Leading with Love: Honoring 50 Years of Casa de los Niños
As I reflect on the remarkable 50th anniversary milestone Casa de los Niños celebrated last year, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and awe. Gratitude for the countless individuals who have woven themselves into the fabric of this organization, and awe at the enduring impact Casa de los Niños has had on generations of children and families in Southern Arizona.
You see, our story is deeply personal to me. Growing up, my family faced challenges, and my mother sought support from community organizations like Casa de los Niños. The compassionate guidance we received helped my family navigate those turbulent times. We emerged stronger.
This report highlights the past year and includes stories inspired by our incredible historical journey shaped by visionaries, volunteers, donors, staff and countless supporters who have stood alongside us through every challenge and triumph.
Our founder Sister Kathleen’s steadfast belief in the potential of every child ignited a flame that continues to burn bright. Thousands of volunteers have selflessly donated their time and talents, board members have provided invaluable guidance and oversight and countless donor contributions have allowed us to keep our doors open and our services accessible.
Above all our incredible staff – past and present – continue to demonstrate extraordinary compassion and commitment, going above and beyond to provide a safe and nurturing environment where families and children can heal, learn and thrive. Through it all our mission remains steadfast: to promote child wellbeing and family stability in our community. We look to the future with hope and purpose. The need for our services is greater than ever, and I am confident that Casa de los Niños will continue to be a source of strength for generations to come.
To all who have been part of this extraordinary journey, thank you. Together, we built something truly remarkable, and together, we will continue to forge a brighter future for the children and families we serve.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Nora Y. Navarro-Hernández CEO, Casa de los Niños
Total Children and Families Served in FY24:
7,837
Table of Contents
For babies, toddlers and children who were admitted to Casa de los Niños with no clothes, toys or other belongings, being given a quilt of their own to cling to and take with them when they left meant the world. These beautiful gifts of comfort and warmth sent a message: you are important and we care about you.
A Tapestry of Hope and Healing
Casa de los Niños, a vital thread in Southern Arizona’s community fabric, was founded in 1973 by Sister Kathleen Clark to protect children from abuse and neglect. Its history is one of dedication, shaped by countless individuals, including two remarkable women, Cele Peterson and Persis Congdon, whose support in those early years laid the foundation for the next 50 years. The organization has since pioneered innovative prevention and intervention
programs, offering a range of services from mental health treatment to crisis mediation, ensuring children and families thrive.
It all began when Tucson fashion icon Cele Peterson, learning of Sister Kathleen’s vision, donated a small building in 1973 that would serve as Casa de los Niños’ first children’s shelter. Cele recognized the urgent need for a safe haven for vulnerable children. This act of kindness provided the physical foundation for the organization’s mission, a place where children in crisis could find shelter, warmth and care. Peterson’s gift was more than just bricks and mortar; it was a seed of hope planted in the heart of Tucson.
Alongside Peterson’s generosity, Persis Congdon brought her own unique strengths to Casa de los Niños. As a founding board member, she spent 10 years nurturing the organization’s growth. Having experienced childhood adversity, Persis possessed a deep understanding of the emotional scars that trauma can inflict. She championed a holistic approach to care, recognizing that children needed not only physical safety but also emotional healing and guidance. Her influence shaped the organization’s early direction, ensuring that its core values – love, compassion and a belief in the inherent worth of every child – were firmly rooted.
Sister Kathleen at the first children’s shelter
These two women, one providing the physical space and the other helping to shape the organizational heart, laid the groundwork for Casa de los Niños’ enduring mission. Their combined legacies created a powerful force for good in the Tucson community.
Cele Peterson with her granddaughter, Teresa Persis Congdon and Sister Kathleen
A Family Affair
For Teresa Peterson Moe and Cicely Ott Parseghian, Casa de los Niños is more than an organization; it’s a family affair, stitched into the fabric of their lives by their grandmothers.
“Casa de los Niños wasn’t just an organization to me; it was an extension of my family,” says Teresa. “My grandmother, Cele, and Cicely’s grandmother, Persis, were the closest of friends, their bond forged through their shared dedication to this incredible place. We grew up together, our families intertwined, our lives touched by the magic of Casa de los Niños.”
Teresa recalls visiting Casa de los Niños as a child – the warmth, the laughter, the feeling of being surrounded by love. “My mom volunteered here, and as a high school junior, I followed in her footsteps and read bedtime stories to the children. They’re some of my most cherished memories.”
For Cicely, her grandmother’s legacy is more than a family connection; it’s a call to action, strengthened by her other grandmother, Betty Ott, volunteering in the Casa de los Niños Thrift Store.
“Although I grew up in Tucson, I did not truly understand Casa de los Niños and all it does for our community until after I moved home in 2018. Now it is also something that connects me to my grandmothers,” she adds. “Persis, my Gaga, was a force of nature. Born in New England, she had experienced childhood adversity herself, so she understood the vulnerability of children. When Sister Kathleen envisioned Casa de los Niños, my grandmother didn’t hesitate. She joined the founding board, serving for 10 years, pouring her heart into the mission. It was deeply personal for her.”
Now serving as chair of the Board of Directors for Casa de los Niños, Cicely is deeply invested in carrying her grandmother’s vision forward. She sees the organization not just as a service provider, but as a vital community hub.
“My grandmothers taught me the importance of empathy and compassion,” Cicely reflects. “They believed that every child deserves a chance to thrive, and I share that belief. I want Casa de los Niños to be a place where any family can find the support they need to build a brighter future.”
When Cicely reached out to Teresa to consider joining the board, it was almost a reunion of spirits.
“It was an immediate yes,” Teresa says. “Being on the board with Cicely is incredibly special. It felt like coming home. Our grandmothers’ values – family, community and the importance of helping those in need – have shaped our lives. They instilled in us a deep understanding of the power of love and the importance of giving back. This is the way to honor our grandmothers, to continue their work, and to ensure that Casa de los Niños continues to be a guiding light for children and families for generations to come. It’s a part of who we are.”
Carrying the Mission Forward
For 50 years, Casa de los Niños has adapted to meet evolving family needs, growing from its simple beginnings into a multifaceted organization offering diverse services, from supervised visitation to behavioral health. This evolution reflects its dedication to addressing the complex challenges facing families. Casa de los Niños’ story is one of enduring kindness and belief in every child’s potential, a story that continues with dedicated individuals like Cicely and Teresa carrying its mission of hope and healing forward.
Cicely & Teresa next to their daughters
Casa de los Niños’ Future in Focus
The Board of Directors plays a crucial role in guiding Casa de los Niños’ success and ensuring its long-term sustainability. Their vision for the future includes continuing to support the needs of children and families, particularly in the critical area of behavioral health; strengthening community engagement; ensuring financial stability through diverse funding models; embracing innovation and adapting to changing needs; and always honoring the legacy of love and compassion upon which the organization was founded.
For Cicely Ott Parseghian, service to Casa de los Niños was instilled in her early in life. Her grandmother, Persis Congdon, was a guiding force for the organization, serving as a founding board member for 10 years. Now serving as board chair, Cicely carries the torch for her grandmother’s vision, leading the organization into its next chapter. She envisions a future where Casa de los Niños not only provides vital services but also strengthens its connection with the community.
“I want Casa de los Niños to be a place where the community comes together, a place where we celebrate the resilience of families and the power of hope.” Her vision includes expanding community
engagement, creating opportunities for individuals and families to connect with the organization, not just as donors but as active participants. She believes that fostering a stronger sense of community ownership will be crucial to Casa de los Niños’ long-term sustainability.
“Casa de los Niños has changed over the years, evolving to meet the changing needs of the community,” she says. “I’m honored to support my grandmother’s legacy. I, too, believe in the power of community. And Tucson, in particular, is such a special community.”
Cicely with her grandmothers and brother
Among the board’s vision looking to the future:
• Provide behavioral health programs, offering therapy, counseling and other vital services.
• Actively engage the community through volunteer, mentor and advocacy opportunities.
• Diversify funding, strengthen donor relationships and advocate for increased public support.
• Embrace innovation and data-driven decision-making to improve service delivery.
• Honor the legacy while working toward a future where every Tucson child thrives.
“We want Casa de los Niños to be a place where everyone feels welcome,” Cicely says. “A place where families can find support, where children can thrive and where the community comes together to celebrate hope and resilience.”
Prevention
Early childhood education has a lasting impact, setting children up for success in school and beyond. Those who participate are more likely to graduate high school, pursue higher education, build strong careers and ultimately make meaningful contributions to society.
Quality programs also help bridge socio-economic gaps, ensuring all children have the same opportunities to thrive, regardless of their background.
For parents, support comes in the form of specialized classes that build skills and confidence. These programs offer guidance on child development, age-appropriate expectations and effective parenting techniques, helping families navigate challenges.
65%
of children aged 3-4 in Arizona were not in school in 2024
(Source: Children’s Action Alliance)
43%
of Arizona children have faced at least one adverse childhood experience
(Source: Children’s Action Alliance)
What We Do & Our Impact
Parents as Teachers
A home visitation program available in English or Spanish that educates parents on early childhood development, identifies potential health and developmental concerns and prepares children to enter school healthy, safe and ready to learn.
Parenting Classes in English and Spanish
Free parenting classes offering support and resources to help families create a healthier and more nurturing home environment.
Our Impact:
147 families 178 children
Our Impact:
446 families
Our Impact:
118 children
Kelly Early Education Center
A four-star childcare center providing early education for infants and children from six weeks to five years of age.
Nurse-Family Partnership
Personalized home visits for first-time mothers from a dedicated nurse, starting in pregnancy and continuing for up to two years.
Our Impact:
211 children & families
Intervention
The demand for foster homes continues to exceed availability, leaving children in need of stable, supportive environments. Many of these children face unique challenges, requiring caregivers who are both skilled and compassionate. Through mentorship and guidance, we help foster families navigate the certification process to prepare them for this critical role.
Reunification is a key goal for many families facing court-mandated separation. Supportive spaces and collaborative solutions are essential in helping families rebuild with dignity. Our on-site facilities provide a warm, welcoming environment where families can work toward resolution together.
What We Do & Our Impact
Foster Care & Adoption Support Services
We offer essential information, emotional support and guidance to individuals navigating the foster care licensure or adoption certification process. We also assist those caring for children and adults with developmental disabilities in a family setting, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to provide a stable and nurturing environment.
Our Impact:
190 children placed
170 families licensed
27 children adopted
Our Impact:
377 children served
258 families supported
Supervised Visitation
In partnership with the Arizona Department of Child Safety and the Arizona Superior Court, our program provides a comfortable, home-like setting for supervised parenting time and safe exchanges.
Family Connections, Nurturing Parenting® and SENSE
To support the preservation and reunification of at-risk families, the Arizona Department of Child Safety refers families to our Family Connections, Nurturing Parenting® and SENSE programs.
Our Impact:
331 children & families
Treatment
Whether in group sessions or one-on-one, therapy creates a neutral space for open dialogue, reconciliation and relationship rebuilding. This process is key in breaking the cycles of trauma, disrupting harmful patterns and preventing abuse across generations.
Working closely with medical professionals fosters self-awareness, empowering both families and children to make positive changes that enhance family dynamics. This empowerment leads to better outcomes for children.
We also focus on reducing stigma around mental health by promoting awareness and ensuring services are accessible, challenging the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help.
What We Do & Our Impact
Behavioral and Mental Health Services
As a recognized Center of Excellence by Arizona Complete Health, our evidence-based behavioral and mental health services are delivered on campus in a safe, supportive environment for children, teens and adults.
Groups and Classes
We provide additional support in group settings, creating a peer-to-peer environment for both children and adults to address behavioral health challenges, mental health concerns and trauma.
School-Based Programs
In partnership with over 25 elementary, middle and high schools across Tucson, we work closely with teachers and school administrators to deliver essential services to children and families exactly when and where they’re needed.
3x 52%
Students aged 6-17 with mental, emotional or behavioral concerns are three times more likely to repeat a grade. (Source: NAMI)
The percentage of adolescents requiring mental health services who have insurance that sufficiently meets their needs. (Source: Children’s Action Alliance)
Our Impact:
2,105 families 3,189 children
Financials
We deeply appreciate the generosity of our donors, whose support allowed us to serve thousands of children and families this fiscal year. We also recognize the many individuals and groups who contributed goods and services—from gift cards to holiday gifts and back-to-school supplies—making a meaningful impact on our community.
Direct Expenses by Program
Behavioral Health
Foster Care and Adoption
Kelly Early Education Center
Nurse-Family Partnership
$8,040,645
$3,108,461
$1,240,657
$890,245
Family Connections/Nurturing Parenting® $833,219
Supervised Visitation
Parents as Teachers
Safe Care
Community Outreach and Education
Direct Program Costs
$569,148
Annual Expenditures
Our Corporate and Foundation Funders
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
American Endowment Foundation
Ameriprise Financial
Arizona State Prison Complex
Douglas - Eggers Unit
Armstrong McDonald Foundation
AYCO Charitable Foundation
AZ Tax Credit Fund
Bank of America
Biff Baker Fence Co., Inc.
CAF America
Cardinals Charities
Casas Adobes Congregational Church
Charles Schwab Foundation
Christiana Foundation Inc.
Coffee Times Drive-Thru
Community Foundation of Southern Arizona
Connie Hillman Family Foundation
CopperPoint Insurance Companies
Cybergrants SPV
Desert Sports and Fitness
E& M Charitable Fund
Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC
GEICO Philanthropic Foundation
Herbert and Gertrude Halverstadt Foundation
Jade Tree Foundation
Jewish Community Foundation for Southern Arizona
Kelly Family Revocable Trust
Kroecker Living Trust
Kroger
Lee & Kimberly Oser Foundation
Lester & Millie Rosen Foundation
LPL Financial
Marshall Foundation
National Financial Services, LLC
New Spirit Lutheran Church
Ocotillo Entertainment Inc.
Park Waverly Healthcare LLC
Pershing Advisor Solutions LLC
Pledgeling Foundation
Progressive Insurance Foundation
Raymond and Margaret Vicker Charitable Trust
Raytheon Technologies Charity
Rincon Country West RV Resort
Schwab Charitable Fund
Social Venture Partners Tucson
St. Marks Catholic Church
Sundt Foundation
Sunflower Quilters
T. Rowe Price
The Benevity Community
The Charles and Gertrude Gordon Foundation
The EDMAC Foundation, Inc
The Fred & Christine Armstrong Foundation
The HS Lopez Family Trust
The Lubin Foundation, Inc.
The Northern Trust Company
The Stocker Foundation
The Tides Foundation
The TJX Foundation, Inc
Truist (Frontstream)
Tucson Airport Authority
Union Pacific Charity Custodial Account
United Way of Tucson & Southern Arizona
United Way Valley of the Sun (VSUW)
Vail School District
Your Cause, LLC
Zimmer Biomet FO CO
Our Public Funding Partners
Aetna
American Indian Health-Navajo
Arizona Complete Health
Arizona Department of Child Safety
Arizona Department of Economic Security, Childcare Administration
Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Development Disabilities
Arizona Department of Education
Arizona Department of Health Service ( ADHS)
Arizona Department of Public
Safety, Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)
Arizona Supreme Court, Administrative Office of Courts, Juvenile Justice Services
Banner University Health Plan
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Bureau of Women’s and Children’s Health (BWCH) from the federal Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV)
Centene
Cigna
First Things First
Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith, and Family (GOYFF)
Head Start
Health Choice
Humana
Mercy CARES
Nurse-Family Partnership
National Service Office
Tricare
United Health Care
Veterans Family Member Program ( ChampVA)
Board of Directors
Carol A. Swanson
President
Cicely Parseghian
First Vice President
Gustavo Corte
Second Vice President
Bob Wright
Treasurer
Brian Eller
Secretary
Teresa Moe
Member-at-Large
Linda Riordan
Past President
Dee-Dee Samet
Foundation President
Gary Fletcher
Foundation Representative
Leslie Anway
Jonathan Insel
Susan Johnson
Tiffany Jones
Moira Richards
Katie Smirnov
Laura Waterman
Leila E. Williams
Executive Leadership Team
Nora Navarro-Hernandez
Chief Executive Officer
Emily Bellard
Vice President of Operations
Favin Gebremariam Vice President of Development & Public Relations
Joanne Hyde
Vice President of Family Support and Education
Elizabeth (Ellie) Jimenez-Vasquez Vice President of Behavioral Health Services
Greg King
Vice President of Human Resources & Employee Experience
