Our mission

To equip God’s children transitioning from foster care with real-world skills, hands-on experiences, and opportunities that build independence, confidence, and purpose as they step into adulthood.

Through meaningful connections and practical support, we encourage youth to recognize their potential, embrace new opportunities, and move forward with hope and purpose.

  • Independence
  • Confidence
  • Purpose

Hi, neighbor!

Reach forward.

We give young people leaving Arizona's foster care system the real skills to build a life of their own, before they age out and after.

Lend a handWho we serve

Officially a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit!

EpekAZ Foundation is proud to announce that we have received official IRS recognition as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization.

What this means
Kirsten (Keke) Ewing

Pull up a chair

We're neighbors who couldn't look away.

EpekAZ started from conversations about what young people really need as they prepare for life beyond foster care. We saw so much potential in these young people, but we also saw how quickly they are expected to step into adulthood without always having the opportunity to experience or practice the everyday things many of us take for granted. We knew we wanted to do something different and with a lot of faith, a heart for God’s children, and trust in where God was leading us, EpekAZ began.

Read our story

One step at a time

How our program works

Every young person moves through the same four steps, at their own pace.

  1. Two people talking across a porch table, seen from the shoulders downStep 1

    Get to know

    We start with relationships: getting to know each young person, their goals, and what they already do well.

  2. Two people going over a sheet of notes at a wooden tableStep 2

    Learn what we don't know

    Together we find the gaps: the everyday skills no one has shown them yet, and what they want to learn first.

  3. Two people preparing a simple meal together at a kitchen counterStep 3

    Learning activities

    Hands-on workshops and real-world practice with volunteers: cooking, budgeting, paperwork, interviews and more.

  4. A hand moving a card beside a notebook, choosing what comes nextStep 4

    Understanding and growth

    We look back at what they've learned, celebrate progress, and set the next goal as they move forward with confidence.

Who we're here for

Two groups, one road forward

Kids in group homes

Minors getting ready to age out. We bring the workshops to them, so they practice real life before it starts.

Young adults on their own

People who've already aged out and live in independent or transitional housing. We keep showing up.

See who we serve & the skills we practice

29%

of young people experienced homelessness after leaving foster care by age 23 or 24.

Source: Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago (2010) (opens in a new tab)

That's why we show up.

See all the statistics

Something you can do today

Help turn a first apartment into a home.

When a young person moves into independent housing, getting the keys is only part of this journey. We collect new or gently used household items to help create a safe, comfortable, and functional home.

Please contact us for current apartment needs before donating.

We always welcome small appliances, school supplies, small home furnishings and clothing, and monetary gifts help too.

For furniture and large donations, please contact us before dropping off items so we can confirm current needs, condition requirements, storage availability, and delivery arrangements.

Donate now

the wish list

  • Small kitchen appliances
  • Cookware, dishes, utensils
  • Bedding and bedroom furniture
  • Living room furniture
  • Lamps and rugs
  • Bathroom towels
  • Shower curtains
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Laundry supplies
  • Storage items
  • And more

Get involved

Ways to lend a hand

The porch light's on

Stay in the loop.

Friendly updates from our founder.