ESSIE EDITION

the AZLR CARES Newsletter

January 2026

Happy New Year!!!

AZLR CARES – 2025 Impact Report

A Year of Reflection, Restructuring, and Purposeful Impact

A Year of Strategic Pause

2025 was a quieter year for AZLR CARES by design.

After several years of rapid growth and hands-on community programming, we made the intentional decision to step back, restructure, and solidify our vision for 2026 and beyond. This pause allowed us to reflect on our impact, strengthen partnerships, evaluate sustainability, and ensure that future programs are rooted in long-term stability rather than burnout.

While our calendar was lighter, our commitment to serving with dignity, compassion, and care never stopped.

Love Thy Neighbor: Laundry, Breakfast, & Community

One of our most meaningful moments of 2025 was the continuation of our Love Thy Neighbor community service initiative.

In partnership with Port Royal Scott Lodge and Clean Wave Laundromat, we created a nurturing, joy-filled environment where neighbors could gather, receive support, and simply breathe.

Impact Highlights

🧺 Laundry services provided for 37 households
🍽️ Over 65 individuals fed with free breakfast
🎶 A welcoming atmosphere complete with a DJ playing all the hits — encouraging connection, laughter, and even dancing
🤝 Community members experienced not just services, but belonging

This event reminded us that service is about more than resources — it’s about creating space for joy, dignity, and human connection.

Women’s History Month: Supporting Women-Owned Businesses

March 2025 | Red’s Beer Garden

As part of our commitment to economic empowerment and community investment, AZLR CARES proudly supported a woman-owned local business during Women’s History Month.

In March 2025, we gathered at Red’s Beer Garden to celebrate women entrepreneurs and highlight the importance of intentionally circulating dollars within women-led businesses. Despite forecasted inclement weather that resulted in a smaller turnout, the evening was rich in connection, laughter, and purpose.

Guests enjoyed a festive spread including Irish Egg Rolls, Chicken Tenders, Nachos, and a variety of craft beers, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Attendees embraced the spirit of the celebration, wearing creative shades of green accented with purple symbolizing growth, strength, and empowerment.

Though intimate in size, the event made a meaningful impact, raising $654 in direct support of the woman-owned business. This gathering served as a powerful reminder that even small, intentional moments can create real economic impact when driven by community support and a shared commitment to uplifting women.

Community Support Beyond Events

Even during a slower operational year, AZLR CARES continued to meet individual needs as they arose.

Throughout 2025, we provided:

🚍 MARTA passes to help individuals commute to work
👕 Uniform allowances to support job readiness
💼 Additional assistance for individuals needing help staying employed and prepared for opportunity

These smaller, targeted supports played a critical role in helping community members maintain stability during transitional moments.

Holiday Giving: A Season of Hope

To close the year, AZLR CARES was honored to support one household of 10 children, ranging in age from infants to 10 years old, with Christmas gifts.

This effort ensured that every child in the home experienced the joy of the holiday season — a reminder that even one family served deeply can create lasting impact.

None of this work would have been possible without the generosity of our partners and supporters.

In 2025, sponsorships from Publix and Tito’s Vodka helped us:

Raise essential funds
Purchase necessary supplies
Execute community programming with excellence and care

Their support reinforced the power of collaboration in creating meaningful change.

Looking Ahead to 2026

2025 was a year of intentional slowing, reflection, and recalibration.

As we move into 2026, AZLR CARES is positioned to:

Launch programs with stronger infrastructure
Expand partnerships
Increase consistency and sustainability
Serve our community with renewed energy and clarity

We are grateful for every supporter who remained with us during this rebuilding season — and we look forward to growing together.

Thank You

Thank you for believing in AZLR CARES, even in quieter seasons.
Together, we continue to build a future rooted in Community, Action, Relief, Enrichment, and Support.

AZLR CARES 2025 Metrics

· 🧺 37 Households Served (Laundry Services)

· 🍽️ 65+ Individuals Fed

· 🚍 Transportation Assistance Provided

· 👕 Uniform & Job Readiness Support

· 🎁 10 Children Supported During Holidays

· 🤝 4 Key Community & Corporate Partners

· 🌸 Women’s History Month Celebration

· 🏪 1 Woman-Owned Business Supported

· 💰 $654 Raised in Direct Business Support