Consideration of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Health and Human Services funding recommendations to be presented to City Council at the April 20, 2026, Work Session.

The City of Apache Junction Health and Human Services Commission is reviewing eight funding applications for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget cycle. These requests total $165,300 and support various social services, community development, and youth programs. The Commission will present its final funding recommendations to the City Council at the April 20, 2026, Work Session.

Funding Requests:

• Superstition Community Food Bank: $75,000 for the Emergency Food Program, Holiday Box Program, and Student Backpack Food Program.
• NAZCARE Inc: $9,000 to support three non-Title 19 SMI (Serious Mental Illness) clients who lost AHCCCS benefits (updated from an initial $62,400 renovation request).
• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley: $30,000 for staff salaries and benefits at the Superstition Mountain Branch.
• A New Leaf (CAAFA): $20,000 for domestic violence outreach, legal advocacy, and emergency basic needs assistance.
• Azura VITA: $15,800 to expand free volunteer income tax preparation services for low-to-moderate-income residents.
• Apache Junction Community Development Corporation (AJCDC): $7,500 for administrative costs, code compliance cleanup, and Community Action Day.
• Black and Gold Youth Football League (BGYFL): $6,000 for fall football and cheer scholarships.
• Kiwanis Club of Apache Junction: $2,000 for youth services.

Context: These requests represent a mix of recurring support for established community partners (such as the Food Bank and Boys & Girls Club) and new or modified requests. The Commission's role is to evaluate these applications against city priorities and available budget capacity before making formal recommendations to the City Council.