A WORD FROM OUR CEO AND PRESIDENT

On any given day, in Arizona, there are nearly 12,000 children in foster care. Almost 800 young people age out of foster care here in Arizona every year. It is a fact that almost all will at some point experience homelessness.

Our state produces 12% of our nation’s fruits and veggies, yet 1 in every 10 Arizonans struggle with food insecurity. Studies show that 750,000 Arizonans face food insecurity, and of that number 226,000 are children.

Homelessness and hunger are major challenges for our youth, families, and community. The Crossroads approach to youth homelessness and food security is to provide innovative community-based services, programs, and resources under four pillars of public service:

  1. Positive Youth Development

  2. Health & Wellness

  3. Education & Vocational Development

  4. Community Capacity Building

As a nonprofit rooted and grounded on a gospel foundation, we recognize the importance and difference between giving a handout and offering a hand up. Whenever we can help our youth understand that regardless of who they are or what they are going through...There is Hope...That they have value, then Faith becomes the soil for enrichment, a seed of empowerment.

I am honored and grateful for the support of our families, our team of servant leaders, and our community partners to continue the vision and legacy of our founder, my late wife, Eileen Janice Hardware.

Even more important, is my gratitude for the grace of God that blesses us to be a blessing to others.

Lakennedy Hardware
MACL, President & CEO
Crossroads Youth & Community Group