CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF IMPACT

This year marks Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation’s 40th year of changing the story for children and youth in foster care.

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Get Fun

AFFCF funds a variety of athletic, educational and social activities and items for children in foster care that are not otherwise funded by the state or other programs.

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get a future

Our Keys to Success program empowers youth on the verge of aging out of foster care through individualized career planning, education and employment services.

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go to school

AFFCF’s Post-Secondary Scholarship program funds tuition and fees for young people who age out of foster care in Arizona and attend higher learning institutions.

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ARIZONA FRIENDS OF FOSTER CHILDREN FOUNDATION

Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation in Phoenix creates opportunities to build self-esteem and empower children and youth in foster care by funding services to enrich their life experiences and ensure their successful transition to adulthood.

We’ve been funding activities and services to give children and youth in foster care the same opportunities as their peers since 1984. From summer camps to career development services to college scholarships, we are here to improve the lives and enhance the self-esteem of youth in foster care across Arizona.

In 2022, AFFCF granted more than $1,600,000 in awards for kids in foster care to participate in every day, fun activities that give them the childhood they deserve. We also funded 100 post-secondary scholarships and enrolled 278 new youth in our Keys to Success program.

WHY IT MATTERS

More than 15 children will enter foster care in Arizona – every day. Many times children come into foster care with little more than the clothes on their back or what they can carry in a trash bag as they’re rushed out the door. They may have never ridden a bicycle or sat down for a family meal. They may be struggling to keep up in school or never dared dream of playing a sport. Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation changes the story for kids in foster care by funding social, athletic and educational activities and items that provide them with quality experiences while they live through very difficult circumstances.

Join us in our mission to change the story for kids in foster care by making a charitable donation that qualifies for the Arizona Foster Care Tax Credit.

STATISTICS

In Arizona, there are approximately 10,000 children in foster care (January 2024). On average, children remain in state care for nearly two years and have three foster care placements. Some are reunited with their families, while others are adopted. Nearly 800 young people age out of foster care in Arizona each year.

FUNDING FUN

AFFCF in Phoenix cannot do what it does without you. We rely on the support of our generous donors to fund the hopes and dreams of children in foster care. Your charitable donations can:

Purchase a bicycle or scooter for a child who never thought he would own one.
Provide school clothes for a child who comes into foster care with the clothes she has on.
Introduce musical instrument lessons and exposure to the arts that would not have otherwise been possible.
Allow a child to participate in youth sports for the first time and build her self-esteem.
Offer a weighted vest or blanket for the child who struggles with trauma-induced anxiety.

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KEYS TO SUCCESS

The future for youth who age out of foster care is not statistically bright. They may lack the information, resources and skills to pursue post-secondary education and employment. For many, the focus is on immediate needs and survival, not building a future and setting themselves up for success. Our Keys to Success program offers young men and women the means to thrive as they enter into adulthood in the following ways:

Provides intensive, individualized career development plans.
Creates a career path through education and employment development skills.
Connects youth to resources and each other.
Creates opportunities for youth aging out foster care to become thriving, self-sufficient adults.

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POST-SECONDARY SCHOLARSHIPS

AFFCF in Phoenix funds the education dreams of youth in foster care care who graduate from high school and want to go on to higher education. In 2022 we funded 100 post-secondary scholarships for 65 students attending universities and 26 students enrolled at community colleges. Through the Focus Forward Fund, AFFCF funded awards for 74 students to help cover unexpected expenses so they could remain in school.

YOUR DONATION CAN HELP

No matter the amount you give, 85% of your donation will go directly to improving the life of a child in foster care. Thank you for making a Charitable Donation.