They're the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States…read more Research has shown that positive relationships between "Littles" and their "Bigs" have a direct and measurable impact on children's lives. They are more confident in school, better able to get along with their families and peers, and less likely to begin using alcohol and drugs. One of the reasons this program works so well is the dedication of the matchmakers. Their extensive interview and screening process ensures the best matches possible, which are based on similar backgrounds, interests and hobbies. What I've discovered during my time as a Big is that I get as much out of our relationship as my Little. He's an awesome kid that just needs a male role model in his life, and I am proud to be the one to be able to provide it. We've bowled, gone to the Arizona Science Center, the planetarium, watched movies, sometimes we just hang out and play video games. The commitment they ask for is just a few hours two to four times a month, for a minimum of 6 months. Of course the longer the better - many matches remain friends for life. Ok, now I'm going to wrap up by quoting Whitney Houston in a Yelp review (which a fellow Yelper bet me a Cornish Pasty I'd never be able to find a justifiable reason for doing so)... "I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside." Ha! I'll take that Eggplant Parmesan Pasty now, thanks.

I guess that the organization overall is good, but wonder why one of the most needy populations in…read moreall of our communities is dismissed by this organization. I am referring to kids who are in foster or kin placements through CPS. I know we have tried multiple times to get children hooked up with a big brother or sister only to be told that CPS kids are too transient with their case managers and placements so they wont work with them. Who cares if the case manager changes, if the kid is in a placement that wants to have them stay there for years or even adopt them. Case mangers and social workers at schools and hospitals change but they will set those kids up with Bigs. I don't understand why this company wont work with Arizona CPS kids. Kids who have been removed from their parents are more at need of a positive mentor than any other population, yet are pushed aside by VBB-BS. And when you ask for a reason why all you get is the "they are transient" story. And I guess the kid with the single parent who cant keep a job is stable? They appear to me to be an example of "get the good PR", and forget the rest.

This is an amazing organization run by a most brilliant friend of mine. Lorraine has overcome very…read moredifficult challenges in her life and turned them into opportunities for young children who are battling cancer. She not only prepares them for the journey ahead, but gives them a safe way to face these extremely difficult obstacles. Families are grateful for her way of supporting them and confronting this terrible disease.

Amazing organization helping children and families affected by cancer and childhood diseases. They…read moreprovide no cost mental health counseling for these kids and their families, such an amazing gift!

WOW! SINCERAMENTE AGRADECIDA POR LA MAGNIFICA AYUDA PARA MI PROCESO DE DIVORCIO Gracias de todo…read morecorazón a Erika Hidalgo y todo el equipo por la atencion,dedicación , profesionalismo y apoyo que recibí de la institución gracias a ustedes un proceso difícil se facilito demasiado y ahora me siento feliz y libre lista para comenzar de nuevo ! Wow se me explicó cada paso a la perfección y muy importante no faltar a las citas con ellos y actuar rápido y seguir las instrucciones de ellos para entregar papeleo y demás! Amo su institucion !! Gracias devuelvo y bendiciones para todos! 5 minutes ago : WOW! SINCERELY GRATEFUL FOR THE MAGNIFICENT HELP WITH MY DIVORCE PROCESS. Thank you with all my heart to Erika Hidalgo and the entire team for the attention, dedication, professionalism and support that I received from the institution. Thanks to you, a difficult process was made much easier and now I feel happy and free, ready to start again! Wow, each step was explained to me perfectly and it was very important not to miss appointments with them and to act quickly and follow their instructions for submitting paperwork and so on! I love your institution!! Thank you again and blessings to all!

Fresh start and all Workshops and facilitators have been…read morewonderful. Their facilitators are knowledgeable and accessible for a coaching session.

Beautiful setting nestled next to South Mountain nature and trails. Safe and modern structures are…read moreproviding our community the perfect venue to develop leaders of our young women. The staff is thoughtful, professional and eager to provide unique educational experiences. It's a WOW for Arizona's girls!

I recommend donating things to this center. They have a great need for gently used or new items…read moreand hygiene products, because many of the women and families that use these resources have had to leave their homes quickly, bringing literally nothing with them. It would be great to hold a collection drive at your workplace or in your neighborhood to collect items to donate! Tip: there is no sign out front, look for the entrance to the donation center on the southeast side of the building. there are three designated parking spots for the donation center. also they do not accept donations when the donation center is closed, so you have to go when they are open. hours vary every day so check their website or call to confirm they are open.

Never go into the shelter programs the other girls here are worse then being with my ex, they…read morecontinue to victimized me and have done nothing but make my life worse. Staff does nothing to help

Release the Fear has been helping disadvantaged youth in the Valley for over 17 years. The…read moreorganization runs workshops for at-risk kids in challenged schools and in detention centers. Through a modified version of art therapy, they've been able to reduce recidivism of juvenile defenders in the program by almost 50%. A great and efficient low-cost local non-profit. From time-to-time they hold events at their artspace/gallery in downtown Phoenix, adjacent to the ruined First Baptist Church that was destroyed in a fire in 1985. There's a great sense of history at the gallery, and paintings from the workshop are available as gifts with small donations.

Release the Fear has their hands in many projects aimed toward uplifting troubled youth through…read moreart. Workshops, outreach and government partnerships (juvenile probation) take a lot of work but they get it done. Robert, the CEO, is very passionate about the youth they help. Blair, a board member, ensures their funding is secured by educating the community and grant writing. Three times the gallery has donated the space for Junior League of Phoenix events. We appreciate the partnership and the oportunity to give the gallery audiences to learn about their efforts!

they offers free enrollment assistance for AHCCCS and food stamps, and other programs. The…read more"Navigators" travel throughout the valley to meet you at convenient locations, such as your local WIC office. When they submit an application for assistance on your behalf, the case is expedited and you can expect an answer in 3 days or so. The only reason they missed a star is because the whole process took several phone calls and three visits to complete my application due to misinformation provided to me about what documents I needed. It seemed no-one I talked to provided me with a complete list of requirements and i had to keep getting more documents. Overall, a great program that provides a valued service.

Very helpful service in guiding me in applying for AHCCS and other services. I'd recommend them to…read moreanyone needing assistance as trying to apply by other means doesn't always work out.

Officially became a member and can't wait to see what this organization has in store.read more

I sincerely hope to see a woman become President of the United States in my lifetime. Women in…read moreleadership roles are far too infrequent and even those who do achieve those roles often don't get the credit or recognition they so richly deserve. One such woman is Local First Arizona founder Kimber Lanning. Kimber is a force of nature and a tireless advocate for the state's local based businesses and entrepreneurs. Her enthusiasm for these entrepreneurs, knowledge of the current business terrain, and the relationships she's forged with public and private enterprises have turned what was once a nascent organization into a powerhouse. Today Local First Arizona is as much a part of the state's economy as your community Chamber of Commerce. You'll see Kimber and her hardworking group of LFA employees and volunteers all over the state advocating, promoting, brainstorming, and putting on superb events for business owners and the communities they serve. Even if you haven't heard of LFA, chances are you've seen or been to one of their signature events. The Devour Phoenix Culinary Festival? LFA. The Certified Local Arizona Fall Festival? LFA. The Savor Southern Arizona Food & Wine Festival? Yup, LFA. The Fuerza Local World Bazaar Market? LFA of course. Their Facebook and website calendars are chalked full of events for local business owners and the general public alike. Its a calendar I check regularly for great festivals, volunteer opportunities, as well as discounts and incentives at various locally based businesses. If you want to take it to the next level, they have the Localist program. For as little as $20/year, you get insider information on upcoming events, early entry and discounted prices to numerous LFA sponsored or co-sponsored festivals, and the ability to connect directly with numerous entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the state. Local First Arizona truly is a staple of the community and a hugely important and enthusiastic backer of small business owners. I invite anyone to check out one of their events, meet and greet Kimber whenever you get the chance, or just keep tabs on their Facebook page and website. And be sure also to support locally based businesses in your community, be they restaurants, contractors, auto services, financial services, or even other local non-profits. Keeping those spending dollars close to home (even if you're spending an extra buck or two versus the national brands) goes a long way towards building up your local economy. Support local, source local, buy local, live local. Thanks Kimber for all that you and your merry band of localists do.