Encircle Families - formerly Raising Special Kids

01/09/2026

Help us to support families today, so they can be empowered tomorrow! Your donation matters!

Donate today:
https://donorbox.org/eftc-2025-sm

01/08/2026

As we begin the new year, it’s an important reminder for caregivers raising children with disabilities, to take care of yourselves.

Self-care isn’t selfish. When you make time for rest, good food, movement or even a quiet moment, you’re giving yourself the strength and balance needed to care for your kids with love and patience.

This year, let’s commit to small acts of care: a short walk, a relaxing cup of tea, connecting with a friend, or just breathing for a minute when things get overwhelming.

You deserve kindness and at Encircle Families, we’re here to walk beside you. Reach out to us anytime at 602-242-4366.

https://www.abilities.com/2025/04/22/raising-children-with-disabilities

Jaclyn Greenberg shares honest insights on navigating overwhelm while parenting a child with disabilities, offering support and solidarity to others.

01/07/2026

Did you know you can support Encircle Families at no extra cost to you?

With the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, your donation comes right off the taxes you owe dollar for dollar while helping families raising children with disabilities across Arizona.

Here’s how to donate using the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit:

1️⃣ Confirm the charity is eligible -Encircle Families is a certified Qualifying Charitable Organization
2️⃣ Make a donation https://donorbox.org/eftc-2025-sm
3️⃣ Keep your receipt. You’ll need it when you file taxes.
4️⃣ Fill out the tax form for the donation.
5️⃣ Claim your credit. Your donation reduces your Arizona tax bill dollar-for-dollar (up to the annual limits).
6️⃣ Check the limits and deadlines. For 2025, the limit is $495 for single filers and $987 for married couples filing jointly. Donations must be made by April 15 to count for the previous tax year.

01/07/2026

Encircle Families' Deputy Executive Director, Janna Murrell, attended yesterday's Lunch with Legislators to provide information, education, and the personal connection between Arizona families and the legislation that affects them.

01/06/2026

Academic Anxiety: When School Stress Becomes Too Much. Read about this and more in this edition of Connecting Weekly. https://mailchi.mp/encirclefamilies/connecting-weekly-2026-0104

01/06/2026

What A Year 2025 was!

As we begin 2026, we’re excited to share that Encircle Families has been busy supporting families of children with all types of disabilities and/or concerns because every child and family deserves guidance, support, and a listening ear.

Here’s a glimpse of what we accomplished together last year:

We connected with:
• Over 20,000 calls, emails, meetings, or texts with parents, family members, and caregivers
• Over 600 connections with professionals
• Nearly 200 conversations with young adults
(These numbers include repeated contacts, as many families reach out multiple times for ongoing support.)

Through November, in 2025 we:
• Served 10,219 parents, family members, and youth received one-on-one assistance and/or training.
• Attended 92 IEP meetings with families (our most personalized level of support)
• Participated in 535 meetings at local, state, and federal levels, ensuring families’ perspectives are heard in decisions that impact their children.

We are so proud to walk alongside families every step of the way, and we couldn’t do it without your support.

✨ Help us keep this work going for years to come! ✨

Your donation, large or small, ensures families across Arizona continue to receive guidance, advocacy, and hope. https://donorbox.org/efac-2025-sm

Thank you for standing with families and children with disabilities. Together, we make a difference!

01/05/2026

Taking your child to the dentist doesn’t have to be stressful, especially for families with extra sensory or medical needs. With a little planning and compassion, dentist visits can be calm, comfortable, and even empowering. From scheduling a relaxed pre-visit and using social stories, to bringing a favorite toy or comfort item, these simple steps can help make dental care a positive experience. Check out this article from Raising Arizona Kids:
https://www.raisingarizonakids.com/2024/12/dentistry-for-special-needs-tips-for-making-dentist-visits-less-stressful/

Here are 7 tips to help ease the stress children living with certain medical, intellectual and physical disabilities may have with the dentist and oral care: Clean Your Child’s Teeth Daily: If your child resists the traditional way of brushing, try to brush your child’s teeth with their head in ...

01/03/2026

Back to School Tips for Families!

The end of holiday break can be tough on routines. Here are a few ways to make the transition easier:

- Use a visual countdown so your child knows what to expect.

- Adjust sleep gradually a few nights before school.

- Talk and listen about feelings, it’s normal to be excited or nervous.

- Prep together: pack backpacks, pick clothes, and plan breakfast.

- Reconnect socially if possible, a call or meet-up with a friend can help.

Small steps make big differences in easing stress and building confidence.

Read more tips in this article from Hopkins: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/6-tips-for-sending-kids-back-to-school-after-breaks?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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.