Adoption and Foster Care

Deep breaths and being kind: A year as a foster parent

Written by Maggie Zehring “Hi! It’s nice to meet you,” I respond a bit forcefully. It feels like the millionth time I’ve heard the same...

5 questions for foster care expert Paul Davis

As director of foster care services at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Arizona, Paul Davis is responsible for the organization’s foster care and respite operations...

ARIZONA’S CHILDREN: Teens in foster care are making the world a better place

Sixth in a series about foster care in Arizona Autumn is 17 years old and a junior in high school. While other kids her age...

ARIZONA’S CHILDREN: Make a difference for kids in foster care

Fifth in a series about foster care in Arizona The joys of childhood are simple --- a ride on the swings at the park, a...

ARIZONA’S CHILDREN: Forming forever families through adoption

Fourth in a series about foster care in Arizona Chandler mom Michon Javelosa always knew she wanted to adopt. “I was not interested in having...

Kinship care: Grandmother of four takes on the unexpected

Third in a series about foster parenting in Arizona Four years ago, Kelly Ray left her job as a special needs instructor in Ohio to...

ARIZONA’S CHILDREN: In foster families, love transforms

Second in a series about foster care in Arizona Gilbert couple Becki and Brett MacLay always knew they wanted a lively household, and that’s exactly...

At-home volunteering: Make “no-sew” blankets for kids in foster care

Families Giving Back creates in-person volunteering events as well as at-home projects for families with kids of all ages. These events and projects ---...

ARIZONA’S CHILDREN: Nearly 18,000 kids are in foster care. What happens next is up to us.

About 40 children --- infants through preschoolers --- temporarily reside at Child Crisis Arizona’s emergency shelter in Mesa. These are children who have been...

Project Jigsaw: A family for everyone

This story begins with two people who met through mutual friends at work. They found it comfortable to be together. A friendship blossomed. One night,...

Grandparents raising grandchildren – a success story

“I wanted to thank you for raising me into the wonderful person I am and putting your name onto something so huge, it means...

National Adoption Day creates hundreds of new forever families

For 9-year-old Nevaeh Andrews, being adopted by her aunt and uncle last Saturday was the beginning of a new life. She was not alone---more...

Arizona adoption attorney Kathryn Pidgeon

She was a reluctant law student. Yet she stuck with it. She graduated, married a classmate and together they moved to Phoenix. It was...

How adoption medicine supports families

Shay Patel was 20 months old when Heather and Himanshu Patel, of Florence, officially became his parents. Shay (pronounced “Shy”) was born in India,...

The many faces of foster care

Three of nine youth who will take the stage Friday night in a new play called "Shipwrecked" know its subject better than most. They're...

Working for the Little Ones in Ethiopia

It has been nearly seven years since Brian and Keri deGuzman of Paradise Valley stood in the Addis Ababa airport, a new baby daughter...

PARTY ARTICLES

Out-of-the-box Birthday Party Ideas in Phoenix & Tucson

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Birthday Traditions & Clever Theme Ideas

Childhood birthdays are unlike any others. I have fond memories of waking up on my birthday morning anticipating all the fun that was in store. With three kids who had birthdays all in the same...

Out-of-the Box Birthday Party Ideas

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Party Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, you may be wondering—do people really RSVP anymore? What about goodie bags, are those still a thing? Do I need to stay with my child at...

How to Throw a Birthday Party that Won’t Break the Bank

I remember the days when birthday parties consisted of colorful balloons, streamers, a simple cake, and the classics like musical chairs and tag with a few friends. Times have changed and suddenly it feels necessary...

How to do a drive-by birthday party

As we get deeper into quarantine, people have gotten creative with birthday celebrations. One result: the drive-by birthday party.

Home pool party? Hire a lifeguard!

Drowning happens silently and quickly. That’s why children are at risk even when — and sometimes especially when — adults are nearby. Even a "designated pool watcher" can avert his or her eyes for a...

Hiking birthday party

For a child who loves adventure and outdoors, turn a hike into a birthday party.
Tour de Liam, Biking birthday party theme, bike race, outdoor activites, arizona parties

Bike race birthday party

When there are lots of neighborhood friends who love to ride their bikes together, host a birthday party that feels like an official bike race.

Island birthday party

Pool parties are popular in Arizona. Make a stylish upgrade at your next birthday party by incorporating décor and details that will transport guests from the desert to a tropical island paradise.

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