Chances for Children-Arizona

TEAM FIT Kids: This group of programs is provided as a before and after school supplement to school programs. Fit Kids focuses on teaching kids how to make healthy and balanced choices. Healthy balanced choices include a focus on school attendance, goal setting, academics, nutrition options, and understanding the differences. Fit Kids is an adult supervised after-care program. Fit kids provides opportunities and services to a population that otherwise wouldn't be able to afford them. Fit Kids leaders also act as a liaison between the families and the organization to ensure basic needs of the child are being met. Upon request from the leader, the organization will assist families in need with food and clothing resources as deemed necessary. Fit Kids serves a population of children who are unable to participate in other services like the Boys and Girls Clubs. All Participants are provided: Nike Running Shoes - Over the past 8 years over 5,000 pairs of Nike running shoes have been given out (during the 2012-2013 School year Aguilar students ran over 48,000 miles!); Socks; Shirts; Snacks/food; and Basic Health Screening Assessments.Within the TEAM FIT Kids group of program services, the following services are provided as needed - Annual Holiday Helper: Each year, Chances for Children Arizona selects a local school, clinic, or shelter to assist families with meeting the increased needs of the holiday season. Donations have included gift cards, clothing, toys/presents, and food. Past recipients have included Frank Elementary School, Guadalupe Medical Clinic, Ronald McDonald House Phoenix, and Chrysalis Women's Shelter.Jungle Roots Dental Evaluations: Dental care, tooth brush training, basic evaluation, and oral hygiene assistance, and cleaningsMedical Screening, Testing, and Assistance: Body mass index testing, blood pressure, body composition, and pre-diabetic screenings. Blood testing and diagnostic testing as needed through The Mollen Clinic.Vision Screening: Participants may receive vision testing as a part of their health assessment. On an as needed basis eye glass assistance is provided.Maricopa Food Bank Partnership: Financial assistance is used to purchase food to provide to families in need.Monthly Seminars and Training: As an organization, we realize that many individuals and families have had to face circumstances that prevented them from achieving and finding success. These situations often lead to a downward spiral throughout the family. Chances for Children-AZ has recognized this need and developed a series of programs and opportunities that will give the adult family members a chance to break the spiral. When children see the adult family member participating in services, opportunities, and programs; the personal, social, and academic success of the child also increases. During each seminar child care is provided through Fit Kids.Seminars and Training Opportunities Include: Obesity Related Illness; Diabetes Awareness understanding and testing; Creating Budgets for Healthy Eating; Managing Family Balance; Nutritional Guidelines for Americans including the Native American Populations; CPR Training; Community-in-One-Room Resource Night; Body Mass Index Medical Screening; Re-Start Professional Development, Resume Building, Interviewing, and Career Inventory Seminars; Mentor/Community FriendsPrograms provided through Chances for Children-Arizona are selected based on communities with high levels of low-income households. Populations of need are selected using the qualifying guidelines from the National School Lunch Program (Federal Free and Reduced Lunches) for schools. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those with incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible for reduced-price meals, for which students can be charged no more than 40 cents. Using this federal guideline, Chances for Children-Arizona continues to meet the needs of low income children, adults, and communities within Arizona.