Communities Caring for Families (CCF) is a non-profit agency dedicated to serving as a critical resource link for families that have young people with educational emotional, behavioral and developmental needs. The children, young adults and families we support are often served by multiple agencies including child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health, education and developmental disabilities. Families we support are typically served by a team facilitated by one of these agencies and joined by other agencies, the family and the family support system. This System of Care approach allows families to partner with agencies and concerned community members to develop strengths based plans that support successful outcomes at home, school and in communities.
CCF provides concrete flexible funding and resources to support Team’s successful outcomes. Families have told us that it is important to have all the resources that each agency offers in this Team concept but often the additional “booster” help that is necessary is not readily available. CCF provides flexible funding for housing support, transportation, furniture, clothing, job stipends, community activities memberships and unique needs of children and their families.
CCF has a specific interest in supporting young adult’s transitioning out of any of these systems into adulthood. Often these young adults have less resources and less permanent connections to fall back on when times get tough. In Arizona and around the country these young people are more likely to be homeless; not graduate from high schools; not maintain a job, abuse substances; end up in adult prisons; and become pregnant during their teenage years. Nationally, 12% of formerly incarcerated youth have a high school diploma compared with 74% of non-incarcerated youth. Incarcerated youth are seven times more likely to have a history of unemployment and welfare dependence as adults and significantly more likely to be rearrested as adults. 50% of former foster care youth become homeless at least once within 18 month of emancipation.
CCF supports these young adults with multi-agency involvement and histories of anger, aggression, anxiety, depression, poor school performance and behavioral issues identify and live their dreams. We provide funding and support for adult learning opportunities; alternative job possibilities; initial housing support; and individualized resource support.
For more information please contact CCF at (602) 677-0016.