Thrive to Five: A New Initiative to Help Children Succeed in School

Tempe, AZ – Communities in Schools of Tempe and Kyrene, a program of Tempe Community Council, announces a new effort to ensure that all children are ready to succeed in school, “Thrive to Five”.  A grant from First Things First has expanded programs and services to Family Resource Centers which now include families with children birth to five years old.  The Thrive to Five centers in Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Guadalupe will provide a continuum of information, education, and skills development for families.  The eight Family Resource Centers are located in the Tempe Elementary School District and the Kyrene School District No. 28.  All services are free to families and caregivers with children ages birth-5 years.  Professionals from multiple disciplines bring the latest information and best practices related to area families.  These experts are from KAET, New Directions, Whole Body Nutrition, Love and Logic, and Child Crisis Center.  Parent education opportunities are offered in either English or Spanish.

Parent/Caregiver Educational Opportunities
Opportunities for learning include parenting classes, healthy eating, early literacy, brain development, and positive discipline at all eight locations. Childcare is provided for most classes.  For more information please visit www.tempe.gov/tcc.

Family Counseling Services 
A counselor is available to work with families with children ages 0-5. Families can receive up to five sessions.  The counselor provides guidance/information related to behavior management, blended families, divorce/separation/deployment, grief and loss, or stress management. Sessions can be scheduled at six locations.  Please call (480)858-2473 to schedule an appointment.

Medical Insurance & State Programs Application Assistance
Health-e- Arizona Application Assistant at six different sites to determine eligibility for public programs including AHCCCS, KidsCare, SNAP (food stamps), and TANF (cash assistance).  To schedule an appointment please call the Keogh Foundation at (602)749-4184.

Dental Program
Catholic Healthcare West Oral Health Program provides preventative dental services, including fluoride varnish treatments, oral health screenings, and referrals for children 0-5 years at five family resource centers.  No appointment necessary. 

For more information, contact Isela Blanc 480-858-2306; isela_blanc@tempe.gov
Website (coming soon):  www.thrivetofive.org

Published on behalf of Tempe Community Council
TCC is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to connect those in need with those who care. TCC does this by convening community, conducting research, determining priorities, implementing effective programs and exemplifying prudent stewardship of resources.   34 East 7^th Street, Building A ▪ Tempe, AZ  85281 ▪ 480.858.2300 ▪ www.tempe.gov/tcc

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