For more than 50 years, Candelen has stood alongside the parents, caregivers, and educators who nurture young children during the most important years of development. While much has changed over the decades, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to strengthening the adults who care for and educate young children so that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Like many enduring organizations, Candelen has evolved to meet the changing needs of Arizona's families and communities. In recent years, that evolution has included changes in executive leadership, the development of a new strategic plan, the refinement of our focus areas, and a renewed clarity around our mission and values. We embraced a new name and brand that better reflects who we are today, while honoring the legacy that brought us here. Along the way, we have thoughtfully sunset programs that no longer aligned with community needs and launched innovative new initiatives designed to meet families where they are.

I look forward to using this newsletter as a source to provide you updates on our collective work and progress.

Best, 
Rob Podlogar
CEO

Twenty years ago, Angélica Pérez moved to the United States from Mexico. Since then, she has dedicated her life to caring for children. Known simply as “Angie” to the families she serves, she has built deep bonds with the children in her care and earned the trust of their parents through her compassion, patience, and commitment.

Although she never had children of her own, Angie says the love she receives from the children she cares for is one of life's greatest gifts. "Even though they aren't my children, they call me 'Mom,'" she says.

Through weekly sessions, practical resources, and conversations with other caregivers, Maria discovered new strategies to support her children's learning and development. She also found a community that understood her challenges and celebrated her successes.

For many FFN caregivers, becoming a licensed child care provider can feel like a maze. Candelen's Licensing & Certification Program turns that barrier into a bridge toward something bigger. 

Candelen walks alongside caregivers through every step toward licensure or certification, with one-on-one support tailored to their circumstances. They walk away with the tools to launch and grow a successful child care business, with increased earning potential and long-term professional growth. 

This program isn't just about checking regulatory boxes; every caregiver who becomes licensed opens doors to greater opportunity, and greater access to quality care for families who need it most. 

With nearly 50 years in the child care field, Candelen meets every caregiver exactly where they are, making each step easier to navigate. 

Every child's first teacher isn't found in a classroom. It's the caregiver who rocks them to sleep, the parent who guides their infant's growth and discovery during the first year of life, and the home-based provider who welcomes them each day with open arms. 

At Candelen, we build our work around a simple truth: empowered caregivers create empowered children. 

From pregnancy through a child's earliest years, caregivers lay the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and success. Through Candelen's family support programs, home-based child care initiatives, professional development, coaching, mentorship, and advocacy efforts, we equip caregivers, parents, and educators with the tools they need to help children thrive.

While each program serves a unique purpose, they share one goal: strengthening the adults who shape a child's earliest experiences. The impact is powerful. One parent gains confidence. One caregiver builds a thriving business. One educator strengthens their practice. One child gets a brighter start. And when children flourish, entire communities, now and for the future, grow stronger.