Domestic violence foundation kicks off in honor of Phoenix-area girls’ deaths

PHOENIX — An organization has been launched in honor of two Phoenix-area girls who were killed by their father in a domestic violence incident last year.

The Infinite Bond Foundation was founded in honor of Ariah and Audrey Arismendez, two sisters from Tolleson who were killed in October 2016 when their father shot them to death before killing himself.

The foundation was launched in October, also known as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

It will work in partnership with local domestic violence shelters and behavioral health centers to treat children to events, museums, trips and camps with local athletic teams.

Related: 

• Domestic violence victims can get a free Lyft to safety in October
• Phoenix shelters offering support for domestic violence victims, pets

Officials with the foundation hope to eventually provide educational scholarships to high school survivors of domestic violence, as well as daycare grants for younger children.

The foundation does not yet have tax-exempt status, although the application has been made to the IRS.

Ariah and Audrey’s aunt, Ana Castillo, said the foundation is fundamental because it will allow victims of domestic violence the opportunity to children – if even for a few hours.

Castillo said the girls’ mother, Carmen, made sure her children had the opportunity to escape their surroundings whenever possible by taking them to the zoo, puppet shows, theater or other fun activities.

“[Audrey and Ariah] did so much, and that’s because Carmen did that for them. She wants to continue doing that for other children … who don’t have the resources to go out to events and museums and parks,” Castillo said.

“They can be happy and removed from an abusive home,” she added. “They can experience a world of happiness to which all children are entitled.”

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