Encircle Families - formerly Raising Special Kids

01/02/2026

As we begin 2026, we want to pause and offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported Encircle Families through their generosity, encouragement and time. Every donation, shared message, volunteer hour and moment of belief in our mission makes a difference.

Because of you, Encircle Families can continue to walk alongside families of children and adults with disabilities, offering guidance, connection and hope. We are grateful to be part of a compassionate community, and we look forward to the year ahead. We are stronger together!

01/01/2026

🎉 Happy New Year from all of us at Encircle Families! 🎉

As we welcome 2026, we wish all of you a wonderful year full of good health and many moments of laughter and joy.

Thank you for letting us be part of your journey. We look forward to continuing to support and celebrate with your families in the year ahead!

Here’s to a bright, happy, and hopeful New Year!

12/31/2025

Today Is the Final Day to Give. Every gift strengthens Arizona families. Every dollar creates possibility. - https://mailchi.mp/encirclefamilies/2025-1231-pm

12/31/2025

It’s the last day of 2025, but there’s still time to make a difference!

This year, Encircle Families has walked alongside thousands of families raising children with disabilities, offering guidance, support, and advocacy at every step. Your donation helps us continue this important work, ensuring families have a listening ear, resources, and hope for the year ahead.

Even a small gift can make a big impact. Please consider donating today and help us start 2026 strong for the families who count on us.

https://donorbox.org/efac-2025-sm

Thank you for standing with families and children with disabilities your support truly changes lives. Support today. Empower tomorrow.

12/31/2025

Today Is the Final Day to Give. If you intend to give this year, please take a moment now. And if you are eligible for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, your gift may cost you nothing. - https://mailchi.mp/encirclefamilies/2025-1231-am

12/30/2025

Getting Behavioral Health Care. How to Navigate Insurance, Find Providers, and Access Support. https://mailchi.mp/encirclefamilies/cq-winter-2025

12/30/2025

One day left to make a 2025 gift. Every parent who calls, texts, emails, or meets with us is navigating something deeply important in their child’s life. Your generosity makes it possible for families to find understanding, guidance, and hope at moments when they need it most. - https://mailchi.mp/encirclefamilies/2025-ac-year-end-2

12/30/2025

Tip Tuesday:

As we approach fireworks season, we know that for some of our children and youth, those bangs and flashes aren’t always exciting. They can feel overwhelming, scary, or even painful. Many people with sensory processing differences experience lights, loud noises, and surprises more intensely.

Here are a few ways you can help your child feel safe and supported during fireworks or celebrations:

- Consider using noise‑reducing tools (like noise‑canceling headphones or earplugs) and reducing bright lights or visual stimulation.

- If you go out for fireworks, pick a quieter spot or have an exit plan ready and let your child know when you might leave.

-Create a calm “safe space” at home where they can retreat if things become overwhelming, with favorite sensory toys, soft lighting, or comforting items.

- And let them know it’s okay to skip the fireworks altogether. Your child’s comfort and well‑being are what matters most.

To learn more about these tips and more, visit: https://www.simplypsychology.org/autism-and-fireworks.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

For many autistic individuals, events like Bonfire Night or New Year’s Eve are not celebrations—they are periods of intense sensory distress and potential overload.

12/30/2025

This holiday season, we want to thank all of you who have reached out asking how to give back. There are two wonderful ways to support Encircle Families:

1️⃣ Volunteer your time – As an experienced parent of a child with a disability, you can make a difference. Whether it’s supporting families new on their journey, sharing your story with professionals, or offering a parent perspective in settings that serve children with disabilities, your voice makes a difference. Learn more and sign up here: https://encirclefamilies.org/service/parent-leadership-training/

2️⃣ Donate financially – Your gift helps us support over 10,000 families each year by:

- Answering difficult questions when a child is first diagnosed or health needs change

- Helping parents find solutions through education and training

- Empowering parents to advocate for their children in all areas of care

- Ensuring children have equal access to education

Every way you give helps families thrive! Donate today: https://donorbox.org/efac-2025-sm

Your journey has power. Share your experience to uplift others, influence systems, and create lasting change—one family at a time.

12/29/2025

Support Today. Empower Tomorrow. If you haven’t yet made your year-end gift, there is still time. Your donation today may be eligible for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, up to $495 for individuals or $987 for couples filing jointly. Your gift can cost you nothing. - https://mailchi.mp/encirclefamilies/2025-ac-year-end-1

12/27/2025

🌟 Did you know? 🌟

Encircle Families offers free trainings for parents and professionals on a wide range of topics, from navigating the IEP process and 504 plans, to positive behavior supports, transition to adulthood, and so much more.

These workshops provide valuable tips and tools to help parents and professionals advocate for the children they support. Trainings are offered online and in person!

You can help us continue these meaningful programs and supports by donating today. Every gift makes a real difference in the lives of children and families across Arizona.

Donate: https://donorbox.org/efac-2025-sm

Sign up for a workshop today: https://encirclefamilies.org/events/

Support Today. Empower Tomorrow.When parents face new diagnoses, confusing systems or sudden changes in services, your generosity ensures they have someone to turn to for clear guidance, compassion, and hope. For more than 45 years, Encircle Famil...

12/27/2025

Andrea Anderson and Laurie Shook ran into Parent Leader, Ceci Hartke at Virginia G. Piper. Together, they connected with many local nonprofits, sharing knowledge and discovering new ways to support families and each other!