Mesa residents have the opportunity to support those in need through the ABC: A Better Community donation program. This initiative, part of the City of Mesa’s efforts, helps provide shelter, food, and essential items to children, families, and seniors facing economic challenges.
Residents can contribute to the ABC program through several options, including one-time or recurring online donations, or by adding a donation to their monthly utility bill if they are City of Mesa utility customers. Customers also have the option to round up their bill to the nearest dollar to contribute. According to MesaNow, for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the program has already allocated grant funds to three nonprofit organizations to support their efforts in assisting the community.
Dress for Success Phoenix, dedicated to supporting the under-employed, has received assistance through ABC's contributions. Specifically, 250 Mesa residents will benefit from the Teen Workforce Initiative Career Services program, which offers resources such as resume building and interview preparation. "We are deeply grateful for the City of Mesa's support through the ABC Donation Grant," said Tamala McBath, CEO of Dress for Success Phoenix, in a statement to MesaNow. She further noted their collaborations, like that with Mesa Community College, as being pivotal in boosting women into sustainable careers.
Paz de Cristo plays a key role in addressing poverty and homelessness by providing meals, clothing, and essential services. With the support of ABC, the organization is able to assist approximately 3,500 Mesa residents, helping to meet the needs of the community. "This grant, in part with other donations, has allowed Paz de Cristo Community Center to serve more than 10,000 Mesa residents in the last 12 months experiencing poverty and homelessness," Jackie Shelley, Executive Director of Paz de Cristo, told MesaNow. A mere $5 donation, Shelley says, translates into a dozen meals.
United Food Bank’s efforts are supported by ABC’s funding, which plays a key role in the organization’s food security initiatives. In the last fiscal year, the program helped provide 300,000 meals to individuals in need throughout Mesa. Jason Reed, CEO of United Food Bank, recognized the impact of the ABC program in supporting the fight against hunger.
As per MesaNow, the ABC program provides a variety of services to the community, including youth empowerment and academic programs, employment services, and initiatives for homelessness relief. In the past year, the program supported 1,092 youth-related activities, 85 employment services, and 8,070 efforts to assist with homelessness. Mesa residents can find more information or contribute by visiting the city's website.
