A pivotal gathering recently brought together more than 50 leaders of Arizona's Family Resource Centers (FRCs).
Prevent Child Abuse Arizona, in partnership with the FRC Pathways team, a group working to build the capacity of the statewide network of FRCs, hosted a Meeting of FRC Leaders to determine next steps in unifying, strengthening and expanding a statewide system of family support connected by FRCs. FRCs serve as community hubs, connecting families to essential resources that enhance child well-being and strengthen protective factors, which prevents child abuse and neglect.
The Family Resource Center Pathways team recently convened to strategize the expansion of community hubs that support families. Back row: Mollie Bailey with First Things First, Kat Willard with First Things First, Brenda McChesney with the National Family Support Network, and Christine Waldbeiser with First Things First. Seated: Prevent Child Abuse Arizona Executive Director Claire Louge and Arizona Family Resource Network Chair Jennifer Argyros.
Most FRCs in Arizona are limited to serving families with children of certain ages, such as birth to five. Recognizing the need for sustainable funding and expansion, Prevent Child Abuse Arizona and FRC Pathways are working to expand FRC support so they can serve families of all ages of children. One meeting attendee shared how much they valued the opportunity to “hear what the pathway is for a stronger united vision to serve families through the FRC model.” Another appreciated “the amazing information received, and opportunities for us to provide input and connect with others.”
This convening allowed participants to:
✅ Provide direct feedback on the FRC Pathways statewide strategy
✅ Participate in focus groups to shape the vision for expanding FRCs to serve all ages of children
✅ Gain insight from National Family Support Network Co-Executive Director Brenda McChesney on national trends and the new federal definition of FRCs—a crucial step toward securing federal funding
Other key discussions included improving FRC outreach and public awareness through a website, leveraging CommunityCares for referrals, and integrating FRCs into the Department of Child Safety’s prevention strategy.
Why Convenings Matter
This event reinforced a key truth: effective strategy happens when leaders are in the same room. The Pathways team initially considered written surveys and individual interviews to gather input, but FRC leaders first wanted to hear from each other and build on shared ideas. As one participant put it, “The focus groups were an amazing activity to highlight the work that we currently do and explore other opportunities to expand it.”
By bringing people together, we accelerate progress—aligning strategies, strengthening our shared vision, and ensuring FRCs continue to be a vital resource for Arizona families. With momentum growing, the path forward for FRCs is clearer than ever—because when we bring people together, real change happens.