A non-profit agency dedicated to establishing partnerships with youth-centered organizations in an innovative collaboration designed to link volunteers from the community with youth in foster care and at-risk youth for the purpose of enhancing, supporting and providing a holistic approach for the overall well-being of youth preparing to emancipate from foster care while supporting the educational and vocational efforts of youth in foster care and at-risk youth. 323-730-9400; 1200 W. 37th Place, Los Angeles, CA 90007 (no known web site for this agency)

An association that has been protecting children and preserving families across Arizona since 1912. The mission of Arizona's Children Association is based on a strong commitment to the welfare of children, adults, and their families. The highest priority of ACA is to provide healthy family environments on a permanent basis. Toward that end, ACA provides a broad spectrum of services that foster healing and promote the emotional well-being of children, adults, and families. Arizona’s Children Association works and advocates in every venue necessary to accomplish this mission. 602-233-0017; Golden Gate Community Center, 1625 N. 39th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ85009

Beatitudes Center DOAR (Developing Older Adult Resources) is a nonprofit, interfaith organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults and their families. Founded in 1981, Beatitudes Center DOAR promotes health and well-being through a broad range of community-based services that assist homebound adults, caregivers, grandparents raising grandchildren, and congregational health programs. 602- 274-5022; 555 West Glendale Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021

Based in Los Angeles, CA, since 1987 Bienvenidos Children's Center has provided supportive services to children and families in crisis. As a nonprofit community-based organization, Bienvenidos is dedicated to improving the quality of life for vulnerable children and families by delivering services that are comprehensive, culturally responsive and effective models of prevention and intervention. Bienvenidos strives to bridge the gap of services by becoming an integral member of the community, helping empower families to systematically transform the way they cope in times of difficulty. (323) 728-957750; 1 Atlantic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90022.

(Washington DC) BACW is a nationwide, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of African American children and their families who are gravely overrepresented in the nation’s child welfare system. 202-783-3714, 1319 “F” Street NW, Suite 401; Washington DC, 20004

Casey Family Programs' mission is to provide and improve-and ultimately prevent the need for-foster care. Established by United Parcel Service founder Jim Casey, this Seattle-based national operating foundation has served children, youth, and families in the child welfare system since 1966. Casey operates in two ways: by providing direct service at field offices (including Austin, TX; Boise, ID; Los Angeles, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Seattle, WA; and Yakima, WA); and by promoting advances in child-welfare practice and policy. Casey collaborates with foster, kinship, and adoptive parents to provide safe, loving homes for youth in our direct care. Casey also collaborates with counties, states, and American Indian and Alaska Native tribes to improve services and outcomes for the more than 500,000 young people in out-of-home care across the United States. 800-228-3559; 1300 Dexter Avenue N, Third Floor, Seattle, WA 98109

Since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, CCS has become the leading service provider to affected families living in the Baton Rouge area. On-going programs include Adoptions, Counseling, Maternity Home, Senior Employment, Prison Ministry, Family Housing, Refugee Resettlement, English Classes, Foster Grandparents & Emergency Assistance. (225) 336-8708; 1900 South Acadian Thruway, Post Office Box 4785, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4785

CCS advocates and offers social service opportunities for all Southeast Alaskans, emphasizing social justice and compassion. Their mission is accomplished by fostering the self-sufficiency and dignity of individuals and families, affirming diversity in culture, faith and way of life. CCS offers services to seniors throughout Southeast Alaska, hospice and home care in Juneau, child care and family resources in Juneau as well as child care assistance in Southeast Alaska. 907-462-6180; 8617 Teal St. Juneau, AK 99801

Catholic Family & Child Service extends caring hands to people of all faiths by offering programs that build upon strengths, empowering individuals and families to overcome the hardships and struggles they encounter in life. We have a tradition of caring for people within the community. Catholic Family & Child Service was founded in 1949 as a not-for-profit child and family agency. The focus of our programs has changed over the years to meet the changing needs of families. All of our programs are designed to enhance human life, support family life and to heal people who are in pain. Our programs are an expression of faith, a response to Christ’s call to care for one another. By caring for one another, we bring hope to life.

CCTHITA’s mission is to preserve and enhance the economic and cultural resources of the Tlingit and Haida nations and to promote self-sufficiency and self-governance while providing a safety net of services for its citizens and protecting inherent sovereign rights. CCTHITA has a strong sense of pride in its rich heritage and is dedicated to the use of fair and professional management systems as it strives to improve the quality of life for its citizens. CCTHITA is determined to collaborate with others to advocate issues of its people. 907-586-1432 or 800-344-1432; 320 W. Willoughby Avenue, Suite 200, Juneau, AK 99801

CATS promotes the emotional well-being of children and families by providing professional counseling and treatment services in child friendly environments. CATS' counselors strengthen families by encouraging effective communication as well as helping children and adolescents develop healthy problem solving skills. CATS' services effectively promote improvements in vital aspects of their lives, including: academic achievements, decreased aggression and fighting, as well as improved family communication. The fundamental beliefs that enable CATS to deliver are: child & family friendly, accountability, excellence in service, integrity, mutual respect, and celebration of differences. 716-886-5437; 556 Franklin St., Buffalo, NY 14202

CYFC is dedicated to establishing partnerships with youth-centered organizations in an innovative collaboration designed to link volunteers from the community with at-risk youth and youth in foster care. The goal is to provide a holistic approach for the overall well being of youth preparing to emancipate from foster care, while supporting the educational and vocational efforts of foster care and at-risk youth. Services include after-school programs, employment and life skills enrichment services, college counseling, and mentoring services. 323-730-9400; 1200 W. 37th Place, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Founded in 1853, the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) works to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of children and families, and to provide each child with the support and opportunities needed to become a happy, healthy and productive adult. CAS serves more than 120,000 children and their families every year. Their network of more than 100 cutting-edge programs and services provided at over 30 sites in and around New York City, supplies a full spectrum of services. 212-949-4800; 105 East 22nd St., NYC, NY 10010

Children’s Bureau is a non-profit agency committed to providing vulnerable children, especially in the early years, the foundation necessary to become caring and productive adults by: preventing child abuse and neglect; protecting, nurturing, and treating abused children; enhancing the potential of families and communities to meet the needs of their children; and advancing the welfare of children and families through superior programs in foster care, adoptions, child development, parent education, mental health, research and advocacy. 661-951-7865; 44404 16th Street West, Suite 208, Lancaster, CA 93534.

Children’s Institute International (CII) is a private non-profit agency which has been providing services for at-risk children and their families in the Los Angeles area since its founding in 1906, and today provides a comprehensive continuum of direct services. CII’s mission is to promote the well-being of vulnerable children by healing those harmed by abuse and neglect, helping families provide safe, nurturing homes and the resources their children need to thrive, and advancing innovative programs and policies that contribute to the welfare of children. CII has pioneered many child abuse prevention programs and combines decades of experience in child welfare, family support, and early childhood education with special expertise in training and technical assistance to professionals. Service delivery at CII embraces the family support approach, which honors the strength, culture, and expertise of families and engages them in the process of prevention. Two CII efforts are the Pico Youth and Family Center, and Rosemont Elementary School. (See those individual listings.) 213-385-5100; 711 South New Hampshire Avenue, Los Angeles, CA90005

A one-stop center for relative caregivers, the Community Coalition Kinship Care Organizing Group is dedicated to improving the quality of life for families in South Los Angeles. KGOG works to improve access to services and resources, and offers support networks and respite care to relative caregivers. Services include case management; enrichment opportunity programs; referrals for both medical and mental health services; respite activities; recreation opportunities; tutoring for youth; and support groups. 323-750-9087; 8101 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90044

Children's Administration staff in 44 field offices work with children and families to identify their needs and develop a plan for services which support families and assure safety and well-being for children. These services are designed to reduce the risk of abuse, prevent out-of-home placement, and assure safety and permanency for children in care. The Toppenish Division of Children Services has partnered with Casey Family Programs to offer the Powerful Families program to birth parents of children currently in the foster care system.

DCMFAPA strengthens all foster, adoptive, and kinship families through education, training, social policy, legislative activity, public awareness, and supportive resources, in partnership with human service professionals and the community. 202-269-9441; 1436 U Street NW, Suite 203, Washington, DC 20009

LH Avocado was created in October 2000 to promote, enhance and sustain healthy and fulfilling life styles for El Cajon’s children, youth and families. LHA fulfills its mission through supporting the El Cajon Collaborative, whichwas formed in 1992 by a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including parents and representatives from elementary and secondary schools and community colleges; community representatives; health and human service agencies; and city and county government agencies.Little House, the ECC’s Family Resource Center, provides a comprehensive system of care for children and families in El Cajon. It is not an agency, but rather a facility where ECC partner agencies come together to provide their best services and work under the leadership of the Collaborative.The ECC believes that families are healthier when they have a connection and commitment to their community. Communities are stronger when its residents are involved and participate in its development. ECC strives to incorporate this important relationship between families and their community in the work that it does. 619-447-4380; 131 Avocado Boulevard, El Cajon, CA

The mission of Family and Child Services of Washington DC, Inc. (F & CS) is to improve individual, family and community life by providing a broad range of professional services and supports in areas such as individual, family and group counseling, child placement, camping and services to older Americans. Founded in 1882, F & CS is one of the oldest and most innovative social service organizations in America.

The First A.M.E. Child and Family Center (FAME) provides comprehensive, high-quality developmental services, designed to empower children and their families, through the teamwork of families, staff and community partners. Serving central and southeast Seattle for over 20 years, FAME has 4 sites and a home-based program that serves over 300 children and families. FAME works with pregnant women and their partners, has a Fathers Support Group, and offers an Early Head Start program for children up to age 3 and an Early Childhood Education Assistance Program serving ages 4 and 5. 206-322-0354; 4436 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98118

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren is a Louisiana statewide non-profit organization that provides resources and information to grandparents and other caregivers fulfilling the roles of absent moms and dads. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for Louisiana’s kinship caregivers and the children in their care. (225) 335-5442; 9322 Cedar Glen Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70811

is a 501C3 non-profit corporation originally formed as a nationwide organization in 1990. The Arizona Chapter was formed in 1992 and is the only chapter still in existence, to my knowledge. The founder turned the organization responsibility over to the Arizona Chapter about ten years ago. Billye E. Wilda was co-director when it was formed and has been director of the organization for the past 10years. The organization focuses on kinship care givers throughout Arizona providing support, giving workshops and acting as a referral base for kinship caregivers. Grandparents United is proactive in all issues that affect the grandparent/grandchild relationship. We work for reform in state statutes that affect kinship caregivers. We serve as an information exchange center and educate the public and private agencies and the judicial and legislative systems concerning the important values and changing roles of grandparents and other kinship care providers in our changing society. (no web site for this group) 1301 E. Whitton, Phoenix, Arizona 85014; 602-273-0004

Through their Foster and Kinship Care Education Program, Grossmont College’s mission is to provide quality education and support opportunities for care givers of children and youth in out-of-home care so that these providers may meet the educational, emotional, behavioral and developmental needs of children and youth. The college’s overall mission is to provide educational leadership through learning opportunities that anticipate, prepare for, and meet the future challenges of a complex democracy and a global society. 619-644-7349; 8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020

HCLC operates in conjunction with the Fund for Social Justice through the Bridge builders project. Bridge Builders is a community based demonstration project focused on three census tracts in the southwest Bronx, New York City. The project tests the hypothesis that family well being and child welfare outcomes will improve as a result of targeted social services and legal representation; community members being trained and working to assist their neighbors (parents and youth involvement); collaboration by neighborhood-based service providers; creative use of data, and strengthened relationships with NYC’s Administration for Children’s Services. The primary goals of the project are to reduce four key indicators: the number of children entering foster care for the first time; the number of children who re-enter foster care; the length of time children remain in foster care; and the overall occurrence of abuse and neglect within the Highbridge community. The mission of HCLC is to empower the people of Highbridge through a rainbow of services that include: counseling for families and children; adult basic education; job training; after school activities for youth; community improvement; organizing; and many other services through a vast network of collaborative organizations spread across the Bronx. (718) 681-2222; 979 Ogden Avenue, Bronx, NY 10452

In My Shoes helps teens to make a successful transition from the foster care system into adulthood. The Tucson-based organization matches youth with mentors who are alumni of the foster care system. Alumni mentors, having navigated this transition, help teens to gain the skills and knowledge they need to prepare for adulthood. In My Shoes is a collaboration of The Tucson Foster Care Alumni Council, Pima County Juvenile Courts, Child Protective Services, and Casey Family Programs.

The KARE (Kinship and Adoption Resource and Education) Family Center is a full-service kinship and adoption resource and education center for both informal and formal relative caregivers in Tucson. It works to enhance the quality of life in its community by promoting stability within families caring for children born to others. Free services include: information; education and resource referrals; legal resource information; assistance and training; support groups; and advocacy and senior services. 520-323-4476; 4710 E. 29th Street, #7, Tucson, AZ 85711

Kent Youth and Family Services provides professional counseling, education, and support services to children, youth, and their families in the South King County area. The organization develops innovative programs that meet the evolving challenges of its diverse community in culturally sensitive ways, providing mental health services to youth and their families as well as chemical-dependency prevention, intervention, assessment, treatment, and recovery services to youth. The agency also provides youth violence prevention services; after school and late night/weekend youth recreation; adult mentoring and social support services; and supervised activities on a drop-in basis to thousands of youth each year. KYFS’ offers early childhood education through its Head Start and ECEAP programs; owns and operates a 10-unit apartment complex providing up to two years of transitional housing to homeless teen mothers and their infants/toddlers; and provides work-training opportunities for at-risk youth operating an espresso coffee stand located in the King County Regional Justice Center in Kent. 253-859-0300; 232 S. Second Avenue, #201, Kent, WA 98032

Native Americans of Erie & Niagra Counties is a non-profit whose mission is to provide quality human services that meet the individual and/or family needs of the off-reservation Native American community in Erie and Niagara counties. NACS’ aim, through its “tradition of caring”, is to ensure the well-being of the “Seventh Generation” by helping to strengthen families mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially, while also building a greater sense of community. NACS - Telephone: (716) 874-4460, 1316 Main Street, Suite A, Niagara Falls, NY 14301

Founded by Indian Elders in 1972, Native American Connections is a non-profit organization committed to the mission of improving the quality of life and communities through Native American culturally- centered opportunities in Health, Housing and Development. 602-254-3247; 650 North Second Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85003-1519

These supporting partner organizations helped Powerful Families to develop the curricula in our workshops as well as the information on this Web site.

Para Los Niños is a nonprofit family service organization designed to bring children from some of Los Angeles’ most challenging communities out of poverty and onto brighter, more successful futures. Since opening its first facility in 1980, Para Los Niños has grown to serve more than 5,000 families each year at 21 sites throughout Pico-Union, Central, East, West, and South Los Angeles, South El Monte and Ontario. Every week, more than 3,000 children and youth – ranging from 6 weeks to 21 years of age – enjoy award-winning, positive educational opportunities and much-needed family support. (213) 413-1466 x42; 500 South Lucas Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90017.

Phoenix Indian Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to serve as the primary resource for Native Americans in the Valley of the Sun and to promote and foster Native American culture and contribution to our society as a whole. (602) 264-6768; 2601 North Third Street, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85004 Telephone: (602) 264-6768

The Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC)is an LA County community-based organization that is partnered with Children's Institute International. The center is aimed at addressing youth gangs and violence prevention in the Santa Monica/Venice communities. PYFC serves youth age 16-24, with a focus on low-income families and at-risk youth. PYFC also provides tutoring services for youth; job development through local partnerships; mentoring program that links college students with high school students; a youth leadership component; and an advocacy group called "Mothers for Justice." 310-396-7101; 828 Pico Boulevard, #9, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Rehoboth CDC, a 501(c) 3 faith-based organization, was founded in September 2004 by Pastor Wesley & Gwen Relf out of a need to provide a holistic approach to at-risk youth and families who requested assistance from their growing church. Rehoboth CDC works in collaboration with Casey Family Programs through its People Educating and Centering Efforts (PEACE) Youth Enrichment Program. PEACE provides small interactive classes and workshops on independent living, life and social skills for disadvantaged youth, including children, adolescents, and teen parents who are in foster care or Child Protective Services (CPS) custody. The PEACE and Casey Family Programs are collaborating to bring teen parents and at-risk youth the Powerful Families Curricula on Advocacy and Financial Education. Rehoboth CDC is located in Phoenix, AZ. (602)272-4133 (ph)( 602)272-4145 (fax)

RCPC is a non-profit agency whose mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect, and offers a wide array of services to the community, especially families. RCPC offers community education workshops and programs like Healthy Families, Family Preservation, Time Limited Family Reunification Services, WIC, Stevie’s Place and a Children’s Advocacy Center. 907-456-2866; 726 26th Avenue, Suite 2, Fairbanks, AK 99701

Implemented through the Partnerships for Families Initiative in Los Angeles County, in partnership with Children’s Institute Incorporated (CII), Rosemont is a school-readiness program designed to link schools to community-based organizations in the County. The model proposes to increase access to existing programs and develop comprehensive services for families with children ages 0-5. The program's goals are to increase school readiness; enroll families into health insurance plans; support children's cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being; raise access to literacy and educational programs for parents of children up to age 5; and increase parent participation in school leadership.

Their mission is caring for children and young adults in crisis. SCO works with those most vulnerable to overcome the devastating impact of poverty, neglect, abuse and developmental or mental challenges as they strive for a brighter more independent future. Services include: foster care and adoption, adolescent services, parenting and family support programs, residential and in-home care for children and adults with special needs, community-based preventive services, homeless services and after school programs. 516-671-1253; 1 Alexander Place, Glen Cove, NY 11542

SHIELDS for Families, Inc. (SHIELDS) is a non-profit community based organization dedicated to developing, delivering and evaluating culturally sensitive, comprehensive service models that empower and advocate for families affected by substance abuse and child abuse. (323) 568-2055 ext. 103; 12714 South Avalon Boulevard #300 Los Angeles, CA 90061

South Bay Center is a non-profit organization that provides facilities and services for the treatment and prevention of alcoholism, drug dependence and related disorders. (310) 414-2090. National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence of the South Bay, 360 North Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite 2075, El Segundo, CA 90245

A non-profit agency whose mission is to empower communities and families with the knowledge and skills to improve their social and economic conditions. (323) 290-3593 4401 South Crenshaw Boulevard, Suite 315, Los Angeles, CA 90043.

The Southeast Community Center (SECC) has been serving children and families since 1969. Our mission is to reduce the impact of poverty on families and individuals by providing services, and promoting institutional and community change through advocacy; and, to build bridges with other communities. 1211 South 7th Street, Yakima, WA 98901, 509-575-6114

SPIRITT Family Services is a non-profit agency whose mission is to strengthen the family unit by promoting mental health and well-being through pro-active programs of education, prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery, and to strengthen the individual’s self concept through personal development, taking into consideration the multicultural communities served. The agency provides community-based services to families including but not limited to education, prevention and intervention programs focusing on drug and alcohol abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, Family Preservation, mental health services, Family Support and other counseling. (562) 903-7000; 13135 Barton Road Santa Fe Springs, CA 90605.

St. John’s is a non-profit whose mission is to provide innovative, multidisciplinary mental health, developmental, educational, and community outreach services to and on behalf of children, adolescents, adults and families. The focus is to foster empowerment, growth, and behaviors that enable clients to succeed in their family, school, and vocational/life choices. (310) 829-8678

St. Nick's operates under the umbrella of The Northern Manhattan Perinatal Partnership (NMPP) which is a non-profit organization comprised of a network of public and private agencies, community residents, health organizations and local businesses. NMPP provides crucial services to women and children in Central, West and East Harlem and Washington Heights. The network’s mission is to save babies and help women take charge of their reproductive, social and economic lives. St. Nick’s achieves this mission by offering a number of programs that reduce the infant mortality rate and increase the self sufficiency of poor and working class women. St. Nick’s services include comprehensive perinatal services, preventative case planning, case management, home visiting, outreach, social health marketing, Head start, immunization promotion and tracking, teen programs, managed care consumer steps, and job readiness. 212-665-2600; 127 W. 127th St., NYC, NY 10027

Steinway’s mission is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its clientele - children, families and adults, thereby restoring clients to their optimal level of functioning. Steinway also works to counter the effects of poverty, family breakdown and other social pathologies experienced by many New Yorkers. 718-389-5100; 41-36 27th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101

Teton Literacy provides tutoring resources and services to enable all people of Teton County to achieve functional literacy by reading, writing, speaking and understanding English. 307-733-9242; 1465 Gregory Lane, #206, Jackson, WY 83001

The Help Group is a non-profit agency that offers mental health, child abuse prevention and intervention, psychological counseling, and speech and language therapy programs in clinic, home, or school setting. 818-779-5366; 13130 Burbank Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91401.

The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (ULMS) strives to empower, enable, and assist African Americans, other people of color, and disadvantaged individuals to become self-sufficient. ULMS works through public advocacy, providing services, and developing strong business and community partnerships. Service areas include Education (SafeHaven After School Program, Read and Rise, and a youth mentoring program called Project MISTER); Employment and Training (Knowledge Anywhere Online, and resume and career development assistance); and Housing (rental search assistance, homeownership seminars, etc.). 206-461-3792; 105 14th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122

The Transitional Youth Program is composed of emancipated foster care youth making the transition to independent living in the San Gabriel Valley, which has the nation’s highest number of foster youth living in group care. At a community center called the Pasadena Alumni Support Center (PASC), staff work to equip youth with the necessary tools to create a stable, supportive environment for themselves. Through programs offered at PASC, transitional youth learn advocacy skills, life skills, and leadership development. In 2006, PASC expects to serve 400 youth currently or formerly in foster care. 626-304-2605 or toll-free 877-735-PASC; 1110 East Green St., Second Floor, Pasadena CA 91106

Volunteers of America is a ministry of service committed to reaching and uplifting the human spirit, building healthy life styles by promoting quality services to people of all ages, and creating opportunities for people to experience the joy of serving others. Now in their second century of service, Volunteers of America is one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive human services organizations, touching the lives of more than 2 million people each year in communities across the United States.

Wings of Refuge’s mission is to facilitate family reunification through building stronger communities one family at a time, delivering relevant, outcome based, needed services and resources that are of the highest quality and standards. 5777 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045 (310) 670-6767.

WIN is a New York-based organization that serves women and children who are homeless and disadvantaged. At multiple sites, WIN offers the highest quality services, which include transitional and permanent housing; employment; education; training and placement; alcohol and substance abuse services; domestic violence counseling; child care; family support; and aftercare services. Their goal is to help women and their families, who are homeless, realize self-determination. 212-695-4758; 115 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001

WCS is a private agency established in 1911 to serve orphaned and abandoned children. Over the years WCS has served over 4,000 children by finding them homes through adoption. Today, WCS provides adoption assistance in the state of Wyoming and to families in the U.S. wishing to adopt Russian children. WCS has provides infant adoption placement services, recruitment and facilitation services and pregnancy counseling. (307) 632-7619.

WCS is a private agency established in 1911 to serve orphaned and abandoned children.Over the years WCS has served over 4,000 children by finding them homes through adoption.Today, WCS provides adoption assistance in the state of Wyoming and to families in the U.S. wishing to adopt Russian children.WCS provides infant adoption placement services, recruitment and facilitation services, and pregnancy counseling. 307-632-7619 or 800-584-9384; 716 Randall Avenue, P.O. Box 105, Cheyenne, WY 82003