Non-Profit Corner

Yavapai Exceptional Industries (YEI!) is a remarkable company. A non-profit agency that helps local adults with developmental disabilities and provides them with support for job training, volunteer placement, and employment, its staff has grown from 12 to 45.

Teens’ Closet, a program of North Star, provides free, quality clothing to Prescott quad-city-area teens ages 13-19 who are in financial need. Set up like a clothing boutique, Teens’ Closet is located on the campus of Taylor Hicks Elementary School. Teens can come in every other month to shop with a parent or guardian if they’re under 18. They can make appointments by calling 928.379.1667.

The support and care Polara Health provides to individuals and families in times of need is a lifeline. This organization has brought hope and healing to those who are struggling and borne witness to countless success stories where lives have been transformed.

The impact does not stop at the doors of the 13 different facilities in Yavapai County. Polara Health is deeply involved in the community, working hand in hand with local organizations, schools, and the larger healthcare system to address the broader factors that influence mental health. Polara Health’s community partners have become essential allies in the journey to make lasting positive changes.

Wendy Ross believes this is “an exciting time in Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters’ history, as we embark on new programs, serving a wider age group of youth in our community.”

As the new leader of the Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters (YBBBS) board of directors, Wendy considers community important, both as a resident and the director of Human Resources and Risk Management for Yavapai County.

In 2017, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona kicked off a campaign to transform its facilities. The buildings were showing the wear and tear that accompanies consistent and steady use, and the space configurations needed upgrades to accommodate program growth.

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is recognized each October as a time to honor and remember those affected by intimate partner violence and other forms of abuse. Since 1980, Stepping Stones Agencies’ 24/7/365 advocacy services and safe shelter for adults and children affected by domestic violence have worked around the clock to ensure families can find the safety, support, and hope they need to live free from all forms of victimization in the future.

People find a sense of community in Prescott in many ways. Whether through music, art, or other avenues, individuals are often able to connect over shared interests. Among these many emerging environments and spaces, the LGBTQ+ community has slowly gained acceptance as well, and the comfort seems to be growing for us all. A prime example of the dedication to supporting and recognizing LGBTQ+ individuals is Molly Freibott, executive director of Prism Network.

Yavapai Humane Trappers Animal Search and Rescue is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization that finds and rescues lost, homeless, dumped, injured, sick, and high-risk animals that cannot be brought in by normal means. Volunteers use humane equipment, techniques, and special training.

Thanks to a one-year Community Health Improvement Grant from Dignity Health/YRMC, The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center now offers Care Management and Programming Support for community members attending the day center.

Candace Lea, who has been with Adult Care Services for more than two years as Community Liaison, effortlessly transitioned into a new role as Care Manager. With a master’s degree in business emphasizing health care management, a past career as a program manager in case management, a family caregiver, and a certified yoga instructor, Candace brings a wealth of knowledge and knows the resources.

Candace said her goal as a Care Manager is to help family caregivers successfully navigate their role when respite time ends.

The Sweeney family is on a mission: to spread the word that although everyone communicates differently, we’re all the same in so many ways.

Two of the four Sweeney siblings, Ben, 18, and Keagan, 22, communicate in unique ways, thanks to autism. As they were growing up, people often stared at Ben and Keagan, and some even made rude comments.

After 15 years, Cristi Rose is still blown away by the way horses and humans can help each other like no one else can.

The secret?

“I had to learn to get out of the horses’ way. They have a sixth sense about when someone is hurting.”