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By Lynda Exley
Following is a list of organizations that offer resources for building better families. • Listings are subject to change. Always call ahead to confirm information. Note: *Denotes new or revised listing.
*Arizona Birth Network: Phoenix Birth Circle meets 7 pm Sept. 14 at Desert Song Yoga, www.adesertsong.com. East Valley Birth Circle meets 7 pm Sept. 28 at Desert Sage Herbs in Chandler, www.desertsageherbs.com. September’s topic: VBAC/Cesarean Prevention. Free. Preregistration required. 602-212-6757. azbirthnetwork@gmail.com. www.yahoogroups.com/group/phoenixbirthcircle.com.
Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Safety, health and justice for battered women in Arizona. Phoenix. 602-279-2900.
Arizona Special Kids Network of Women: A support group for moms who have children with special needs meets at Scottsdale Healthcare two hours each month. Listen to guest speakers; share information and support. Call for schedule. 480-419-0167. www.arizonaspecialkids.com.
Arrowhead Hospital: Classes: Adult Parenting, Teen Prepared Childbirth, Sibling Open House, Infant Care, Teen Breastfeeding, Dad’s Class, Teen Parenting Skills, Adoption Option for Teens, Teen early Pregnancy,
Breastfeeding, Teen Infant Care: Call 623-572-4535 for schedule/fees. Infant/Child CPR & First Aid Training, Grief Support Group, Diabetes Support Group: Call 623-572-4542 for fees/schedule. Preregistration required. Glendale.
*Babies “R” Us-Arrowhead: Baby Safety Expo offers seminars by safety experts and informal discussions about baby safety. 11 am-3 pm Sept. 9. Free. Preregistration required. Glendale. 623-878-3810.
*Barnes & Noble Arrowhead: The 10 Most Challenging Issues Facing Home Schoolers is presented by Susanne L. Bain, author of Home Schooling: A Better Education for Your Child. 7-9 pm Sept. 28. Free. 480-892-8295 or 623-487-9022.
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.
Body Positive: 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.
BESTFed of Mesa: Breastfeeding classes, $25. Free breastfeeding support group. Infant massage classes and lactation services also available. 480-820-4424. www.ebestfed.com.
BESTFed of Phoenix: Breastfeeding classes, $25. Free breastfeeding support group. Infant massage classes and lactation services also available. 602-843-4111. www.ebestfed.com.
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.
Center for Divorce Education: Classes for parents considering or in the process of divorce. Free. Valleywide. 602-956-1368.
Childbirth Education Center: Lamaze Childbirth: A series of birthing classes held monthly. Call for schedule. $45. Mesa. 480-838-7821.
Childbirth Breathing and Relaxation Class: Certified childbirth educators and labor doulas review massage techniques beneficial during childbirth. Call for schedule. Mesa. 480-586-8429. nvaughn1@hotmail.com.
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.
Down to Earth Enterprises: Support group for parents of teens. 6:30 every Wed. $15. Creative Parenting Workshops. Noon every Thu. $20. Tackling Trichotillomania (hair pulling) 4:30 pm every Thu. $49. Psychodrama workshop. 9 am-3 pm select Sat. $200. Preregistration and prepayment required. Ahwatukee. 480-705-5007. www.drmarlo.com.
East Valley Family Resource Center: Classes and support groups on anger management, self-esteem, ADHD and other behavioral disorders, blending families, divorce, playgroups, basic parenting skills and baby care. Free. Childcare available. Mesa. 480-834-9424.
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.
*Foothills Library: Every Child Ready to Read helps parents build a foundation for literacy and gives them the tools to help children learn important skills now so they will become good readers later. For caregivers of children ages 2 and younger, 7 pm Sept. 11; for caregivers of ages 2-3, 7 pm Sept. 18; and caregivers of ages 4-5, 7 pm Sept. 25. Free. Preregistration required. Glendale. 623-930-3837.
Fresh Start Women’s Foundation: Supports women in need seeking self-sufficiency through resources, information, legal assistance, workshops and mentoring. Valleywide. 602-252-8494. www.fswf.org.
Gilbert School District: Active Parenting Today and Families in Action provide parents with skills for dealing with children from elementary age through teen years. Build stronger parent-child relationships and instill qualities of self-esteem, courage, responsibility and cooperation in children. Classes are two hours each for six weeks. Call for schedule/locations. Free class and onsite childcare. Gilbert. 480-497-3300.
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.
*Hand in Hand International Adoptions: Adoption: Parenting teaches how to build confidence in your child, 100 ways to say good for you, positive discipline, and discusses spanking vs. not and family living styles. 9 am-4 pm. Sept. 23. $50 per couple. Held at Mesa General Hospital. Preregistration required. 480-892-5550. www.hihiadopt.org.
Hill Child Counseling: Guidance for children and their families experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges at home. Offers individual, family or play therapy sessions on a sliding scale fee from $30-$80 per session. Monthly Toddlertime groups help children learn about feelings, social skills, etc. $20 per session. Chandler. 480-612-4444. www.hillchildcounseling.com.
*Homemakers by Choice: A nondenominational bible-based group that inspires women in their role as wife, mother, homemaker and friend. 9-11:30 am every Thu. Free. Meets at Scottsdale Bible Church. 480-368-0873. www.homemakersbychoice.org.
*John C. Lincoln Health Foundation: 20th Annual Lincoln Guild Invitational Golf Tournament to benefit JCL Desert Mission Food Bank, Children’s Dental Clinic and Community Health Center. 11 am Sept. 14 at Wildfire Golf Club at J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort, Phoenix. $300. Preregistration required. 602-870-6306. www.JCL.com/golf.
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.
Louisa Kellman Center for Women’s Health located at Sun Health Del Webb Hospital offers the New Parent Group, which presents a chance to discuss the joys and challenges of a new baby, get parenting ideas and learn about infant growth from other parents. Open discussion on weekly topics. 10:30 a.m. every Thu. Preregistration required. Sun City West. 623-214-4227.
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.
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.
*Mothers Milk Boutique: AZ Birth Network Birth Circle meets 7:15 pm Sept. 11. Free. Le Leche League meets 9:30 am Sept. 14. Free. Wildflower Diapers, a cloth diapering workshop, meets 2 pm Sept. 16. Free. Breastfeeding 101 is offered 9:30 am-12:30 pm Sept. 23. $30. Scottsdale. 480-922-4615.
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. Family Support: aimed at caregivers of individuals with mental illness; meets 7-9 pm first Mon. each month at North Scottsdale United Methodist Church and 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm every Wed. at the NAMI State Office. CARE or Peer Support: helps those with mental illness learn from each other and share coping strategies; meets 6:30-8 pm first and third Mon. each month at North Scottsdale United Methodist. Social Support: offers social activities with others with mental illness; meets 6:30-8 pm first and third Mon. each month at North
Scottsdale United Methodist and 7-9 pm third Mon. each month at New Church of 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.
*Northeast Valley Entrepreneurial Mothers: Celebrates EMA’s 20th Anniversary with How to Get Free Publicity for Your Enterprise, a presentation by Yvette Armendariz, small business reporter for the Arizona Republic. All attendees receive a free gift and a free year’s membership will be raffled. 11:30 am-1:30 pm Sept. 12 at the Quilted Bear Restaurant in Scottsdale (parents only). $19-$21. Scottsdale. 602-369-3646. www.emausa.org.
Nutrition Seminars taught by Certified Nutritionist Amy Hall: Call for schedule and cost. Tempe. 480-247-6921. www.nutritioncure.com.
Paradise Valley Hospital: Infant Massage (four weeks) beginning July 2, $45, 602-235-9478. Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Class for Women 4-6 pm Thu. beginning July 5, call for price, 602-248-3656. Baby Bundle is a grouping of classes including Childbirth Education (five-week series), Breastfeeding and Boot Camp for New Dads; $90 for all, 877-784-5005. Each requires preregistration. Phoenix.
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.
Phoenix Rising Counseling: Psychotherapist Jane Fendelman-Scalzo, MC, hosts relationship-based support groups. Free. 602-532-0335.
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 Healthcare: Free immunizations for children in greater Scottsdale without an appointment 8 am-noon Sept. 2 at the Shea clinic or 8 am-noon Sept. 9 at the Osborn clinic. Bring your child’s immunization record.
Children Are Priceless Passengers, a workshop at the Osborn campus, trains caregivers on proper installation of child safety seats. 9-11 am (English) 11 am-1 pm (Spanish) Sept. 16. Empowering Parents: Teach Your
Children Well, Preventing Childhood Sexual Abuse is available at the Shea Conference Center, 6:30-8:30 pm Sept. 14. Free. Preregistration required. 480-882-4636. www.shc.org.
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 non-residents. 480-443-3100.
*Scottsdale Supporters of the Gifted: Ice Cream Social for gifted students and their parents. Enjoy mind-stretching games and ice cream. 4-7 pm Sept. 13. Free. Surviving the Middle Years, a workshop by Carolyn Coil, teaches the seven steps to success (for the gifted). 8:30 am-12:30 pm Sept. 16. $65 per family, free for educators. 20 Ways to Assure Success for Your Gifted Child is offered 7-8:30 pm Sept. 27. $5 per family. 480-206-1980. ssg@azgifted.org. www.azgifted.org/ssg.
Selective Mutism Support Group: Meets monthly in Chandler to educate and support parents with children who have selective mutism, a childhood anxiety disorder whereby a child won’t speak for a month or more, or wont speak in certain social situations, but talks freely at home. Free. 480-940-4714. www.selectivemutism.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. 4515 S. McClintock Drive, Suite 208, Tempe. 480-777-7075. www.SIRRIAZ.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. CRH: 480-821-7777.
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.
Women of Power International: Abundant Life classes meet monthly at the Mesa Public Library (64 E. First St., Mesa) 7-8:30 pm every Thu. Free. 480-497-4435.
PARENT'S GROUPS
Ahwatukee/East Valley Mothers & More: 866-467-0562. www.azmothersandmore.com.
Arizona Adoptive Families: 602-867-8856. 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. sharonpickersgill@cox.net. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/API_of_NorthPhoenix.
Career Moms Club: Phoenix. azcareermom@yahoo.com. http://members.cox.net/careermoms.az/.
East Gilbert Moms Club: 480-354-1243.
East Valley Attachment Parenting International: contact@evapi.org. www.evapi.org.
East Valley Entrepreneurial Mothers: Parents only. Tempe. 480-892-0722. www.emausa.org.
East Valley Mothers of Multiples: 480-981-3295.
East Valley Positive Parenting: 480-759-2592.
*Epiphany Lutheran Church Mommy’s Club: $2/session (includes breakfast and daycare for ages 5 and younger). Chandler. 480-963-6105, ext. 219. www.epiphanychandler.org.
Mainly Multiples: For mothers of twins, triplets other multiple births. Phoenix. 602-256-0418. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mainlymultiples.
Mocha Moms: (Caters to African-Americans) East Valley chapter, mochamom23@yahoo.com; Phoenix chapter, caracw711@yahoo.com. www.mochamoms.org.
MOMS Club of Ahwatukee-East: 480-705-7535. www.ahwatukeeeast.org.
Moms Club of Arrowhead Ranch South: www.momsclub.org.
MOMS Club of Chandler Central: 480-821-4007. juliepike@yahoo.com.
MOMS Club of Chandler NE: kdfoley@qwest.net. 480-899-2173. www.moms-club.org.
MOMS Club of Chandler San Tan: Momsclubsantan@yahoo.com.
MOMS Club of Chandler-Southwest: 480-961-4336.
MOMS Club of Gilbert-North: 480-632-9231. tancyholmes@hotmail.com.
MOMS Club of Gilbert-Southeast: 480-275-2441. sarabnance@cox.net.
MOMS Club of Glendale: 602-358-7692. www.glendalemomsclub@worldnet.att.net.
Moms Club of Glendale-Deer Valley Village: 623-869-7574.
MOMS Club of Happy Valley. 623-398-6011, www.geocities.com/hvmomsclub.
MOMS Club of Mesa-Central: www.geocities.com/momsclubmesa_central
Moms Club of Mesa-South: godoggygo@earthlink.net.
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 Paradise Valley Village: momsclubpvv@yahoo.com. http://www.geocities.com/momsclubpvv.
MOMS Club of Peoria Northeast: momsclub.peoria.northeast@hotmail.com.
Moms Club of Phoenix Central: phxmomsclub@hotmail.com.
MOMS Club of Phoenix-Tramonto: momsclubtramonto@yahoo.com. http://momsclubtramonto.freewebsites.com.
MOMS Club of Surprise Southeast/El Mirage: 623-561-2220.
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.
MOMS club of Queen Creek: mommysofqueencreek@yahoo.com. www.geocities.com/qcmomsclub.
*Moms of Arizona: (Valleywide, for moms of young children) momsofaz@hotmail.com. http://groups.msn.com/momsofarizona.
New Moms of Arizona: (Valleywide for first-time moms) 602-312-8876. www.newmomsofarizona.com.
North Central Parenting Group: 602-298-1522. info@ncpgaz.org. www.ncpgaz.org.
Single Parents Association: Valleywide (Activities for parents and kids). 623-581-7445. www.singleparents.org.
*Scottsdale Parenting Group: 480-518-2211. www.scottsdaleparentinggroup.com.
St. Anthony’s MOPS: (130th St. & Shea Blvd.) 480-563-2393.
Tempe-Mesa West MOMS Club: 480-456-4664. www.members.cox.ent/davidbm/momstmpe.htm, momsclubtempe@yahoo.com.
Way Out West Mothers of Multiples: wowmomc@yahoo.com. http://home.earthlink.net/~btroopinaz/. |
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