Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona is honored to celebrate a three-year partnership with Desert Financial Credit Union that has expanded programming and benefits via $300,000 in funding since its inception in 2020.

“We’ve been so thankful for this opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Desert Financial,” said Alicia Sutton Campbell, executive director of Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona. “Their long-standing support has made it possible for us to continue providing life-changing programs to the children who need it the most, and the partnership created further opportunities for us to reach and support the community.”

Desert Financial executive vice president, Cathy Graham, laid the groundwork for the partnership in 2019. Serving as a board member for Free Arts at the time, she saw the opportunity to make a substantial difference for the small nonprofit while deepening the relationship between Desert Financial and Free Arts.

The credit union is known for their longstanding commitment to supporting local nonprofit organizations and communities. As the largest corporate partner Free Arts has had, the pair has been able to make a significant impact in the lives of children in Arizona.

But the relationship means more than just funding. Desert Financial continues to go above and beyond in their support of Free Arts by introducing employees to the mission, leading many to become volunteers.

Employees of the credit union have given more than 900 volunteer hours since the partnership began, with 61 employees volunteering in 2020, 78 volunteering in 2021, and 178 volunteering in 2022. More than 40 volunteers have already provided services like weekly volunteer mentoring in 2023.

Other highlights over the three-year partnership include:
• Desert Financial was the presenting sponsor for the Arts + Mentors = Resilience Conference for Free Arts partner agencies in 2020.
• Desert Financial has been the presenting sponsor of the Camp Series, artist led workshops introducing children to new forms of self-expression, for the last three years.
• An on-going sponsorship for the annual ‘Art from the Heart’ Art Auction, bringing together the community to raise funds for Free Arts while driving interest in local artists.

April is #NationalVolunteer Month and Free Arts is looking for more weekly volunteer mentors to support children who have experienced abuse, neglect or homelessness. Mentors should be prepared to take an active role in supporting children as they learn to express themselves through creativity and can expect to commit approximately three hours per week for 8-16 weeks. Additional training opportunities are available to help volunteers provide excellent support in their role as mentors.

Learn more about becoming a Free Arts volunteer by visiting freeartsaz.org/volunteer.

About Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona
Founded in 1993, Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona is a non-profit organization which transforms children’s trauma to resilience through the arts. Free Arts programs include creative elements that promote safety, self-expression and a sense of belonging. Free Arts programs are delivered by 900 volunteer mentors and artists who serve more than 8,000 children annually through partnerships with 43 social service child welfare agencies at 100+ sites across Maricopa County. For more information on Free Arts, visit: FreeArtsAZ.org