Queen Creek girl receives state gift for National Adoption Month

A 12-year-old Queen Creek girl has found her forever family and received a financial leg up toward her future education.

In celebration of National Adoption Month, Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee recently surprised a local adoptive family by contributing $529 to open an AZ529 Education Savings Plan for Zoey McClellan, according to a press release.

This gift was made in partnership with Hope & A Future, a nonprofit organization that has been supporting children in Arizona’s foster care system since 2004.

Zoey’s parents have four adopted children, as well as four foster children under their care.

“We are so grateful for this incredible gift and for recognizing National Adoption Month in such a meaningful way,” Zoey’s mother, Jenn McClellan, stated in the release. “This contribution doesn’t just support Zoey’s future, it gives her the chance to dream beyond high school, to imagine college or any path she chooses. It brings hope, stability and the belief that there’s something more ahead. For kids like Zoey, that kind of encouragement means everything.”

Zoey dreams of becoming a veterinarian.

“National Adoption Month is a wonderful time to celebrate the families who open their hearts and homes to precious children in need, giving them a forever home,” Yee stated in the release. “Families like Zoey’s have already taken significant steps toward building a brighter future for their children with a pathway to accomplish their dreams.

“By investing in this child’s future through the AZ529 Education Savings Plan, we are recognizing all of the remarkable adoptive families in our state, while also sharing the important message that every child should have endless opportunities for their future education.”

There are currently more than 10,000 children in Arizona’s foster care system, and each year, more than 800 of them age out without permanent families or needed support.

“It’s a meaningful investment in Zoey’s future and a powerful reminder of what community support can achieve,” stated Michael Brewer, president and CEO of Hope & A Future, in the release. “With over 10,000 children currently in Arizona’s foster care system, and only 3% of those who age out ever graduating from college, we must continue finding ways to uplift these youth. Every effort counts, and today’s gesture shows how we can all play a role in helping children like Zoey thrive.”

The AZ529 Education Savings Plan offers a tax-free approach to setting money aside for college, community college, vocational training, trade school and other educational avenues for high school graduates. Arizona residents can receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax deduction for contributions made to an AZ529 account each year, up to $2,000 per beneficiary or $4,000 per beneficiary, depending on filing status., the release stated.

Funds earned over time will remain tax-free when used for covered educational expenses. Additionally, AZ529 Plan beneficiaries can now roll over unused funds into a Roth IRA, up to a $35,000 lifetime limit free of income tax or tax penalties.

Friends and family members may also add to a child’s AZ529 Plan at any time and earn the same tax benefits for themselves.