October 29
We were pleased to have Rotary District 5495 Governor, Jim Schmidt, as well as Assistant District Governor, Jon Lyons, in attendance. Governor Schmidt spoke to the Club about events and happenings around the District.October 22
Erik Arriola, Executive Director of Superstition Community Food Bank, spoke to the Club about various programs the Food Bank is involved with, as well as the many challenges they face in helping support the growing number of families who are turning to the Food Bank to help fill their needs for food to feed their families. The Food Bank also helps support students from Desert Vista Elementary, Four Peaks Elementary, and Peralta Trails Elementary with a Student BackPack Program. This program helps provide weekend nutrition for students by providing food in a backpack that the students get to take home for the weekend.There are various food drives throughout the community that help to bring food into the Food Bank throughout the year. Also, the Food Bank has a number of annual fundraisers. Additionally, there are always volunteer opportunities available at the Food Bank to help serve those in need. For more information and to learn how you can become involved in helping support them -
https://superstitionfoodbank.org/
October 15
Our speaker was Abe Feder with an update about the Arizona Rotary Microcredit program. He shared past history about the program, along with information about plans for where the program is hoped to be going. Additionally, Abe shared information about partner programs. One fact he shared is that 100% of the money that has been donated in the past is still in play. For more information about the Arizona Rotary Microcredit Program -October 1
Marin Lasater from 'A New Leaf/CAAFA' shared updates with the group. Founded in 1998, 'Community Alliance Against Family Abuse' (CAAFA) is the first and only non-profit sexual and domestic abuse service provider in Northern Pinal County.
The organization focuses on empowering individuals and families in the community to be free from abuse. Community members founded CAAFA in Apache Junction when they learned that local victims of domestic violence and their children were living in their cars and out in the desert. Seeing that survivors had nowhere else to go, they created the shelter, along with support services that help 470 survivors annually. Survivors can find help with the 16-bed emergency shelter, support groups, legal advocacy, case management, sexual assault victim advocacy, food boxes, community outreach services, and more.
In 2021, 'CAAFA' merged with the non-profit, 'A New Leaf'. Since 1971, 'A New Leaf' has assisted those most in need in our community, helping families, children, and adults overcome their challenges.
'CAAFA' is always seeking additional donations and financial support to continue providing the support needed. For information about how you can get involved or donate - https://turnanewleaf.org/.