Family Resource Center
The Giggles, Squiggles, and Squirms program is suspending all activities and classes in an attempt to flatten the curve to contain the spread of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus.
From early literacy to fun activities, the Family Resource Center provides a safe, positive environment for family development.
Get More Info
For more information about current Family Resource Center programs, download the Gilbert FRC Calendar (February, March, and April) and the Chandler FRC Calendar (February)
To register for February classes/events with our Family Resource Center, click here.
To register for March or April classes/events, contact Vanessa@AZCEND.org
AZCEND – FRC HERITAGE CENTER- FRC
345 S. California St 132 W Bruce Ave
Chandler, AZ 85225 Gilbert, AZ 85233
480-963-1423 480-428-5446
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
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: Leslie Peralta , 480-963-1423 ext 106 , Leslie@azcend.org
Gilbert families contact: Jennifer Varela, 480-428-5446 ext 104, 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/
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.
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.
Operation Santa registration information for Chandler and Gilbert Families:
Stay tuned for Operation Santa 2021! If you have any questions, please contact leslie@azcend.org for Chandler families or jennifer@azcend.org for Gilbert families.
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
Chandler: 480-963-1423 x 106
Gilbert: 480-428-5446 x 104
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
Dara Gibson
December 22nd, 2015 View Profile