This summer, 16 Arizona non-profits shared $425,000 in grants from the “It Shouldn’t Hurt to be a Child” specialty license plate program.

The license plate program was started in 1999 as a joint effort between The Arizona Republic/azcentral.com the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family and the Arizona Community Foundation. Since then, more than $9 million has been distributed to agencies working to prevent child abuse and neglect. 

The plates are $25, $17 of which goes to the agencies. Get your plate at servicearizona.com.

This series takes a closer look at the work being done by the non-profits. Featured today: Arizona’s Children Association.

Arizona’s Children Association, Phoenix: ‘Focus on your family and strengthen that.’

Grant amount: $40,000. 800-944-7611, arizonaschildren.org.

Andrea Sprygada was looking for something to do with her children when she stumbled upon an events calendar at the library advertising Arizona’s Children Association’s parenting classes.

Sprygada has since attended classes both with her children and by herself: “I was worried at first, but it’s very casual. It’s moms that just want to learn and get to know the parents there. It was like a support system where we shared our thoughts or concerns.”

Sprygada has participated in classes like kinder prep and toddler time, as well as nurturing parents and raising a leader, and said the classes have been enlightening. Also, she likes learning things including the philosophy of parenting and stages of brain development.

Arizona’s Children Association focuses on three broad areas of care – child welfare, prevention and behavioral health services.  

“All programs are family-focused, strength-based, culturally sensitive, trauma informed, best practice and outcome driven,” said Paula Joseph, program director for family education and support services. “Our mission is protecting children, empowering youth and strengthening families.”

Their classes and programs are available to anyone that has a child in their life, but most are focused on birth to 5 years old. 

“It’s an opportunity to give them the foundation they need,” she said. “It’s not that you can’t go back, but that is when we have to reach them and the parents and the families. They are their child’s first teacher. They are going to change that little one’s life.”

“These (classes) are just additional tools. We want to give knowledge to empower you as a parent,” she said. “Most people are wonderful parents, but knowledge is power. It always helps to hear a few more tips and share stories.”

The agency stresses that parents should not beat themselves up about the past. One of their guiding quotes is from Maya Angelou: “I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”

Joseph said they focus on this quote because “there is no direct handbook for parenting.”

“It’s OK to ask for help. We have amazing resources in our state and ways to help families,” she said. “Even if (families) don’t have a huge problem, it doesn’t have to be extreme. There can be such a stigma about going to parenting classes. These are great programs to build the network and to start those resources and that knowledge.”

The “It Shouldn’t Hurt to be a Child” grant program is primarily funded by the sale of the specialty license plate. Get yours at servicearizona.org. Additional funds are provided by the BHHS Legacy Foundation, Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust and the Valley of the Sun United Way.

SRP presents: ‘Saving Arizona’s Kids’

What it is: SRP presents an evening celebrating the spirit of family with stories from the men and women making a difference in the lives of Arizona’s most vulnerable children. Also: An education fair with local agencies working to prevent child abuse and neglect.

When: Monday Oct. 16. Non-profit fair, 5-7 p.m. Storytelling, 7-9 p.m.

Where: The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix. thevanburenphx.com.

Cost: $10.

Buy tickets: tickets.azcentral.com.

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