Non-profit Interview in Mesa: Dysart Community Center
Arizona Roofing Systems, the no1 roofing contractor from Mesa, AZ, took an interview with Annie Ansell from Dysart Community Center. She explained to us that the organization’s goal is providing essential services to families in need such as English as a second language, free goods for ones in need, citizenship and many more.
Thanks to organizations like this one, our community is much richer. Helping youth in growing up is the most wonderful thing in the world, and unfortunately, often parents can’t provide their children with essentials. At last, helping others and especially the ones in need is also very important in building a healthy and happy community.
Introduction
To begin with, we would like you to briefly tell us about your organization
For over fifty years, Dysart Community Center has been providing services to families in need in the West Valley.
- What do you do exactly?
And what was the reason that encouraged you to start this organization?
The West Valley has a need for affordable youth and adult education, a need for qualified after-school programs, and safe place for children and adults to meet. We provide English as a Second Language, GED, Citizenship, Free Food for Those in Need, teen and youth after-school programs and summer camp.
- What motivates you?
Describe your mission passion
We are motivated by the desire to improve the quality of life for Children, Youths, and Families in the West Valley. So many families have income or language challenges that cause them to lose out on employment, health, and social opportunities. We have volunteers who are passionate about helping and sharing their life skills and experience.
- Tell us about your goals.
To improve 8th-grade graduation rates and high-school graduation rates, to help youths make better choices, to enable non-English speaking families to learn English, improve their career and social outcomes, to help this community achieve the American dream, to help adults achieve a GED.
- What was the hardest/toughest moment you had to deal with?
Obstacles you faced when dealing with bureaucracy, permits, funding, etc. Something you would like to point out to anyone who might be starting their own organization.
Funding is always a challenge, being able to tell our story to show how the funds are being used to change lives always makes a difference.
- What was the most fulfilling moment that happened to you?
It is always a joy to see someone achieve their U.S. Citizenship, gain their GED, to see children have a breakthrough in math or science, and to see families situations improve. Last summer we had an enrollment of 150 children for our summer camp. We donated scholarships for sixteen children who never attended a summer school. That was huge for us, life-changing, encouraging, and we knew the results would be incredible.
- What separates you from the rest? Why you?
We care so much about our community, and for over fifty years we have been serving in the west valley. Over half of our staff attended this center as children, so they have such a dedication to improving the outlooks for the families in this community.
- Do you have any upcoming events in the forthcoming months?
We have a free food giveaway the first Saturday of every month, daily classes in English as a Second Language, Citizenship, GED, and after-school programs for youths ages 4 to 18.
- What is it that you love most about what you do?
I love seeing people gain confidence and, feel a part of their community.
- What is the biggest challenge you’re faced with today?
As with many non-profits, funding is always the challenge.
- Anything else you would like to add?
It is such a privilege to serve the community of El Mirage, Surprise, and surrounding areas. So much is needed in this community, and everyone works so hard to achieve their goals.
Contact: How can people reach out to you?
Your organization’s name, phone, address, e-mail and links to your website and social media
Dysart Community Center
623-249-3812
14414 N. El Mirage Road
El Mirage, AZ 85335