.jpg) Mesa West Rotary Club met for a tour of the Child Crisis Arizona facility in Mesa. Rotarians were welcomed by Sue Gifford, Director of Individual and Legacy Gifts. She Introduced Torrie Taj, CEO, and following her remarks, Rotarians heard from Jodi Stoken, Chief Development Officer. Kristin Andrew was introduced as Program Director of Early Education Services. Torrie is a former Rotarian and a proud Paul Harris Fellow. When demands of her work got in the way of continuing to maintain perfect attendance, she dropped out of Rotary. It was clear from the individuals delivering opening remarks and key facts that they all love their work and know they are making a difference in the lives of the children they serve. Some initial key facts shared: The children come from a wide variety of home situations with many being borderline homeless. 70% come from single-parent households - not all with single moms. Every family is assigned to a family-support specialist. Because they operate under Federal program, they collect a lot of data. Health needs of each child are being met - the parents, not so much. Rotarians learned some of the reasons behind the merging of two primary organizations serving children in the Phoenix metro area, with the Child Crisis Center in Mesa being one of them. The merger resulted in the current organization - Child Crisis, Arizona. The best practices of both organizations resulted in creating a dynamic force for good. Everything offered in Mesa is also offered in Phoenix. Jodi Stoken, who was "Fundraiser of the Year" two years ago, oversees the fundraising and marketing team. Their last capital campaign was in 2005-2007, a drive which funded the facility hosting the tour. The demand for service is growing. They are well known for providing emergency shelter for children. Federal funding for family education resources went away, but they have been able to continue to provide that resource through philanthropy and their merger with Child Crisis Nursery. The children served at the center are provided two hot meals and two snacks each day. For some of the children, their next breakfast at the school may be the next meal they have. There is work currently going on to improve the existing building's capacity to serve. Some of the rooms will be used for adult education at night and for children's programs during the day. They have six classes of eight children.. Each room has two teachers. The children study three languages: English, Spanish and American Sign. With one program, they have to raise 20% match of $1,000,000 Federal Resource money each year. Of their $7,500,000 annual budget, half is provided with philanthropy. The group sang Happy Birthday to Allan Cady who celebrated his 74th birthday in September. |
.jpg)
Mesa West Rotarians attending the September 20 Peace Conference hosted by Peoria Rotary Club were Allan and Polly Cady and Lucinda General. Following is the agenda of speakers and topics discussed:
.jpg)
