Arizona's Children Association Named 2026 USA Today Top Workplace in National Nonprofit Category

Arizona's Children Association (AzCA), one of Arizona's oldest and largest child welfare and behavioral health nonprofits, has been named a 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces winner in the National Nonprofit Category.

The award, a collaboration between Energage and USA TODAY, recognizes organizations with at least 150 employees that exceed national benchmarks for employee satisfaction. AzCA was selected from more than 2,000 organizations surveyed nationwide based entirely on anonymous employee feedback measuring factors including leadership, compensation, meaningfulness of work, and appreciation.

"This recognition belongs to every member of our team," said Tracy Thurston, President and CEO of Arizona's Children Association. "This award belongs to them. I am incredibly proud.”

AzCA was recognized in the midsize employer category, competing among 42 midsize organizations statewide. Making the list as a first-time participant is uncommon, according to program facilitators.

Additionally, Thurston was awarded a Leadership Award in the Midsize Business Category.

"When our staff feels valued, Arizona's children benefit," said Thurston. "This award is a reflection of the culture we have built together, and it reinforces our commitment to being the kind of organization people are proud to be part of."

Founded in 1912 by a group of women in Tucson, Arizona's Children Association has served Arizona's children and families for 114 years. Today, the organization serves all 15 Arizona counties through foster care, adoption, kinship services, behavioral health, and parenting education programs. In 2025, AzCA served 5,345 individuals and completed 168 adoptions.