Groups get $425K from 'It Shouldn't Hurt to Be a Child' license plates

By: Candace McPhillips, The Republic | azcentral.com

Seventeen Arizona non-profits dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect will share $425,000 in grants from the Child Abuse Prevention License Plate Program.

The grants, funded primarily by the sale of "It Shouldn't Hurt to Be a Child" specialty license plates, were awarded last week. Since it began in 1999, the program has awarded more than $9 million in grants.

"This program is having a positive impact by raising awareness and educating the public on issues of neglect and abuse while also supporting programs aimed at minimizing the number of occurrences of child abuse and neglect," said Steve Selznow, chief executive officer of the Arizona Community Foundation.

The ACF is one of the founding partners for the program, along with the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith, and Family and The Arizona Republic. Additional matching 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.

The program helps non-profit organizations throughout Arizona fund their child abuse prevention programs. License plates can be purchased for $25, with $17 going toward the grant fund and $8 toward an administrative fee. Plates can be ordered at servicearizona.com.

"We are proud to once again be a part of the Child Abuse Prevention License Plate Program," said Mi-Ai Parrish, president of The Republic. "The work of these non-profits is so important to the safety of Arizona children.”

The competitive grants are awarded after a review by a community-wide group representing the newspaper, state agencies, non-profits, and foundation partners.

"The big outcome of the funding from the license plate program has really allowed us to collaborate around the community and around the state," said Marcia Stanton of Phoenix Children's Hospital. "Without that funding, the work we've been doing wouldn't be possible."

Grant applications are reviewed and scored based on a number of factors, including the organization's financial capacity and measurable outcomes of the programs. This year, grant amounts range from $7,500 to $40,000.

Among the largest grants this year:

• Arizona's Children Association, Phoenix, received the top award of $40,000 for it's family education and support services that provide training and support for healthy parenting and child development.
• Casa de Los Niños, Tucson, was awarded a grant of $35,000 for its community education and outreach programs, which includes free classes for parents and caregivers.
• Child Crisis Arizona, Phoenix, received $35,000 for family education programs, which provide free resources for families, including parenting classes, workshops, and support groups.
• The First Steps program offered by Child & Family Resources, Inc., Tucson, received a grant of $35,000. This program aims to give parents support and confidence in their parenting skills, the ability to talk through concerns about their child and referrals to other programs if needed.
• Southwest Human Development, Phoenix, was granted $35,000 for its Birth to Five Helpline and Fussy Baby program. Caregivers can call the helpline to speak with child development specialists to get accurate information about child development and parenting. The Fussy Baby is part of the helpline and provides support for parents who have questions about their child's behavior during the first year.

Other organizations receiving grants include:

• Prevent Child Abuse Arizona, Prescott Valley, $33,000.
• Child & Family Resources, Inc., Phoenix, $30,000.
• Childhelp, Phoenix, $26,000.
• Jewish Family & Children's Service, Phoenix, $25,000.
• Phoenix Children's Hospital Foundation, Phoenix, $25,000.
• Chicanos Por La Causa, Phoenix, $20,000.
• Maggie's Place, Phoenix, $20,000.
• Southern Arizona's Children Advocacy Center, Tucson, $20,000.
• Verde Valley Medical Center, Cottonwood, $20,000.
• Arizona Youth Partnership, Marana, $10,000.
• Haven Family Resource Center, Inc., Lake Havasu City, $8,500.
• Parent Aid, Tucson, $7,500.

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