PHOENIX – Chicanos Por La Causa Early Childhood Development (CPLC ECD) Program was able to make much needed improvements to their center serving residents in south central Phoenix thanks to a $150,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities – the civic arm of The Thunderbirds, hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by The Ak-Chin Indian Community.
The 15-year-orld center has now been transformed with new playground equipment, new carpet, parking lot improvements, updates to the building façade, and landscaping and fencing for additional child security.
“We are able to provide future educational success of young children with the collaboration of community partners who share Chicanos Por La Causa’s commitments to all families in need. The Thunderbirds have been longtime supporters in helping us empower families to become self-sufficient and foster a safe and supportive early childhood environment,” said Andres Contreras, CPLC Executive Vice President of Social Services & Education. “We appreciate and value the continued support of Thunderbirds Charities; together we are making a lasting impact in the community.”
“We’re thrilled to see the transformation of the center,” said Dan Mahoney, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “Our partnership with Chicanos Por La Causa makes a real difference in the community, and we’re happy to be a part of it.”
Currently, CPLC ECD serves 112 children and families (pregnant women and children 6 weeks to three years old) in service centers which cover elementary school districts in south Phoenix (Phoenix, Roosevelt, Wilson and Murphy) and Queen Creek (Maricopa County only). By providing full-day, full-year
program services to children and families 48 weeks per year ECD is able to offer children and families optimum early childhood development services and education learning environments.
Through both internal and external community partners CPLC ECD children and families also have access to prenatal care, ongoing well-baby and well-child services, and support for promoting adult and family wellness. By understanding the needs of low-income families and assessing the gaps and resources that are available in local communities where they live, CPLC ECD plans more effective strategies for children’s success in education and family empowerment.
The 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open, known as “The Greatest Show on Grass” and the “People’s Open”™, will be held at TPC Scottsdale from January 30-February 5, 2016. The Waste Management Phoenix Open is the best-attended golf tournament in the world and has gained legendary status for being the most unique stop on the PGA TOUR. The 2017 edition will mark the 82nd playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR) and the eighth as the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 250 “life” members. Last year The Thunderbirds raised a record $9.3 million for charity and have eclipsed $111 million in charitable giving since its inception in 1932. For more information on the Thunderbirds or the 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open, call the Thunderbirds office at (602) 870-0163 or visit www.wmphoenixopen.com.