This is the first in a series of articles highlighting help SFB-CRC received from both private and public donors. Individuals, as well as local, statewide, and national foundations have provided SFB-CRC with much-needed funds for construction, operations, and improvements. The government gets some mention and attention in this first installment, which highlights Pima County and Town of Sahuarita’s financial support.

Whether it’s anti-overreach arguments from the right or anti-establishment protests from the left, the government in general throughout history has always been an easy target for wrath from the public and the political pundits. President Reagan used to say government is the problem and not the solution, and Ralph Nader used to rail against government’s corporate connections. Regardless of the rhetoric in that regard, SFB-CRC has undoubtedly enjoyed immeasurable assistance from government sources.

Twenty percent of our Nourishing Capital Campaign support has come from governmental units. We have been able to tap into sources of government funding designated for low-income residents of our communities with the expressed purpose of providing assistance with food, health and nutrition, family support, and skill development and employment. It will result in these residents becoming economically better off and more consistent contributors to their own communities. They support businesses, pay taxes, and give more to non-profits than they ever would have if they had not received this helping hand that has been funded through essential aid from grants and other government resources.

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), some recently related to Covid relief funding, have been a huge advantage. SFB-CRC received approval for these competitive grants each year between 2017 and 2021. Once construction of the new building began, we drew on three separate contracts for reimbursements for approved capital costs. Pima County has done everything we could hope for in their efforts to remain careful stewards of these dollars, providing exceptional communication and service, and they are always supportive of our goals.

Thanks to the Town Council and staff of the Town of Sahuarita, we sought and received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding as well. ARPA is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by the 117th United States Congress to speed up the country’s recovery from the economic and health effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Towns and other governmental units received a part of this funding.

Donations from the government can be a double-edged sword. In some cases, there can be unwanted restrictions, bureaucracy, and loss of local control. On the other hand, it can mean the easing of worry over financial burdens and an improvement in the quality of life in the community. SFB-CRC’s experience has been a good one, not only contributing to our efforts to extend a helping hand to those who need it in our community but the knowledge that we can get a helping hand when we need it, too.