Dear friends,

This year was a tough year for ABCS as we faced many challenges. The bright spot is that despite these difficulties, together we continue to touch lives across Arizona. We are grateful for your support and partnership as we provide hope and care to hurting children and families.

ABCS’ budget is made up of two primary sources of income: state contract income and charitable gifts. The former is a much larger percent of our budget as our Parent Aide and Arms of Love Foster Care ministry has traditionally been a significant portion of our work. Two factors have greatly impacted these contracts—the nationwide staffing shortage and the steep decrease in licensed foster families over the past few years. These are broad concerns that have negatively impacted communities as well as many businesses and organizations.

As a result, we were forced to cut some positions and programs including the Arms of Love Home for girls aging out of foster care and LeaderCare. This was an opportunity for us to reevaluate our ministry priorities, as well as emphasize our mission and calling with our remaining team members. We know that God is doing a great work as He changes and reshapes our ministry for the future.

Another challenge that will likely continue given our faith-based approach to social services ministry is finding ourselves in the middle of cultural and political issues. For example, since we have prolife pregnancy centers under our umbrella, we found ourselves in the crosshairs following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision. We have chosen to share the positive impact this had in the Honoring Life annual report story found here. Additionally, we have already chosen not to renew one state contract over concerns about our ability to meet the requirements and stay true to our Statement of Faith and Core Values.

Through all of the uncertainty we face in this world as individuals and as an organization, God remains faithful. One of the main ways He consistently encourages us and reminds us of His provision is through His people. Your prayers, service and generosity to ABCS are a reminder of His goodness. Because of your support, charitable gifts increased 11.8 percent this year, helping to compensate for some of the losses experienced on the contracts. We remain committed to being good stewards of your support by staying focused on our mission and living out Matthew 25:40.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40

Steve Hanna
President & Executive Director