scottfoundation

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Ignite the Light for Arizona Foster Youth

The American Dream is a promise - that regardless of race or roots, young or old, rich or poor - if you work hard and take responsibility, you can make your dream real.

But the truth is, the dream is exponentially harder to achieve, and even harder if you’re a child in the foster care system.  Without access to a solid education, without the proper food to nourish them, without the basic medical care to keep them healthy and strong, without a safe, happy place to call home...  they live without hope.

Scott Foundation has big aspirations and a different path for Arizona foster youth. We imagine a journey that inspires our kids to be their absolute best today while making our communities stronger and more peaceful. We imagine an education and societal system focused on empowering our foster youth, not just rescuing them. We also imagine a world where these youth are taught that they are not separate, but instead, are accepted for themselves and are a part of the community that surrounds them.

This can only happen when they experience that connectedness and develop their self-esteem and self-confidence.  We believe that every dream begins with hope - that single minded, relentless refusal to give up even in the darkest moments.

That hope compels us to partner with the community and organizations that empower, educate, nurture and nourish - so that together we create opportunities in which our collective kids in the foster care system, can change their lives forever.  And dreams become real.

Our Ignite the Light for Arizona Foster Youth campaign kicks off Program Enrollment for 2021.  The pandemic alone has created a wait list with 600+ kids waiting for a call back to confirm registration.  There are 5,683 foster kids eligible for our programs in the Greater Phoenix and surrounding areas, we’ve expanded services to serve 1,100 kids this next year, but we need your help to make it happen.

Please consider investing in an Arizona Foster Youth!  Your gift allows a young person to participate in a Virtual Gathering, attend a 3-Day Workshop, join Summer Camp, and for kids that are serious about change, a seat in our Masterclass Leadership Program is a game changer.  

www.Scott-Foundation.org  |  www.TaxCredits4AZFosterKids.com

#fostercaretaxcredits #community4kids #nonprofits #activatingcommunity #changeneedsleaders #makingadifference

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LOVE NEVER DIES

Why do I/we focus on serving kids in the foster care system? 

Everyone has a story but my awakening began through the loss of my son, Scott. Being completely emptied from everything I thought I knew inside, I observed the world now happening for me, in slow motion. Why me, and why was I left behind? This same question is asked by nearly 17,000 kids in the system.  As I watched the social noise, unkind words spoken and swirl of everyone rushing do things that felt so unimportant; I began to search for my own truth and what to put back into my life. What kind of person am I? How will people remember me? What do I leave behind that makes this world better than I found it?

In the light of selfless service I found unspeakable power that came from within. My heart began to fill as I watched kids light up inside when they too had permission to feel and focus on acts of kindness. It was like taking a magic pill that softened the edges of my own pain. So how do we create more Superheroes’ to fix the overwhelming problems we have?  Am I the only one that feels this way and where do we start?

The answer was so much easier than I could have imagined.  Much like many bereaved parents who start a movement, change laws, spearhead crusades of tireless activism, I found myself in these young warriors motivated like no others, turning their pain into something positive. These shining souls are the most beautiful, compassionate, loving, healers I have ever had the honor of knowing. They are life-changers, game-changers, relentless survivors and thrivers. Young warriors who redefine the word brave and future.

Are you waiting for the Government to fix this problem or will members of our Community step forward to and begin to help break the cycle of foster care and social service dependencies?

LOVE is the most powerful force on earth and I'm ALL IN!

I invite you to get to know a foster child, you’ll be thankful you did!  Please give your tax dollars a voice and support these kids who are working hard to become our next Thought & Service Leaders and make our world better place. www.TaxCredits4AZFosterKids.com 

To learn more visit Scott-Foundation.org.  If you’re a NASCAR Fan here are more ways to get involved that puts you or your brand behind the wheel AZNASCARExperience.com

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BEING A VISION KEEPER

“They asked them…

Why are we here at a time when there is so much misery and despair?  They answered… Because you answered the call. The earth signaled for heroes, and the heavens put forth the ones who were most ready to grow and unleash their unconditional love.  You’re here to shine the light of your own healing, to offer the world the gift of your own balance and peace.”

                                                                            - Yung Pueblo, You are a Hero

A vision is a living fabric of our creation. It is ours alone; no other person can step into our shoes and live our visions. We see this play out when a company prospers under the original management that holds the company's vision, then collapses when the company is bought by some other, larger organization.  

Imagine the impact, if we invested in the vision of foster kids who feel and see the world as a more peaceful and loving place…  Motivated by tragedy, they each hold a clear vision on how they would make the world better than they found it.

Protecting The Vision

A Scott Foundation Vision Keeper uses their authentic self to protect and clear the path for the Visions our AZ Foster Youth hold.  They encourage youth to discover their own inner Vision as an aspect of their authentic self.

A Vision Keeper is someone who has experienced the sacred in his or her own life and opens a doorway to help guide others.  They can also be people who express their loving intent without a title or mantle of authority. It may even be the company executive who brings more compassionate criteria to his company in order to produce products with less impact on the environment. These are just a few examples of Vision Keepers, who demonstrate authenticity in correcting morally untenable situations. Their visions flow from loving hearts, their deep sacred natures, to solve a problem and live the solution.

Our Vision Keepers know a deeper truth. They know who they are through actions that flow directly from their own vision of how life ought to be. Vision Keepers do not wait for others to implement change; they begin with what is possible in the moment. They don't listen to what cannot happen; they see what can, and they are content to work small.

Learning To Use Their Authentic Self To Find Their Life Path

For most of our lives, we work hard to succeed at a career. Slowly, our life purposes take shape in spite of the roadblocks we put in our own way. We keep trying to do more of the very things that have left us feeling sick and unfulfilled. We know that we feel dissatisfied, but we think the reason is that we're just not successful enough. It doesn't occur to us that we're looking in the wrong place. If you want a drink of water, it does no good to pick up a stone.

Nearly a year ago, 54 foster youth began their journey to create a new life path through selfless service and find their true self.  Learning to once again believe and experience happiness within, their holistic self-guided career development journey allowed them to trust their inner vision as it emerged in bits and pieces.  

Their journey gave them tools to see differently, to listen to their heart and learn that the real pot of gold isn't out there; it lives within us as our sacred natures.

Taking Action Based on Compassion

As we pick up the pace on our commitment to serve more foster youth and embrace their dynamic sense of vision, we recognize that most are not in a position to adopt a foster child; however everyone can do something to help make a difference.  Our Vision Keepers have made a commitment to our growing Thought & Service Leaders and they would appreciate your support as they respond from a place of compassion and wish to help forever break the cycle of the traditional foster care system.

Our Scott Foundation Vision Keepers and Committee Members are different from traditional Board Members and Mentors, as they see the big picture and how we all have a place within it. They inspire not only the kids but the community to take action and spread love, encouragement, and opportunity into every open hand and heart.

What We Leave Behind

We all want to leave a positive mark. Money, power, and position may matter in the short term, but they don't count when we are ready to leave the Earth. The vision we lived is all that will comfort us. Money, power, and position are not necessarily evil things; the way we use them is what makes them valuable in the world. Money, power, and position, driven by vision from an authentic heart, can change the world.

Never underestimate the power of the Vision Keeper to make use of every one of our passions, turning our self-serving interests into community-serving ones. Get to know a Scott Foundation Vision Keeper, you’ll be glad you did! – Rick Daugherty, Jenny DeLapp, Maggie Webster, Caroline Cancel, Brian Calaway, Jackie Wszalek, Rachel Harbour & Luke Timpe

To learn move visit Scott-Foundation.org  |  TaxCredits4AZFosterKids.com

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Searching for an Awakened Angel - Please help us find her...

Yesterday started in tears with news of the incident in Vegas.  I felt a very heavy sadness that I couldn’t shake most of the day and it kept me in reflection of myself of when and why I have this overwhelming sense of compassion and empathy for others since Scott’s passing.  

While I’ve acquired knowledge over my lifetime through education and experience, today I live with an undeniable “knowingness” that brings with it vivid clarity on the direction and urgent need for not only myself, but as a community, the need to take a stand and be responsible for the change we wish to see.  Even on the super hard days when I so long for a break and wish things could be easier, the option of returning to the old life no longer makes any sense to me.  I find our value systems of people and community to be so backwards and there are so many people disconnected from their hearts and from what really matters... and from each other...  How do so many watch the news, share such horrific stories on social media and not take action?

And then synchronicity finds you when you least expect it... I opened the mail this morning to find a $20 money order made payable to Scott Foundation.  The return address reads “Temp in Flagstaff traveling AZ”.  Now take a moment to read the back of the envelop “Lord bless me to continuing to contribute to this beautiful work!!”

Unexpected gifts... My days are incredibly full and rarely do I unplug to socialize with the public as I cherish my down quiet time. A year ago the day began the same as most but for some odd reason calendars didn't sync and I found myself with an unexpected gift exchanging special stories with Karen Mason of Duck & Decanter.  I've got time now between meetings so I stop for coffee and plan to work a bit. Next meet Ms. Margaret O'Brien who becomes my second unexpected gift. She begins to cry as she over hears a conversation while I was registering more foster kids in our after school program.  She pulls me away first Thanking me for my work with kids then goes on to share some very personal stories of her experiences with foster children and her struggles having been one left homeless much of her life. 

When I met Margaret she shared that she has lived most of her life homeless and was beyond grateful when she was gifted a truck and camper, which became her dream home.  She goes on to share the quiet message that her heart guided her to take an exit off the freeway that made absolutely no sense to her given her destination was Phoenix and she was traveling from Flagstaff then.  Trusting her heart, she took the exit and within minutes she found herself on the side of the road with engine problems that could have had a very different outcome had she now slowed down from the speed she was originally traveling.

She went on to explain that she had no money, no food and the truck was her only home and place of safety.  Eventually a family pulled over to help her but she could not pay them.  Hearing only a small part of her story, they invited her to stay with them while her truck was repaired.  She had to sell the camper shell in order to pay for the repairs of the truck and then she was back the road to Phoenix again.  She had just arrived the night before when I ran into her at Einstein’s.  We visited for over an hour and while she wouldn’t allow me to hug her she proudly allowed me to take this picture of her glowing soul.

The difference a day makes...  Yesterday I searched for hope in humanity and this morning hope arrived in this gift and message from Margaret.  Here is a person who has been abandoned over and over again in her life not only by family but through our social systems and she has never given up hope and her sense of gratitude.  “Knowing” that everyone can do something, Margaret sends $20 to help other foster kids break the cycle and get out of the system.

If you’re taking the time to read this post, please share this photo and help us find Margaret who is presently traveling in the Flagstaff area.  We would love the opportunity for Margaret and our Thought & Service Leaders to use this $20 to pay it forward together.

Please contact me directly at 480-688-9800 or email ScottsMom@ScottWalski.com. 

The power of our unified intention is powerful beyond words and the time is now!

With love, Colleen Walski Scott’s Mom, Author, Founder & CEO Scott Foundation

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A CALL FOR VISION KEEPERS Passionate Entrepreneurs, Executive Leaders & Philanthropists

When a disaster strikes Arizona, is your business positioned to respond to help the community in need?

Under the Community Care Initiative for AZ Foster Youth, Scott Foundation is seeking passionate Entrepreneurs, Business Executives and Philanthropists that like to take action.

The Community Care Initiative for AZ Foster Youth is a collaborative plan for the purpose of bettering our world.  It describes a partnership or structured collaboration across organizations that promote a strategy to achieve both synergy and efficiency to make a significant difference.

We are mobilizing our Life, Education & Career Opportunities with a mindful Social Impact and seeking passionate leaders to align their business mission under three remaining social impact projects - The Rainmaker, Wild At Heart and Tranquility Projects.

Learn more about social impact projects - The Discovery Center, Finding True Self, The Happiness Project, Peace Project, Balance, Happy Belly & Soul Play 

The Rainmaker Project

Clean Energy, Preservation of the Environment & Natural Resources

The Rainmaker Project offers hand-on experience with science, space, natural resource and environmental preservation related industry leaders.  Working and learning along side of other partners that also create and support programs and events that raise awareness of environmental/green solutions that benefit humanity with zero waste or harm the earth. 

"The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it."                     - Robert Swan 

The Wild At Heart Project

Equestrian, Wildlife & Animal Care & Rescue

The Wild At Heart Project advances the stewardship and conservation of animals and their habitats while providing experiences that inspire and motivate young people to care for our natural world. This hand-on experience brings young people together with animal and aquarium related industry leaders to create and support programs and events that raise awareness and generate action to rescue, heal, educate and care for animals and their habitats. "One cannot look deeply into the eyes of an animal and not see the same depth, complexity and feeling we humans lay exclusive claim to."                      - Nan Sea Love 

The Tranquility Project

Self Care, Massage, Salon, Makeover & Style

The Tranquility Project offers hand-on experience with cosmetology, fashion, salon, hair-care, makeup, massage and spa related industry leaders.  Working and learning along side of other partners that also create and support programs and events that raise awareness of self care, beauty and style that advances the stewardship of caring for those less fortunate. 

"Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change."                      - Bob Kerry

Contact Scott Foundation to learn more on how you can get involved.

www.Scott-Foundation.org  |  www.TaxCredits4AZFosterKids.com

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From Giggles to Greatness...  The Power of Young Superheroes' Serving Our Daily Planet

Phoenix Business RadioX Making his Radio Debut, Special Host Ivan Nowicki

#TheWorldAccordingToIvan

"Oh my gosh he's adorable", "I want to keep him" is how the morning began, followed by nonstop giggles, as 10 year old Ivan guided the girls into the studio for his/their big Radio Debut.

Remembering myself those fits of uncontrollable laughter, I watched with hope that they would be able compose themselves before going on air. ...With a signal from Miss Karen - two minutes - everything in the room fell quiet and the show began.

The energy in the room changed in minutes, to a deep feeling of love and compassion. My eyes filled with prideful tears, knowing how much they had grown in such a short time. While many people are uncomfortable or uncertain of what to do when the word "foster" is mentioned, our Thought & Service Leaders took a deep breath of courage, exchanged supporting glances and held hands as they stepped towards a career goal of public speaking and helping other foster kids. Their love and respect for each other is absolutely undeniable! In a world filled with Kryptonite, we watch these young Superheroes' respond with actions of peace, love and compassion. In the interview, our Thought & Service Leaders shared that they ALL knew they were here to make the world better at very young ages. At 10 years old, Ivan is already very mindful about wanting to make a difference and isn't letting anything get in his way to start now. For his 10th Birthday his wish was to host his own radio show to lift and help others dreams comes true. Ivan's Mom, Karen Nowicki - Executive Leadership Adviser and President of Phoenix Business RadioX, had no problem quickly making her son's wish come true.

Karen and Ivan, both pridefully share that over the years their followers and family have laughed, cried and smiled at the things young Ivan has said to them. They have recorded over 100 of these "ivanisms" and the best 88 have made the cut! In Ivan's words, "The world has been waiting 8 years to see my book". At the public's request, they've published "the best of"  #TheWorldAccordingToIvan book with a portion of the proceeds going to help growing Thought & Service Leaders at Scott Foundation.

Ivan's mini book (3.5" x 5") will be 88 pages and professionally published/bound. Please let them know, if you haven't already, that you'd like to pre-order your copy of Ivan's book. They are only $10 with $2 of every book sold going to help Arizona foster kids through the Scott Foundation.

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HU Arizona volunteers for Peoria nonprofits

HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University Arizona (HUAZ) students have produced 10 videos for 10 Arizona based non-profit organizations. The video projects were produced free of charge and were included as part of the film editing curriculum taught by the university.

“The Arizona Center for Digital Media Arts offers academic programs in animation, broadcast media, film production and graphic design with an emphasis of hands-on learning. Huntington is also a non-profit, Christ-centered university which compels us to be community contributors. Those key elements led our faculty to design student projects that would benefit non-profit organizations in the community,” stated Jeff Berggren, Director of Arizona Operations.

The local organizations who worked with the HUAZ students included the Scott Foundation, West Valley Crisis Care Center, Teen Challenge, CARDADDY.org, Utu Humanitarian Alliance, The Peoria Chamber of Commerce, Challenger Space Center, Peoria Diamond Club, “End the Stigma: Shining a Light on Addiction in Your Community” Awareness Event in Peoria, and Unified Progress International Education (UPI Education).

Colleen Walski is the Chief Executive Officer at the Scott Foundation, an organization that enhances the social emotional well-being of children in the Arizona foster care system. Walski met Berggren at an internship awareness event sponsored by the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. Their discussion focused on the Scott Foundation’s need for a short promotional video that would help them share their passion with a wider audience. Walski was then paired with two HUAZ students, Jacob Moncayo, a film production major from Peoria, Arizona and Kameron Striplin, a film production major from Yuma, Arizona. The video, from concept development to final edit, took approximately two months to complete. 

“What I thought was going to be a fun experience for our growing Thought & Service Leaders to be directly involved in a media project, actually turned into a very emotional healing process for foster kids. As their classmates watched their story unfold on a big screen, they cried tears of pride and asked to please be given the opportunity to tell their story in such a beautiful way,” stated Walski. “The creative approach Jacob & Kam shared in the filming, not only educated everyone along the way, but also turned it into a healing adventure that others now wish to experience. I deeply appreciate Huntington for sharing and supporting the Scott Foundation, but on a much deeper level thank them for helping our foster kids feel peace inside. The opportunity was priceless.” To view the Scott Foundation video or many of the other non-profit projects, go to www.huntington.edu/peoria. 

“Working with the Scott Foundation was a blessing. Hearing the stories from the kids was extremely humbling and just shows that they have so much to offer. Being able to film the young ladies (Sarahann and Autumn) was an experience I will never forget,” said Moncayo. 

Striplin added, “It was an amazing experience doing this project and quickly realizing that I was doing something important so early in my schooling. From the time we started recording, I knew it would be a project I could dedicate quite a lot of care to. Creating the video was seamless because of the fantastic people at the Scott Foundation, and gave me the experience necessary to do similar work in the future.” 

HUAZ has plans to continue the synergy with the community by working with as many organizations as the student’s and university’s schedules allow. 

The Huntington University Arizona location just completed its first year of operation with a cohort of 47 students. The facility, a 30,000 square-foot building, houses bachelor’s degree programs in animation, film production, broadcast media and graphic design. The facility features film and TV studios, high-end computer classroom/labs, private editing suites, a state-of-the-art TV control room, Foley pit, a host of EFP and cinema cameras, and lighting gear for student production work. To learn more about HUAZ’s academic programs, please visit https://www.huntington.edu/peoria/programs. 

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest, and Forbes.com has listed the university as one of America’s Best Colleges. Additionally, Princeton Review has named the institution a “Best Midwestern College.” Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). 

Media contact: Jeff Berggren, Director of Arizona Operations, (480)-939-5004, jberggren@huntington.edu.  Written by: Del Roth, Director of Marketing

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Scott Foundation

Huntington University Arizona Center for Digital Media Arts

Published on Jun 7, 2017

Produced by Kameron Striplin Jacob Moncayo

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Colleen Walski lost her son Scott tragically 10 years ago, but in his honor she started a foundation that is giving new hope to teens living in foster care.  Mary McCullough grew up as a teen in foster care, and now she is helping guide 36 teens into a happier future.  Find out more at Scott-foundation.org Read more: http://kez999.iheart.com/onair/marty-manning-1376/scottfoundation-helping-foster-teens-succeed-15919930/#ixzz4kD6PPDr8

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They Told Me Not To Tell... The Deafening Silence of Arizona Foster Kids...

SCOTT FOUNDATION PROUDLY RECOGNIZES HUNTINGTON UNIVERSITY ARIZONA & THEIR PRODUCERS JACOB MONCAYO & KAMERON STRIPLIN

I've been passed around in the system since I was 3.

My Mom had a drug and alcohol problem; at the age of 6, I was taught how to use drugs, mostly heroine, and then put into a room for men to have sex with me.  This went on until I was 12 and I remember vividly how I would hide my younger siblings in a hole in the floor when it became "play time" so they wouldn't do the same to them.

My Mom died of cancer when I was little and without any explanation or understanding, I was told that we were never to talk about it again.My Dad couldn't deal with it so he just walked away and that's when I became part of the system.

I've been adopted and taken by the state now several times as my adoptive parents abused me worse than my real Mom and Dad.

My Dad didn't do so well coming back from his time in the service and shot up a shopping mall that killed many people.  My Mom hasn't been mentally well so I was taken and put into the system at the age of 10.I thought we were an okay family...

Everyone can do something...

Please redirect your tax credits to invest in the future of a foster child that's working NOW to make the world better than they found it.

A $16,000 void leaves our teens still at risk after promised funding falls out! We have been fortunate to have garnered half the funds so far from our loyal supporters, but $16,000 is still needed. Please consider making your tax credit donations today...time is of the essence.

               CLICK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN HELP

Growing next generation Thought & Service Leaders

Scott Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that invests in the 4-year future of Arizona foster kids who wish to make the world better than they found it.The foundation produces year-round experiential programming that highlights,inspires and educate kids on the importance of social emotional well-being, while mindfully developing their heart and purposeful career path. Motivated by tragedy, kids transform to find their true self and become self-supporting, successful, community-minded, "whole-people".With a focus on developing inner wealth, we believe in making the world a more peaceful and loving place by emotionally teaching kids to make better choices through selfless service.

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FROM FOSTER TO FAMILY...

With a focus on developing inner health, Arizona foster kids begin their journey of finding their true selves at the Tao Healing Center

CHANDLER, AZ.  The Tao Healing Center is preparing for some very special guests as a group of foster kids with the Scott Foundation take steps towards developing their inner health and emotional well-being.  This Saturday, April 29th from 1:00 - 3:30 pm, thirty-six foster kids participating in a Young Adult Masterclass Program are preparing to make the world better than they found it as they become our next generation Thought & Service Leaders.  Turning pain into something positive, these kids, ages 14 to 17, each have a very clear vision and dream that is motivated by the tragedy in their own young lives.

In service to the kids, Tao Wellness Guides will help them learn how to release physical and emotional tension so they can move forward in a positive way. Each foster child will receive a very special gift of healing tools, which were generously donated by the Earth Citizen Organization and DHL Express.  The afternoon will be filled with personal growth activities that will help them see the change in their physical bodies and emotional energies.  

The Tao Healing Program is led by Chun Shim who is the Manager and Teacher of the Tao Healing Center as well as the Regional Coordinator for Sedona Mago Retreat in Central Arizona. She has been a Master Healer, Teacher, Workshop Trainer, and Holistic Life Consultant for individuals and groups for over two decades. Facilitating various workshops and retreats, Chun Shim educates people on how to connect and heal their physical, energy and spiritual bodies.

In 2016, Chun Shim and Colleen Walski, Author, Founder & CEO of Scott Foundation, partnered to create a specialized program to grow Thought & Service Leaders through the Scott Foundation Young Adult Masterclass Program. Working together with caring businesses and individual community members, the focus of this 3 to 4-year program is to fulfill the individual young person’s social-emotional well-being, dreams, education, and work-learn experiences, and safely transition them to independent living through experiential and emotional learning.  

The Tao Healing Center is operated by Tao Fellowship, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes spiritual awakening, self-realization, and natural healing of body, mind, and spirit in the tradition of Tao.  The Center brings people together from all different cultural, religious and political backgrounds to develop their personal strength, inner wisdom, healthy body and healing energy.  The mission of the Tao Healing Center is to provide guidance and education to people who seek an open-minded, integrative, and practical spiritual direction for changing their lives and creating a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. 

Scott Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that produces year-round experiential programming that highlight, inspire and educate at-risk youth and kids in foster care on the importance of physical, mental, and emotional well-being through hands on experiences that nurture social skills, problem solving, and independence; maximizing potential and a sense of belonging and community.  Serving at-risk youth and kids in the Arizona foster care system for 10 years, their mission focuses on developing inner wealth.  They believe in making the world a more peaceful and loving place by emotionally teaching kids to make better choices through selfless service.  

The Healing Preparation Session will take place at the Tao Healing Center at 1840 W. Chandler Blvd., D-7 Chandler, AZ 85224 (on the NE side of Chandler Blvd. & Dobson Rd.).  The Tao Guides from the Center will be in attendance to help guide the kids through the practice.  

To learn more visit TaoHealingCenters.org

or call Rachel at 602-538-8923.

Scott-Foundation.org |  TaxCredits4AZFosterKids.com 

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Scott Walski Tribute - Love is the most powerful force on earth...

TURNING TRAGEDY INTO TRANSFORMATION AND LOSS INTO LEGACY

A club she never wanted to join nor can leave, yet it's filled with the most shining souls she's ever known... A soulful story of resilience and purpose that began on an intended journey of re-building hope after her only son, Scott tragically passed.  Scott's Mom, Colleen Walski, paying tribute to her only son, finds the Universe had oddly aligned the destiny of many to make an inspiring impact through the the transformative power of selfless service that continues to enrich the fortune of Scott's ultimate legacy and her own! Frustrated by traditional thinking of the nonprofit business model, health and crisis intervention statistics at an all-time high, a failing education system, and inadequate support for children's social services, Colleen mindfully surrounds herself with present thought leaders, change-makers, and philanthropists that like to take action, and begins serving kid in a way that it's never been served before.

                  Growing next generation Thought & Service Leaders With a focus on developing inner wealth, we help Arizona foster kids discover self awareness, peace, love and unity through selfless service.

                 Scott-Foundation.org     |     TaxCredits4AZFosterKids.com

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Intel Corporation Hits It Big With Employee Donations Helping Arizona Foster Kids!

Celebrating their 10 Year Anniversary, Scott Foundation is inviting companies to get involved in the 10 for 10 Challenge that is matching 36 foster kids’ dreams with caring businesses and community members.

Intel Corporation (NYSE: INTC) is a global corporation, which is mission-focused to utilize the power of Moore’s Law to bring smart, connected devices to every person on earth.  With more than half of Intel’s manufacturing done in the United States. Intel’s U.S. investments have made it one of the top employers in both Arizona and New Mexico—as well as Oregon’s largest corporate employer—with key facilities in eight states. Employees across these campuses take pride in supporting local schools, nonprofits and educational math and science-based programs.  

Intel encourages its employees to strengthen their communities and the world through charitable giving and community volunteerism. In return, Intel matches employee donations 1:1 through their Intel Foundation. With this generous incentive, Intel believes it empowers their employees to make the most of their charitable giving.

“Intel has always been an industry icon and incredibly generous in my experience”, says former Intel Manager, Colleen Walski, Founder & CEO of Scott Foundation.  “I could have never imagined the design of this part of my life through my son, Scott’s passing and it’s amazing to be on this side of the generous Intel experience with their employee gift matching program that is helping foster kids fill their dreams to make the world better.  Through matching gifts, Intel has sponsored 7 of the 36 kids in our program so far.”

Did you know that $8.5 billion a year is spent on the most pressing issues and services that young Arizona foster kids deal with? That’s $453,598 per child/per year!!!  While the social services are noble and well-intended, none of them are addressing the real issues these children are facing when they reach 18 years of age and ‘age out’ of the system. The issues of homelessness, prostitution, human trafficking, and crime are just to name a few. Scott Foundation is now challenging companies to help make a positive and personal difference.  Arizona charitable foster care tax credit donation empower individual with a voice on how to make a difference with $500 (filing single) or $1,000 (filing married).  The community is encouraged to come together as a group or individually to support and sponsor one or more of the 36 foster kids participating in Scott Foundation’s Young Adult Masterclass program.  

Awakening the Superhero inside, their Young Adult Masterclass Program holistically invests in each of these kids over the next 3 to 4 years to fulfill the individual young person’s social-emotional well-being, dreams, education, work-learn experiences and safely transitions them to independent living. The challenge begins NOW with media focus and highlights on their 10 Year Anniversary, Wednesday, April 12th.

Scott Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that produces year-round experiential programming that highlight, inspire and educate Arizona’s at-risk youth and kids in foster care on the importance of social innovation and the critical need to break the system for good.  With a focus on developing inner wealth they believe in making the world a more peaceful and loving place by emotionally teaching kids to make better choices through selfless service.

Serving kids in the Arizona foster care system and at-risk youth for nearly 10 years, they’ve impacted 4,950+ Kids that have redirected over $600,000 In-Kind Donation back into the community.  The power of selfless service is undeniable! For more information visit www.Scott-Foundation.org

Follow this link to learn more about how Intel continues to offer a convenient way to match employee donations.

Visit TaxCredits4AZFosterKids.com for more information on making a donation that can reduce your state income tax.

Scott-Foundation.org   |    TaxCredits4AZFosterKids.com

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3 Ways to Help Arizona Foster Kids

There are plenty of opportunities for you to offer support to a child in the AZ foster care system. Here are the three most impactful ways you can help.

3 Ways You Can Help Arizona Foster Kids This Year

Many of the more than 20,000 children in the Arizona foster care system enter it feeling rejected, scared, alone and hopeless. These children will grow up to be our future leaders and need support to become productive, independent and emotionally well adults. These children need your help.

There are several opportunities available that allow you to give hope to a child looking for a future of feeling loved, accepted and wanted. From volunteering at events to actually adopting a foster kid, there’s a range of ways you can make a major positive impact in the foster care community.

Adopt a Child or Become a Foster Parent This is the biggest commitment, but it is also the most impactful. Giving children a good home, even if only until a permanent home can be found, improves their quality of life. It can pull them out of group homes or shelters and give them a sense of security, acceptance and hope. Adoption and fostering are major life changes, so do thorough research into what each entails and determine if it is right for you before moving forward with either option.

Donate/Sponsor a Child The Scott Foundation offers great opportunities to donate toward the development of future thought and service leaders. From donating gifts to the Operation Toy Box toy drive to food for the Happy Belly year-round food drive, you can make a big impact on the life of a child in foster care. If it is easiest for you to offer a monetary donation, giving to a nonprofit like the Scott Foundation not only helps fund life for these kids, but also invests in their futures. When you donate $500 as an individual or $1,000 as a couple to the Scott Foundation as an Arizona resident, you can get a tax credit, dollar-for-dollar, in the same amount. While your donation comes at no cost to you, even more importantly, it gives you the opportunity to sponsor a child in need. The nonprofit’s program matches community members with kids, allowing those donating to invest in the life of a specific child and follow his or her progress in learning how to make positive change in the world.

Volunteer at Events Donating your time can be just as powerful as donating gifts or money. The Scott Foundation holds several events throughout the year and is always looking for volunteers to help. Community members get the chance to meet and interact with some of the kids at these events, which leaves a lasting impact on both the children and volunteers. Upcoming opportunities with the Scott Foundation include:

Happy Belly Food Drive

Sir Bark A. Lot’s Fashion Paw Tea

Life on Earth Expo

Thanksgiving Family Food Drive

Operation Toy Box

Children in the foster care system need your help and support. Don’t waste any more time – visit Scott-Foundation.org to find the many ways you can contribute to the development of a child in need.

SCOTT-FOUNDATION.ORG    |    TAXCREDITS4AZFOSTERKIDS.COM

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MATCHING 36 FOSTER KIDS DREAMS WITH CARING BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS. 

Did you know that Arizona spends $453,596 dollars PER YEAR/PER CHILD on the most pressing issues kids in the Arizona foster care system have to deal with? 

While the social services are noble and well intended none of them are address the real issues these children are facing when they reach 18 years of age and ‘age out’ of the system. These issues are homelessness, prostitution, human trafficking, and crime are just to name a few. The Scott Foundation is now challenging company’s employees to make the impact and show your competitors how you support the AZ Foster children. With your tax credit donation of $500 (filing single) or $1,000 (filing married). Not only will you will have the opportunity to select the child which you can support during their 3 to 4 year journey of self-awareness and mindfulness, but the State of Arizona will give you a tax credit by matching your $500 or $1,000 donation dollar-for-dollar. All-in-all, the best thing is that you will be able to witness your selected child move into adulthood with a new hope for their future, hope for their dreams and a real chance to make a positive impact to their communities. So come together as a group from a company or individually and show your communities how employees can rally together to help a foster child realize their dreams of making our world a better place. The challenge begins NOW with media focus and highlights on our 10 Year Anniversary on Wednesday, April 12th.

SCOTT-FOUNDATION.ORG    |    TAXCREDITS4AZFOSTERKIDS.COM

[scottfoundation]

AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL IS MAKING IT EASY FOR EMPLOYEES TO HELP ARIZONA FOSTER KIDS FEEL CONFIDENT ABOUT THEIR FUTURE

Celebrating their 10 Year Anniversary, Scott Foundation is inviting Ameriprise employees to get involved in the 10 for 10 Challenge that is matching 36 foster kids dreams with caring businesses and community members.

Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP), has been helping people feel confident about their financial future for more than 120 years. With a nationwide network of 10,000 financial advisors and extensive asset management, advisory and insurance capabilities, they have the strength and expertise to serve the full range of individual and institutional investors’ financial needs.

As a testament to the firm’s commitment to giving back, Ameriprise was honored with the 2016 Corporate Philanthropy Award by the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation. The award recognizes the company’s community impact, contributions and support for employees and financial advisors who are dedicated to making a difference.

“Investing for a charitable return is just one way Ameriprise employees can get involved to help Arizona foster kids”, says Colleen Walski, Founder & CEO of Scott Foundation.  “We appreciate the generous program opportunities Ameriprise offers their employees through volunteerism and their advisor gift matching programs, making it easy and convenient for employees in Arizona to take advantage of the charitable tax credit that can be matched by Ameriprise.  It’s a win-win for everyone!”

Did you know that Arizona spends $453,596 dollars PER YEAR/PER CHILD on the most pressing issues kids in the Arizona foster care system must deal with?  While the social services are noble and well-intended none of them are address the real issues these children are facing when they reach 18 years of age and ‘age out’ of the system. These issues are homelessness, prostitution, human trafficking, and crime are just to name a few. The Scott Foundation is now challenging company’s employees to make the impact and show your competitors how you support the AZ Foster children. With your tax credit donation of $500 (filing single) or $1,000 (filing married).  Not only will you will have the opportunity to select the child which you can support during their 3 to 4-year journey of self-awareness and mindfulness, but the State of Arizona will give you a tax credit for your $500 or $1,000 donation, dollar-for-dollar. All-in-all, the best thing is that you will be able to witness your selected child move into adulthood with a new hope for their future, hope for their dreams and a real chance to make a positive impact to their communities. So, come together as a group from a company or individually and show your communities how employees can rally together to help a foster child realize their dreams of making their world a better place.  The challenge begins NOW with media focus and highlights on their 10 Year Anniversary on Wednesday, April 12th.

Scott Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that produces year-round experiential programming that highlight, inspire and educate Arizona’s at-risk youth and kids in foster care on the importance of social innovation and the critical need to break the system for good.  With a focus on developing inner wealth they believe in making the world a more peaceful and loving place by emotionally teaching kids to make better choices through selfless service.

Serving kids in the Arizona foster care system and at-risk youth for nearly 10 years, they’ve impacted 4,950+ Kids that have redirected over $600,000 In-Kind Donation back into the community.  The power of selfless service is undeniable!  For more information visit www.Scott-Foundation.org

Ameriprise offers their employees continuous giving opportunities through their Matching Gift Program.

 Scott-Foundation.org   |    TaxCredits4AZFosterKids.com

[scottfoundation]

Give Your Tax Dollars Directly to Foster Kids

What if your tax dollars could directly invest in an Arizona foster child’s future? They can! Don’t let the state choose where your taxes go.

Give Your Tax Dollars to Break the Foster Care System Cycle

Do you know where your tax dollars go? On each paycheck, you have deductions that go toward the federal, state and local government. You pay these income taxes every two weeks and then may owe more come April when it’s time to file your returns. If you are expected to pay out of your own earnings, shouldn’t you know what you are paying for?

Income taxes pay for a variety of government programs, from education to health care, Social Security, national defense, welfare and infrastructure. Within many of these programs, funding is delegated to children in the foster care system. While this may sound like a good thing, it does not create the best outcome for the children.

In total, the average cost to keep a child in the foster care system in Arizona each year is $453,598. With that much money going toward one kid, you would think they have everything they need to become normal, functioning adults. But that is not always the case.

Why the State Is Not the Place for Your Tax Dollars

When you allow all of your taxes to go to government programs, you are essentially paying to keep these kids in the system. For example, almost $115,000 of taxes collected go toward juvenile corrections. Those running this program need kids in it to warrant continued funding. Because of this, troubled foster children and teens who end up in juvie often stay there until they are 18. No one is concerned about teaching them right from wrong or how to make better choices. If these children mature and improve, they might end up leaving sooner, and the program wouldn’t need as much money. While tax funds help pay for programs that protect and provide for children as they are, none invest in their future. They don’t invest in breaking the cycle of violence and poverty, but instead just cater to those stuck in it.

Invest in a Child’s Future

The current situation is definitely not the best-case scenario, but Arizonans can funnel a portion of their tax dollars to services that help graduate community-minded, whole people from the foster care system. Because of the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, you can send $500 (single) or $1,000 (couple) directly to the Scott Foundation and receive a credit on your taxes in the same amount. That means, at no cost to you, your money will be spent on programs that teach our next generation to live selflessly, show kindness and have empathy. Your money will actually make a difference in the future of a child in foster care.

SCOTT-FOUNDATION.ORG    |    TAXCREDITS4AZFOSTERKIDS.COM