Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation

The mission of Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF) is to create opportunities that build self-esteem and empower children and youth in foster care by funding services to enrich their life experiences and ensure their successful transition to adulthood.

AFFCF was founded in 1984 by four former members of the AZ Foster Care Review Board who witnessed firsthand the gaps left by state foster care benefits. More than 40 years later, AFFCF continues to offer critical support services to children and youth in foster care through its three impact areas: Childhood Activities, Keys to Success, and Post-Secondary programming.

1. Childhood Activities
AFFCF was founded to address notable gaps in services for children and youth in foster care that the state's daily foster care allowance would not support or cover. Today, foster families receive an average of $25 per day to cover a child's basic needs. AFFCF provides direct funding support for a variety of extracurricular, childhood activities that every youth should have the opportunity to experience. This includes funding for sports registration, summer camps, music and dance lessons, sports equipment, academic tutoring, supplemental clothing, graduation expenses, and so much more. These activities are instrumental in building positive self-esteem, confidence and resiliency of children and youth in foster care.

2. Keys to Success (KTS)
Established in 2014, KTS is a human-centered and comprehensive employment, education, and career development program for youth ages 16 - 26 "aging out" or exiting foster care in Maricopa, Pima, and Yavapai counties. This intensive, case management program equips youth with the skills and tools needed to gain self-sufficiency and transition successfully to independence. We accomplish this goal by working with youth "where they are at" in their foster care journey and supporting their efforts to develop a baseline of employment, education, and career development skills that empower them to achieve long-term success, stability, and self-reliance. Financial literacy education, emergency housing assistance, and community resource navigation are additional components of the KTS program that have proven highly effective in eliminating barriers that allow youth to remain focused on achieving their employment and education goals.

3.Post-Secondary Programs
AFFCF's Post-Secondary programs assist youth in foster care who are pursing higher education or vocational training in a variety of trades. While many youth in foster care are eligible to receive tuition-based assistance to any Arizona college or university, it typically does not cover the costs of room and board, books, laptops, and fees which can equal the total cost of tuition, thereby creating a significant financial barrier to education. And not all education and trade certification programs qualify for federal tuition assistance, leaving the added burden on these students. AFFCF provides scholarship funding to assist with a variety of post-secondary educational expenses including, but not limited to, tuition assistance and living expenses to help offset gaps in funding. Additionally, AFFCF's Focus Forward Fund provides timely financial support to its post-secondary students for those unexpected life expenses or emergencies (car repairs, rental assistance, food, etc.) that can easily derail a youth in their educational journey, allowing them, instead, to focus forward on completing their post-secondary education and goals. With only 8% to 12% of students with foster care backgrounds completing post-secondary education, this program seeks to eliminate the barriers that keep post secondary attainment out of reach for so many youth in foster care.

Testimonials

I love my new bike and helmet! I learned how to pedal after one week of practice. I ride after dinner every night with a big smile on my face. I wave "hi" to all my neighbors and ring my bell, too! - Ricardo

Keys to Success has helped me through a lot. I didn't have any idea on how to get a job or what I was looking for with budgeting. They've helped me with so much for school and helped me stay on the right path through it all. - Caleb

I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support in covering the first month's rent and start-up costs for my new apartment. Thank you so much for your unwavering support, not just with financial assistance, but with all aspects of my life. You have made this transition smoother for me. Your kindness and generosity have been truly invaluable. - Cara

I was excited and proud to know that I am an AFFCF Scholarship recipient. It has made me feel as if I am able to accomplish anything in my way! I am truly blessed to receive these funds because without it, I wouldn't have the slightest chance of attending a four-year university and reaching my dream career of being a registered nurse. - Julie