Following is a list of organizations that offer resources for building better families. • Listings are subject to change. Always call ahead to confirm information.

Academic Year in America: Nonprofit international foreign exchange student organization seeks local families to host foreign exchange students. 480-688-1764. www.academicyear.org.

 

Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Safety, health and justice for battered women in Arizona. Phoenix. 602-279-2900.

 

Arizona Institute for Breast Health: A nonprofit that offers programs that deal with all of the issues of breast cancer from prevention to education to specific treatment options. Scottsdale. 480-860-4200. www.aibh.org.

 

 

Barrow Neurological Institute: Caregivers support group provides information, resources and assistance for those who care for others with illnesses or disabilities, 1 pm the second Mon. of each month. Free. 602-406-6688.

 

Birth to Five Helpline: FREE question line for parents by an early childhood development specialist addressing issues of sleep, nutrition, behavior development, and access to Fussy Baby clinician for inconsolable, hard to soothe babies. Operated by Southwest Human Develpment. 877-705-KIDS or www.swhd.org.

 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix: Offers Valleywide after-school youth development programs, community support programs, 10 clubhouse facilities, dental clinic and outreach programs. For the nearest club, call 602-954-8182 or visit www.bgcmp.org. The Dave Pratt Dental Clinic is at 1601 W. Sherman St., Phoenix. Call 602-271-9961.

 

Bureau of Jewish Education: No Shabbos Candle Stands Alone is a monthly program for single-parent families to celebrate Jewish holidays together, connect with other single-parent families and become a part of the Jewish community. Training Wheels: Cycling Through the Jewish Year is a monthly hands-on Jewish holiday parenting class. Call for schedule/locations. Valleywide. 480-634-8050.

 

*Chandler Regional Medical Center: Sick Kid Care is a daycare program for mildly ill infants and children through age 13. Child advocates with pediatric training care for the children so parents can work with piece of mind. A current immunization record is mandatory to attend. 6:30 am-5:30 pm Mon.-Fri. excluding holidays. $40 for six hours or more, $30 for 5 hours or less; those with AHCCCS, KidsCare or Health Care Connect cards receive a 50 percent discount. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so call before stopping in. 480-728-3353. CRMC also offers a wide variety of support groups including ones for breastfeeding, childbirth, new moms, pregnancy and postpartum, safe sitter, sibling superstar, and many more. 877-728-5414. Chandler.

 

Children’s Center for Neurodevelopmental Studies: a nonprofit school and therapy center for children with autism, offers after-school programming for children ages 6-18. Musical Tune-Up gives kids ages 6-9 a chance to develop communication skills through music. Skills for Life is an occupational therapy program for teenagers with high functioning autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and other Sensory Integration Disorders. Call for schedule and fees. West Valley: 623-915-0345, ext. 301, East Valley: 480-615-0370. www.thechildrenscenteraz.org.

 

Children’s Choices: A nonprofit website educates and supports parents of children with special needs. Focus is on Spectrum Disorders such as Autism, ADHD, Sensory Integration, developmental delays, etc. Juvenile Arthritis is also addressed. Includes information on screenings, financial aid, therapies, activities, support groups, literature and links to other sites. www.childrenschoices.org.

 

Devereaux Arizona Foster Parents: Monthly orientations about becoming a professional intensive therapeutic foster family. Free. Call for schedule. Valleywide. 602-896-3106, ext. 106.

 

Drug Rehab Resource: a nonprofit information and referral service for people who need help identifying, intervening and dealing with alcohol and drug addiction in themselves or those they love. 866-649-1594. www.drugrehabresource.net.

 

East Valley Positive Parenting: A nonprofit, education-based support group offers parenting classes taught by early childhood professionals, playgroups, special activities and Moms’ Night Out. Classes are the 9:15 am first and third Wed. of each month at Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Tempe. Parents are invited to attend a free trial class; call for regular price. Childcare is available. Playgroups meet alternate Wed. 602-769-9207. www.evpp.net.

 

Family Connections Center: Foster, adoptive, kinship, guardianship families connect with information, programs, services and each other. Facility includes child-size playroom, teen room, meeting space, lending library and more. Phoenix. 602-254-2275, ext. 208.

 

Family Resource Center: Classes and support groups on anger management, self-esteem, ADHD and other behavioral disorders, blending families, divorce, kinship support group, boot camp for dads, playgroups, basic parenting skills and baby care. Free. Childcare available. Mesa. 480-834-9424.

 

 

Girls Project: Get together for Arizona’s Girls is a monthly workshop/play-date for people who work to improve the lives of girls in the state. Share info, expertise and time (but have some fun too). 8-10 am or 5-7 pm monthly. Call for date/location. 480-766-0141. www.girlsproject.org.

 

Global Achievement: With a mission to eradicate the cycle of poverty, funds are procured through corporate sponsorships, supply drives, special events and private donations. Valleywide. 480-221-7801. www.globalachievement.org.

 

La Leche League: Offers women choosing to breastfeed encouragement and support through monthly meetings with other breastfeeding moms. Call for schedule. Valleywide. 602-234-1956. www.lllusa.org/AZ.

 

Lost Angels of Hope: Our mission is to raise awareness of child prostitution and provide young victims with scholarships for the proper treatment needed for the restoration process. 602-315-2201. www.facebook.com/lostangelsfoundationofhope.

 

Mesa Family YMCA: Offers Baby & Me Works, Prenatal Yoga & More, Prenatal & Postpartum Water, Strollercise and Parent & Tot Class. Call for fees and schedules. 480-969-8166.

 

Moms Version 4.0: Support group for new mothers over the age of 40. Moms meet the first Wednesday of each month at 6pm at the Brady conference Center at Scottsdale healthcare Shea Medical Center. For more information call 480-882-4636 or visit www.shc.org.

 

Mothers Arms: Informs, educates and supports the development of self-reliant women who feel they or their children are threatened by human aggression or assault. Provides training and educational resources for awareness and avoidance of crime and encourages training with safety rescue tools. Nationwide. 800-464-4840. www.mothersarms.org.

 

My Child's Ready: A free service available to support Moms and Dads in their most important role of life: being a parent. My Child's Ready offers personal visits to your home, parent group meetings, developmental screenings and resources. For more information please call 480-304-9440 or visit www.mychildsready.org

 

NAMI: The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers a 12-week course for families and friends of individuals with serious mental illnesses taught by trained family members who have lived with the experience. All materials furnished at no cost. The program is offered at various Maricopa County locations throughout the year. Free. Call for schedule and registration. 602-244-8166.

 

NAMI Phoenix: The local affiliate of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill offers a series of free education, training and services programs. Phoenix. 602-354-7842. www.namiphoenix.org.

 

National Teen Safety Driving Council: How’s My Teen Driving? is an ongoing program that enables parents to monitor their teen-age drivers even when they’re not with them. $29.95 annually for one vehicle. Valleywide. 480-474-8153.

 

Neurofibromatosis, Inc. of AZ: A nonprofit organization that supports sufferers of Neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder of the nervous system that causes tumors to form on the nerves anywhere in the body at any time. Valleywide. 480-945-9650. www.nfaz.org.

 

Paradise Valley Hospital: Community CPR, Healthcare Provider CPR, Babysitting Workshops, Immunization Clinic, Fitness & Wellness Program, Parenting Classes, Prepared Childbirth Series, Childbirth Crash Course, Breastfeeding Class. Call for schedules. Fees vary. Phoenix. 877-PVH-5005. www.paradisevalleyhospital.com.

 

Parenting Arizona: Offers 12-week parent education classes to parents of kids ages 2-18. Free. Valleywide. Volunteer opportunities for facilitators, mentors and childcare workers; training provided. Call for schedule and registration. 602-248-0428. www.parentingaz.org.

 

Phoenix Baptist Hospital: Classes on childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, infant care and CPR. Phoenix. 602-246-5899.

 

Remuda Ranch: Biblically-based treatment and recovery programs for girls and women suffering from anorexia, bulimia or other eating disorders. Each resident is treated by a team of six professionals including a psychiatric and primary care provider, registered dietitian, Masters-trained therapist, psychologist and registered nurse. Wickenburg. 800-445-1900.

 

Save the Family: A transitional living program for homeless families with children. Mesa. 480-898-0228.

 

Scottsdale Prevention Institute: Substance abuse prevention and mental health services, community workshops, parenting and parent/teen classes, and grief support. Free to Scottsdale residents; fees may apply to nonresidents. 480-443-3100.

 

Scottsdale Supporters of the Gifted: A parent advocacy group dedicated to high academic standards for all students. 480-206-1980. ssg@azgifted.org. www.azgifted.org/ssg.

 

Singleton Moms: A 501(c)3 organization that provides financial, domestic and emotional support to single mothers with cancer. 602-743-8873. www.SingletonMoms.org.

 

SIRRI: A rehabilitation and learning center with programs to help those with ADD/ADHD, Autism, learning disabilities, reading challenges, brain damage, or those simply seeking to improve their brain function, balance, coordination, ability to focus or comprehension. Programs: Sensory Learning Program, Interactive Metronome, Reading Plus and Play Attention. Schedule a free one-hour consultation. 4515 S. McClintock Drive, Suite 208, Tempe. 480-777-7075. www.SIRRIAZ.com.

 

Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center: Provides quality services and support to children and families affected by autism, while searching for answers to solve the mysteries surrounding the disorder. Phoenix. 602-340-8717. www.autismcenter.org.

 

Southwest Center for HIV & AIDS: An HIV and AIDS research and resource center, offers Positive Pals, a program that matches volunteers with families infected and affected by HIV and AIDS who need a friendly face or helping hand. Valleywide. 602-307-5330.

 

Stepfamily Solutions: An affiliate of the Stepfamily Foundation holds workshops and classes to help families navigate their way through single parenthood, merged family issues and all aspects of the 21st Century Family: the Stepfamily. 623-239-1772. www.stepfamilysolutions.com.

 

Stepping Stones of Hope: Provides support-based programs, continuing care and education to grieving children, families and adults. Valleywide. 602-264-7520. www.steppingstonesofhope.org.

 

St. Joseph’s and Chandler Regional Hospitals: Classes for expectant parents, Boot Camp for Dad, car seat instruction and installation, babysitter training, and various support groups for individuals with diseases. St. Joe’s: 602-406-3420.

 

Sunrise Preschools: Provides free licensed child care while parents are interviewing for jobs as part of the "Interview Care" program. Call your local Sunrise Preschool to learn more and to receive one week free. Valleywide. 480-706-2500. www.sunrisepreschools.com

 

Temple Emanuel of Tempe: Ongoing Bereavement Support Group led by Rabbi Andrew Straus and Dr. Erika Neuberg, a licensed psychologist. Participants experience Jewish rituals of mourning in a comfortable, understanding and accepting environment, 9-10:15 am every other Thu. Call for schedule. $10 membership fee. Tempe. 480-838-1414.

 

Thunderbird Samaritan Medical Center: Kids Can Cope, a support group for children whose parents are diagnosed with cancer. All ages. 7 pm first and third Wed. of each month. Free. Preregistration required. 602-588-5450.

 

Wellness Community: The Teen Cancer Program offers an outlet to express feelings and emotions with other teen cancer patients. Meets weekly; call for schedule. The Wellness Community is an international nonprofit dedicated to providing free support, education and hope to people with cancer and their loved ones. 602-712-1006. www.thewellnesscommunity.org or www.twccaz.org.

 

*Zenergy Yoga: Pre/Postnatal yoga with Jen Brooks. Alleviate pregnancy-related discomforts and prepare your body for labor with modified yoga poses and breathing exercises. Noon every Sun. $10 for first class; $16 each subsequent session. Scottsdale. 480-628-1453. www.zenergyyoga.net.

 

 

 

All About Breastfeeding: www.aabreastfeeding.com.

 

Arizona Adoptive Families: AdoptivePlaygroup@cox.net. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/arizona_adoptive_families/.

 

Arizona State Mothers of Multiples: www.asmomo.org (click Clubs for meeting locations, times, and contact info).

 

Attachment Parenting International of North Phoenix. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/API_of_NorthPhoenix.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mainly Multiples: For mothers of twins, triplets other multiple births. Phoenix. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mainlymultiples.

 

Mocha Moms: (Caters to African-Americans) www.mochamoms.org.

 

Moms of Arizona: (Valleywide, for moms of young children) momsofaz@hotmail.com. http://groups.msn.com/momsofarizona.

 

MOMS Club of Ahwatukee-East: www.ahwatukeeeast.org.

 

Moms Club of Arrowhead Ranch South: rbrennan26@hotmail.com.

 

MOMS Club of Buckeye: Momsclubofbucyeye@yahoo.com. www.geocities.com/momsclubofbuckeye.

 

MOMS Club of Chandler Central: www.geocities.com/momsclubchandler/.

 

MOMS Club of Chandler NE: www.moms-club.org.

 

MOMS Club Chandler-Ocotillo South: Ocotillosouth@yahoo.com.

 

MOMS Club of Chandler San Tan: Momsclubsantan@yahoo.com.

 

MOMS Club of Chandler-Southwest: 480-961-4336.

 

MOMS Club of Gilbert-Central: Drich202@cox.net.

 

MOMS Club of Gilbert-East: momsclubgilberteast@yahoo.com. http://members.cox.net/jax141/gilbertmoms/.

 

MOMS Club of Gilbert-North: 16swilson@cox.net.

 

MOMS Club of Glendale: www.glendalemomsclub@worldnet.att.net.

 

MOMS Club of Happy Valley. www.geocities.com/hvmomsclub.

 

MOMS Club of Mesa-Central: www.geocities.com/momsclubmesa_central.

 

MOMS Club of Mesa North: MesaMOMSClub@yahoo.com, www.geocities.com/mesanorthmomsclub/.

 

Moms Club of Mesa-South: momsclubmesasouth@yahoo.com 

 

Moms Club of North Glendale: 602-298-9919.

 

MOMS Club of North Scottsdale/Pinnacle Peak: momsclubnspp@yahoo.com.

 

Moms Club of Northwest Phoenix: nwphxmoms@yahoo.com. www.momsclub.org.

 

Moms Club of Oro Valley South: momsclubov@yahoo.com.www.orovalleymoms.com.

 

Moms Club of Peoria: 602-580-3030.

 

MOMS Club of Peoria Northeast: momsclub.peoria.northeast@hotmail.com.

 

MOMS Club of Phoenix-Arcadia: arcadiamclub@yahoo.com

 

MOMS Club of Phoenix Northeast: momsclubphxne@gmail.com, http://momsclubphxne.tripod.com.

 

MOMS Club of Phoenix Paradise Valley Village: Momsclubpvv@yahoo.com, www.geocities.com/momsclubpvv/.

 

MOMS Club of Phoenix-Tramonto: momsclubtramonto@yahoo.com. http://momsclubtramonto.freewebsites.com.

 

MOMS Club of Scottsdale Southwest: momsclubsw@yahoo.com, www.scottsdalemomsclub.com.

 

MOMS Club of Scottsdale-Northwest: www.momsclubnwaz.org.

 

MOMS Club of Surprise Southeast/El Mirage: momsclubsurprise@yahoo.com, www.momsclubofsurprisese.net.

 

MOMS Club of West Mesa: 480-924-9528, 480-354-5770.

 

Moms on the Move: Support group for new mothers and babies. Scottsdale. 480-882-4636.

 

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS): Valleywide. www.mops.org.

 

Mothers of Preschoolers-Glendale (MOPS): www.crosspointchristian.org, www.MOPS.org.

 

Mothers of Preschoolers-The Grove (MOPS): Chandler, mopsinthegrove@yahoo.com.

 

MOMS club of Queen Creek: mommysofqueencreek@yahoo.com. www.geocities.com/qcmomsclub.

 

Northeast Valley Entrepreneurial Mother’s: Parents only. Scottsdale. www.emausa.org.

 

Operation Mom, an online moms community: www.opmom.com.

 

Paradise Valley Mothers of Multiples: membership@myPVMOM.org. www.myPVMOM.org.

 

PhoenixatHomeDads.com: Valleywide.

 

Phoenix Mom-to-Mom Connection: www.phoenixmommies.com.

 

PhoenixMommies.com: Christine@phoenixmommies.com.

 

Scottsdale South MOMS Club: kschmidt18@cox.net.

 

Single Parents Association: Valleywide (Activities for parents and kids). www.singleparents.org.

 

St. Anthony’s MOPS: (130th St. & Shea Blvd.) 480-563-2393.

 

Surprise Sisters moms club and playgroup: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/surprisesisters/.

 

Tempe-Mesa West MOMS Club: www.members.cox.ent/davidbm/momstmpe.htm, momsclubtempe@yahoo.com.

 

Way Out West Mothers of Multiples: wowmomc@yahoo.com. http://home.earthlink.net/~btroopinaz/.