12 Steps We Took Together in 2016

As 2016 comes to a close, we want to say thank you to our supporters and partners. You make this work possible and have helped us accomplish more than ever before. 

While we face many challenges ahead, change happens when many people come together. We look forward to working with you in 2017. 

 
 
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Just a towel?


Last winter a towel drive of over 20 congregations collected 2,000 towels for the people that we serve. To many of us, towels are an everyday item that we don't give much thought to. But these towels that you donated are so much more. These are instruments of love. 

 

Two Less Children in foster care

Our Family HOMES foster care families rapidly increased this year, and we were also able to start processing adoptions. One of the first adoptions that we celebrated was The Bailey family. "Brooklyn and Selina didn't ask for the life that they were born into. But they have been a blessing to me," says Rodina.

 

 

A just wage for caregivers

As the economy as slowly improved, the reimbursement rates we receive for in-home care has not. This leaves a huge gap in funding that means we cannot afford to pay our caregivers what they are worth. This summer, we were able to budget a modest wage increase, and are on track to do so again this winter. This is a goal we continue to strive for, that is not possible without your support. 

 

 

Engaging Voters In the Election

You pledged, voted, and registered others to have their voice heard in the democratic process. 

Empowering Refugee Children

Refugee children fleeing violence face a host of challenges adjusting to life in Arizona. Your generosity provides extra help like tutoring, summer programs, and child care.  

 

 
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New Locations For Community Support

We opened two new in-home care offices this year, in Sierra Vista and Nogales, as well as opening a new Family SPOT site at Shepherd of the Valley in Phoenix, allowing us to serve more clients throughout Arizona. 

 

 

Doubling Your Tax Credit Impact

SB 1216 doubled contributions for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit from $200 to $400 for individuals and $400 to $800 for married couples - meaning that we can plan to better serve the community in the future. Your generosity really makes a difference in what we can accomplish together. 

 

 

A brighter Christmas for children in foster care

Your outpouring of support for our Holiday Gift Catalog meant that all 100 children in our Family HOMES foster care program received holiday gifts this year. 

 

 

Nearly $100,000 in just two days


You joined us for two online giving celebrations - Arizona Gives Day in April and #GivingTuesday in December - raising a total of $94,031 to stabilize lives during times of crisis.

Your excitement and generosity was truly overwhelming. We still haven't recovered. 

 

Honoring Our Heritage Programs

Over 11,000 volunteer hours in the East Valley provided food and shelter to those experiencing poverty and homelessness.

We're excited to launch our Southwest Valley Interfaith Emergency Homeless Lodging Program (I-HELP) in early 2017 to expand services. 

 

Lutheran Legacy of refugee Resettlement continues

The Lutheran legacy of refugee resettlement traces back to World War I and has always relied on congregational support to welcome these angels in our midst. 

2016 brought a combination of new challenges and uncertainty, but our program remains as strong as ever. We look forward to your partnership in 2017. 

 

Simple gifts make life-changing difference

We have been flooded with in-kind gifts and donation drives including highly needed items like cleaning supplies, hygiene items, and Christmas toys.

One woman in I-HELP received a new pair of shoes and asked "Who can I thank for my new shoes that I so desperately needed? This act reminds me that God sent me here. He has plan. I just don't know what it is yet."