Compassioneers are healers

“We have the ability to reach wounds that only compassion can help heal. I have seen how much better families react and how much harder they work if you go that extra mile.” - Alexis

Compassioneers are committed to ongoing improvement

“We work together to improve the lives of the children and their families.” - Yaada

Compassioneers advocate for others

“These children are Arizona’s most vulnerable. Usually they have not been able to articulate and advocate for their wants and needs. I try to give them the voice they have never had.” - Victoria

Compassioneers are persistent

“We go the extra mile to help. Through empathy and understanding we can reach down to someone in need and help them stand back up.” - Jay

Compassioneers are natural born leaders

“We embody a culture of safety when we show accountability and humility. We succeed when we lead by example.” - Maricela

Compassioneers love to help

“I came from a family affected by emotional and physical abuse and felt like my voice was unheard. I wished someone had looked into my eyes and saw my pleas for help. I want to be that help for another child.” - Charalotte

Compassioneers show respect

“When we show people respect and compassion it shows we care about them. They need help and deserve to be treated with dignity.” - Deepal

Compassioneers are understanding people

“You have to be sensitive and understanding to the various needs of the population we serve.” - Raven

"I love planning events that allow foster youth to just be youth. I love working with the community to provide resources for children, youth, and families. I love seeing the changes that are made every day to make DCS the best it can be." - Pam

"It's very easy to label people and judge them by their past. All it takes is for someone to believe in and provide support for a family in order to begin the change process. I want to be that person." - Heidy

"Working for DCS allows me to live out my passion on a daily basis. Resiliency is the key to survival, and seeing these strong children overcome seemingly insurmountable difficulties pushes me daily to do my best, embrace the drive and determination they have, and help them grow." - Lisett

"I have learned more working for DCS than I could ever dream of. My youth have taught me how to be resilient and overcome anything." - Mollie

"As a leader, I love seeing how everybody brings something different to this Department—gifts, skills, talents, and experience. Collectively we work to see changes in the lives of children, in families, in our organization, and in our community. But we also see changes in ourselves." - Pauline

"Oftentimes, providing resources, support or a helping hand can bring on changes that bring family together and, in some cases, even create a pathway to a forever home." - Leeanne

"There's no better feeling than boosting morale and supporting our field staff through engagement, helping make them the best Compassioneers they can be. That makes it all worth it." - Andrew

"I was raised in a home where DCS should have played a role. My experiences ignited a passion for helping those caught in the clutches of abuse or hardship. This eventually led me to my career with DCS. Each day, I'm more aware of just how vital our work is to children and families." - Mary

"There are many big emotions in child welfare - among them sadness, surprise, joy, and fear. It takes great supervisors to help staff process and cope with these experiences. This is what fuels my passion in my current DCS role as a mentor and coach to future leaders in child welfare." - Jason

Rayetta finds inspiration from Vincent van Gogh's quote: "There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people."

"That's my motivation." - Rayetta

"I am passionate about DCS because I believe that all children deserve to feel safe and have stability in their lives. I want every child and family member to feel safe and supported as we assist in strengthening connections to both community and natural supports." - Tara

"I am grateful for the opportunity to do my part to assist in bringing together the people of Arizona in support of our most vulnerable children and families. There is no greater undertaking than to help ensure that all AZ Kids Thrive." - Cynthia

"I take great pride in helping children who don't have an advocate. It's tremendous to know that I can encourage anyone with the fortitude to call us that they're doing the right thing. For those children who are victimized, the healing process begins here." - Eric

Kelsey says she grew up in a loving home, where she was hugged daily and told "I love you." And she wants to pass that feeling forward.

"I have a passion to pay that feeling forward, as I believe that every child deserves to feel loved and feel a sense of belonging." - Kelsey

Lauren remembers the day in first grade when her friend asked about her new last name.

“I proudly said my dad adopted me. I am passionate about the work we do because I know the power of adoption. I know first-hand the tremendous impact it has on kids. I was one of those kids.” - Lauren

“I remember the day it happened to me and the emotions that swept over me. I remember well the day I had someone I did not know step up and protect me. That was a defining moment and the reason why I work in this field: to be a powerful voice for those who do not have one.” – Tamila

Adam is a proud Compassioneer. “In my eyes, DCS is one big family. No matter what unit or what your title may be, we all play a role in being responsible for ensuring the safety and well being of our DCS children and their families. Working together to accomplish this goal is what makes working for DCS so great.” – Adam

"I was raised in the foster care system and I can vividly recall the day my siblings and I were removed from our family and placed in the foster care system. I became a social worker because I am passionate about preserving families." – Mary