Press Room
AZCEND Receives Chandler Chamber 2023 Community Cup Award for Remarkable Community Impact
Chandler, AZ – In recognition of their outstanding dedication and transformative work in the community, AZCEND has been chosen as the recipient of the Chandler Chamber 2023 Community Cup Award. This prestigious accolade celebrates AZCEND’s unwavering commitment to their mission of providing help and hope to those in need. The award acknowledges AZCEND’s remarkable achievements and the significant impact they have made on the lives of thousands of individuals.
Since its establishment in 1966, AZCEND has been a beacon of hope for individuals and families facing challenging circumstances. Guided by their core values of Integrity, Compassion, Hope, Dignity, and Inclusion, AZCEND has built a strong foundation that underpins all their programs and services. Their dedicated staff and volunteers embody these principles each day as they tirelessly work to support anyone who walks through their doors.
Trinity Donovan, CEO of AZCEND, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff, board of directors, and dedicated volunteers who have played a pivotal role in AZCEND’s success. “Receiving the Chandler Chamber 2023 Community Cup Award is a tremendous honor for AZCEND. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and unwavering dedication of our staff and volunteers. It is their commitment to our mission that has allowed us to make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.”
AZCEND’s recent accomplishments showcase the organization’s profound influence on the community. Through their collaborative efforts and strong partnerships, AZCEND has assisted 14,000 individuals, ensuring they receive the support they need. Their food donation program has provided an astounding 1 million pounds of food to those facing hunger, while mobilizing 1,000 volunteers to make this possible.
Recognizing the unique needs of seniors in the community, AZCEND’s devoted volunteers have served over 70,000 meals to this vulnerable population. The Family Resource Center has been a haven for 2,386 children, offering them a safe and nurturing environment to thrive. Furthermore, through their I-HELP initiative, AZCEND has provided 5,000 bed nights to individuals seeking shelter, offering them a place of refuge and support.
AZCEND’s commitment to preventing homelessness is evident in their provision of rent and utility assistance to 1,500 families, ensuring they can maintain stable housing. Moreover, Operation Santa, one of their notable programs, has brought joy to 503 children during the holiday season, making a difference in their lives and creating cherished memories.
The Chandler Chamber 2023 Community Cup Award serves as a reminder of the profound impact AZCEND has made on the community and the lives of those in need. By upholding their core values and embracing the spirit of collaboration, AZCEND continues to be a driving force in creating positive change.
As AZCEND looks to the future, their commitment remains steadfast, driven by the belief that every person deserves help, hope, and dignity. Through their compassionate and inclusive approach, AZCEND will undoubtedly continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families, empowering them to overcome adversity and achieve brighter futures.
About AZCEND:
AZCEND is a nonprofit organization based in Chandler, Arizona, dedicated to providing help and hope to individuals and families in need. With a focus on integrity, compassion, hope, dignity, and inclusion, AZCEND offers a range of programs and services, including food assistance, homelessness prevention, senior services, and youth programs. Since 1966, AZCEND has been making a positive impact in the community, transforming lives and creating a stronger, more vibrant society.
Chandler Christian Community Center unveils new name, AZCEND
Chandler Christian Community Center Unveils New Name, AZCEND
After 50 years of service to the communities in Southeast Valley, local nonprofit organization embraces new brand that reflects its evolution and future.
Chandler, AZ. May 16, 2017 – In front of a crowd of staff, volunteers, donors, sponsors, clients, and local church and community dignitaries, the Chandler Christian Community Center (CCCC) board of directors unveiled its new brand name…AZCEND. 
“We have changed our name but our mission and services remain the same. We change lives by nourishing minds and bodies to create a connected, thriving community. This is an exciting new chapter in the life of this longstanding organization,” said Trinity Donovan, AZCEND CEO. “Our new name embraces who we are now, and establishes the foundation for future growth.”
“We felt our 50th anniversary was an ideal opportunity to look back at the history that brought CCCC to this point, as well as look ahead to
prepare our organization for the fifty years to come,” said AZCEND board president Gail Kavanagh. “As part of those strategic discussions, we realized that our organization had grown far beyond the physical and services boundaries of our initial name and what are known for. We wanted to move forward under a new name and brand that would honor our current mission and allow for potential future growth.”
Deli co-owner gives back with free Thanksgiving dinner
CHANDLER, Ariz. (KSAZ) – One of the co-owners of Carlo & Emilie’s Gourmet Deli is Chandler decided to give back to the community on Thanksgiving, and host a free Thanksgiving dinner at a church in Chandler.
The co-owner said he used to live in an orphanage in Italy. FOX 10’s Danielle Miller reports.
Watch: https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/arizona-news/219683728-story
Phoenix-area exhibit puts a face to homelessness
CHANDLER, Ariz. — A new exhibit presents an eye-opening look at homelessness in Chandler.
The exhibition, “Portraits of Homelessness,” features pictures of the homeless within the city and allows them to tell their stories to visitors.
“Some of their stories talk about why they’re homeless,” said Chandler City Councilmember Kevin Hartke, who helped organize the exhibit.
“Some of their stories talk about how they got out of being homeless or things they wish people would know about them.”
Hartke said in some pictures, it may be tough to tell if that person is homeless. He hoped visitors will be moved to compassion by the exhibit instead of suspicion and judgment.
“It’s our goal to change people’s mental image of what a homeless person is and how they got homeless,” Hartke said.
The exhibition features pictures and stories of homeless individuals who are part of the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging System (I-HELP).
Hartke said in Chandler, 18 faith communities open their doors to the homeless every night on a rotating basis.
The exhibition at the Vision Gallery, located on the first floor of City Hall, was scheduled to run Nov. 3-12.
Link : https://ktar.com/story/1343731/phoenix-area-exhibit-puts-a-face-to-homelessness/
Deli owner who grew up in an orphanage provides hot meals for homeless
Hot meals mean a lot to the homeless, as Carlo Ventura knows. He lived in an Italian orphanage from ages 2 to 14.
“The many nights of going to bed with just a piece of stale bread; I know how stressful it can be for anyone,” Ventura said.
Ventura, co-owner of Carlo and Emilie’s Gourmet Deli in Chandler, wanted help others get through those rough times, so he decided to do something about it.
Chandler lowering property-tax rate for homeowners
Chandler homeowners and social-service agencies scored in the budget for next fiscal year.
Chandler adopted a $971 million budget June 9, a total that represents a 6.7 percent increase over last year, while decreasing the city property-tax rate to reflect rising home values and giving $1.12 million to social-service agencies.
The median home price increased from $186,800 to $200,500 over the past year. But the city is expected to formally lower the property-tax rate on June 23 to offset the city property-tax bills. Lowering the property-tax rate will mean average homeowners will pay about $5.71 more per year based on the higher values. If rates stayed the same, the increase would be about $8.67 for the year.