Encircle Families - formerly Raising Special Kids

04/26/2026

Mercy Care offers an evening for parents, caregivers, youth, families, community members and families. Learn more about systems of care and offer your input. Locations available around the state and online!

This event will be Tuesday, April 28 at 6pm. In-person locations include a light dinner at 5:30pm.
Register here: https://ow.ly/5HA750YOfWj

04/25/2026

In celebration of National Deaf History Month, something special is coming to Disney+ 💙

On April 27, Disney Animation will debut Songs in Sign Language featuring beloved favorites like “The Next Right Thing” (Frozen II), “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” (Encanto), and “Beyond” (Moana 2), beautifully reimagined in American Sign Language (ASL).

Created in collaboration with Deaf West Theatre, these animations focus on emotion, storytelling, and connection helping break down barriers and make Disney magic more inclusive for the Deaf community.

Representation matters. Access matters. And moments like this remind us that everyone deserves to experience stories in a way that speaks to them. ✨ https://press.disneyplus.com/news/songs-in-sign-language-to-debut

04/24/2026

✨ You’re Invited to Lumina ✨

Join us on June 6 at the Arizona Science Center for Lumina, a one-of-a-kind evening hosted by Encircle Families.

This curated experience brings together local artists, live demonstrations, and interactive exhibits. All designed to spark connection, creativity, and community in a welcoming space.

More than just an event, Lumina supports families across Arizona as they navigate education and healthcare systems, helping ensure they have the resources and guidance they need to thrive.

🎟️ Learn more, grab tickets, explore sponsorships, or apply as an artist here:
https://encirclefamilies.org/event/lumina/

If this speaks to you, we’d love to see you there. And if you know someone who would enjoy it, please share!

Lumina is a curated Arizona art fundraiser that brings together local artists, community leaders, and supporters for an inspiring evening of creativity and

04/23/2026

Because of you, families across Arizona feel less alone. 💛

Together, we raised more than $50,000 from 95 supporters through the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. Every dollar means a family has somewhere to turn.

Because of you, parents feel more confident, caregivers get support, and families access trusted resources.

You turned stress into confidence and isolation into connection. Thank you for keeping your tax dollars local and supporting families.

04/23/2026

Check out this event coming up on Saturday from our friends at GiGi's Playhouse!

04/22/2026

Staff members Maureen Mills and Brandi Clark beat the heat up north with the Arizona Brewery Running Series!

Did you know a portion of the registration fees supports Encircle Families? We’re so grateful for this partnership and want to give a special thank you to them, and to all the participants for making a difference for the families we serve.

04/22/2026

Disney songs in sign language are coming to Disney+. Plus resources, updates, and support for your family in this edition of Connecting Weekly. https://mailchi.mp/encirclefamilies/connecting-weekly-2026-0419

04/21/2026

Sending a child with medical needs to summer camp can be rewarding, yet stressful! For Tip Tuesday, here are some suggestions from Raising Arizona Kids to help your child thrive at camp:
https://ow.ly/Uxcw50YE0ug

04/20/2026

We’re getting excited about Lumina !

A night of art, connection, and community at the Arizona Science Center.

We would love to see you there.

Learn more and purchase your tickets today:

Lumina is a curated Arizona art fundraiser that brings together local artists, community leaders, and supporters for an inspiring evening of creativity and

04/18/2026

Woody Brown is the author of a book, “Upward Bound,” recently featured on the TODAY Show as a Read With Jenna Book Club pick. Brown has autism and uses a letter board to communicate.

Learn more about his book here:

Woody Brown is the author of the Read with Jenna April book pick, “Upward Bound." He has autism and with the help of his mom, Mary, uses a letter board to communicate. TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager sits down with them to talk about his debut novel, how he is inspiring others and more. “I want mostl...

04/17/2026

Arizona is making a major investment in rural healthcare—and new opportunities are on the way.

Governor Katie Hobbs announced the launch of the Arizona Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) website, marking a $167 million annual investment to improve healthcare access for rural communities across the state.

This five-year initiative will focus on:
• Expanding access to care
• Strengthening the healthcare workforce
• Addressing priority health needs
• Supporting long-term rural health systems

The program will support rural hospitals, Tribal health programs, community health centers, nonprofits, and more especially in areas where healthcare access is limited.

Grant opportunities begin opening in April 2026, with funding available for organizations of all sizes.

This is an important step toward ensuring that rural and Tribal communities in Arizona have access to the care and resources they deserve.

Learn more and stay updated by visiting the RHTP website. https://www.azahcccs.gov/AHCCCS/Initiatives/RHTP/

04/17/2026

It's National Volunteer Month and we are so proud to celebrate one of our amazing Parent Leader Volunteer, Breann Bierman-Vogt! 🎉

Breann was honored as a finalist for the Gilbert Volunteer MVP Awards, in the Driven category. We were able to share all of her incredible volunteer accomplishments, which was met with rousing applause from the crowd.

Over the past three years, Breann has made a tremendous impact through her dedication, compassion, and leadership. We are beyond grateful for the time and heart she has poured into supporting families in our community.

We were also able to capture some special moments from the reception, check out the photos below!

Thank you, Breann, for everything you do. You inspire us all!