Southwest Human Development

Help the next generation of innovators turn ideas into impact. The MAKERS of Change Assistive Technology Challenge gives high school students the opportunity to apply STEM skills to a real-world challenge while creating innovative solutions that can make a meaningful difference. We're looking for volunteer mentors and judges to help make this experience possible. Whether you enjoy coaching students through the creative process or evaluating final projects, there's a role for you. Learn more and sign up: https://lnkd.in/gfKh8iVZ

We were honored to welcome Tempe Mayor Corey Woods to Southwest Human Development. Thank you for sharing your personal experiences, leadership journey, and a behind-the-scenes look at how city government works. Conversations like these help us better understand how community partners and local leaders work together to create stronger futures for Arizona families and children

Today is Women’s Equality Day. We celebrate the women who show up every day to support, advocate for, and invest in children and families. Through Southwest Human Development's Women's Giving Collective, women are creating lasting change by coming together to strengthen our community and expand opportunities for Arizona's youngest children. Because when women lead, children thrive. Learn more about joining the Women's Giving Collective at swhd.org/wgc.

The first year of school can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty for both kids and parents. What has been the biggest challenge so far? Your experiences help shape the conversations and resources families need most. Looking for extra guidance this school year? Find support at swhd.org.

The Women’s Giving Collective brings together women who are passionate about creating brighter futures for Arizona’s children and families. Their collective impact helps fund programs and resources that strengthen early childhood development across our community. Thanks to their support, our High Risk Perinatal Program was able to purchase new portable baby scales, giving nurses the tools they need to better monitor infant growth and support families during home visits. As HRPP Program Manager and Nurse Julie Kodicek shares, this investment is already making a meaningful difference in the care they provide. Interested in making an impact? Learn more about the Women’s Giving Collective at swhd.org/wgc.

We're grateful for our incredible partnership with Bookmans Exchange through their Summer Reads program. Bookmans book donations help support many of our programs and strengthen early childhood literacy efforts across the communities we serve.   We recently spoke with Ryan Dillard, Director of Communications at Bookmans, who shared how our commitment to supporting early childhood development and literacy made SWHD a natural partner for these meaningful donations.   Thank you to the entire Bookmans team for helping put books into the hands of children and families and for supporting a lifelong love of reading.   Learn more about ways to support early childhood literacy at swhd.org

It’s National Relaxation Day. Parents, this includes you. Take five minutes. Sit down. Breathe. Drink the coffee while it’s still warm. When you pause, your child feels it. Calm is contagious, especially in the early years. A regulated parent helps build a regulated child. Today’s reminder, taking care of yourself is part of taking care of them. Looking for more ways to support your family’s well-being? Explore resources at swhd.org.

Happy Book Lovers Day. 📚 Books have a way of slowing things down and opening things up at the same time. For young children, they build language, spark imagination, and create some of the best moments of connection. Whether it’s one favorite story read on repeat or a new book discovered together, those pages matter more than we think. Explore early literacy programs and resources at swhd.org.

Did you know? For young children, the biggest back-to-school adjustment isn’t academic. It’s emotional. New environments, new adults, and new expectations can feel overwhelming, especially for little ones under three. Helping them name feelings, talk through what’s coming, and feel connected at home can make the transition smoother. Looking for more ways to support your child this school year? Explore early childhood tips and programs at swhd.org.

Fanny enrolled her child in Head Start to give them a strong start, and she’s watched her daughter grow in confidence, independence, and a love for learning ever since. Through hands-on activities and a nurturing environment, Head Start helps children develop the skills they need for success in school and beyond. For parents like Fanny, Head Start is a trusted partner in supporting their child’s growth and helping the whole family build toward a brighter future. Learn more about Head Start at swhd.org/head-start