Councilman Michael Johnson
May 14, 2008
CDBG Award Winners Are True Champions
Bill Scott is a disabled African American who has advocated the rights and needs of disabled people for more than 20 years.
For his dedicated work, Scott was among award recipients recognized recently by the city of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) in honor of national Community Development Week.
Each year, NSD handles approximately $17.5 million in Community Development Block Grant funds. For every federal dollar received, CDBG recipients invest $4 to participate in the program, amounting to $70 million in community improvements and services.
The awards and recipients are:
Lupe Sisneros Memorial Award – Marie Torres, MRM Construction Services
Recognized for developing a well-designed 8,300-square-foot facility in south Phoenix on vacant land in Target Area B Redevelopment Area and partnering with area schools to encourage students to pursue their education goals.
Community Partnership Award – Native American Connections
Recognized for spearheading the formation of a tri-agency partnership and assisting in acquiring a permanent six-story building on North Central Avenue to serve as a one-stop service center for Native Americans
Community Service Hero Award – Gompers, Inc.
Recognized for the Special Smiles for Special People program that provides dental services to low-income and uninsured developmentally disabled persons.
Community Service Hero Award – Arizonans for the Protection of Exploited Children and Adults
Recognized for coordinating effective counseling and support for teens recovering from self-injury (cutters), victims of abuse or teens who need psychological support.
Neighborhood Revitalization Award – Historic JB Bayless Grocery Store
Recognized for using NSD's Neighborhood Commercial Rehabilitation Program to restore a former grocery store building on the National Historic Register to its 1926 appearance.
Neighborhood Revitalization Award – Melrose Center
Recognized for using the Neighborhood Commercial Rehabilitation Program to renovate the facades of its seven storefronts. It is one of Phoenix' first commercial strip centers.
Economic Development Award – Studio Architecture
Recognized for its advocacy and architectural assistance for small business owners seeking to open or expand their businesses and create job opportunities for low-income residents.
Economic Development Award of Excellence – Bill Scott, Abilities Unlimited Inc
Recognized for 20 years of advocating the needs of people with disabilities and helping companies, institutions and public agencies understand and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Homeless Service Provider of the Year – Labor's Community Service Agency
Recognized for effectively using CDBG and Emergency Shelter Grant funds during the last 12 years to provide transitional and case management services for homeless families with children.
Housing Partner of the Year – Community Housing Resources of Arizona
Recognized for serving as the primary vehicle for the city and many housing development agencies in providing effective pre-purchase counseling and down payment/closing cost assistance to low income families.
Congratulations to all the CDBG award winners for this year!
Michael Johnson represents District 8. His office can be reached at 602-262-7493 or at michael.johnson@phoenix.gov via e-mail.