of Surprise
Bal-A-Vis-X Conference
January 8th & 9th
Greater Phoenix ASA (Scottsdale)
Overview of Asperger's
January 19th
SARRC (Phoenix)
FRIEND Program Training
January 25th
SARRC (Phoenix)
Into to Autism (in Spanish)
January 30th
SARRC (Phoenix)
Contact us for more information on any of these events! |
|
Link of the Month
See TIME magazine's tips for travelling with a child on the autism spectrum.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
AZA Helps Families for the Holidays  This holiday season, AZA United is helping out families in need through our first annual "Adopt-a-Family" program, focused on the needs of the local autism community. Over a dozen families visited our Family Support Center this month to choose from a wide selection of donated toys and clothing. Special thanks to the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Arizona (NAMI)for helping to make these donations possible! We still have a good selection of new or gently used clothing in many sizes and styles, as well as toys for different ages and interests. If you or a family you know could benefit, please contact our office so we can coordinate an opportunity to provide assistance in making this holiday season a great one for kids and families. If you have items you would like to donate toward this cause, we can certainly help find a home for them where they will be appreciated and put to good use, so give us a call or email HelpingOut@azaunited.org. Happy holidays!
|
|
A Small Difference Makes a Big Difference  For those of you who have been with AZA United for some time, you know that we don't make a habit out of asking for donations. Sometimes people don't even realize that we are a nonprofit charity. Since starting 4 years ago, we have made a concerted effort to focus on our services more than our fundraising, and to build a service model that can sustain itself financially with DDD rates and deliver high quality programs and outcomes for children and families. We are happy to see the progress we have made in this short time, but we know there is much more to be done. Unfortunately, state funding has been reduced significantly and is at risk for more cuts next year. So now we are doing what every nonprofit organization must do to succeed in our mission. And on that note, we ask you to consider Arizona Autism United in your year-end tax-deductible charitable donations. Becoming a new donor has an impact that goes far beyond just the dollars contributed. By building a large base of supporters in the community, we will be able to leverage that support into new funding opportunities and grants from foundations. So every donation counts, no matter how small, and we need your help now more than ever. Please visit www.AZAunited.org and make your donation online of any amount that is reasonable for you and your family, and show your support and belief in the work we are doing on behalf of your community every day. And spread the word - even a little donation will have a big impact. Thank you for your support, and as always, let us know what else we can do to help!
|
|
New Playgroup Network for Children with Autism  Contributed by Larissa Beckstead, AZA Member
As a parent of a young boy with autism, I am always looking for opportunities for my son to have play dates with neuro-typical children. I have been able to meet some great moms through The Mom Network. When we lived in Orange County, I belonged to OCMommies. There I was able to meet moms who would do play dates with us so my son could play with a neuro-typical child his age.
When I moved back to Phoenix I joined Phoenix Mommies so I could meet moms here. Phoenix Mommies is a free online and in-person mom's group. Everyone must pass a background check to get in the network. We have a wide range of activities, such as play dates in the park. Besides providing opportunities for moms to get together, we have many different private support groups. One of our most active support groups is Children with Special Needs, for which I am a co-moderator. Through this forum I have found very supportive moms who are in a similar situation as myself.
To join Phoenix Mommies, go to www.Phoenixmommies.com. Fill out the new user application. Be sure to state that you found out about the group from AZA United so our site administrator will add you to our Children with Special Needs forum. Once you have been granted access to our site, stop by the Children with Special Needs forum to introduce yourself and join in our conversations. I look forward to seeing you there!
|
|
AZA Voted One of the Best Places to Work  AZA United was recently honored for the second straight year by the Phoenix Business Journal as one of the Best Places to Work in the Valley! This year year we advanced two places on the chart to finish at #9. Thank you to all the employees who have made our efforts to help the autism community a success. We are excited to continue the good work and provide many more resources and opportunities for you in 2010!
| |
|
Making History with Founding Donors  AZA United is now embarking on our first ever fundraising drive in the pursuit of Founding Donors - individuals who believe in what we do and want to see us do it better, helping more kids and delivering greater outcomes. Founding Donors will be recognized for their gift on the Donor Appreciation Wall at our center, as well as a variety of other ways. Are you interested in becoming a Founding Donor, or do you know someone else who might be? Please read this flyer for more information on how to get involved. We are also inviting businesses large and small to participate as Founding Corporate Sponsors. Donations can be made online from our homepage, or by contacting us via phone or donate@azaunited.org. Thank you for your support and generosity, on behalf of AZA United and all of the families that need our help!
|
|
Thanks for all you do, and don't forget to tell us what else we can do...for you! |
|
|
