Together we can.

 Arizona leads the nation in the number of children per capita in group  or shelter care. 600 children a month are removed from their homes, and  the number is growing at a rate of 100 per month. 

     1,300 children waiting in emergency shelters for a family more than three weeks. www.arizonansforchildren.org/page/arizonas-foster-children 

According to the Arizona DCS monthly Operational and Outcome Report filed November 2019, there are currently 13,476 foster children. (dcs.az.gov)

 That’s what I thought when I started to learn about what foster kids go through. Leaving their home abruptly after terrible  trauma, neglect, abuse. Even if the environment was bad, it’s the only  one they’ve ever known. These kids leave their homes with little to nothing, usually carrying  belongings in a garbage bag (if they have anything at all). They are shuffled  between group homes and foster homes, just hoping for some permanence  and something they can call their own. As hard as it is to believe, they miss their “normal”. These children are dealing with  trauma, and people who don’t understand what that looks like. I couldn’t stand by and do nothing. In addition to becoming a foster parent , I knew I needed to do something more. We want these  kids to feel special and loved. We want them to know that they are not  invisible, that they are worthy. They deserve more than worn out hand-me  downs. We want these children to feel like royalty, so You Affect was  born. We take kids on a shopping experience.  As often as possible, they have the whole store to themselves. They get  to choose their own clothing (something some have never done), and a  pair of shoes. Each child has an allowance of $250 for their clothing  and shoes. Then, we give them a bag for their belongings, with their  name embroidered on it. This is You Affect. Please join us.