We are happy to announce that through a competitive process with First Things First Regional Partnership Council, Family SPOT received two three-year contracts to continue to provide services to families and children in Maricopa County.

Many of our programs directly impact children - from refugee families in Phoenix and Tucson to children who are fed through Partners in Caring and foster children served through Family HOMES across the state. Our goal is to send each child to school with a full backpack so they are ready to learn.

There are many older adults who do not have air conditioning or even a fan to cool them in these hot Arizona months. Thanks to Beautiful Savior, Tucson; Dove of Peace, Tucson; Resurrection, Oro Valley; Tanque Verde, Tucson and other generous donors more than 600 fans will provide some cooling breezes in these homes.

I finished my sixth week this week, and I continue to be amazed at the quality of staff and programs that are provided through our work.

In order to truly understand our programs, I am investing time in touring our various sites, meeting the staff, and interacting with some of our clients.

Beginning in May, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest will host one-hour monthly introductory events that will educate, inspire and introduce participants to the vital work of our programs in Arizona.

Many thanks go out to Love of Christ Lutheran Church and all who participated in the "Play with Food" event on the weekend of March 7 and 8. 

Toetie Oberman started volunteering with us in the early 90s, helping others through the suicide prevention hotline. This is her 7th year of faithfully serving as a Board Member.

Luminaria, a program of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, collaborates with the Pima Council on Aging to deliver nutritious meals to homebound individuals over the age of 60 who are residents of Pima County.

Arizona Gives Day is a 24-hour opportunity for Arizonans to show support for the state's nonprofits.

Family SPOT hopes to give away new and gently used books for children 0-5.

This February, we hope you'll think bigger and consider sending a "love letter" to our Arizona community through a donation to Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest.

In your will, you may choose to leave a sum of money, property, stocks, or a percentage of your estate to Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest. 

Family SPOT, a division of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, operates Family Resource Centers, in collaboration with First Things First, to partner with families raising children birth to 5 years old.

Our Partners in Caring Food Pantries were able to distribute 337 turkeys to families in need this Thanksgiving, thanks to generous supporters.

"These classes can take people from hopeless to hopeful," noted an attendee.

Consider giving a gift to Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest to help us help those in need in our community.