4239 W. Ina Road Ste. 101
Tucson, Arizona 85741
Ph: 520.744.9595
Fax: 520.744.2127

Letter from our President

Dear Friends of Pima Youth Partnership:

Pima Youth Partnership is a dynamic and thriving organization. This past year was not an easy year. Our spirit and finances were tested. The excellent news is that we have emerged through the difficulties with a renewed sense of purpose and belief in the programs and people we serve.

As a not-for-profit social service agency we too, have felt the impact of the change in the nation’s focus after the 9/11 terrorism tragedy and the economic turndown. Grant fund sources shortened the length of the grants or discontinued the opportunity to apply for advanced grant funding. Further, terms of several grants only covered costs of the direct service programs with no recoverable costs for the administrative costs. These two events led to a reduction in staff and refinement of our purpose.

While change of any kind can be difficult for people and organizations, the PYP staff members are terrific! They continued to provide cost efficient, effective and fun programs while being frugal. They continue to bring out the best in the people in their communities despite the complications they have little to do with.

Perseverance and hard work paid off. This grant-writing year brought the largest awarded amount to PYP ever. In two instances, grant sources asked if we could up our matching dollar amount so we could request even more than our original amount. Other agencies could not meet their matching dollar amount which released extra grant money. We said, “Yes” and so for 2004-2005, we have hired a full contingent of staff.

As this fiscal year was ending, with an increase in funding and staff, folks from Apache County have asked us to establish a new PYP site in their community. Local school board members, school administrators and teachers, and parents are requesting that we bring our successful programs to them. This rural county is eager to have the abstinence only education programs brought to parents and youth through schools and community settings. By the end of 2004-2005, this program will be fully underway.

The Board of Directors actively works to lead and promote the Pima Youth Partnership program. A primary focus is our annual fundraiser, the Be A Sweetheart For Kids Motorcycle Poker Run, which helps to raise the discretionary funds we need to meet the matching funds in the grants we have received. Also, a new board fundraiser has been a great success! Every Tuesday night over the summer, a local band of nationally and locally known musicians has contributed their time to play for PYP’s benefit. These events, called the Tuesday Twilight Cabaret, are held at the Club Congress in downtown Tucson. We appreciate Tom Kusian, Harvey Brooks and Larry Cobb for their continued excellent musical talents and donation to PYP. Thanks to Hotel Congress for hosting this jazz fest that now meets on the first Tuesdays of each month.

In a monumental move, the Board decided to make our annual Agents of Change Awards a separate event, and not part of the annual board meeting. This switch puts focus on these outstanding community youth and adult members that have made considerable positive changes in their communities. We recognized a special youth and adult from each targeted community at our 9th annual Agents of Change Luncheon at Windmills Inn in August.

Now, the Board will have all six (6) of their yearly board meetings as business meetings. This change will allow the Board to address more easily the amount of business needed to be covered.

It has been my pleasure to serve this year as your president. PYP is a great organization with a bright future. Would you like to join us?

Sincerely,

Rochelle A. Swanson

Pima YOUTH Partnership (PYP) was incorporated in 1990 by a group of concerned citizens that wanted to connect rural communities with the same programs, services, and activities available to youth and families living in the metropolitan Tucson area.

As a prevention agency, PYP works with youth and families in rural and Native American communities to reach its mission, "In partnership with communities, develop resources to promote the positive growth of their children." Since 1990, PYP has grown from its original three (3) communities of Ajo, rural Marana, and Sahuarita, to include Catalina, Flowing Wells, New Pascua Yaqui Reservation, and the three (3) western districts of the Tohono O'odham Nation.