Family Resource Center

Upcoming Classes

Gilbert FRC Calendars:

GilbertFebruary23Calendar

Gilbert February Calendar║ Registration Link

Chandler January Calendar ║ Registration Link

From early literacy to fun activities, the Family Resource Centers provides a safe, positive environment for family development.

CHANDLER FRC located at AZCEND

345 S. California Street, Chandler, AZ 85225, Contact Iyali Mendoza for more information at 480-963-1423 x119 or iyali@azcend.org

GILBERT FRC located at The Gilbert Heritage Center

132 W Bruce Avenue, Gilbert, AZ 85233, Contact Jessica Thumas for more information at 480-428-5446 x201 or jessica1@azcend.org

Giggles, Squiggles, and Squirms- Chandler FRC

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- both Chandler & Gilbert

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 for Operation Santa 2022 has 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 Iyali Mendoza, 480-963-1423 x119, iyali@azcend.org