An awards ceremony in Phoenix April 4 honored nine non-profit companies and organizations that have benefited from Community Development Block Grant funds and made their operations successful. The ceremony was hosted by the city’s Neighborhood Services Department (www.phoenix.gov). The department administers about $15 million in block grant funds each year.
“Community Development Block Grant funds are a critical federal funding source our city uses for neighborhood revitalization, safe and affordable housing, services for youth, seniors, persons with disabilities and the homeless and to provide support to local businesses to create jobs,” said Councilman Daniel Valenzuela, chair of the Council’s Neighborhoods, Housing and Development subcommittee.
Awards and recipients are as follows:
• Lupe Sisneros Memorial Award – Eva Olivas, Phoenix Revitalization Corporation (PRC), recognized for leadership and vision which have been vital to the continuing development of the central city south community.
• Community Leadership Award – Ocotillo Library and Workforce Literacy Center, recognized for its vision to convert a library into an intensively used center providing job seekers with tools necessary for finding jobs.
• Neighborhood Revitalization Award – B and B Appliances, recognized for a significant investment in the business and the contemporary façade which contributes to the Sunnyslope landscape.
• Community Service Hero Award – Grand Canyon University – recognized for serving as an outstanding partner in revitalizing the Canyon Corridor neighborhood.
• Homeless Service Provider of the Year Award – Catholic Charities, recognized for its efforts assisting women with an intensive recovery program to help them live an independent life free of prostitution.
• Housing Partner of the Year Award – UMOM New Day Centers, Inc., recognized for the development of desirable housing and supportive services for lower income and formerly homeless families at The Legacy Crossing.
• Housing Development of the Year Award – Encanto Pointe, recognized for its collaboration with Native American Connections, neighborhood leaders and the city to address homelessness and the elimination of blight in the neighborhood.
• Economic Development Award of Excellence – Deng Enterprises, dba as J and T Transportation, Inc., recognized for addressing a need in the community and developing a business that has expanded and created jobs.
• Disability Advocacy Award – Mark Jacoby, Gompers Habilitation Center, recognized for his contributions to the disabled community during 20 years of service and professional development of the Gompers Center.
“The importance of the city’s collaboration with the awardees and other partners to deliver block grant leveraged programs and services to low and moderate income residents is more important today than ever before,” stated Chris Hallett, director of the Neighborhood Services Department. “Each awardees accomplishments are recognized as evidence funds are being used in the most effective way possible to benefit the residents of Phoenix.”
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