AZCEND Tohono O'odham Grant Briefing

Tribal Gaming Community Application Briefing:
Non-Profit Submission
Tribal Gaming Community Applying To
Tohono O'odham Nation
Name of the Non-profit Organization
AZCEND
Does the Non-profit Organization have IRS Tax-Exempt Status?
Yes
Contact Information
Shelley Nelson
grants@azcend.org
(480) 963-1423
Application Priority Areas
Education
Title of the Project
Family Resource Center Early Literacy Program
Amount Intended to Request
$50,000
Purpose of the Grant
Financial support from the Tohono O’odham Nation will equip vulnerable young children
and their families with the foundational reading and writing skills needed for school and
lifelong success. By combining play-based, literacy-rich learning with parent
engagement and wraparound support, the program removes barriers to early learning
for children ages 35. It ensures that children facing poverty, language challenges, or
instability can develop strong language skills, confidence, and a love of reading, setting
families on a path toward greater stability and opportunity. Grant funds will support vital
operating costs such as program materials and supplies, staff education and training,
professional fees for subcontracted workshop facilitation, communications costs for
phone and internet access, and food expenses for workshop attendees. 
Project Summary
Through its Family Resource Center, AZCEND delivers a comprehensive Early Literacy
program that provides free, high-quality learning opportunities for young children and
their parents, building the foundation for healthy brain development, kindergarten
readiness, and long-term success. The centerpiece of the program is Giggles,
Squiggles, and Squirms (GSS), a joyful, play-based curriculum for children ages 35 that
meets twice weekly in two-hour sessions focused on phonics, storytelling, early writing,
hands-on math and computer learning, and creative exploration, while also

strengthening fine motor skills, problem-solving, confidence, and social-emotional
development through regular developmental screenings and individualized support.
Parents actively participate alongside their children and attend workshops on parenting,
nutrition, and budgeting, empowering them to create stable, literacy-rich home
environments.
In partnership with Chandler Unified School District, families access dedicated
classroom space and wraparound supports including child watch, diapers, health
services, and public benefits assistance with school counselors referring families most
in need. Additional partners provide books and screenings that expand home libraries
and support early learning. Serving primarily low-income and Hispanic families, the
program reflects a strong commitment to equity through bilingual English and Spanish
instruction and culturally responsive staff, ensuring language is a bridge not a barrier
and that every child can experience the joy and power of reading.
Impact on the City of Chandler
AZCENDs Early Literacy program creates meaningful, citywide impact by investing
early in the skills that shape a child's future and a community's long-term well-being. By
strengthening reading and writing skills before children enter kindergarten, the program
helps close developmental and opportunity gaps that can otherwise widen over time,
reducing the need for costly academic interventions and supporting stronger
educational outcomes across Chandler.
The program’s impact extends beyond the classroom by strengthening family resilience
and stability. Because early literacy services are embedded within AZCENDs broader
network of human services including food assistance, housing stability, financial literacy,
and employment support, families can access learning resources in the same trusted
place they turn for essential needs. This coordinated approach reduces barriers, builds
trust, and allows parents to focus on supporting their child’s growth rather than
navigating fragmented systems. By addressing both basic needs and early learning
together, AZCEND helps families move from crisis to stability while preparing children to
enter school confident, capable, and ready to succeed. Over time, Chandler benefits
from a more prepared student population, stronger families, and a healthier, more
resilient workforce reinforcing educational equity, economic vitality, and overall
community well-being.
Address of Non-profit Organization the City of Chandler will Send the Tribal
Community Grant Payment
AZCEND
P.O. Box 591
Chandler, Arizona. 85244
Contact Name for Receipt of Payment
Name
Trinity Donovan