Encircle Families - formerly Raising Special Kids

11/28/2025

At Encircle Families, we don’t just work with families, we ARE parents of children with disabilities ourselves. We’ve walked similar paths, fought similar battles, and truly get it.

We stand out because we:

- Offer Parent-to-Parent connections, so no one feels alone

- Help parents navigate the IEP process and can even attend meetings

- Guide families through state services and healthcare questions

- Provide all our services free for families

- Support families regardless of diagnosis

Your gift today ensures families continue receiving the guidance, support, and hope they need, when they need it.

Giving Tuesday is right around the corner! Donate now to help us stand with families.

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

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...

11/27/2025

From all of us at Encircle Families, we want to wish you a safe, peaceful, and wonderful Thanksgiving.

We are so grateful for the families in our community. For your strength, your kindness, and the way you show up for your children and for one another. It is truly an honor to walk alongside you.
Whether your day is loud and busy or calm and cozy, we hope it’s filled with connection, comfort, and moments of joy.

Happy Thanksgiving, families. We’re thankful for you. We look forward to returning to the office on Monday and to continue serving families!

11/27/2025

A Thanksgiving message from our Executive Director, Christopher Tiffany

As we head into the holiday, Chris shares his heartfelt thanks to the many people who make Encircle Families’ mission possible, From our incredible community partners, board members, dedicated volunteers, compassionate staff, and the families who use their voices every day to advocate for children with disabilities across Arizona.

Your commitment, collaboration, and courage strengthen our entire community. We are so grateful for each of you.

From all of us at Encircle Families, we wish you a safe, warm, and joyful Thanksgiving.

Thank you for being part of our family.

11/25/2025

The Holidays Are Around the Corner. Here's How to Prepare.
read about this and more in this edition of Connecting Weekly. - https://mailchi.mp/encirclefamilies/connecting-weekly-2025-1123

11/25/2025

Tip Tuesday:

With the holidays ahead, many families are preparing for travel and Child Mind Institute has a great list of tips to help make trips smoother for kids of all ages and abilities.

This article covers simple, realistic strategies like practicing the travel routine ahead of time, packing comfort items, keeping snacks handy, planning for delays, and using visuals or social stories to help kids know what to expect.

If you're traveling soon, these ideas can make the journey a little easier and a lot less stressful:
🔗 https://childmind.org/article/24-tips-for-traveling-with-children/

Kids often have a hard time with travel. But more and more airports, airlines, and hotels are offering options for kids who struggle with travel, and strategic planning can make things easier for the whole family.

11/24/2025

Staff member Nannette Salasek and her daughter Annie had a wonderful time at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital ARM & Hirschsprung Fall Festival!

They shared lots of laughs, enjoyed the festivities, and connected with so many families and community partners throughout the day. Events like these remind us how special it is to come together, support one another, and celebrate our amazing community.

11/22/2025

With Thanksgiving coming up, many families are already thinking about the meal… and for those of us who have kids with sensory issues, that can bring a little extra stress. You’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong. Kids have all kinds of sensory needs, comfort foods, and preferences, especially on big, busy days.

This Parents article shares gentle, realistic tips to help the holiday feel a little easier for everyone:
🔗 https://www.parents.com/thanksgiving-with-a-picky-eater-11831977

Here are a few favorites:
• Offer at least one “safe” food so your child knows there’s something on the table that feels familiar and comforting.
• Let them help with cooking or setting the table kids often feel more open when they’ve been part of the process.
• Serve things family-style so they can choose what goes on their plate (and how much!).
• Advocate kindly if comments are being made. (“They’re listening to their body — that’s a win.”)

Thanksgiving—or any other holiday—can feel overwhelming when your child is a picky eater. Here's what experts suggest.

11/21/2025

Such a fun morning at the Arizona Brewery Running Series 5K hosted by Pinnacle Beer !
Staff member, Maureen Mills handed out water and encouragement and thanks to every runner along the way and saved some special cheers for her son Conor who crushed the 5k with his dad.

Huge thanks to the organizers, and brewery crew for building community through fitness, fun, and local flavor and for supporting Encircle Families!

Join us at one of the upcoming runs! https://share.google/yRDvSIpg0mH1GA64q

11/20/2025

Arizona State University, the University of Illinois Chicago, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia are conducting a BEST Study (Behavioral Health and Care Coordination for Youth with IDD) and are now recruiting families in Arizona!

Families who participate will:
- Receive generous compensation for their time
- Complete a diagnostic screening for their teen
- Be randomly assigned, with some receiving mental health programming in addition to usual supports

They are looking for teens ages 13–20 with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who currently receive some form of care coordination (for example, through DDD, clinic-based programs, or other supports).

Learn more and see if your family is eligible by completing the screening survey here:

This is an online research study for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) aged 13-20 who receive care coordination services.

11/19/2025

Teens, ADHD and College Planning: Five Things to Know. Read about this and more in this edition of Connecting Weekly - https://mailchi.mp/encirclefamilies/connecting-weekly-2025-1116

11/19/2025

Join us for a jolly and fun-filled day as we celebrate the holiday season together at our Santa Day event at the Ability360 Conference Center! Bring your family for an afternoon of holiday cheer, sweet treats, and joyful activities that everyone will love. All ages are welcome!

Here’s what’s in store:

🍪 Delicious Cookies & Hot Cocoa – Warm up with festive snacks as you enjoy the day.
🎨 Craft-Making Fun – Let your creativity shine with holiday crafts for all ages!
📸 Photos with Santa – Don’t miss your chance for a memorable family photo with the one and only Santa Claus!

This event is all about creating special moments in a safe and welcoming environment. So gather those nearest to you and join us for a magical celebration you won’t forget.

Tickets are limited, so get yours today!

Join us for a jolly and fun-filled day as we celebrate the holiday season together at our Santa Day event at the Ability360 Conference