Encircle Families - formerly Raising Special Kids

03/12/2026

Wondering what comes after high school for your teen with a disability? 🎓
Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but helpful resources are available. The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) offers a quick reference guide with information about school, training and employment options to help families start planning the transition to adulthood.

Download the guide here:
https://ow.ly/CPOi50Yss6y

03/11/2026

We cannot thank Scottsdale Sunrise Rotary enough for their continued partnership in making Special Day for Special Kids such a joyful event for our community! 💙

Year after year, this special day brings smiles to families of children of all abilities. From rock walls, bounce houses, and train rides to community resources, face painting, and fun prizes, the day is filled with laughter, connection, and unforgettable moments.

Most importantly, it’s a day where families can set aside daily worries and simply enjoy time together.

Thank you to all of our incredible vendors, volunteers, and the families who joined us for the fun. We are so grateful for this community and already looking forward to next year!

03/11/2026

We are often asked, “How can I support Encircle Families?” 💛

The truth is, there are so many meaningful ways to make a difference, and every single one matters.

✨ 1. Make a financial gift.
Your donation helps us walk alongside families raising children with disabilities, providing trusted information, training, and compassionate support. Every dollar helps a family feel less alone. Donation Link: https://donorbox.org/eftc-2025-sm

✨ 2. Become a Parent Leader Volunteer.
If you’ve been on this journey for a while, you can be a light for someone just starting out. Our Parent Leaders offer hope, understanding, and real-life experience to parents who need someone who truly “gets it.” Learn More and sign up here : https://encirclefamilies.org/service/parent-leadership-training/

✨ 3. Like and share our posts.
It may seem small, but sharing information helps families find resources, events, and support they didn’t even know existed. You never know who in your circle is quietly searching for help.

At Encircle Families, community is everything. Whether you give, volunteer, or simply help us spread the word, you are part of something bigger — a circle of support that wraps around families when they need it most.

Thank you for being here with us. 💙

03/10/2026

Recognize Early Learning Struggles. Understand the early indicators of learning challenges in kids. Read about this and more in this edition of Connecting Weekly. - https://mailchi.mp/encirclefamilies/connecting-weekly-2026-0308

03/10/2026

Job seekers with disabilities: Don’t miss two opportunities coming up at Gateway Community College in Phoenix!

The Pre-Employment Fair on Thursday, March 26 offers resume reviews, mock interviews, help with professional attire and information about support services.

Then come back on Thursday, April 2 for the DREAM Job Fair to meet employers and explore job opportunities. DREAM stands for Disability & Rehabilitation Employment Awareness Month. So learn more about your DREAM job!

Register for both events here: https://ow.ly/9tGa50Yry4i

03/09/2026

Huge thank you to Mesa Data Center for supporting technology improvements at Encircle Families!

This support helps us strengthen the tools we use every day to better connect with and support families in our community. We’re grateful for partners who believe in the work of helping families raising children with disabilities feel informed, supported, and connected!

🎉 We’re thrilled to announce the 2026 Meta Data Center Community Action Grants recipients!

Through our Data Center Community Action Grants program, Meta provides funding for nonprofits and schools to support the long-term vitality of the City of Mesa and Mesa Public Schools, Higley Unified Schools District, Gilbert Public Schools, and Queen Creek Unified Schools. We fund projects that address critical community needs by putting technology to use for community benefit, enabling people to build strong, sustainable communities and improving local science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education.

Congratulations to the 2026 Mesa Data Center grant recipients and a big thank you for your impactful work:
Arizona Science Center
Cultural Coalition, Inc
Education Empowers
Encircle Families - formerly Raising Special Kids
Future for KIDS
Gateway Polytechnic Academy - Queen Creek USD
Highland Hawkbots Boosters - The Official Gilbert Public Schools District
Mesa For All Foundation
Queen Creek Unified School District
South Valley Junior High - Gilbert Public Schools
Teaching and Learning Department - Mesa Public Schools

Learn more about the grant recipients http://datacenters.atmeta.com/2026Recipients

03/09/2026

Hi everyone! 👋 One of the most common questions we hear is:

“What is the Arizona Qualifying Charitable Organization Tax Credit and how does it actually work?”

These are great questions! We put together this quick video to break it down in simple, easy-to-understand terms.

It explains how you can support Encircle Families and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on your Arizona state taxes, all while helping families raising children with disabilities at no extra cost to you.

Watch the video below to learn how it works!
Donate today: https://donorbox.org/eftc-2025-sm

03/07/2026

03/06/2026

Don’t forget, tomorrow is the most fun day of the year… Special Day for Special Kids! 🎉💙

Kids of ALL abilities are invited to join us for a day packed with fun, laughter and connection!

🚂 Train rides
🧗 Rock walls
🏰 Bounce houses
🎠 Carousel rides
🎨 Activities & games
📚 Community resources
…and so much more!

Come join us tomorrow from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for a day your family won’t forget. We can’t wait to see you there!

03/06/2026

Today is Employee Appreciation Day, and wow… do we have the very best. 💛

At Encircle Families, our team is truly something special. They aren’t just staff members, they are parents and family members of children with disabilities themselves. They have sat on the other side of that phone call. They know the questions, the worry, the overwhelm… and the hope. They just "get it."

Our team doesn’t simply provide information, they walk alongside families. They work tirelessly to connect parents with support for schools, state services, financial resources, providers, and meaningful parent-to-parent connections. They show up every single day ready to listen, encourage, and help families feel less alone.

We are beyond grateful for each and every team member who pours their heart into this work. Because of you, families feel supported, understood, and empowered.

Please join us in celebrating the incredible people who make Encircle Families what it is. We appreciate you today and every day. 💙

Help us to continue this meaningful work: https://donorbox.org/eftc-2025-sm

03/05/2026

03/05/2026

Your Tax Credit Can Do This. A father’s story. And how your Arizona Tax Credit makes moments like this possible. - https://mailchi.mp/encirclefamilies/2026-0305-tc3