PARADISE VALLEY, AZ – A local high‑school sophomore is turning a personal challenge into a community resource. Fifteen‑year‑old Ann Nichols launched the Safe Haven Project AZ website last week, offering a simple, bilingual directory of affordable childcare programs throughout the state.
From personal need to public service
Ann grew up with a single mother, Laura Nichols, who often struggled to find reliable, low‑cost childcare. “My idea first stemmed from just the fact that I was raised by a single mother myself,” Ann explained. Recognizing that many families face the same uncertainty, she set out to create a tool that would make the search process transparent and accessible.
A bilingual, privacy‑focused platform
The site presents program details in both English and Spanish, covering age ranges, application paperwork, and cost estimates. Ann emphasized that no personal data is stored, ensuring immigrant mothers can browse safely without surrendering documents or sensitive information. “I wanted to create a safe place for immigrant mothers to find access to childcare without having to give up any of their own information,” she said.
Targeting low‑income and immigrant families
While the platform serves all Arizona parents, Ann highlighted a focus on low‑income and immigrant households. “Growing up in Arizona, the immigration issue was always really present in my life,” she noted. “I wanted to make it specifically for immigrant mothers, so they can focus on jobs, legal status, and other priorities without the added stress of finding childcare.”
Community response and next steps
Laura Nichols praised her daughter’s initiative, noting that the project reflects the close bond they share as a single‑parent family. “It is hard being a single parent, but it’s made us really close,” Laura said. Ann hopes the website will soon be linked on the City of Phoenix’s official site after a scheduled meeting with Mayor Kate Gallego later this month.
Impact on families
Parents often lack clear information about program eligibility, required paperwork, and fees. By consolidating this data in a user‑friendly format, Safe Haven Project AZ aims to reduce the time and confusion families face when securing childcare. The tool also supports Arizona’s broader goal of strengthening families and encouraging workforce participation among immigrant communities.
Looking ahead
Ann plans to expand the directory’s reach, adding more programs and refining the interface based on user feedback. She encourages other young people to recognize that age is not a barrier to making a meaningful difference. “You don’t have to wait to be an adult to do something impactful,” she affirmed.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
