As part of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona’s (CFSA) historic 2022 CORE Grants round, several local nonprofit organizations working to promote healthy communities received funding to maximize their impact and improve the quality of life in Southern Arizona.
CFSA’s Healthy Communities Impact Fund supports increased access to basic needs, high-quality healthcare, end-of-life services, and support programs for vulnerable members of our community. This includes general operating funding for transportation programs, feeding programs, respite care, senior services, rural healthcare, domestic violence programs, diaper banks, and more. Learn more about this Impact Fund here.
2022 CORE Grantees: Healthy Communities
Amistad Y Salud, Clínica Amistad, provides free primary health care, preventive services, and education to those in need and without access to health care throughout the greater Tucson area.
Nicole Glasner, Amistad Y Salud, Clínica Amistad, shared, “This grant means that Clínica will be equipped to bring our patient care to the next level and deliver Primary Care services to more patients in need. The goal of Clínica Amistad is to assist at-risk individuals within our community to achieve and maintain optimal health and wellness regardless of their financial limitations.”
Arivaca Coordinating Council – Arivaca Human Resource Group Inc. improves their clients’ health, well-being, and stability by
providing food and clothing. Other essential services are provided via referral and support.
Rick Vogel, Arivaca Human Resources Group Inc., shared, “The funding received will enable us to continue building our mission os serving the fragile and vulnerable residents of our community by providing for their basic needs. These funds will allow us to maintain our staffing and operating hours during these times of great need.”
BICAS participates in affordable bicycle transportation, education, and creative recycling with our greater Tucson community.
Kristin McRay, BICAS, said, “Thanks to CORE funding, BICAS is able to expand accessibility to affordable bicycle transportation through education and bicycle salvage to reach Tucsonans of all ages and backgrounds. BICAS strives to make bicycling available to as many people as possible and to break down barriers such as cost, tool access, and experience. Thank you CFSA donors and partners!”
Diaper Bank of Southern AZ makes diapers, incontinence supplies, and period products available during times of need, primarily through collaborative community relationships that promote health, wellness, dignity, and independence.
Ian Arthur, Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona, stated, “Receiving a CFSA Core Grant means that we have the ability to increase our capacity to serve not only Pima County, but all counties throughout Southern Arizona. It also means providing a sense of relief to individuals experiencing a financial hardship, while also helping them meet their basic needs.”
Greater Tucson Fire Foundation provides our firefighters with health and wellness services in the areas of cardiac health & fitness, cancer awareness and prevention, and mental health and wellness.
Rorie Johnston, Greater Tucson Fire Foundation, shared, “Receiving a CORE grant expands the Foundation’s resources to serve the 1,850 Firefighters in the region, providing early cancer detection screening, PEER Fitness Certification courses, physical fitness equipment and mental health support.”
Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal offers unique social services to those who need them, including access to their food panty, Joseph’s Pantry, migrant services, and social justice.
Jessica Swift, Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, said, “Receiving a CORE grant will help us to continue our missions of earth justice, social justice, and migrant justice in Southern Arizona and beyond. GSP is a safe place for all. We are committed to serving our community through our food pantry, social services, and migrant programs. We advocate for the earth and all of its inhabitants. Financial support from CFSAZ and its donors is invaluable, and equally as great is the hope found in coming together as a community to better serve one another. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona Inc. delivers nutritious meals to people in Southern Arizona through a network of caring individuals. Their clients include older persons, people living with disabilities, people facing tough medical conditions, and people facing end of life issues.
Luke Smith, Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona, shared, “As the demand for nutritious meals to be delivered to the homes of those in need continues to grow the CFSA CORE Grant will help Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona to open our own food production facility to more than double our current capacity, with the potential to produce 1,600 meals a day. That’s enough to feed over 500,000 people in need a year.”
Our Neighbors Farm and Pantry works to provide access to basic, quality food in Graham County.
Stacey Scarce, Our Neighbors Farm and Pantry, said, “Program salaries are a significant expense for nonprofits and often not what donors would like to support. The CFSA CORE Grant gives us the support to keep our programs going.”
Sahuarita Food Bank strives to meet the nutritional needs of the hungry through the acquisition and distribution of healthy food. In collaboration with community partners and clients, they also address the causes of hunger through education, workforce development, coaching and other human services.
Curt Keim, Sahuarita Food Bank, stated, “The CORE grants have afforded us the wherewithal to continue to manage our operations costs within a budget that has grown annually as our organization’s service demands have grown. It is a matter of great importance to us we can present a financially healthy picture to our supporters and donors as this builds their confidence in the management capacity of the organization.”
Southside Presbyterian Church/Southside Worker Center supports a community of worker-leaders building collective power and raising the standards of worker conditions so that members can take part in dignified work and earn just wages.
Josefina Ahumada, Southside Workers Center, shared, “The CORE grant means that we can continue advocating and advancing the work of the center’s membership.”
Valley Assistance Services guides seniors, individuals, and families to live healthy, resilient, and vibrant lives, while remaining safe and independent.
Christine Erickson, Valley Assistance Services, said, “Receiving the CFSA CORE Grant will make all the difference to Valley Assistance Services as it expands its services, though new programs and expansion of current programs, to meet the continually growing need in Southern Arizona.”