Increased support and cooperation among social service groups and community businesses and organizations will allow the Coalition for Compassion and Justice (CCJ) to provide more help for vulnerable populations in coming months.
Executive Director Gail Kenny is passionate in her praise for the overall community. “In just 13 years, the Quad Cities area has seen the CCJ grow into one of the most effective organizations in Central and Northern Arizona, one totally dedicated to helping the less fortunate. Churches remain among the biggest supporters – more than 20 of them. But civic clubs, businesses and corporations are major supporters, too.”
She is also adamant that CCJ wants to serve even more of the homeless and low-income population than it has in the past.
“The various faith communities, generous community businesses and dozens of individuals realize more and more that their help is not just needed – it’s necessary if we are going to alleviate poverty in the Quad Cities area.”
Kenny, the lead CCJ administrator since July 2012, is encyclopedic in her knowledge of CCJ programs and projects.
CCJ has three individual programs, and all have many projects embedded within them.
Among them is CCJ Home Repair, a program in which volunteers help low-income people maintain their homes with health and safety related repairs.
Another is Circles of Support, a mentor program for individuals and families, which provides practical counsel and guidance to lead them out of poverty.
“We always need more mentors, for Circles of Support is key to helping people change their lives,” she said.
The most visible program is Open Door. Its facilities are in the same building where CCJ is headquartered – 505 W. Gurley St., just west of Sharlot Hall Museum.
“Open Door provides help for struggling individuals – food, washroom facilities, shelter – basic needs,” she said.
CCJ Provides Services Throughout Quad Cities Area
Kenny praised all those affiliated with CCJ. “Our 10-member governing board – representative of the entire area – is committed to fund-raising and friend-raising the year round.”
Operating with a modest budget of less than a half-million dollars, CCJ has a paid staff of 11 people. Only four are full-time.
“Volunteers are the most important resource CCJ has. Without the dedicated group of more than 300 volunteers, we couldn’t achieve a fourth of what we do. Volunteers and generous support we get from the greater community are the only reason we can continue taking tangible steps to alleviate poverty.”
But, she says, they can always use more – with more volunteers, more donations and more grants. CCJ is a Qualified Charitable Organization, so the year-end $400 per couple or $200 for an individual tax credit for working poor can make a huge difference in CCJ’s bottom line, says Kenny.
“We want to do all we can to fulfill our mission which began just 13 years ago: ‘To provide vital services, education and advocacy for those living in poverty, leading to self-sufficiency and a fair and just community for all.’” QCBN
The Coalition for Compassion and Justice is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. CCJ is an eligible AZ Tax Credit for the Working Poor charity. Donations can be made securely online at www.YavapaiCCJ.org or by sending a contribution to CCJ, P.O. Box 1882, Prescott, Ariz. 86302. Legacy gifts can be made to CCJ or CCJ Home Repair Endowments through the Yavapai County Community Foundation.
By Ray Newton
Quad Cities Business News