UCP develops partnership to save aftershchool programs

United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona is a paid advertiser of Sonoran Living Live

CITY PARTNERS WITH CIRCLE K AND UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY TO CONTINUE AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS
Circle K Corporation and United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona (UCP) have partnered with the city of Phoenix to ensure the future of afterschool programs for Phoenix students this summer.  
Circle K Corporation committed $36,000 to fund a Phoenix Afterschool Center (PAC) at Sunnyslope Elementary School, which will cover the costs of training and staffing.  Students have the opportunity to work on projects, play games that exercise the mind and body, and engage with other students in a positive, safe environment.
"Circle K did what is challenging for many businesses in today's economic climate - they wrote a check and kept the doors open and the lights on for our young people," said Councilman Bill Gates. "Public-private partnerships like this are a creative way to ensure that our youngest residents will continue to receive support today, so they can become productive citizens in the future."
 "Circle K is very honored to be a part of this public-private partnership," said Suzy Peel, on behalf of Circle K Corporation.  "It has been an amazing journey that led to the inspiration for this alliance between these dynamic organizations.  The kids are the integral focus of both, and the kids are going to be blessed by this great partnership."
Lori Ritz, principal of Sunnyslope School, said, "Our Sunnyslope families are so grateful to Circle K, UPC and the city for supporting the PAC on our campus.  The PAC gives families peace of mind that their children are in a safe place and are well cared for after school."
"Partnerships have become a crucial tool in expanding our mission to more parts of the city and more residents," said Jim Burke, acting director of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department.  "Circle K, with its sponsorship of a PAC program at Sunnyslope Elementary, is highlighting ways corporations and other organizations can support crucial parks and recreation programs throughout the city."
     
Funding from Circle K also will allow UCP to train all PAC teachers citywide to support students with possible developmental delays.  
    
"Circle K, its employees and staff are incredible stewards and have invested literally millions of dollars for more than 30 years to help countless individuals with Cerebral Palsy, Down's Syndrome, Autism and learning delays," said Armando Contreras, president and CEO of UCP of Central Arizona.  
     
For more information, call the District 3 office at 602-262-7441 or email     council.district.3@phoenix.gov


United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona is a paid advertiser of Sonoran Living Live