North Center Revitalization Assoc. (NCRA)

MesaCAN receives community action agency designation

MesaCAN receives community action agency designation

For Release: August 11, 2006
City of Mesa Contact: Kathleen Kelly
Community Revitalization Director
480.644.2168
kathleen.kelly@cityofmesa.org

MesaCAN Contact: Pat Gilbert
Executive Director
480.833.9200 ext. 208
pat@mesacan.org

MesaCAN receives community action agency designation

Mesa Community Action Network, Inc. (MesaCAN) has been awarded the Community Action Agency (CAA) designation by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). When the CAA designation becomes effective on Oct. 1, MesaCAN will directly receive Federal and State funding to provide services that assist low-income individuals and families in Mesa to move out of poverty toward economic self-sufficiency. Previously, services and funds were provided to MesaCAN through the City of Mesa.

"This is one of the agency's most significant milestones," according to Pat Gilbert, MesaCAN Executive Director. "MesaCAN is excited about the opportunities ahead as it moves forward as the community action agency. Without the help of city staff in this achievement, MesaCAN could not have accomplished this goal."

The City of Mesa has been the CAA since 1996, however the Mesa City Council voted to relinquish that designation in Aug. 2005 in order to allow a private nonprofit organization the opportunity to obtain the designation.

"The City has long recognized that nonprofit agencies are vital community partners that provide invaluable services to Mesa residents and we are very pleased that MesaCAN received this designation," said Kit Kelly, Community Revitalization Director.

MesaCAN brings significant knowledge and expertise in serving low-income individuals and families, and presently provides an array of services including case management services, emergency services, and utility assistance, transitional living facility for homeless men, tax preparation assistance, individual development account programs, emergency food box services, clothing bank and a thrift store.