Maricopa organization has high H.O.P.E.s

There is H.O.P.E. in Maricopa!

A new organization, Helping Others have Positive Experiences in Maricopa (H.O.P.E.) has recently formed to provide positive social experiences for local residents. The group seeks to provide valuable opportunities for community members to develop friendships and share similar interests with their neighbors.

The non-profit organization, the brainchild of several local business owners, entrepreneurs and concerned citizens, hopes to secure funding to purchase or lease a facility where they can then operate a community center open to all Maricopa residents.

Activities the group hopes to bring to the community are dancing, gymnastics, roller-skating, basketball, bicycle riding, soccer and T-ball. In addition, the center would serve the special needs population, providing local access to physical therapy, women, infant and children services (WIC), programs for the retired and elderly, job services and psychological counseling.

Renee Jackson, a respite care coordinator and H.O.P.E. founder, says that Maricopa has grown to a population over 30,000 but lacks many essential services, forcing residents to travel considerable distances to obtain medical care, counseling services and access to recreational activities.

H.O.P.E. advisory board members represent a cross section of service providers, professionals and business owners who were drawn together when they realized they had distinct talents that meshed well with one another. Shelia Babendir is a clinical counselor; Ceylan Gentilella is a dance instructor and owner of Desert Sun Performing Arts, and Amy Bratlie is the owner of Desert Star Gymnastics. This group realized the strength and power in combining their individual expertise and consolidating their skills under one roof … and the H.O.P.E concept was born.

Presently the organization is sponsoring monthly activities to attract additional interested supporters and acquaint the community with its mission to serve all families. 2009 activities have included guest entertainment in January and a February Valentine’s Dance. Upcoming events include:

· March- Picnic at the park
· April- Spring Karaoke sing
· May- Game night
· June- Hawaiian luau
· July- Bingo
· August- Movies and popcorn
· September- Ice Cream Social with a 50s theme
· October- Fall Festival
· November- Thanksgiving activity
· December- Holiday Party and gift exchange

H.O.P.E. has set itself some lofty goals. The organization has approached local corporations seeking funding and has applied for government grants for start-up capital. Plans are in the works to secure a building that will house meeting and education rooms, a gymnasium, as well as individual practitioner and therapist areas. Ideally the organization will then become self-sustaining as it leases space to professionals who brings their skills and talents to all residents of Maricopa.

For information on becoming a H.O.P.E. participant or to volunteer your special talents, contact Amy Bratlie at (602) 758-2520.

Photos courtesy of Amy Bratlie