Scottsdale City Council Approves More Than $550,000 for Social Services

City of Scottsdale LogoCity of Scottsdale

NEWS RELEASE

June 17, 2015

Contact:  Community Assistance Manager Michelle Albanese, 480-312-2309

City Council approves more than $550,000 for social service needs for the 2015-16 fiscal year

 The Scottsdale City Council last night approved $563,425 to fund nonprofit agencies that provide programs and services to assist thousands of residents at risk and in need.

Renatta with "Big Sister Emily"

Scottsdale Cares – Big Brothers Big Sisters – Renatta and Emily

 

These programs and services help people like Renatta, an elementary school aged student who needed a mentor. Enter Emily, a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona. A shared love of art brought her together with Renatta. Their repertoire of activities expanded beyond the art world and a true friendship developed. The pair looks forward to playing board games, crafting holiday cards, discussing science and just hanging out together. To those considering becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, Emily has this to say, “Just give it a try and quit pondering. It’s fun, a doable commitment and a rewarding way to positively influence our youth.”

Some funding to allow Renatta to participate in the program came from Scottsdale Cares, the city’s voluntary utility bill donation program. Scottsdale Cares will allocate $140,000 to 11 nonprofit agencies in the 2015-16 fiscal year, which begins July 1.

In addition to Scottsdale Cares funding, the city’s General Fund will allocate $193,000 to eight other agencies. Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community grant funding will provide $230,425 to six agencies that serve the most vulnerable populations of the Scottsdale community.

Here’s an overview of the programs and how money is being distributed. Detailed information is available by viewing the June 16 City Council regular agenda.

Scottsdale Cares is a voluntary donation program that allows residents to add an extra $1 per month to their monthly utility bill. Monies support programs such as teen suicide prevention, drug intervention and prevention, youth mentoring and job skills for people with learning disabilities. Agencies funded:

  • Aid to Adoption of Special Kids: $8,400
  • Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter: $17,000
  • Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation: $8,500
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona: $5,000
  • Boys and Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale: $20,900
  • Community Bridges, Inc.: $12,299
  • Family Promise Greater Phoenix: $26,125
  • Homeward Bound: $6,240
  • Save the Family Foundation of Arizona: $8,500
  • Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services (STARS): $19,000
  • Teen Lifeline: $8,036

General Fund monies are part of the city’s operating budget. Allocations will go to nonprofit agencies that provide services such as shelter assistance, crisis intervention and counseling.  Agencies funded:

  • Catholic Charities Community Services, Inc.: $30,000
  • Chrysalis Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence: $9,000
  • Community Legal Services, Inc.: $18,000
  • Duet: Partners in Health & Aging: $21,000
  • Family Promise Greater Phoenix: $30,000
  • Jewish Family & Children’s Service: $25,000
  • Sojourner Center: $30,000
  • Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development: $30,000

 Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community grant funding goes toward agencies that provide food and shelter services:

  • A New Leaf, Inc.: $25,000
  • Central Arizona Shelter Services, Inc.: $30,000
  • Concerned Citizens for Community Health: $29,000
  • Foothills Caring Corps, Inc.: $13,555
  • Tempe Community Action Agency – Senior Action Program: $55,620
  • Tempe Community Action Agency – Scottsdale Home Delivered Meals: $77,250

Learn about resources to help residents. Those interested in donating to programs can visit Scottsdale Shares.

Cowboy with Horse

“Call it a Day” by Frank Biondo

 

  

 

 

 

Author: Les Conklin

Les Conklin is a resident of north Scottsdale He founded Friends of the Scenic Drive, the Monte de Paz HOA and is the president of the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association. He was named to Scottsdale's History Maker Hall of Fame in 2014. Les is a past editor of A Peek at the Peak and the author of Images of America: Pinnacle Peak. He served on the Scottsdale's Pride Commission, McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission, the boards of several local nonprofits and was a founding organizer of the city's Adopt-A-Road Program.. Les is a volunteer guide at the Musical Instrument Museum.

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