Category Archives: Non-Profit

Christine Stamper Center for Help & Hope open with limited services October 23

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Christine Stamper sleeping area.

BULLHEAD CITY — The 57-bed Legacy Foundation Christine Stamper Center for Help and Hope, a homeless and day resource center serving Bullhead City and the surrounding area, will open with limited services under strict health and safety protocols for individuals and families experiencing homelessness beginning Oct. 21.

At full operation, the 10,000-plus square foot facility will offer overnight rest, relief, basic necessities, case management and health services with the ability to shelter 57 individuals each night. Private rooms will be available for families and veterans.

“Catholic Charities has been monitoring state and local data and predictive models to ensure a safe and healthy opening with a phased approach, which has begun. The shelter will remain at limited capacity while COVID-19 still remains a risk,”said Cathy Peterson, Executive Director of the Northern Arizona Region of Catholic Charities. “In the meantime, we know how important it is to provide these critical services, resources and support to the community.”

A family has already moved into one of the three units designated for families. A second family is scheduled to move in the week of Oct. 21. “Because of the need for social distancing, we are keeping occupancy to two families at this time,” Peterson said.

Day services will be provided two days a week (Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) beginning October 23 and expanded to three days a week, including Mondays, on November 4. Day services include access to laundry facilities, showers, restrooms, lunches and meetings with case managers as needed.

Dinners will be served three nights a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 4-5:30 p.m.) beginning November 11 and expanded to all five weeknights on November 23.

In December, staggered overnight stays will begin for veterans and individuals with appropriate distancing protocols.

Family Center and Play area.

STRICT SAFETY PROTOCOLS ARE IN PLACE

“We have done a lot of work to ensure that this phased, limited opening will be as safe as possible. Homelessness is a growing issue in the community, and unfortunately, this pandemic is likely to be a long-term challenge,” Peterson said. “Our staff members have done a great job of pivoting to ensure they were still providing critical outreach while we worked to figure out this plan, and we look forward to serving the community to a greater extent.”

Masks and social distancing will be required for everyone and congregating in groups outside the shelter is strictly prohibited

Other protocols include:

• On arrival, all clients will be screened for potential COVID-19 symptoms, temperatures will be taken and needs will be assessed under a pop-up tent outside the building.
• Once screened, no more than 15 individuals will be allowed in the shelter at a time. Lingering will not be allowed. Once a client is screened and uses the services they need, they must exit the building.
• Only two volunteers will be allowed in the shelter at a time and they will be assigned to the kitchen to assist with meal preparation and delivery.
• Staff will conduct multiple deep cleaning and sanitizing throughout the day and after use by each client.
• Three ultra-violet (UV) light sanitation systems will be used each night.
• The facility also will use the open-air patio in the back of building as needed.

Outreach services, including delivering hygiene supplies, food, water and other resources will continue, Peterson said, adding that nearby North Country Health Care has agreed to provide COVID-19 testing as needed for both clients and staff members.

Additional donations for the Legacy Foundation Christine Stamper Center for Help & Hope in the 1500 block of Oatman Road can be made online at www.catholiccharitiesaz.org/donate-to-BHC. Additional information about shelter services, along with a video tour of the shelter, can be found at www.catholiccharitiesaz.org/bhc-shelter.

Route 66 On-The-Air again

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Route 66 is on the air.

FLAGSTAFF — Once again the amateur radio operators along Route 66 take to the air waves for the annual Route 66 On-The-Air event. Amateur radio operators, also known as “Hams,” will try to make contacts with other amateur operators from around the world. The event runs from 5 p.m. this Friday, September 11 until 3 p.m. Sunday, September 20 MST.

Glen Davis, KG7YDJ, on the air in Bellemont in 2019.

Amateur radio operators conduct contests and events throughout the year to test equipment by trying to make as many contacts as possible in a specified amount of time. Operators who make contact with all of the Route 66 stations can receive a “QSL” card from each. When they are put together, they make a map of Route 66.

Ron Gerlack and Andrew Gissel WA7DPS work Route 66 On-The-Air in Bellemont last year.

Some of the stations are stationary at the homes of various amateur radio operators and some are rovers that go to different places along Route 66. In the Flagstaff area, Ron Gerlack KG7OH of the Northern Arizona DX Association—the amateur radio club that works the event—takes the Coconino Amateur Radio Club trailer with various amateur radio equipment to various locations along Route 66. The call sign for this roaming station is W6T.

In the past, Ron has set up at Williams, Bellemont, the Grand Canyon Caverns, Twin Arrows, Seligman and a number of other places. This year he plans to set up at Bellemont, again, and along the “S” curve in Parks, Arizona.

At Twin Arrows in 2018.

Habitat for Humanity wall raising Saturday

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WILLIAMS — Habitat for Humanity is hosting a Dedication and Wall Raising on Saturday, August 15th at 8:30 a.m. for the Windham family house. The site is 910 Hereford Drive in Williams.

Attendees can congratulate the family and leave a “Forever Message” on the newly raised wall. Anyone wishing to help further can stay and help paint the siding and trim until 3:30. Lunch will be served.

Pop Sensations Jason Derulo & Rachel Platten to Headline the MI Charitable Foundation’s Annual Summer Concert

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GRATZ, Pa. – Featuring chart-topping singer-songwriters Jason Derulo and Rachel Platten, the MI Charitable Foundation’s sixth annual summer concert will be streamed online Saturday, August 15, from 8-10 pm EST.

This is a free event with opportunities for viewers to donate if they choose. All funds raised will benefit the MI Foundation’s local, regional, and national beneficiaries. Additionally, MI Windows and Doors will be matching all donations dollar-for-dollar up to the first $100,000.

“We are elated to have Jason Derulo and Rachel Platten performing this year,” MI Windows CEO Matt DeSoto said. “They’re both fantastic singers and great performers.”

A Florida native, Derulo has 11 platinum singles to his credit, including “Whatcha Say,” a 2009 hit that reached No. 1 in the U.S. During his decade-long career, he has collaborated with Snoop Dogg, Nicki Minaj, and many other pop music superstars.

Platten, whose 2015 hit, “Fight Song,” reached No. 6 on the American charts, won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2016 for her live performance on “Good Morning America.” She has also appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The X Factor,” and “American Idol.”

“Smooth Like Clyde,” a popular group out of Harrisburg, Pa., that has been called the top cover band in Central Pennsylvania by multiple outlets, is also going to perform. Additionally, the concert will feature inspirational videos from some of the MI Foundation’s beneficiaries, including Homes for Our Troops, Four Diamonds, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

“When we first started planning the 2020 summer concert, we had no idea that we wouldn’t be meeting in person,” DeSoto says. “But I think we’ve put together a fantastic program – one that will give our team members, customers, suppliers, and friends from around the country a chance to learn about the many wonderful causes the MI Foundation supports. And we think it will be a lot of fun, too.”

Preparations still being made for Vietnam Memorial Wall

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Ground being prepared for the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall.

WILLIAMS – They are not in the Army now, but Veterans of Williams are preparing the ground for the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall. Although the wall may be delayed in coming because of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus, they hope it is not delayed long.

Williams was already disappointed by the understandable cancellation of Run For the Wall which was to occur in May. They were also disappointed by the cancellation of the Wreath Laying ceremony for Vietnam Veterans on Memorial Day for the safety of possible participants.

John Holst, Randy Baer and Russell Achee prepare the grounds for the moving Vietnam Wall.

Randy Baer, in charge of the project, said that the area will be much nicer even after the Wall is gone.

John Holst added that they intend to add low-water, local shrubbery and trees.

We hope that, while the Vietnam Memorial Wall is here, people will show enough respect to not let their dogs defecate in the area.

Randy said they could use help with labor as the project progresses. Help with digging and landscaping would be appreciated. He can be reached at 928-225-9064. Small monetary donations would be helpful to defray the cost of the project.

It is important to note that they will be trying to stay compliant with current restrictions. So you may have to actually call for an appointment to help.

Salvation Army continues to serve during crisis

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WILLIAMS – The Salvation Army has been on the front lines of major disasters around the globe for 120 years and is uniquely equipped to respond in times of crisis, so as the COVID-19 situation constantly changes, The Salvation Army continues to serve our neighbors in need in the Williams area with:

• Canned food
• Clothing
• Toilet paper
• Feminine hygiene products
• Outdoor equipment
• Assistance with heating bills
• Veterans services
• Prayer services
• Support groups
• Bibles

The Salvation Army in Williams operates out of the Hope for the World building at 117 W. Route 66, Suite 125. Regular hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the office can be reached at 928-221-3577.

As goods are subject to availability, The Salvation Army is asking for the public’s help with donations of food, toilet paper, dental hygiene products, and, most importantly, monetary donations. Monetary donations give The Salvation Army the flexibility to meet the most urgent needs at any given time.

Those wishing to donate are asked to call The Salvation Army office at 928-221-3577 to set up an appointment, to lessen person-to-person contact.

Williams Event Huddle scheduled for February 10

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WILLIAMS — The Williams Event Huddle has been scheduled for 2020. The event is scheduled, this year, for February 10 at 5 p.m. at the Family Harvest Church behind Safeway at 220 S 7th Street in Williams.

At the Williams Event Huddle local community service and non-profit groups, churches, city and government organizations, clubs and businesses gather to distribute information about their group. They share goals and plans for 2020.

Residents are welcome to come and learn about the various services in the area and, perhpas, get in touch with a group they wish to join or whose services they may need.

Groups that wish to speak and be represented can contact Kerry-Lynn Moede at 602-818-6559.

10 Ways to Help Keep Trick or Treaters Safe this Halloween

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PHOENIX – Halloween is just days away. Fast becoming one of the most popular holidays in this country, masses of little superheroes, cartoon and television characters will soon be out in their neighborhoods for trick or treat fun. The American Red Cross has ten tips parents can follow to help keep the kids safe while enjoying the festivities.

Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen.
– Use face makeup instead of masks which make seeing difficult.
– Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way.
– Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
– Have everyone wear light-colored clothing.

Use flame-resistant costumes.

Make sure adults know where the kids are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door.

Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.

Walk, don’t run.

Only visit homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door – never go inside.

Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street.
– If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
– Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
– Don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
– Don’t cross between parked cars.
– Drivers – use extra caution. The youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing.

A grown-up should check the goodies before eating.
– Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards.
– Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.

If you are planning to welcome trick-or-treaters to your home, follow these safety steps:
Light the area well so young visitors can see.
Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps. Clear your porch or front yard of obstacles someone could trip over.

Red Cross Encourages Everyone to Get Ready for the Next Emergency

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PHOENIX — September is National Preparedness Month, the perfect time for people to get their household ready in case an emergency should occur. The American Red Cross prepares all year for disasters and urges everyone to Be Red Cross Ready too.

EMERGENCIES CAN OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING, BE PREPARED

Emergencies are more common than people may think, and disasters can happen anywhere, anytime — they can even begin in someone’s own home. Every 8 minutes, the Red Cross responds to a disaster, and the vast majority of these are home fires. By having an emergency plan and kit, families can react quickly when a disaster strikes. The Red Cross encourages everyone to take three important action steps to get prepared:

  • Build a kit – Build an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you if you must evacuate. Include items such as water, non-perishable food, a flashlight and extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, first aid kit, and medications.
  • Make a plan – Talk with members of your household about what to do during emergencies. Plan what to do in case you are separated and choose two places to meet—one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire, and another outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home.
  • Be informed – Know what kinds of emergency situations may occur where you live, where you work, and where you go to school. Get trained in First Aid and CPR/AED so you’ll know what to do in an emergency if help is delayed. Don’t forget your pets, plan for them too.

DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS. The Red Cross Emergency App has more than 35 customizable severe weather and emergency alerts. Content on what to do before, during and after emergencies from power outages to home fires, to hurricanes and tornadoes, can be viewed in English or Spanish. Parents can download the Monster Guard: Prepare for Emergencies App so 7- to 11-year-olds will have a fun, gaming environment to learn how to prevent emergencies and what to do if one occurs. Apps can be downloaded for free by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in app stores or visiting redcross.org/apps. People can also enable Red Cross skills for Alexa to receive notifications about an approaching hurricane, get valuable first aid information and schedule a blood donation.

PLEASE GIVE BLOOD. Severe weather events can have a significant impact on the ability of the Red Cross to collect life-saving blood products due to canceled blood drives and decreased donor turnout in impacted areas. It is the blood already on hand that helps those in need. Each day, the Red Cross must collect about 13,000 blood donations and more than 2,500 platelet donations to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients and children with blood disorders. Volunteer blood and platelet donors are needed to help save lives. Eligible donors are encouraged to schedule a donation appointment by using the Blood Donor Skill for Amazon Alexa, the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Lifesaving Award Presentation to Professional Responders

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TUSCON — On July 13, 2019, an elderly male seated near the swimming pool appeared to be sleeping when a lifeguard approached him, however the man was unresponsive. The lifeguard activated the emergency action plan to immediately respond and assist the individual. Through the coordination of six staff members, three-person CPR and AED interventions were administered to save the individual’s life.

“Based on the professional actions of our Town of Marana lifeguard staff, the patient is alive, has no neurological deficits, and is at home with his family recovering from this life-threating experience,” said Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy.

“The Town of Marana commends the Red Cross for the training and setting the standard that our staff followed to save a life,” Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta added.

For their heroic and lifesaving actions, six staff members of Marana Arizona Parks and Recreation Department: Kevin Goodrich, Noah McConnell, Joshua Larsen, Clayton Hall, Brinley Miller and Spencer Murphy will receive the Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders at the Marana Community Center at 1:00 pm. The Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders is one of the highest awards given by the American Red Cross to an individual or team of individuals who saves or sustains a life by using skills and knowledge learned in a Red Cross Training Services course.

“We’re extremely honored to present the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders to six staff members of Marana Arizona Parks and Recreation” said Courtney Slanaker, Executive Director. “Their actions exemplify our mission to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.”