Our Programs

Founded in 1966, AZCEND changes lives by nourishing minds and bodies to create a connected, thriving community.

 

Volunteers

AZCEND would not be able to serve those in need without the assistance of our dedicated volunteers. Last fiscal year 979 unique individuals volunteered at AZCEND  giving a total of 21,789 volunteer hours.

NAS (Neighborhood Assistance Services, formerly CAP)

NAS is funded in part by the City of Chandler, Maricopa County Human Services Department, Department of Economic Security, Town of Gilbert, and Valley of the Sun United Way. AZCEND NAS programs offer a balanced approach to meet the needs of our community:

  • Case Management
  • Goal Planning Through Life Action Maps
  • Job Training
  • Employment and Education Referrals
  • Financial Education
  • Referrals to Other Services and Programs
  • Follow-up and ongoing support
  • Emergency Financial Assistance
  • Utility Assistance
  • Eviction Prevention
  • Shelter/Housing Referrals
  • Food and Clothing Referrals

Last year, NAS provided supportive services, case management, referrals and financial assistance and prevented 269 utility disconnects and 184 evictions totaling $1,085,824.50.

Family Resource Center- FRC

Last year The Family Resource Center served 2,386 children and 2,703 parents through various parenting classes and activities throughout the year.

Two locations:
AZCEND- Chandler                                             AZCEND- Gilbert
345 S. California St                                              Heritage Center
Chandler, AZ 85225                                            132 W Bruce Ave.
480-963-4321                                                       Gilbert, AZ 85233
+++++++++++                                                     480-428-5446

Giggles, Squiggles, and Squirms

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.

Monday/Wednesday AM- 9:30-11:30 AM
Tuesday/Thursday AM- 9:30-11:30 AM
Monday/Wednesday  PM- 1:00-3:00 PM

AZCEND- Chandler
345 S. California St
Chandler, AZ 85225
480-963-4321
+++++++++++

Child Watch

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. 763 children were served by Child Watch.

Operation Santa

Each year AZCEND’s Operation Santa program provides holiday assistance to children throughout the community. Last year, 367 children participated in Operation Santa in 2019 and received toys, books, candy, and more.

Operation Back to School

Through collaboration with the City of Chandler and other area organizations, we assisted over 2,000 children with backpacks, school supplies and clothing for Back to School in 2019.

Food Bank

AZCEND’s Food Bank collected 904,453 pounds of food through food drives and donations, and distributed 10,515 food boxes.

Emergency Food Boxes

Emergency food boxes tailored to family size and special dietary needs, including infants, children, and homeless individuals are distributed Monday 12:00 PM through 3:00 PM and Tuesday 3:00 PM through 6:00 PM, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 AM through 12:00 PM. Third Saturday of the month from 9 to 12

Supplemental Food Boxes

Supplemental food boxes containing fresh perishable food are distributed every Friday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Food tickets are distributed beginning at 7:30 AM.

*In accordance with Federal law and U.S Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

I-HELP

In the fiscal year 2021-22, I-HELP (Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program) provided 5,053 bed nights to 150 unduplicated individuals.

Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program (I-HELP). I-HELP provides a safe place to sleep and a hot meal for homeless adults every night of the week. I-HELP also offers case management services to connect homeless individuals to the vital resources needed to regain stability and break the vicious cycle of homelessness. The mobile shower unit, the “Chandler Clean Machine,” provides guests with ready access to a warm shower.

Emergency Shelter

For emergency shelter, please contact us at 480-963-1423 at ext 116. I-HELP services are at AZCEND, 345 S. California St. Chandler, AZ 85225.

Case Management

I-HELP Case Management services:

  • Job Placement
  • Medical Referrals
  • Bus Passes
  • Benefits Connection (SNAP & AHCCCS)
  • Housing Assistance

Senior Centers

The Chandler and Gilbert senior centers provided 10,306 meals at their respective locations and 75,237 home delivered meals to homebound individuals.

On-site Meals
  • On-site nutritious meals
  • Opportunities for social interactions to combat loneliness and isolation
Home Delivered Meals
  • Meal delivery to the homes of frail, elderly, disabled and otherwise home-bound persons.
  • Wellness checks to ensure safety and well-being. Our monitors report tasks, such as changing a light bulb that the client cannot reach, to advising family members or case managers of the need for medical attention.
Activities

There are over 1,378 activities provided each year, including:

  • Zumba
  • BINGO
  • Restaurant Outings
  • Tai Chi

Nondiscrimination

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.