Child Crisis Arizona awarded $327K grant

Mercy C.A.R.E.S. has awarded Mesa’s own Child Crisis Arizona a community reinvestment grant in the amount of $327,000.

The grant will help furnish and equip the Child Crisis Arizona Center for Child and Family Wellness, a 38,000-square-foot, 2.4-acre campus set to open this fall. This expansion will bring the organization’s foster care, adoption, counseling, family education into one space, and enable Child Crisis Arizona to co-locate six nonprofits onsite to collaborate and provide vital support services to children and families, according to a release.

“The new facility will allow Child Crisis Arizona to increase organizational capacity, enhance social support, and promote social programs that positively impact the mental health and well-being of our clients and community,” Torrie A. Taj, chief executive officer of Child Crisis Arizona, said in the release.

Funding will support a Resource Distribution Center, which distributes free basic need items and clothing to children, youth and families in crisis; as well as a youth counseling center, community partner hubs, technology center, dance and music studio, Safe Kids Car Seat Safety Station, it states in the release.

“We project that, with the new space, we will be able to serve 3,000 additional individuals in the first year of operation.” Taj said.

Mercy C.A.R.E.S., which stands for Community Action Resources Education and Service, is Mercy Care’s community giving initiative. Through grant funding, sponsorships, volunteer efforts and board participation, Mercy C.A.R.E.S. supports AHCCCS’ Whole Person Care Initiative, which addresses social risk factors to improve health outcomes.

“This project will create greater access for children and families in crisis and offer so many vital services under one roof. As an organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all Arizonans, and particularly those who are underserved with complex health needs, we are happy to partner with Child Crisis Arizona in making a positive impact on our community,” Trisha Stuart, Mercy Care director of community relations, said in the release.

Go to www.childcrisisaz.org and www.MercyCareAZ.org .