Family Resource Center TEST PAGE
Upcoming Classes
Chandler FRC Calendars:
Chandler November Calendar ║ Registration Link
Chandler December Calendar ║ Registration Link
From early literacy to fun activities, the Family Resource Centers provides a safe, positive environment for family development.
AZCEND – FRC
345 S. California Street, Chandler, AZ 85225, 480-963-1423 x119
HERITAGE CENTER- FRC
132 W Bruce Avenue, Gilbert, AZ 85233, 480-428-5446 x205
Giggles, Squiggles, and Squirms- Chandler Location
This fun, interactive early literacy program is designed to prepare families for their children’s entrance into kindergarten. Each family is assigned a mentor that works directly with the parents and children. Children ages 3-5 learn how to count, recognize letters and sounds, sing and dance and expand their vocabulary, while developing social skills, playing and creating memories. August through May.
- Monday/Wednesday AM- 9:30-11:30 AM
- Tuesday/Thursday AM- 9:30-11:30 AM
- Monday/Wednesday PM- 1:00-3:00 PM
- Tuesday/Thursday AM- 1:00-3:00 PM
Family Support & Assistance Program- Chandler & Gilbert
Provides assistance to families in the community with children 0-5 years old. The program will work with families to develop goals and support families in achieving those goals. Provides emergency diapers for families in need with children ages 0 to 5, with a scheduled appointment, resources and referrals, and family support.
Chandler families contact: Jackie Cruz, 480-963-1423 x 106, jackiec@azcend.org
Gilbert families contact: Jennifer Varela, 480-428-5446 x 202, Jennifer@azcend.org
Emergency Diaper Assistance is possible with the contribution of the Diaper Bank of Central Arizona. For more information visit http://www.diaperbankaz.org/
For Goodness Cakes for AZCEND FRC Families
For Goodness Cakes, a non-profit organization in our community, has generously partnered with AZCEND to bake a special cake for our participants who are in need of a birthday cake for their child. Please note that they do not accept any requests that have any allergy restrictions. Please contact us 2 weeks before the special day to place your request!
Chandler AZCEND Families– jackiec@azcend.org / 480-963-1423 x. 106
Gilbert AZCEND Families– jennifer@azcend.org / 480-428-5446 x. 202
Link to request a cake: For Goodness Cakes Request

Child Watch provides a safe environment for children while their parents participate in AZCEND programs. Child Watch is open during most class times, food bank hours, and during appointments. Parents must remain on the premises while their child is in the program and sign them in and out.
Benefits Connection- Chandler & Gilbert
Meet with a Benefits Coordinator to help you navigate through the DES system with dignity by assisting you with applications for SNAP, AHCCCS, cash assistance, and other benefits, reducing the stress of waiting in long lines. Contact our Benefits Coordinator Jessie Mendivil, 480-963-1423 x 105, jessie@azcend.org
Community Health Program- see schedule for dates & locations
The FRC hosts health prevention and awareness classes, and offers support including oral health and fluoride treatments, vision and hearing screenings, blood pressure and other health check ups, and mobile onsite medical services.
Operation Santa
Each year AZCEND’s Operation Santa program provides holiday assistance to children throughout the Chandler/Gilbert community. In 2019, we provided over 600 children with Christmas presents, empowering families during the holidays who may have otherwise not shared this experience. Through Operation Santa, there are many opportunities to get involved, including participating in our Adopt-A-Family program, hosting a new toy and clothing drive, volunteering to pack gift bags and more.
Registration ended
Operation Santa registration information please contact:
- Jackie Cruz at jackiec@azcend.org 480-963-1423 x 119, for Chandler families
- Jennifer Varela at jennifer@azcend.org, 480-428-5446 x 202, for Gilbert families
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
- Proof of income (Last 30 Days)
- Children’s birth certificates or official custody/guardianship documents
- Photo ID for all adults
- Proof of address (recent mail within 30 days, utility bill, lease)
- Children’s wish list and clothing/shoe size
*Number of gifts provided is determined by donations received and cannot be guaranteed.
Each applicant must have actively participated in FRC Classes or in the Family Support Program between July 1st, 2021 and September 1st, 2022 to be eligible.
Operation Back to School
Operation Back to School provides children with school supplies, including backpacks, shoes, socks, underwear and uniforms. AZCEND reaches out to donors and volunteers to be part of this collaborative initiative and serves as a donation site.
There are many opportunities to be involved, including sponsorship, hosting a drive at work, making a financial contribution, donating supplies or volunteering. Information about how to get involved is available online at www.azcend.org, including a list of supplies needed for various grade levels ranging from preschool to high school.
For more information: https://forourcitychandler.org/operation-back-to-school or Jessica Thumas, 480-963-1423 x119, jessicat@azcend.org
Visit our AZCEND FRC- Family Page to learn more about us!
Sarah Amstutz
December 2nd, 2022 View Profile