Words of Welcome from ICAN Chief Executive Officer, Christy McClendon

April 22, 2011

Welcome to the ICAN blog…a new place for supporters, community members, and clients to stay in touch with ICAN. My name is Christy McClendon, and I always say that it is my privilege to serve as ICAN’s Chief Executive Officer.  I have been with the organization for 6 years and continue to be inspired by the youth and families we serve. They inspire my work each day as I watch them grow, learn, and develop into productive members of our community. In the spirit of our first blog post, let me start off by saying that there are a lot of exciting things happening at ICAN!  Our organization has been serving youth and families for nearly 20 years and we have seen so much change in the Chandler Redevelopment Area; however, we have more work ahead of us to increase awareness about youth substance abuse and gang activity.  This blog is just one step forward to creating a larger awareness through our invaluable programming. Within the ICAN blog we want to be able to bring detailed information on some of the ongoing events and information to keep you informed.   ICAN has so much going on between youth preventative programming, community outreach programs, volunteer opportunities, and community involvement through various events that we host and partner with throughout the year.  Summer is coming upon us quickly and ICAN is preparing to bring positive programming from the school year into summertime.  With the extra free time youth have, we provide programs and activities that not only keep them entertained, but continue their growth with the ability to make positive choices when it comes to substance abuse, gang activity, and personal development in academics and life skills.  ICAN also holds the annual Pack-a-Backpack Drive from July 1-15 where the community donates school supplies so youth are ready to return to school after summer. Furthermore, ICAN is in the midst of the Only ICAN Capital Campaign to build a new facility, which a rendering of the new facility is show to the right, that will give the much needed space and expansion our programs need to serve a growing population of youth and families.  We have already made some great progress, but there are still many more milestones to hit including:

• Ground Breaking in June
• Beginning Construction in September
• Raising $1.1 Million by August 2011 to be eligible for a significant grant opportunity

I encourage you to explore our website including the Only ICAN Capital Campaign webpage. There is a lot of great information on programs, our history and the many ways you can get involved to bring change to the youth of ICAN.  You can also contact our office at 480-821-4207 to set up a tour.  ]]>