At VOICES, we believe ‘kinship’ extends beyond traditional families and encompasses the broader power of connection. Our community shows us this every day. Corporate partners invest in our mission so CASA volunteers can walk alongside these youth and stay connected. Each relationship reminds us that ‘kinship’ can be what we make it.
Let’s honor kinship in all forms throughout our community; neighbors, businesses and volunteers who create their own circle of belonging
In The Spotlight – Our Corporate Community
As summer comes to a close, the VOICES community came together in a powerful way to ensure that children started the school year with confidence, joy, and the tools they need to succeed! As a community, we ensured that these youth entered the school year with backpacks, supplies, and the confidence to thrive in the classroom.
VOICES is especially grateful to Deloitte, DEPCOM, and M.G. Properties for their incredible support, along with all of the donors and volunteers who made this possible. Because of you, CASA volunteers were able to deliver encouragement and hope to the children they serve through these backpacks!
Thanks to this community for showing up in a big way!
My CASA Journey – Sometimes Family Finds You
The average time for youth living in foster care can vary, but for some youth it may be years. During that time, the foster or group home where the child lives can change due to a variety of factors. Finding stability is challenging, but finding a connection and kinship with someone can happen with a CASA Volunteer.
Read this CASA volunteer’s story:
“I have been with the same youth since she was 11. Although the past 6 years have been rough as she struggled being a teenager in the system (19 placements and a few runaway times), she is now 17 and thinking about what she will do once she turns 18. She reflects that as her CASA, I have always been with her, even through all the difficulties. She knows that there is someone that will be waiting when she is ready. Someone who will drive distances to pick her up, visit her, and ensure she knows she is not alone. Even during the time she had run away, I was the person she would communicate with. She and I have had some very fun activities thanks to VOICES. We think back about our outing at the Phoenix Symphony in 1999 when we watched Nightmare before Christmas with the symphony. We had fun at MIM, especially during Hip Hop week. This past month, she went to her first spring training game. I am so glad I chose to be a CASA and I am grateful for the support given by VOICES. Thank you for all you do in engaging the community to support these youth!”
These experiences and support for a CASA exist because we have a community that cares – one CASA and one child (now a teen!) at a time.
Community Voice – Shop, Sip, and Support your Community
Our volunteers, donors, and corporate supporters are more than partners; they’re family. Together, we create a circle of care for youth, ensuring every child feels seen, heard, and valued.
We’re excited to welcome a new member to that family: Kendra Scott. Known for their generosity and commitment to giving back, the Kendra Scott Foundation empowers women and youth through health, education, and entrepreneurship. Their values align beautifully with ours, and this partnership is a meaningful step toward brighter futures.
Join us on Saturday, September 20th, from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Scottsdale Quarter or Chandler Fashion Center for an afternoon of sips, sweets, and shopping with purpose. 20% of every purchase will be directed to VOICES so we can continue to elevate the crucial role of Court Appointed Special Advocates.
Can’t make it in person? You can still give back! Shop online September 20–21 using code GIVEBACK-JNIKW, and your purchase will be included in this important mission for youth. Mark your calendar, bring a friend, and celebrate what makes our community strong: connection, compassion, and the power to create change together.
In Focus – Arizona DCS Citizen Review Panels – FY 2025 Annual Report
The Arizona Citizen Review Panels serve as independent, community-based oversight bodies tasked with reviewing the policies and practices of the Arizona Department of Child Safety. Their mission is to foster public accountability and ensure that children’s safety and well-being remain central to DCS operations.
Included within the annual report are recommendations from the Community Advisory Committee, Aspiring Change for Older Youth and Prevention panels. VOICES is appointed to the CAC. Themes within the recommendations include youth aging out of care, Kinship support, missing/runaway youth and community collaboration.
Strengthening Advocacy Through Education – Navigating Foster Care
Podcast Guest: Neil Underwood
Our newest episode of By Their Side is here!
This time, we sit down with Neil Underwood, General Manager at Autonation Toyota-Tempe, to talk about the many ways people can show up for kids living in foster care. Growing up in the system himself, Neil didn’t have a strong network of support and often had to navigate challenges on his own. Today, he gives back by being that person for others, showing that even small gestures of empathy and understanding can change the course of a young person’s life.
Here in Arizona, hundreds of young people age out of foster care every year without permanent family connections to lean on. That means far too many are left to face adulthood without the kind of stability and guidance most of us take for granted. Neil’s story is a powerful reminder that it doesn’t have to be this way- support can come from anyone willing to step in, whether you’re a volunteer, a mentor, or simply a caring neighbor. Take a moment to listen and reflect on how your role, whatever it may look like, can be part of the bigger picture of care. Together, every role truly does matter.
Tax Credit Benefits
VOICES is a Qualified Foster Care Organization. You can receive tax credit benefits for your donations in the 2025 tax filing year! QFCO #10010, #BeTheirVoice
(This was the Voices of Hope, September 2025 newsletter. Subscribe to receive more.)
