Family Resource Center

Giggles Squiggles Squirms Slider


Upcoming Classes 

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

Gilbert FRC Calendars:

Gilbert August Calendar║For registration information, contact Jessica Thumas at jessica1@azcend.org

Chandler FRC Calendars:

Chandler August Calendar ║ For registration information, contact Jessica Thumas at jessica1@azcend.org

CHANDLER FRC located at AZCEND 

345 S. California Street, Chandler, AZ 85225, Contact Jackie Cruz for more information at 480-963-1423 x. 201 or jackiec@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. Contact Jackie Cruz for enrollment information at 480-963-1423 x. 106 or laurar@azcend.org

  • 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

Emergency Diaper Assistance, Resources & Referrals

The FRCs provide assistance to families in the community with children 0-5 years old and provides emergency diapers for families in need with children ages 0 to 5, resources and referrals. Diaper Appointment Request Link || Liga para solicitar cita para pañales

Chandler families contact: Jackie Cruz, 480-963-1423 x 106,  jackiec@azcend.org

Gilbert families contact: Jessica Thumas for more information at 480-428-5446 x201 or jessica1@azcend.org

Emergency Diaper Assistance is possible with the contribution of the Diaper Bank of Central Arizona and Molina Healthcare.

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 – jessica1@azcend.org / 480-428-5446 x. 201

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 AZCEND main office at 480-963-1423 for an appointment.

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.

The third Tuesday of the month at the Chandler main office, the Chandler FRC & Molina Healthcare, host a Blood Pressure and Glucose check-up. Please contact Jackie Cruz at  jackiec@azcend.org or 480-963-1423 x 106 for more information and other resources that might be available that day.

Operation Santa 2023

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 2023 will start September 2023.

Operation Santa registration information please contact:
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 January 1st, 2023 and August 31st, 2023 to be eligible.

Operation Back to School 2024

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. Come back on 2024 for more information or email backpackdrive@forourcitychandler.org to get more information on how to help in 2024. Please visit forourcitychandler.org for information on how to give an online donation.