At Mesa United Way, health care is about much more than visits to the doctor when you're sick. We place a heavy emphasis on prevention by promoting good nutrition and healthy lifestyles, as well as on rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities or those recovering from a life-altering injury or illness. The Partner Agencies and programs below have proven track records of providing these vital services. (For more, click on logos or Info links.)
Agency: Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, Desert Southwest Chapter
Program: Mesa Alheimer's Disease Programs and Services
The mission of the Alzheimer's Association is to eliminate Alzheimer's Disease through the 
advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Alzheimer's Association is the leading, global voluntary health organization in Alheimer's care and support, and the largest private, non-profit funder of Alheimer's research.
Agency: American Red Cross - Grand Canyon Chapter
Program: American Red Cross Local Disaster Relief in Mesa
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The vision of the American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter is to partner with the people of Arizona to develop and foster safer families, neighborhoods and worksites. Serving as a leading public benefit corporation, we will promote a system of community self-sufficiency and compassionate response when emergencies arise.
Agency: Arizona Brainfood, Inc.
Program: Arizona Brainfood
Over 60% of Mesa's students are eligible for free or reduced lunch. Many of these children have very little or no food to eat on the weekends. They often go to bed hungry! It has been proven, children that lack proper nourishment have lower test scores and more behavioral problems in school. Arizona Brainfood is a non-profit organization that discreetly provides a backpack of food to feed hungry school children on the weekends. We hope that each child will return to school every Monday mentally aware and physically able to concentrate.
Agency: Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Program: Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services
The mission of Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired is to enhance the quality of life of people who are blind or otherwise visually impaired by providing a wide range of services aimed at:
• Promoting independence, dignity, and full participation in all spheres of life; at home, at work and in the community.
• Educating the general public regarding the capabilities and needs of individuals who are blind and visually impaired, while serving as a resource of information about all aspects of dealing with vision loss.
• Facilitating acceptance of individuals who are blind and visually impaired throughout society, while working toward equalization of opportunity.
Info: http://www.acbvi.org
Agency: East Valley Adult Resources, Inc.
Program: Meals on Wheels
The mission of Meals on Wheels is to provide nutritious meals to homebound persons in a friendly and timely manner. It is the only program in our community that provides subsidized meals to the elderly and the homebound. This population is faced with many barriers to locating needed services. The elderly and the disabled are at an increased risk of poor nutrition due to age related and condition related mental and physical changes.
Agency: East Valley Adult Resources, Inc.
Program: Outreach Services
Outreach Services provide individual assistance and community presentations to help guide individuals in finding relevant resources and referrals to meet their needs. The vision of Outreach Services is to assist at-risk individuals with resources to avoid crisis situations. The goals of Outreach Services include:
• Continue to provide a comprehensive approach in assisting clients with community resources (phone calls, walk-ins and home visits).
• Continue to provide the initial assessment for all potential meals for clients.
• Provide caregiver forums and classes to persons of all ages.
• Explore providing programs and services to grandparents raising. grandchildren.
Agency: Foundation for Blind Children
Program: Independent Living Skills Training
Blind and visually impaired clients age 15-21 demonstrate an improved ability to function independently in everyday life and an improved ability to travel safely and independently.
Agency: Foundation for Blind Children
Program: Infant/Preschool Program
Clients aquire the training, support, education and treatment to develop their cognitive, developmental and behavioral skills. Families gain the education to understand and improve their child's overall development. Clients gain an increased awareness of community resources to improve their child's education, and clients gain a greater sense of power, control and /or hope.
Further Info: http://www.seeitourway.org/
Agency: Marc Center of Mesa, Inc.
Program: Advocates for the Disabled
Marc Center is a private nonprofit corporation providing educational, therapeutic, rehabilitation and social services to children and adults with developmental and, physical disabilities and behavioral health challenges. Marc Center provides opportunities for people to be actively involved in determining where and how they live, learn, work and play.
Agency: Marc Center of Mesa, Inc.
Program: Home and Community Based Services
Marc Center's Home and Community Based Services program offers in-home supports to assist children and adults with disabilities to achieve and/or maintain their desired level of independence in their home and community. Marc Center strives to enhance the lives of persons served and their families by providing opportunities to succeed and fail, to take risks and to grow and participate as contributing members of their community.
Info: http://marccenter.com
Agency: Sirrine Adult Day Health Services
Program: Caring for Families Dealing With Life Altering Illnesses
The program's mission is to maintain the quality of life for elderly individuals who are afflicted with a life-altering illness and support for their caregivers as they meet the daily challenges of caregiving. Their goals are to maintain individuals in their home for as long as possible, to enhance their social, physical and cognitive abilities and reduce the stress levels of their caregivers.
