In Arizona, more than 54,000 children are being raised by grandparents in an informal kinship home. Grandparents or relatives who find themselves in the unexpected position of parenting a second-time around face complex issues. Duet: Partners In Health & Aging provides grandparents with the tools and resources to thrive and keep the family together. Our kinship care services offer services such as support groups, educational workshops, social events, respite assistance, legal guidance, and resource information and referral.
This summer, our goal is to equip 150 grandchildren, grade K-12, with school supplies and clothing to provide them with an equitable start to the new school year. In a recent survey, our grandparents identified clothing, shoes, and backpacks as the areas of greatest need in addition to basic school supplies. We’ve created an Amazon Wishlist to make donating as easy as the click of a button. We also welcome in-person donations at the Duet office. Donations can be dropped off by July 8, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 10000 North 31st Avenue, Suite D200, Phoenix, AZ 85051 (office closed May 20 and July 4).
Most-Needed Supplies: In addition to basic school supplies: backpacks, insulated water bottles, scientific calculators, lunch bags, ear buds/headphones, tab dividers, sanitizer wipes, zipper pouches, 3-subject spiral notebooks
Top Requested Gift Cards: Retail gift cards to help with the purchase of shoes, clothing, or haircuts. Ideas include Target, DSW, Gap, Old Navy, Kohls, JCPenny, Great Clips, and Super Cuts. $10 – $50 increments.
Last October, a story aired on ABC15 that included interviews from two of the grandfamilies we serve. These families do not receive any of the assistance awarded to foster families which makes the support Duet provides all the more vital. See how your support of the back-to-school drive will make such an impact in the lives of Arizona grandfamilies by viewing the segment below.
For additional information, contact Lisa McCormick at (602) 274-5022, ext. 114.
