AZ Giving

by Candy Thompson

They call her Momma Bear. “They” are the women residents at A New Leaf’s East Valley Women’s Shelter (EVWS). “Momma Bear,” otherwise known as Keely, is also a resident at the shelter. She speaks softly and with great passion early one morning under a big, red umbrella at the back yard table. She calls out to every woman by name as they head off to work, giving them words of encouragement for the day. A strong feeling of mutual admiration and respect is shared, and another day begins at the women’s shelter.

Can one act of violence strip a...

Special Olympics International has hit a milestone of 1.2 million participants in Unified Sports—in part thanks to the Special Olympics Arizona. The athletes involved in Unified Sports are individuals with intellectual disabilities and their teammates are individuals without intellectual disabilities, also known as Unified participants.

“Unified Sports allow for all individuals to play sports regardless of their abilities,” says Laura Duncan, Director of Arizona Interscholastic Association for Unified Sports and Special Olympics. “Unified Sports are helping break down those disability barriers.”

Having spearheaded the...

Many thrift and consignment stores sell unique antique and vintage items. From a pair of 2016 Chanel espadrilles, Kate Spade purses, to a hand-painted set of dining room chairs and vintage wall signs, Belongings Thrift Shop has everything old to new. However, what make Belongings special is not only what they sell but also what the store offers the Phoenix homeless community.

Belongings is a consignment store with a unique feature selling home décor, antiques, furniture, artwork and designer items that have been donated. All donations are up-cycled, turning old into new. Belongings is operated by UMOM New Day Center—the largest shelter...

by Candy Thompson

The panoramic view creeping through the windows of the massive Greyhound bus, coupled with the excitement of a new construction job awaiting him in Colorado, kept Tom and his wife Marissa on the edge of their seat. The steady roar of the engine was just enough to lull their three-year old son, Lucas to sleep for much of the 22 hour trip.

The Di Bellas were thrilled at the prospect of a new life, job and home. They could already picture a brighter future. However, that picture had been embellished with unfulfilled promises.

The temporary living...