Joan's Corner - October 2024 Update
See the newly added Halloween suggestions. Joan has taken the time to review the many options available for Halloween entertainment. After considerable researc...
Joan Koczor
The organization is primarily a volunteer organization.
Animal Safe Home Network is a program supported by Against Abuse designed for our furry friends.
Against Abuse, Inc. is seeking animal safe home providers for our Animal Safe Home Network. To become a provider, please contact the Domestic Violence Community Outreach Supervisor, Sylvia Procela at (520) 836-1239, Ext. 19.
HOW YOU CAN HELP!
We are in need of "foster parents" for companion animals. With your compassion and kindness, you can give a domestic violence victim peace of mind, knowing their pet is in a safe, loving environment.
REQUIREMENTS:
Mission:
By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves.
Vision:
Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential.
Purposes:
To develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed; to promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs; to inspire respect for the law; to promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people; to aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.
Learn how the live an Optimistic life with Optimist International. Optimist International is an International Service club with the Mission of Bringing out the Best in Youth, Ourselves and our Communities.
Optimist Clubs participate in community service programs that are dedicated to bringing out the best in youth. Since each Club is autonomous and run by members in their community, Optimists have the unique flexibility to serve the youth of their area in any way they see fit.
To find an Optimist Club, click on the website link listed.
The MISSION of the Maricopa Historical Society is to share Maricopa's heritage and make Maricopa history fun for everyone.
The PURPOSE is to collect, identify, record, preserve and share stories and items of Maricopa's past and present with current and future generations.
The GOAL is to continue keeping Maricopa's diverse history alive. We aim to inform and inspire others with our team of enthusiastic volunteers in our Museum and the Silver Horizon railcar.
Maricopa Historical Society incorporated as a non-profit (501 (c)(3) in 2010. Meetings are held at the Library and Cultural Center at 18160 N. Maya Angelou Drive, in the Redwood Room on the first Monday of each month at 5:00 pm.
Since 2010 the Maricopa Historical Society has provided for the public various exhibits: The History of Maricopa Wells, Maricopa Train Days, Cotton and Cattle, The Quadrille de Mujeres, Maricopa Schools Everyday Living, and Maricopa Characters.
A permanent exhibit at City Hall gives a brief history of Maricopa and why its name and location changed.
The Maricopa Historical Society Museum and Visitor Center is now open and located at 44240 Maricopa-Casa Grande Hwy in the Maricopa Heritage district.
The Museum is open: Wed -Sat from 10 am to 2 pm.
Maricopa Historical Society Contact Person:
Paul Shirk - 909-260-3020
Email: MaricopaHistory@gmail.com
"More than 100 Maricopans gathered in a local neighborhood Monday night to lend a family in crisis a hand and to give them their “Best Christmas Ever.”
The Powell family was the recipient of a generous community effort that totaled more than $70,000 in gifts.
Katrina and Michael Powell are facing a good deal of adversity after their 9-year-old son, Brayden, checked into Phoenix Children’s Hospital in September with a fever and a few days later was paralyzed from the waist down."
"Best Christmas Ever is a group that seeks to help families in need at Christmas time. The organization started 10 years ago and is headquartered in Minnesota.
This is one of two InMaricopa Magazine articles from December 2021 about this unbelievable example of community support and giving organized by the Best Christmas Ever charitable organization. This outpouring of support was so Maricopa!
Why should you consider volunteering?
The City of Maricopa offers many opportunities for volunteers to help build our city and provide services. Volunteers are needed at Copper Sky Multigenerational Center, Maricopa Library and Cultural Center, parks, events and many other areas. You can go to the website below to view our searchable volunteer website that will make it easier for you to find opportunities to help your city. Here are some great reasons to start volunteering:
. Because of your sense of commitment and pride for the community
. To give back to the community
. Recognition
. Receive on-the-job training
. Develop skills in a municipal environment
. Networking opportunities
. Because you believe in the cause
Explore your strengths and use your skills and experiences to help others
How do I join?
. Submit an application
. Interview
. Background check
. Attend mandatory volunteer training
Welcome to the Maricopa Rotary Club!
Impact starts with our members — people like you who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. At club meetings in communities across the globe, our people of action come together to strengthen their connections to friends and neighbors and their commitment to improving lives.
Who can join?
We’re looking for people who want to give back to their communities.
Rotary clubs also welcome Rotaractors, Rotary Peace Fellows, and other members of the family of Rotary who qualify for membership.
How can I become a member?
Clubs accept new members by invitation. To help us find the right club for you, we’ll ask you a few questions about yourself and your interests. Then we’ll share your answers with Rotary leaders in your community who will match you with a club.
NOTE: The Rotary Club & MUSD in partnership with local businesses offer internships to Maricopa High School students.
We meet Wednesdays at 12:00 PM at the MUSD Administration Office: 44150 W Maricopa-Casa Grande Hwy, Maricopa, AZ 85138
Mail: PO Box 892
Facebook: (15) Facebook
Email Contact: MaricopaAZ.RotaryClub@gmail.com
Maricopa Seniors, Inc. is an Arizona non-profit organization (501 (c) (3)), incorporated in 2008.
Our organization is dedicated to improving the health, wellness and quality of life for Maricopa residents who are age 55 or older.
Our current primary program for seniors is the Home Key Box. The Home Key Box is an alternative to forced entry in an emergency. It is available to anyone living within the Maricopa city limits.
The home key box permanently mounts to the front door area. Mounting assistance is available upon request. Mounting hardware is included.
The key box holds home or other property keys securely and safely. Boxes can only be opened by members of Maricopa Fire & Medical Department personnel. There is a one-time cost of $65.00 (includes delivery). Cash, checks or money orders: Payable to Maricopa Seniors, Inc.
Contact: Peg Chapados: 520-280-4611 or Lynn Bernier: 602-377-2284
The Kiwanis Vision:
Kiwanis will be a positive influence in communities worldwide — so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive.
Kiwanis Service:
Service is at the heart of every Kiwanis club, no matter where in the world it’s located. Members stage approximately 150,000 service projects and raise nearly US$100 million every year for communities, families and projects. By working together, members achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone.
A Family of Servant Leaders:
Kiwanis clubs focus on changing the world by serving children, one child and one community at a time. To reach more people and have a greater service impact on their communities, many clubs sponsor a Kiwanis family club — K-Kids for primary school children; Builders Clubs for adolescents; Key Clubs for teens; Circle K clubs for university students and Aktion Clubs for adults living with disabilities.
Join Us:
Are you ready to help create communities that let all children thrive, prosper and grow? Join a club near you or make a donation to support the Kiwanis mission. The kids are counting on you.
Use the website to find a local club.
The Maricopa Community Advocates (MCA), formerly the Maricopa Senior Coalition, advocated for programs and projects needed to support the social, educational and informational needs of the entire community.
Maricopa Community Advocates (MCA) is no longer an active 501 (c) (3) organization. MCA would like to thank all of those residents who have helped them advance senior causes over the past years.
Copa Seniors (CS) began in 2008 as a social club and continues to this day. It began as a posting in InMaricopa asked if there were seniors who wanted to get together to socialize, play games and meet new people.
Meetings were held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. The room where we held out meetings was an empty exercise room at Anytime Fitness. Seniors provided chairs, tables, coffee pots, and bakery items - whatever was necessary to have a meeting. This was done at every meeting. We did not have storage. No one complained about the work involved-they were grateful to have a place to meet –finally.
Ray & Joan Koczor were part of the six original members. There were usually 30-35 people attending the meetings. And membership continued to grow through word of mouth.
An update of Copa Seniors resulted in a name change to the ‘Copa Seniors Social Club’ , but CS is still more commonly known as Copa Seniors. CS continues to provide information about city events and available resources necessary to the health and well-being of our senior population.
Meetings are held on the second Friday of the month at the Community Center at 41614 West Smith Enke Road. Coffee and baked goods are provided at every meeting.
Contact persons are Jim Irving (Facilitator) and Joan Koczor. Submitted by Joan Koczor.
History
Founded by Mountain View Community Church in 2004 to fulfill a need in our community MVCC Foodbank was born. In 2015 MVCC foodbank was struggling to find funding and food for the growing needs of the community.
Jim and Alice Shoaf founded Maricopa Pantry to help subsidize and fund the small foodbank. Since then, it has grown into the second largest food bank in Pinal County.
Mission
We focus on making the maximum positive effort for our community. Our members and volunteers provide the momentum that helps us affect change. Using all means necessary to provide food and funding for other small foodbanks. Building a model for how food banks should be run and how working together as a community we can fight hunger in our local communities.
Community Food Bank
We are a registered 501c3 non-profit food bank giving food & essential needs assistance outside of Maricopa, AZ.
We take donations from local businesses and use them to fight hunger. Help us connect with donors and with people in need. This is a community food bank, and it takes a community to make this food pantry work.
Our Distribution
Our food distributions are every Saturday from 8-11 am. There are no requirements to receive food or volunteer your time with us.
We typically serve between 1,400 and 1,500 families weekly. It takes between 50 and 60 volunteers to pull it off. Join us any Saturday from 7am until 1pm or any time in between those hours.
Day | Hours |
---|---|
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | Closed |
Wednesday | Closed |
Thursday | Closed |
Friday | Closed |
Saturday | 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM |
Sunday | Closed |
Contact us:
https://maricopapantry.org/contact-us
jim@maricopapantry.org
Maricopa Monitor: Pinal's People video: Pinal's People: Maricopa Pantry founder strives to help those who need it | News | pinalcentral.com
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino places great importance on corporate social responsibility and, along with the other Caesars Entertainment brands, places an emphasis on a diverse workplace that provides opportunities for professional growth, a commitment to the community through acts of service and financial support, and an environmentally responsible operation as well as an economic impact that is felt throughout the region. From the beginning, corporate social responsibility has been at the core of the casino’s business.
The partnership’s most successful social impact campaign could be its Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino HERO Program. The goal of HERO is to strengthen organizations and programs in the communities where employees and their families live and work. The employee-based volunteer program enables Harrah’s staff and their families to make noteworthy and visible contributions to the community by donating their time, skills, expertise and compassion to dozens of volunteer projects throughout the community.
In addition, the HERO Committee funnels in-kind and monetary donations into the community. In 2020 alone, the committee gave $50,000 to worthy causes.
Try this on for size: You’ve moved halfway across the country but want to bring a charitable activity you’ve been involved with for years to your new winter home. But you don’t know anyone in the new city.
Welcome to BJ Lingren’s world, and the story of how she pulled off the inaugural “Best Christmas Ever” event in Maricopa Monday.
A national organization called Best Christmas Ever rallies the giving spirit of City residents to provide a "best Christmas ever" to a Maricopa family very much in need of a community's support!
Check out this article from a December 2021 issue of InMaricopa magazine that reports on this wonderful show of community love and support.
A Maricopa nonprofit created to teach kids basketball and life skills. One team, one mind, one FORCE!
Our Mission
"The Copa Force 1 team provides basketball training 5 days per week, year-round, and in keeping with Coach Keith’s vision of promoting a culture of strong academic effort and successful student athletes, the team even provides is players with homework assistance.
The team provides youth residing in the City of Maricopa with basketball training, academic support, and character building skills. The team targets youth between the ages of 5 through 15 that are motivated to achieve academic and athletic success and is grateful for the opportunity to serve a segment of the community that is economically disadvantaged and may not otherwise have the opportunity to play youth basketball."
Check out their website and Facebook pages for more information about this program for youth.
Facebook: (12) Facebook
Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30PM – 8PM
Phone: 908-247-3948
Email: keith.henderson2235@gmail.com
Bernie G. Crouse American Legion Post 133
Our Regular Post Meeting is the third Thursday of every Month at 1900 Hours
Since our charter in 2010, our American Legion Post has been welcoming Veterans from all branches of our Armed Forces. Today we continue to welcome all military personnel serving our country. Joining our Post enables you to continue serving your God, Country and Community.
Our American Legion Auxiliary is very active in the community and supports a Girl Scout Troop.
Blue Star Mothers -
Our history:
In June of 1960, Congress chartered the Blue Star Mothers of America as a Veterans Service Organization (VSO). Blue Star Mothers of Maricopa AZ, AZ7 was chartered in 2013.
We have evolved to also provide support for active military and their families, promote patriotism, assist local veteran associations, volunteer with the VA Hospital in Tucson, AZ to help our country remain strong.
Monthly meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. all associates, members and potential members are welcome to attend.
Blue Star Mothers of Maricopa, AZ AZ7
Mailing address: PO Box 1397 Maricopa, AZ 85139
WELCOME TO TRACY P. MACPHERSON - VFW POST 12043
For Veterans & Community - Here to Serve
Greetings to Veterans:
Our local VFW Post #12043 in Maricopa is here to serve you. As American veterans and troops who have served abroad and fought hard to preserve our way of life, we honor you. From the Revolutionary War to today’s Global War against terrorism, most have put their lives in harms way. Many have paid the ultimate price to protect the freedoms we have. There are others, even in our own community who take these values for granted. Together we can change the miss conceptions.
Link to VFW Post 12043 website:
Tracy P. MacPherson VFW Post 12043 (vfw12043.org)
Check the Website for directions to the Veterans Center and information.
Lions meet the needs of local communities and the world every day because they share a core belief - to serve their community.
LOCAL: MARICOPA (124245) - District 21 S - AZ UNITED STATES
Local activities:
Maricopa Lions Club Golf Scramble
Maricopa Lions Club Golf Ball Drop 50/50 Raffle
Lions Vision and Hearing Screening Programs
Financial assistance with eyeglasses
Collection of old eyeglasses
Maricopa Women's Selter support
Kids Day Maricopa program
Arizona Lions Club Camp Tatiyee camper support
Maricopa Food Bank support
Adopt-a-Road program
Arizona Leader Dogs program
Maricopa Seeds of Hope Gala program
VIVITAN Foundation support
Maricopa Relay for Life support
Maricopa Police Foundation Shop with a Cop program
The Maricopa Lions Club is now meeting again. However, we have changed our meeting place!
The address is 44150 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Hwy. Turn into the parking area and go around to the left and drive toward the back of the building. You will see a set of doors there. Please enter and follow the signs to the room where we hold our meeting.
We meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. Our meeting is from 5:00-6:00 pm. We welcome all visitors to check us out and see what we do to serve the community in Maricopa.
NOTE: The Maricopa Lions Club generally does not meet during the months of May - August.
For more information: call Berta Bock at 360-303-850
The Maricopa Cultural Activity Center, Inc. (MCAC) is an Arizona non-profit corporation doing business as Friends of the Library – Maricopa (FOTL). MCAC/FOTL is a tax exempt 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.
We are volunteers dedicated to support the Maricopa Library & Cultural Center in the city of Maricopa, Arizona. Friends of the Library raise funds by re-selling gently used books, CD’s, and DVD’s; which support our Library’s literacy programs, book purchases, and other important activities.
The mission of the FOTL is to develop resources for library services and programs, encourage enjoyment of reading, and to establish lifetime learning and community involvement.
MCAC would not be able to financially support the Library and its programs without the continued support of our local Maricopa businesses and our dedicated volunteers. We represent all members of our community and welcome everyone to join our group.
Coffee With Friends:
Coffee With Friends is held at the Maricopa Senior Center every Tuesday from 1:30 – 3 PM.
Developing Confident, Connected, and Successful Youth.
"We develop confident, connected and successful youth through mentoring, education, and community programs. We work with local partners, stakeholders, and members to help Maricopa youth reach their potential. Simple strategies can have profound effects. Find a program for you.
Be Awesome offers drug and alcohol prevention education through curriculum delivered in schools. Our team is trained and prepared to provide information on prescription drugs, marijuana, and alcohol and vape prevention. We utilize Too Good for Drugs, from the Mendez Foundation grades 3-8. Contact us for a complimentary presentation for your school.
Be Awesome Youth Coalition
We are a fun and engaged group of community members of all ages and sectors. We are dedicated to reducing youth substance abuse.
VOLUNTEER
"Looking for ways to get involved within your community's youth? Volunteering for the coalition is a great way to start. Our volunteers do things such as work lunch activities and help our mentors at after school groups. We are currently looking for innovative people to help with our social media campaign, and our community events."
Check out their website to learn more. This is truly an AWESOME group!
BTW - Be Awesome produces a wonderful (downloadable) resource guide.
Their guide was one of several that served as a basis to help build this website! Thanks Be Awesome!
Hours
Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday: By appointment
Sunday: Closed
Like us on Facebook: Be Awesome Youth Coalition
Follow us on Instagram: @BeAwesomeYouth
Be Awesome Youth Coalition Meetings:
The 1st and 3rd Thursday of the Month 1-2 on ZOOM or 5-6 or 5-6 In person
This is a charity-based group who works locally in Maricopa for groups requiring assistance. Enjoy knitting, crocheting, and sewing projects, such as, hats, gloves, and throws to give to the community.
They meet in the Maricopa Community/Senior Center the 2nd & 4th Mondays of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
We share ideas and patterns and enjoy each other's company as we work together to strengthen our community.
Email: simplydjay@gmail.com
Contact: Deb Jay (aka djay)
Handcrafted items/yarn, fabric or monetary donations (for supplies) are appreciated.
F.O.R. (Food, Opportunity and Resources) Maricopa has been in existence since 2007, making an immediate impact in a city founded in 2003 that saw its population and needs explode in just a few short years.
What began as an effort to feed and aid just a few families – first out of the trunks of cars via home delivery and then by pickup at a local grocery store parking lot – has evolved into a full-fledged resource center and food bank.
Distribution days are Mondays from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and Thursdays from 5:00– 7:30 p.m.
To sign up, bring picture ID, proof of residency in Maricopa, Stanfield, Eloy, Coolidge, or Arizona City (e.g., water bill, electric bill, rental agreement with your name on it).
Distribution days: are Mondays from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and Thursdays from 5:00– 7:30 p.m.
Clients can come ONCE per week for perishables on either Monday OR Thursday.
Each household will receive dry goods once per month on a designated week based upon the first letter of your last name:
1st week of the month: Clients with A-E last name
2nd week of the month: Clients with F-L last name
3rd week of the month: Clients with M-S last name
4th week of the month: Clients with T-Z last name
You must bring your F.O.R. food bank card and your photo ID every time you come to receive food.
Households are eligible to receive food assistance if the total gross income for the household does NOT exceed 185% of the federal poverty level (Note: one food bank account per address).
You can check the F.O.R. website for the federal poverty guidelines.
Day | Hours |
---|---|
Monday | 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM |
Tuesday | Closed |
Wednesday | Closed |
Thursday | 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM |
Friday | Closed |
Saturday | Closed |
Sunday | Closed |
Food Distribution Hours:
Mondays: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Thursdays: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Creative Sisterhood
This group is open to women 55 and older in Maricopa, AZ. We meet at the Maricopa Community Center, 41614 West Smith-Enke Road, Maricopa, AZ.
We are a craft group that meets on Wednesday mornings from 9 am to usually 1:00 pm. We do all kinds of craft, visiting, community projects, sharing of ideas and teaching each other.
Come join in on some creative activities, learn a new skill or share your skill!
Their Facebook site is: (1) Creative Sisterhood, Maricopa, AZ | Facebook
Moose Service Center No. 2730 now in Maricopa!
"Coyotes, scorpions and rattlesnakes are commonplace in Maricopa. It’s time to add moose to the list of local fauna.
Nearly 200 Maricopans were admitted to Moose International, a service group founded in Kentucky in 1888, during a momentous ceremony in downtown Phoenix on Saturday.
The nonprofit elected Maricopans Henry Fuentes, Donna Ciraolo and Chuck Ciraolo as president, vice president and treasurer.
Maricopa Moose, a community organization dedicated to fostering camaraderie and serving the local community, is now officially Moose Service Center No. 2730."
"To qualify as a lodge, the group needed at least 100 members. But it’s safe to say the Maricopa service center has gone above and beyond, more than doubling the barrier to entry.
“We have the requirements to now become a lodge,” Stan Hayes said. “But we need a building to put ourselves in.”
Read more about this exciting event in the July 2023 article by InMaricopa Reporter, Cameron Jobson.
C.A.R.E. for Horses Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that has 501c3 status with the IRS - EIN: 84-4069519.
The Mission: Compassion, Allegiance, Rehabilitation and Education. Compassion for the sentient spirit of these beautiful animals, Allegiance to the cause of rescuing and protecting them, Rehabilitating them so they can reach their full potential and Educating people about kind and effective training methods so horses are kept and loved and don’t end up in bad situations.
It is C.A.R.E. for Horses Foundation's goal to provide care and sanctuary for abused, neglected, unhandled and “problem” horses that are at risk of being sent to slaughter. It is C.A.R.E. for Horses Foundation's goal to rehabilitate these horses through extensive training and socialization and, when appropriate, rehome them to qualified homes.
"C.A.R.E. for Horses Foundation provides direct care and sanctuary for at risk horses (abused, neglected, unhandled and “problem” horses that are at risk of being sent to slaughter). “Care” includes providing feed, water, housing, necessary vet and farrier care and very importantly, training.
Most horses come to C.A.R.E. for Horses Foundation extremely malnourished, sick and many of them potentially dangerous due to problem behaviors or being unhandled (wild). C.A.R.E. for Horses Foundation rehabilitates these horses through extensive training and socialization and, if appropriate, either rehomes them to qualified homes or incorporates the horses into public outreach demonstrations (clinics).
Check out the website to see if you want to volunteer or perhaps donate to their mission.
Feel free to contact us by email or phone.
email: careforhorsesfoundation@gmail.com
Phone: 480-414-3731
Facebook: (1) Facebook
VISITS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
This site is owned and managed by Ron Smith