At their latest work session, the Apache Junction Health and Human Services Commission presented funding recommendations for fiscal year 2025-2026. Dr. Michael Brennan, Chairman of the Commission, outlined the decisions made for distributing $90,000 among five nonprofit organizations that applied for funding.
The Commission evaluated applications submitted in January and conducted meetings with the organizations in February and March. Dr. Brennan emphasized that a major premise for funding decisions was ensuring services benefited Apache Junction residents specifically.
“I made clear at the very beginning of our discussion that funding was utilized for the populace of Apache Junction. And every effort was to be made to make sure that was the group being dealt with when funding was requested,” Dr. Brennan told the Council.
The five applicants requested a total of $201,500. The Commission’s recommendation, shown as Option 3 in their funding document, allocated the available $90,000 budget as follows:
Apache Junction Community Development Corporation (AJCDC)
AJCDC requested $7,500 for administrative costs, community revitalization projects, equipment, and their annual Make a Difference Day. The Commission recommended $7,000.
Dr. Brennan described AJCDC as “an iconic organization” focused on code remediation and cleaning hazardous materials that eliminate health issues and prevent vermin.
Begin Again Homes
Begin Again Homes requested $80,000 for temporary emergency shelter, case management, and eviction prevention services for homeless individuals, seniors, and veterans. The Commission recommended $2,000, specifically earmarked for housing Apache Junction residents.
Dr. Brennan noted that the request “was debated rather vigorously” during Commission meetings.
Boys & Girls Club
Boys & Girls Club requested $35,000 for salary and program expenses. The Commission recommended $9,000, with $6,000 designated for mentorship and $3,000 for “hardship or more exactly very special needs” as Dr. Brennan described it.
Dr. Brennan highlighted the club’s focus on academic performance improvement, noting that Apache Junction High School has an 82% graduation rate compared to the state average of 88%. He noted, “The disparity between males and females is pretty dramatic. Males we cop out kinda early, and that’s a sad statement.”
Over-Flo Missions
Over-Flo Missions, a new applicant, requested $4,000 to provide meals and dry packaged foods through Desert Chapel Community Feast. The Commission recommended $2,000 specifically for emergency food boxes and hot meals for Apache Junction residents.
Dr. Brennan described them as the newest organization to apply this year and mentioned they had previously provided meals four times a year.
Superstition Community Food Bank
Superstition Community Food Bank requested $75,000 for their emergency food program, holiday box program, and student backpack program. The Commission recommended $70,000, with $50,000 for annual food purchases and $20,000 for the student backpack program.
Dr. Brennan emphasized the importance of nutrition for student success. “People talk about what people can do if they have an empty belly,” he said. “That’s a critical aspect of what’s going to determine whether or not they have enough nutrition and other things to be able to study appropriately.”
Councilmember Peter Heck confirmed with Dr. Brennan that the food bank’s backpack program would specifically serve Apache Junction students, noting that approximately 65% of food bank clients live in Apache Junction.
The Commission considered several funding distribution options before submitting their final recommendation to the City Council. Their recommendation maintains the $90,000 total budget while balancing support across all five applying organizations.
