Whether it is preparing food boxes or shelving donations in Tempe’s largest food pantry, providing safe lodging and/or meals in our I-HELP Shelter, volunteering in our community gardens, or providing educational workshops and activities for Health Start and Senior Services, the time, talent and compassion of our dedicated volunteers form the backbone of our programs.

There is no such thing as a “typical” volunteer. From teens to retirees, there are many service opportunities that fit their stage in life and availability. For example:

• Now 76, Dick Leutkemeyer delivered meals to homebound seniors one day a week for the past 12 years. “Volunteering provided me with a perspective on how fortunate I am. If an individual is in good health and has a positive outlook on life, I see no obstacles to volunteering.”

• Azalea Thomson is a 20-year-old global health major at ASU who helps at TCAA’s front desk and works with clients at the food pantry. She’s learned about food insecurity in her classes, but “getting a real-world experience and interacting with people whose daily lives are affected is something that I will always take away from my time here,” says Azalea. Her schedule limits the amount of time she can contribute, but not the spirit and effort she brings to volunteering. “I would suggest investing in the experience fully. Being a volunteer is not simply going in once a month and working for a few hours, it is really about connecting with the both the clients we serve and the other volunteers and staff you’re working alongside.”

• April and Ashley Culbertson have been a mother/daughter volunteer duo at the TCAA food pantry since last November. Now 16, Ashley wanted to start volunteering, but was limited to finding an opportunity after school hours. Her mom, who’s 47, was looking for ways to get involved in philanthropy and wanted to spend quality time with her daughter, but she needed after work hours. The pantry’s Tuesday/Thursday evening shift was a great fit for both. They have passed out food to clients at the pantry, stocked shelves and entered new clients into the database. “I am able to give back to the community,” says April, “and take my mind off my own life for a while.”

• Laurie Koenig is a self-employed 56-year-old empty nester who started helping TCAA a little more than a year ago in the food pantry and with data entry. She was looking for some added “purpose” in her life. “Hunger, especially in the USA, should not exist,” notes Laurie. “I wanted to take an active role in reducing hunger and food insecurity.” Her schedule is more flexible than some, so she can volunteer during a variety of shift times. “Volunteering with TCAA has allowed me to expand my view of the world and my community. I am uplifted by those around me.”

If you have a heart for service and are looking for an opportunity to make a difference, TCAA needs you as a volunteer. In addition to ongoing volunteer needs at the pantry, the homeless shelter program and for home-delivered meals, TCAA currently needs:

• Administrative support/front desk/data entry
• Drivers to pick up food pantry donations
• Healthcare practitioners willing to volunteer as guest speakers at health-related workshops for TCAA clients

Sophia Campbell is the director of philanthropy for TCAA. She can be reached at sophiac@tempeaction.org.

Original story from “My Turn” article published in the Arizona Republic on April 21, 2017.

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Ready to Provide Help to More People in Need

Building on its more than 50 years of service to people in need, Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA) is opening a new office at 2146 E. Apache Blvd in Tempe. The recently completed structure is named The Norton and Ramsey Center in honor of long-time TCAA supporters Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey.  The site hosts the agency’s Emergency Services programs, Food Pantry, I-HELP (Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program) team and administrative offices.

TCAA’s newest location offers many benefits for clients, community partners, and volunteers. The new site is located within the agency’s original Escalante neighborhood, but its proximity to light rail makes it easier for more people to access assistance. The larger food pantry provides more space for food and for the volunteers who staff it. Plus, its location next door to senior-living facility Meridian offers opportunities for TCAA both to serve more seniors in need and to welcome more senior volunteers. In addition, a new partnership between TCAA and Tumbleweed includes sharing space for Tumbleweed case management staff at TCAA’s new site. Youth experiencing homelessness can access shelter and wrap around support in Tempe through this partnership.

“We are excited about our increased ability to serve more area residents who are struggling to meet their basic need for nutritious food and stable housing,” notes Deborah Arteaga, TCAA executive director. “We’re also deeply grateful for the way so many volunteers and donors have stepped up to make this transition successful.”

Bethel Development, Inc. built the facility for TCAA through a tax credit agreement with the City of Tempe. The building was developed for TCAA at no cost to the agency. Edward Jones outfitted the new food pantry and provided volunteers to stock it. “That’s just one example of how it really does take a village to help our neighbors in need,” said Arteaga.

“Tempe Community Action Agency is an organization that takes ACTION and it is one of profound activism, historically and currently,” says Jenny Norton, whose mother helped found TCAA more than 50 years ago. “Never have I witnessed so many wonderful activists, including Tempe’s citizens, accomplishing wondrous goals here.”

In addition to this location, TCAA continues to operate senior meal and activity programs through three area multigenerational centers, and manages the Escalante and Clark Park Community Gardens. In addition, its Health Start pre- and post-natal services operate out of the Escalante Community Center.

“TCAA is an integral part of our city, helping alleviate hunger and poverty for thousands of seniors, adults and children each year. The City of Tempe is fortunate to have a community partner like TCAA that has such a positive impact on so many peoples’ lives,” said City of Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell.

TCAA offers supportive services to individuals and families striving for greater economic stability and self-sufficiency. We help those who are struggling to obtain adequate food and shelter, as well as seniors and disabled adults working to attain their highest level of independence. Acting with financial support from the community we serve, TCAA operates a food pantry, three senior centers, aging programs, the Tempe Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program (I-HELP), pre- and post-natal services, two community gardens, and other projects and programs that serve our most vulnerable residents. For more information about programs, please visit our services page.

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Ronald came to the I-HELP Shelter Program in May 2015. Prior to arriving at I-HELP, he had been living in Paulden, AZ working alongside a rancher. Ronald was a hired Ranch hand-rustling cattle, fixing fences, irrigation, and basic maintenance issues as needed. He was able to live on the ranch while he worked there. Unfortunately his employment opportunity ended and he was left with no place to go.

So, he headed to the valley to look for a job. What remaining money he had, he used for food and hotel and motel rooms for approximately two months. With no money coming in, Ronald eventually became homeless, living on the streets.

He had heard about I-HELP from the 211 Information Line. Once in I-HELP, Ronald quickly engaged in Case Management services. While he had most of his Vital Documents with him, Ronald had no health insurance or SNAP Benefits. He was also stuck in a situation where his brother had forged his identity to acquire DES benefits. I-HELP staff supported him in working through this legal process, assisting him with an appeal process, and court dates/appearances/phone interviews, etc. in order to help him secure his own benefits. He also had a physical disability, as a result of being previously shot in the forearm. This was complicating Ronald’s ability to secure employment. TCAA’s Case Management staff was able to get him qualified through the Vocational Rehabilitation Program and he was soon enrolled in FOCUS which provided on-site work skills, computer training, typing, customer service skills, all while being paid an hourly wage.

When he finished the program, he continued with I-HELP services and obtained a job coach. All the while, Ronald volunteered 5 days a week in the Food Pantry. In Aug. 2016, Ronald successfully secured employment through ARAMARK services located at ASU Tempe campus. He obtained health benefits and began saving for a place to live. By Dec. 2016, he had moved into his own place and no longer needed our assistance.

While Ronald was in the I-HELP program, he volunteered more than 40 hours a week in the TCAA Food Pantry. He continues to volunteer in the Food Pantry whenever his schedule permits.

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TCAA is seeking bids from local artists to design, fabricate, paint and/or install donor recognition artwork for display on an interior wall at our new facility. Donor artwork may encompass customized tile, pottery, mural, or other creative form of artwork that will recognize individual donors who have contributed to TCAA’s donor society. The new donor wall and artwork will serve as a visible expression of gratitude and encourage future donations and participation.

Donor Recognition Art Project RFP

For more than 50 years, Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA), an Arizona nonprofit organization, has been committed to the mission of alleviating hunger, poverty, and homelessness within the communities it serves. Since 1966 TCAA has evolved from a small grass roots organization to an established expert in human services and primary entry point for individuals and families seeking assistance. TCAA carries out its mission through four core program areas: hunger relief, homelessness prevention and intervention, senior independence, and healthy beginnings for infants and young families. Services are offered at three sites: two in Tempe and one in Scottsdale. On an annual basis these programs serve over 30,000 children, adults, and seniors who are residents of Tempe and other East Valley communities.

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Like Melinda who lives just down the road on Farmer Street.  Melinda is 60 years old and came to TCAA in a state of desperation. She had lost her husband of 47 years and every asset she owned after a difficult divorce. She was living on a fixed income of just $500 a month and after paying for rent and food she had nothing left to cover her utility bills. Her electric bill had climbed to over $400 and to save money, she began to stop using her air conditioner in August.  At TCAA, Melinda was able to secure financial assistance for overdue utility bills, which helped to keep her safely housed and prevented homelessness.

There’s Bob, who was unemployed and experiencing severe health concerns at age 60. He suffered from uncontrollable diabetes, cataracts, a pancreatic tumor, blood clots in his legs and a cyst in his ear. Incredibly, he didn’t qualify for SSDI and couldn’t get social security. To make matters worse – he was homeless. He couldn’t afford to live any other way. There was no safety net for Bob. At TCAA, Bob found safe shelter through I-HELP and with support from case managers, he was able to secure health care coverage and received medical attention. He continues to rely on I-HELP for meals and overnight lodging while he and TCAA staff work on addressing his barriers to entering stable housing.

And finally, there’s Lucy, who, with her one year old daughter, fled a violent relationship in Texas and moved in with her aunt in Tempe. It wasn’t long before her aunt could no longer support Lucy and her daughter, and they faced the difficult choice of either becoming homeless or returning to that abusive relationship. With help from TCAA, Lucy was able to receive financial support to move into an apartment of her own. She secured a job and she and her daughter are on their way to becoming self-sufficient.

These stories could have ended tragically, except that Melinda, Bob and Lucy found their way to TCAA.

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“I remember having breakfast and reading the paper when I came upon a small article about an organization in Phoenix that would have to stop delivering meals to the home-bound because of a lack of drivers. I imagined so many people going hungry and that spoiled my breakfast. A few days later, I saw an ad from Tempe Community Action Agency looking for volunteer drivers for their program of home delivered meals. The next day I was at the Tempe North Center and signed on as a driver. It was the best thing I did to enjoy my retirement.

It was so easy to bring some fun with the food. One client was a gentleman from Vietnam, educated in France. He was so happy to speak French and before we knew it, we were singing La Marseillaise! I met so many wonderful people on my route. They appreciated the food but so often they just wanted to visit. Sometimes they needed a hug or some advice. They were so caring of me as well, offering an umbrella if a shower surprised me, a sweater if it was cold, or a drink on a hot summer day. Some days I would bring my granddaughter with me when she had a break from school. She was proud of her grandma and how much the clients loved to see me and her. It was a great experience for her as well and the client’s love to see young people too.   

Monday became a special day for me knowing that I was going to see my friends and bring them my friendship. They showed me how a simple gesture and a few words can mean so much. There were some sad days too, like when we would learn that a client was in the hospital and we never heard anything from them again. It was so hard to see some of them getting sicker every week. I remember a client who was such a joker I always left laughing. Then he too started to get really weak until one day he told me ‘just hold my hand’ it broke my heart to see him in such pain. I knew then that I was making a difference in his life by making such a small gesture.

I delivered meals for over 15 years until I had problems with my eyes and could not drive anymore, it was so hard to say goodbye to all the wonderful people I had met over the years but it was time to pass the torch to another volunteer so they could enjoy the same feeling as me.

Volunteering is such a rewarding experience and TCAA is the best place to do it.”

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Programs offered through the Centers include:

• Lunch program
• Referrals to Benefits Assistance
• AmeriCorps Health & Wellness program
• Cooking demonstrations
• Recreation and exercise
• Social events

Socialization among seniors is so important! This past quarter, we have had several seniors come to the center to “try it out.” Upon their arrival, our senior leader makes sure that they are introduced to some of our regular participants. The seniors encourage the new folks to come to exercise classes as well as the food demonstrations and lunch. After a few weeks, the new participants have expressed how much fun they are having and are no longer depressed. At one of our centers, there now is a group of six men that insist on sitting together at a table for lunch that really is made for four people.  They have been nicknamed “The Board.” They all share stories from the past as well as discuss current events. Sometimes they linger for quite some time after the program activities conclude because they are enjoying each other’s company so much.

Our Senior Programs are constantly growing…

TCAA introduced a “Coffee and Treats” program which successfully increased senior participation. TCAA staff found through surveying senior clients that they usually do not eat a healthy breakfast on a regular basis.  Since introducing Coffee and Treats, senior clients now have access to a healthy morning (light) meal and are feeling better as a result.  Besides the nutritional value of the food, the seniors are enjoying the company of one another.  At least 50 – 60% of them live alone which means that they usually eat by themselves.  It is very rewarding to see the new friendships form.  There are participants who attend this activity now who never interacted with other seniors prior to their involvement.  Their participation in the morning activity is leading to increased involvement in other senior program activities as well.

Recently…

We were approached by the City of Scottsdale staff regarding an elderly gentleman who wanted to volunteer. We were told that he had tried other volunteer programs and they weren’t the right fit for him. We met and thought he would be a great addition to our volunteer pool. He has a strong personality and a quick dry sense of humor and was looking for an opportunity to feel valued.  He shared that he lives in a Senior Apartment Complex with folks that keep their TV’s too loud and never go outside.  He was looking for a ‘job’ that would allow him to get out and mingle with others.  We started him in the program as a dining room set-up person. He has since obtained his Food Handler’s card and helps with all kitchen tasks. He volunteers six hours a week and helps with the Coffee and Treats program. He sets up the dining room and assists with serving food. He often asks questions to make sure he understands his tasks.  At the conclusion of each shift he leaves with a wave and “Thanks for letting me help, I enjoy the company and the program, have a great day and I’ll see you next time!” At TCAA, he was able to find a place to contribute and feel valued for his efforts, and we’re fortunate to host such an outstanding volunteer.

A little more personal…

The Home Delivered Meal Program serves close to 200 meals a day; this is one story from one day. Justine is 90-year-old widow that lives alone in her own home. She has no support system here, and relatives either live in another state or do not have contact with her.  Justine’s health both physical and mentally have been steadily declining over the past few years. It is hard for her to walk without her two canes and she gets confused and scared at times. However, Justine does receive a nutritious meal Monday –Friday from the TCAA home delivered meals program. One particular hot day this summer our delivery person found Justine outside her home sitting in the carport very upset. She told the driver that she had accidentally locked herself out of her house and had no way to get back in. She had no phone with her to call the police or anyone to help her. The driver of course called the police to get her help and stayed with her until help arrived and she was able to get in her home. She is not sure how long she had been outside, the driver was able to give her water and keep her calm until help arrived. When the driver returned to the center TCAA was also able to contact her case manager through Area Agency on Aging and Social Services for other assistance that might be available to her. Justine is extremely grateful that she receives meals and that someone who cares comes to check in on her every day.

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As a nation, we owe an unpayable debt for the sacrifices of our military Veterans. Sadly, far too many of these selfless men and women struggle to succeed when they return to civilian life. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that nearly 40,000 Veterans are homeless on any given night, with an additional 1.4 million Veterans considered at risk of homelessness due to poverty, lack of support networks and substandard housing. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans account for 11 percent of the adult homeless population in our country.

While the causes of homelessness in general are complex, a large number of at-risk Veterans live with the lingering effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse. These factors may be compounded by a lack of family and social support networks. In addition, military occupations and training don’t always transfer easily to the civilian workplace, making sustained employment more challenging for Veterans.

The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans cites that a top priority for homeless Veterans is secure, safe, clean housing that offers a supportive environment free of drugs and alcohol, along with a coordinated effort to address their specific needs such as mental health counseling, personal development, job assessment, training and placement assistance.

Tempe Community Action Agency’s (TCAA) Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program (I-HELP) in Tempe helps homeless Veterans regain their footing in life. For many homeless Veterans, I-HELP not only is the place where they can find safe shelter and a daily meal, it also is their opportunity to navigate and connect with available services and assistance. I-HELP case managers are familiar with the unique needs of Veterans and are experienced in coordinating with Veterans resources available to them.

TCAA’s I-HELP is an incredibly unique and cost-effective alternative to homelessness among male and female Veterans in Tempe. I-HELP leverages existing facilities for overnight lodging for homeless adults through a network of Tempe-area faith congregations, each hosting a group of up to 40 adults overnight on a rotating basis. With this model, I-HELP “guests” have access to an evening meal and safe, comfortable surroundings at night, while participating in TCAA’s case management services and employment assistance during the day. The I-HELP program has operated successfully in Tempe for 10 years and nearby communities including Mesa and Chandler replicated the model in recent years. Currently two other West Valley cities are in the process of forming I-HELP programs in response to a growing concern with homelessness.

As Tempe’s sole resource to shelter the homeless; I-HELP is a proven model that effectively transitions those who desire an enduring escape from homelessness into permanent housing and improved self-reliance. In the early years I-HELP transitioned an average of 1 in 10 homeless adults into permanent housing; after implementing case management services in 2015 TCAA’s outcomes improved with an average of 1 in 4 placed into housing. Currently, this rate has climbed to 1 in 3, with an average of 3 months to prepare and transition a guest from street to permanent housing. Charles is a living example of the program’s effectiveness.

Charles

Charles, a 62-year-old Veteran was employed at a church in New York, but did not have stable housing. Charles drove from New York to Arizona seeking better employment and living conditions, but when he got here he ended up homeless and sleeping in his car. The Tempe Hope Outreach team found him and referred him to TCAA where he enrolled with I-HELP. Charles had applied for social security benefits but had not yet been approved at the time he relocated to Arizona. He also had stored his personal belongings before entering I-HELP, but could not afford to continue paying the storage fees, so he did not have access to his personal items.

TCAA helped Charles enroll with the Veteran’s Affairs Department’s Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC). CRRC found that he qualified for Veteran’s benefits and helped him apply for the Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing program (VASH). During his 6-week stay at I-HELP, Charles’ social security benefits and the VASH housing voucher were approved. The VASH voucher paid for move-in costs and Charles is able to use his new social security income to sustain housing. I-HELP assisted him with paying the storage unit costs so he could access his personal items and move into a permanent home. Throughout his process of bettering himself, accessing available services and reaching a higher level of self-sufficiency, I-HELP provided Charles with the safe, stable and supportive environment he needed to succeed.

For some, like Gilbert, the process takes longer…

Gilbert

Gilbert, a Veteran in his 50s, had been homeless for long periods of time prior to being referred to TCAA by Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS). He had been on a long wait list for Veteran housing, and he suffers from mental health challenges that make it difficult for him to follow through on appointments with Veteran services, including needed health care. Gilbert entered the I-HELP shelter program where he was able to access safe overnight lodging, a regular nutritious meal, and the help of case management to assess his needs and address the issues that prevented self-sufficiency.

Gilbert remained in I-HELP for a period of six months. During that time, his case manager was instrumental in keeping tabs on his whereabouts and supporting him to follow through on critical appointments so that he could access the benefits and services to which he was entitled. His I-HELP case manager met weekly with Gilbert to help him develop a schedule and plan for one week at a time, outlining the places he needed to go and appointments he needed to attend. With guidance, he was able to follow through with these appointments, and as a result, his Veteran housing benefits were approved.

Selecting a place to live proved a particular challenge for Gilbert, who found his options confusing and overwhelming, complicated by the fact that he had no transportation. His VA case manager helped by driving him to look at different apartments. Once housing was selected, his I-HELP case manager worked with Gilbert to prepare for employment so that he could sustain his housing. As a result, he was successfully hired by Fry’s, and began to receive paychecks just prior to leaving I-HELP and moving into an apartment of his own. Today, Gilbert is enjoying his new job, new home and an improved quality of life.

I-HELP is also unique in that it is primarily privately funded and receives no federal funding. The program model relies largely on the enduring commitment and support from our faith partners and the many neighborhood residents and area employees who contribute thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. Together, as a community, we’re able to ensure that Veterans in need can access safe shelter and real solutions that end homelessness.

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Most recently, Arteaga was project director with Arizona Jobs Program, which provides assistance to thousands of the community’s most vulnerable families living in poverty. Prior to this she served as principal with a consulting firm that provided grant fund development for numerous nonprofits throughout Arizona, and vice president with a Phoenix-based nonprofit.

“We are pleased to welcome Deborah as the new leader of Tempe Community Action Agency,” stated Board President Margaret Hunnicutt. “Her experience will help us grow even more in the community and make a greater impact on the people we serve.”

Arteaga obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas/El Paso and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.

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