News and Events

Meet Jenna Cooper, AZCEND’s new Chief Executive Officer

Meet Jenna Cooper and see how AZCEND is building on 60 years of help and hope. AZCEND is beginning an important new chapter: our Board of Directors has selected Jenna Cooper to serve as the organization’s next chief executive officer. She will begin her new role on Monday, August 3 as AZCEND celebrates 60 years…

AZCEND helps end childhood hunger

AZCEND raises $4,007 as part of nationwide Nourish the American Dream campaign to help end childhood hunger in the Phoenix East Valley Community support during Albertsons Companies Foundation’s national campaign will help provide meals for local children and families Chandler, Arizona (July 10, 2026) – Thanks to the generosity of local shoppers and supporters, AZCEND…

Trinity Donovan to receive the Tracey Washington Spirit Award

AZCEND is proud to honor Trinity Donovan with the 2026 Tracey Washington Spirit Award for her outstanding service to our community. The award was created in memory of Tracey Washington, who served as AZCEND’s Food Bank Manager for 14 years. Tracey respected people, understood their needs and devoted himself to helping others. His kindness and…

Twenty-five little grads are ready for what comes next

On May 15, 25 children crossed the stage in tiny caps and gowns at AZCEND’s Giggles, Squiggles & Squirms (GSS) graduation celebration. Families gathered with cameras, applause and happy tears as students celebrated a year of growth, learning and confidence before heading to kindergarten this fall. Thanks to the generosity of AZCEND supporters and partners,…

When heat rises, neighbors find hope at AZCEND

In Arizona, rising temperatures are more than uncomfortable. For many of our neighbors, they are dangerous. Hundreds of lives are lost to extreme heat each year across Maricopa County, with people experiencing homelessness and those without reliable indoor spaces facing the greatest risk. Our neighbors need more than relief when temperatures climb. They need safety,…

Celebrating the power of volunteers at AZCEND

During Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 19 to 25, we celebrate the people who give their time, energy and care to support our community in ways big and small. Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at AZCEND. Their commitment and compassion help ensure that neighbors across our community are supported with dignity, care…

AZCEND honored at the East Valley Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast

On April 8, community leaders from across the East Valley gathered for the annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, a morning centered on unity, reflection and shared responsibility for the communities we call home. This year, AZCEND was selected as the beneficiary of the event, a recognition that reflects both the trust of our partners and the…

We’re under construction

April 6, 2026 – Construction at AZCEND began today and is expected to continue through May 1, 2026. The newly refined spaces will be home to AZCEND’s overnight Heat Relief & Respite program. “I am so excited to be able to offer this service to our community in partnership with the City of Chandler during…

AZCEND opens nominations for the Tracey Washington Spirit Award

AZCEND is proud to once again honor the legacy of Tracey Washington through the Tracey Washington Spirit Award, presented at our annual Spirit of AZCEND Gala. Tracey served as AZCEND’s Food Bank Manager for 14 years, showing up each day with deep care for the people he served. He believed in meeting people with dignity,…

One home shared, two lives strengthened

For many senior adults in the East Valley, staying in the home they love is becoming harder each year. Rising housing costs, medical expenses and everyday necessities continue stretching fixed incomes further and further. Today, older adults are the fastest-growing population experiencing homelessness in Arizona. Many seniors are forced to make impossible choices between covering…

Lighting the lake, feeding our neighbors

Twenty one years ago, the Luminaria walk at Diamond Lake in Sun Lakes began with a simple idea. “We were sitting around in 2004 at Christmas in my backyard,” said Judith Johnson, founder of the event. “My son said, ‘you ought to get some of your friends and just put luminaries around the lake. It…

AZCEND announces leadership transition plan and Interim CEO appointment

Today AZCEND shared an update on a leadership transition plan designed to ensure steady, consistent oversight of the organization’s mission and day-to-day operations serving neighbors facing hunger, poverty and homelessness. After thoughtful consideration, Chief Executive Officer Trinity Donovan announced she will be transitioning from her role, with her departure set for March 6, 2026. “AZCEND…