NOVEMBER 23rd - THANKSGIVING FEAST FOR CHILDREN IN GROUP HOMES
Foster Group Homes, you are cordially invited to join us at our heartwarming 5th annual Thanksgiving Feast event. It's a day to come together in the spirit of service and gratitude, and we'd love to share it with you.
At this special gathering, there will be an abundance of joy and excitement. Imagine bouncy houses that send kids into fits of laughter, a medley of engaging activities to spark their curiosity, an array of games that foster camaraderie, and a plethora of creative crafts to unleash their imagination. But that's not all - there will be so much more to enjoy and explore!
What makes this event truly remarkable is our community's commitment to providing not just a meal, but a memorable experience for children in foster care. We will be serving up a delicious Thanksgiving feast, a sumptuous spread that not only fills their bellies but also warms their hearts. It's a chance for these wonderful children to be surrounded on Thanksgiving Day by a community that genuinely cares for them.
So, mark your calendars and join us for a day of giving thanks and making cherished memories. Your presence at this event will help create an atmosphere of love, support, and togetherness that truly embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving. We can't wait to share this special day with you and the incredible children in your care.
ASA Now Save the Date Events
Mark your calendar for our upcoming events!
FEBRUARY - SPECIAL EVENT FOR FOSTER CHILDREN
ASA Now is excited to partner with Arizonans for Children for an incredible event that will delight over 4,000 children and youth.
Join us for a day filled with live music, thrilling activities like rock climbing, carousel rides, and a zip line, as well as fun games, bounce houses, and so much more. And don't worry about lunch; we've got you covered with hot dogs, soda, chips, and cookies.
Who can participate? This event is open to group homes, CASAs, licensed and unlicensed families with a current child or youth in foster care. All children in the home are welcome, but there must be at least one foster child currently residing in the home to attend.
Get ready for a magical day. Be sure to check your email for more details and registration information.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS? be sure to sign up. Details in sign up.
AUGUST 18TH - TRAMPOLINE PARK
Bounce into summer with ASA Now's 3rd Annual Trampoline Park event! Bring the entire family for two hours of high-flying, trampoline fun. Relax, parents, because our trauma-informed volunteers will be there to supervise the kids, giving you a well-deserved break. Connect with families facing similar challenges, offer support, or find the support you've been seeking.
We extend a warm invitation to licensed and unlicensed families with a current child or youth in foster care, foster/adoptive families, and group homes to join us for this event. Time: 6-8 pm
Birthday Celebration: Do you have a birthday to celebrate? Don't forget to sign up for our special birthday celebration. More details are available during the sign-up process. Get ready for an uplifting day of family fun!
CHRISTMAS AT RAWHIDE
Join ASA Now for a magical holiday kickoff at Arizona's premier light show and family extravaganza! On December 4th or 8th, from 6 pm to 9 pm, we invite kinship families, foster/adoptive families, licensed foster families, and group homes to join us at Rawhide for the Pratt Brothers Christmas, the grandest Christmas celebration in Arizona.
Prepare to be enchanted by over 6 million dazzling lights, a mesmerizing lights show, a whimsical train ride, a nightly Christmas parade, heart-pounding western stunt shows, a snow extravaganza, captivating live entertainment, family portraits, reindeer games, a station to send letters to Santa, creative kids' coloring and crafts, festive Christmas movies, and much more!
This extraordinary event typically costs $30 per person, but by signing up through ASA Now, you can secure your spot to receive 35 percent off General Admission price . Don't miss this opportunity to kick off your holiday season with an unforgettable experience that's fun for the whole family. Join us at Rawhide on November 30th for an evening of holiday magic! Use code: PBCFF for discount
APRIL 13th - OUTDOOR FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT
Get ready for ASA Now's Bi-Annual Outdoor Family Movie Night, coming soon (TBD) to the Jacob's Mission Community Center Back Acre. We cordially invite licensed and unlicensed families with a current child or youth in foster care, foster/adoptive families, and group homes to attend.
Before the movie starts, indulge in carnival-style games, creative crafts, and a delectable dinner featuring pizza, fruit, popcorn, candy, and refreshing drinks. The movie kicks off promptly at 4 pm.
As it's an outdoor event, remember to bring your comfy lawn chairs or a cozy blanket for seating. For everyone's safety and enjoyment, please keep children with your own families throughout the event, and kindly note that the playground area will be closed.
Stay tuned for more event details, and don't forget to mark your calendar for this unforgettable family-friendly evening!
Got a birthday to celebrate? Be sure to sign up. Additional details available during the sign-up process.
MAY 11th - PIZZA PARTY
Join us for ASA Now's monthly family social at Peter Piper Pizza! ASA Now invites all licensed and unlicensed families with children or youth in foster care, foster/adoptive families, and group homes to our monthly family social at Peter Piper Pizza. Enjoy delicious pizza, exciting games, and tokens provided for all children, ensuring a fun-filled time playing all the games available!
Don't forget to sign up any children or youth in foster care who will be celebrating a birthday so we can make their day extra special. Plus, there will be fun summer toy giveaways for families in attendance. We look forward to seeing you there!
MARCH 30th- EASTER EGG HUNT
Hop into spring with ASA Now's 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt—an eggciting event you won't want to miss! We've partnered with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and we will have an egg hunt, crafts, face painting, carnival games, and inflatables for all ages to enjoy. We invite licensed and unlicensed families with a current child or youth in foster care, foster/adoptive families, and group homes to attend.
Don't forget to bring your own Easter baskets and arrive by 8 a.m. since activities will start on time and will run until 10 am. Children will be divided into three age groups: Ages 4 and under, Ages 5 to 11, and Ages 12 to 17.
And guess what? The Easter Bunny will be making a special appearance, so be sure to have your camera ready!
Join us for Breakfast, Games, Crafts, a Petting Zoo and an Egg Hunt, and if you're celebrating a birthday, don't forget to sign up for our special birthday celebrations. More details available during the sign-up process. Get ready for an eggstraordinary time!
NOVEMBER 18th- INDOOR FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT
Get ready for ASA Now's Bi-Annual Outdoor Family Movie Night, which will take place on November 18th the Jacob's Mission Community Center. We cordially invite licensed and unlicensed families with a current child or youth in foster care, foster/adoptive families, and group homes to attend.
Before the movie starts, indulge in carnival-style games, creative crafts, and a delectable dinner featuring pizza, fruit, popcorn, candy, and refreshing drinks. The movie kicks off promptly at 5:30 pm.
The movie will be shown indoors, so we ask that you bring a cozy blanket for seating to help us maintain our carpet's condition. For everyone's safety and enjoyment, please keep children with your own families throughout the event, and kindly note that the playground area will be closed.
Stay tuned for more event details, and don't forget to mark your calendar for this unforgettable family-friendly evening!
Got a birthday to celebrate? Be sure to sign up. Additional details available during the sign-up process.
SEPTEMBER - FAMILY DAY AT THE FIELD
Join us for ASA Now's highly anticipated 3rd Annual Family Day at the Field, set to take place on Sunday, September 3rd, kicking off at 1:10 pm at the iconic Chase Field. It's a day filled with excitement as we gather to watch the Diamondbacks take on the San Diego Padres.
We extend a heartfelt invitation to licensed and unlicensed families with a current child or youth in foster care, foster/adoptive families, and group homes to come together with us for this special occasion. Our goal is simple yet profound: to provide a sense of normalcy for children and create cherished family memories that will last a lifetime.
Why a baseball game, you might wonder? Because it's an opportunity for these children to just be kids for three or four hours, reveling in the simple joys that many other kids take for granted when spending time with their families. It's a chance for them to laugh, cheer, and enjoy life in the same way that every child should.
And the best part? Your registration for this event not only guarantees you a fantastic day at the ballpark but also includes a whole lot of family fun.
JANUARY - BRING IT ON BINGO NIGHT
Are you ready to ignite the excitement this January? ASA Now proudly presents our inaugural Bring It On Bingo Night! We cordially invite licensed and unlicensed families with a current child or youth in foster care, foster/adoptive families, and group homes to unite for an unforgettable evening of entertainment.
This event promises to be a fantastic opportunity to forge new friendships and meaningful connections within our community. As the bingo balls roll and numbers are called, the atmosphere will be charged with camaraderie and anticipation. Be prepared for laughter, fun, and the chance to win exciting prizes, with rewards awarded at the conclusion of each thrilling round.
To keep your energy up and your taste buds satisfied, we'll be offering a delightful array of light refreshments and delectable desserts. It's the perfect blend of indulgence and amusement!
Don't miss out on this incredible gathering of kindred spirits. Mark your calendars for ASA Now's Bring It On Bingo Night in January. We can't wait to share this unforgettable experience with you! Stay tuned for more details and registration information.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS? be sure to sign up. Details in sign up.
NOVEMBER 24th - FOSTER 5K
The need is great with nearly 10,000 children in Foster Care in Arizona. We understand not everyone is able to foster or adopt, but we can all play a part in helping children and families in need. That’s why we’re personally inviting you to Run a 5K to Help 10K foster kids. Join us for an amazing day of fun, fitness, and community.
Foster Care 5K+Family Day
on Sunday, November 24, 2024
At Kiwanis Park in Tempe
You can race, run, walk, or participate virtually. Invite friends to join you on a team or fly solo. We welcome participants of all ages and abilities. Every dollar raised serves children, young people, and families whose lives have been impacted by foster care in Arizona.
Custom Event Finisher's Medal
Custom Event Dri-Fit Tech T-Shirt. Option to select 'No Shirt' and receive $5 off your registration.
Age Group Awards for Top Three in all Age Groups. Our age groups are the following:
Pre- and Post-Race "Runner's Brunch" (granola bars, fruit, water, Gatorade, etc)
Chip Timed with Real Time Results and Photos on our Website or Mobile App (on Apple and Google)
USE CODE: ASANOW50 for 50% off
NOVEMBER 15th- DESERT FARM LIGHTS
The holiday spirit is primed to return to the West Valley, as Desert Farm Lights will make its third appearance this winter.
Over 1 million Christmas-themed lights will illuminate Justice Brothers Ranch in Waddell, with plenty of entertainment for the whole family. This year’s Desert Farm Lights will feature expanded entertainment and hands-on activity offerings for guests of all ages.
Guests can expect opportunities to cozy up and roast smores over firepits, meet and greets with both Santa and the Grinch, ice skating, exclusive snow globes experiences, a 10-minute jolly train or wagon ride throughout the festively lit farm, a 90-foot fun slide, Christmas movie screenings, photo areas, a carousel and more.
The event’s popular scented candy cane maze is also returning this year with various difficulty levels for families to choose from, as well as slides of different heights to accommodate toddlers and older children.
Live entertainment offerings for 2024 will include live music performances (Thursdays through Sundays), and a week of live musical performances throughout the week before Christmas.
Join us Friday November 15th 5 PM to 9 PM
Location: 14629 W. Peoria Ave, Waddell, AZ, 85355
2024 Tickets Include Unlimited Access to…
Pictures with Santa
Candy Cane Maze
Jolly Journey Train Ride
90 ft Fun Slide
Carousel
Bungee Trampolines
Christmas Movies
Live Entertainment
Mega Gingerbread Slide
Gingerbread Toddler Slide
Parking
Access to Fire Pits
Grinch Lair
Yard Games
Dozens of Photo Opportunities
and more..!
NOVEMBER 16th - FIRST ANNUAL KICKBALL FAMILY DAY!
Get ready for a day of fun, laughter, and friendly competition as we bring families together for some kickball action! This event is a fantastic opportunity for kids to play and engage in healthy competition in a supportive, family-friendly atmosphere.
What to Expect:
Breakfast & Refreshments: Fuel up for a day of fun!
Birthday Celebration: Do you have a foster child's birthday to celebrate? Sign up for our special birthday celebration during the event! Our birthday parties are designed to ensure every child feels special on their big day. For many children in foster care, birthdays can often be overlooked. That’s where we come in! We provide celebrations that children will remember for a lifetime!
This celebration aims to bring smiles to their faces and joy to their hearts, helping them momentarily forget the struggles they face. Guests will include other foster and adoptive children, providing a chance for siblings living in separate homes to reunite and share in the birthday joy.
Who Can Attend:
This event is open to Kinship Caregivers, Licensed Foster Caregivers, Foster/Adoptive Caregivers, Guardianship Caregivers for children previously or currently under the custody of Arizona's Department of Child Safety (DCS), and Group Homes.
OCTOBER 27 - COSTUME DISTRIBUTION & TRUNK-OR-TREAT EVENT
Join us for ASA Now's 6th Annual Trunk or Treat Fall Celebration on Sunday, October 27th, in Mesa, AZ, from 3 pm - 5 p.m. at the Central Christian Church Parking Lot. This walk-through event features snack and activity booths, a photo booth, and a trunk-or-treat area. Each family should plan for a 30-minute walk-through.
Who's Invited: licensed and unlicensed families with a current child or youth in foster care, and foster/adoptive families are warmly invited to participate. Choose your preferred arrival time between 5:30-7:30 pm when you register.
This event is in partnership with Gem's Dress Up Closet, where children can select gently used dress-up costumes. We'll provide treat bags for kids, and Gem's Dress Up Closet will offer a limited number of gently used costumes to children in need. Don't miss this spooktacular event!
Birthday Celebration: Have a birthday to celebrate? Sign up for our special birthday celebration during the event. Additional details can be found during the sign-up process. Join us for a night of Halloween fun and surprises!
JULY 12th- BACK TO SCHOOL BACKPACK GIVEAWAY
When children and youth enter foster care, they often can't bring their personal belongings with them, adding to the challenges they face. At ASA Now, we're committed to reducing this trauma and providing each child and youth in foster care with a sense of belonging, stability, and ownership by giving them grade-appropriate backpacks filled with school supplies.
Our aim is to ensure that children and youth in grades K-12 begin the school year equipped with the tools they need, ready and prepared to learn. We extend a warm invitation to licensed and unlicensed families with a current child or youth in foster care, foster/adoptive families, and group homes to join us for this event.
Backpacks and school supplies will be purchased with funds generously donated by the community and/or received through community drives. We serve children during the back-to-school season, ensuring that they receive these items in time for the first day of school.
Birthday Celebration: Got a birthday to celebrate? Don't miss our special birthday celebration! Details are available during the sign-up process.
Join us for: Food trucks, water slides, fire truck, haircuts, backpacks, and school supplies. Time: 10 am to 1 pm.
For children an youth in need of a backpack who are removed from their homes during the school year, caregivers can request a school backpack through our Immediate Needs Request form.
ASA Now Family & Holiday Events
Open to ALL Foster, Kinship and Adoptive Parents Throughout the State!
Join ASA Now for our Monthly Family Events which includes potlucks, swim parties, barbeques, movie nights and game nights. These events are held in our community as a means to provide wholesome family recreation, and allow parents and children to connect with others who understand their situations and experiences furthering their sense of community. These special events are specifically geared for children impacted by trauma in an effort to create positive childhood memories.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION: Join us in making their birthdays truly memorable! If you have a child in foster care with birthdays in the current month of the family social, ASA Now has a heartwarming surprise in store. We'll be celebrating their special day with a birthday presents at our event. These incredible kids will receive carefully selected gifts and a personalized cake to make their birthday truly unforgettable. Please remember that we require a 10-day notice for personalized cakes, so we can make sure everything is just perfect.
DECEMBER - 8th ANNUAL WINTER WONDER LAND CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Kinship Caregivers, Licensed Foster Caregivers, Foster/Adoptive Caregivers, Guardianship Caregivers for children who previously were or are under the custody of Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) and Group Homes are wholeheartedly invited to join us for a magical day of joy and festivities at our 8th Annual Winter Wonderland Christmas Celebration. This service is offered for all the children in your household ages newborn to 18 (foster, adopted, and biological children) and youth who have aged out of foster care up to age 21 with proof of previous or current child welfare involvement.
Get ready to kick off the holiday season in style! Our holiday party is designed to create heartwarming memories and bring a sprinkle of magic to the lives of children in foster care.
Here's a glimpse of what awaits you at this spectacular event:
Professional Portraits, Bouncy House, Cookie Decorating, Ornament Making Station, Candy Cane and Art Project, Holiday Music, Therapeutic Animals, Games, Food, Pinata, and Santa Station.
But that's not all! Every child will receive an age-appropriate toy, and our generous community will provide practical items to make this holiday season even more magical!
Have a birthday to celebrate? Be sure to sign up. Additional details available during the sign-up process.
Join us for a day filled with love, laughter, and the true spirit of giving. Let's make this holiday season unforgettable for the wonderful children in our care. We can't wait to celebrate with you!
FEBRUARY - FOOD TRUCK FOR FOSTER CHILDREN
Mark your calendars for ASA Now's fourth Annual Food Truck event happening on February 19th from 10 am to 1:30 pm. We're thrilled to partner with "It's Seoul Good," "All Cooped Up," and three other amazing vendors to host an Appreciation Lunch Event in honor of up to 300 children and youth placed in congregate care.
Join us as food trucks and dessert trucks generously come together for the third consecutive year to provide a delicious lunch for these deserving kids. Each child will have the opportunity to select a full meal from one of the five food truck options, and our dedicated staff will also have the chance to order directly from these fantastic vendors.
To make this day even more special, we'll have a variety of crafts and games set up for the children and youth to enjoy before they savor their lunch. Stay tuned for more details and save the date for this heartwarming event!
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS? be sure to sign up. Details in sign up.
AUGUST - FAMILY CAMP
Join us at Chauncey Ranch Camp in Mayer, AZ, for ASA Now's 4th Annual Family Camp taking place August 9th - August 11th, 2024. Being foster and adoptive caregivers can sometimes be challenging, and this camp is designed to provide a supportive community for kinship, foster, and adoptive parents who understand those challenges. It's a unique opportunity to connect with fellow caregivers, knowing that you're not alone in facing certain difficulties.
Make space in your calendar for your family to be a part of this incredible event! Share meals and experiences with your extended family of friends from our foster and adoptive community. Leave with renewed spirits, fresh connections, and cherished memories. And if you have a birthday child to celebrate, don't forget to sign up – more details available during the registration process. Join us for a weekend of connection and rejuvenation!
JUNE 23RD - SUMMER POOL PARTY
Dive into a summer of fun and make a splash at ASA Now's 3rd Annual Summer Pool Party!
ASA Now is dedicated to creating extraordinary experiences for children impacted by foster care, ensuring they build cherished childhood memories. We understand that caregiving can be challenging, which is why ASA Now's Family Swim Party in partnership with RISE offers families the chance to connect with fellow kinship, foster, and adoptive parents who truly understand these challenges. It's a time for bonding, shared experiences, and the knowledge that you're not alone in your journey. Time: 6-8 pm
We warmly invite licensed and unlicensed families with a current child or youth in foster care, foster/adoptive families, and group homes to join us for this event.
Birthday Celebration: Got a birthday to celebrate? Don't miss our special birthday celebration! Details are available during the sign-up process.
Registration includes lunch, drinks, dessert, a family gift, and plenty of opportunities for socializing. Join us for a splashing good time this July!
MAY - FAMILY CAMP
Join us at Chauncey Ranch Camp in Mayer, AZ, for ASA Now's 4th Annual Family Camp taking place May 24 - May 27, 2024. Being foster and adoptive caregivers can sometimes be challenging, and this camp is designed to provide a supportive community for kinship, foster, and adoptive parents who understand those challenges. It's a unique opportunity to connect with fellow caregivers, knowing that you're not alone in facing certain difficulties.
Make space in your calendar for your family to be a part of this incredible event! Share meals and experiences with your extended family of friends from our foster and adoptive community. Leave with renewed spirits, fresh connections, and cherished memories. And if you have a birthday child to celebrate, don't forget to sign up – more details available during the registration process. Join us for a weekend of connection and rejuvenation!