[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6122945,"mediaKeyId","2693500-534fa2f4faf72290de3b5abeb7941f2a","parentId",2693500,"title","City staff previews April 12 VetFest: job fair, sponsors, exhibitors and rules for veteran‑resource focus","audioSeconds",648,"startMs",3502000,"endMs",4150000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2693500-534fa2f4faf72290de3b5abeb7941f2a&start=3502&end=4150","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2693500-534fa2f4faf72290de3b5abeb7941f2a/thumbnail_3502000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6122945/Surprise/Maricopa-County/Arizona/City-staff-previews-April-12-VetFest-job-fair-sponsors-exhibitors-and-rules-for-veteranresource-focus","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6122945-c9c281f33ad1ab16440c2ff24bdf174b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171334&Signature=oRIfdCgricezTtz1CG8uZIYkQ9J-Sly6Vy-NhvR-a6lrQri9WkifPcniXgPktJ-QNLumFSE-x4Zmy76nfkE26dQqkmNLW0i6Xs5hrwUhgpnXHWN3bdq44qPkQ4PbZ36yzrWMSd8I9WuBdZ6BWRvhkwXBvbT-twSk8keIvN0jQbk8shEj4IaaBe-SarFLFhwMBo6w6GwWZUeOyUvnxESSvNuqN9Sp9uttv2-t6Co9wRhz0VbHpeu0WeBDBBJlVBKHzHKBWGjM3KR~cdTOoKlXlXW4qdEK6eQyBct3ZrluMNkXzqCdEYz24BkIWOd2DlQrrYZmPI6sK0XPXfRRUFw9yg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Surprise, AZ","date","2025-03-12T00:00:00Z","article","Danielle (City of Surprise staff) briefed the Veterans Disability and Human Services Commission on March 12 about VetFest, scheduled for April 12 at Mark Coronado Park from 5 to 8 p.m.

“Our title sponsor, America’s Mighty Warriors, is returning,” Danielle said, and she thanked Debbie for the continued support. She said the city has sponsorship support from APS, has contracted with Arizona at Work to coordinate the job fair component and that Luke Air Force Base will post colors and provide veteran participation. The event page and registration are on the city website at surpriseaz.gov/vetfest.

Danielle said the event will include a job fair (employers are being recruited), four confirmed veteran‑owned food trucks, vendor and exhibitor booths (about 20 exhibitors at the time of the update), veteran vehicle displays and an expanded kids zone with bounce houses. Youth for Troops will run a care‑package assembly project and a donation drive during the event. The city plans to provide $10 meal vouchers to veterans who attend.

She asked commissioners to promote the event and to encourage nonprofits and employers to register: “My biggest ask of all of you is if you see a post, reshare it. Pass flyers along to anybody you know that should be at the event,” Danielle said. Staff reported 20 exhibitors registered and only one employer signed up as of the last check; they said recruitment of employers and exhibitors was ongoing and urged commissioners to help with outreach.

Commission discussion focused on exhibitor and vendor policy. Staff said last year the event prioritized nonprofit and veteran resources rather than retail sales; this year staff are again filtering exhibitor applications to prioritize resource organizations and nonprofit services. Commissioners discussed a limited exception for veteran‑owned small businesses to promote their businesses or donate raffle prizes, but they generally agreed the event should not be a commercial marketplace and that sales should be limited unless the business is a paid sponsor.

Other logistics discussed: Veteran equipment displays must be coordinated (staff requested details and paperwork from units bringing vehicles or trailers), event timing (fields host leagues earlier in the day, so displays must arrive after 3 p.m.), and promotion channels (social media, Surprise Independent ad distribution to 34,000 households and LinkedIn posts). Staff also noted scheduling conflicts across April events and the challenge of recruiting volunteers for an evening event.

Why it matters: VetFest is a community‑facing recruitment and resource event that seeks to connect veterans to employers, social services, care packages and community resources and to raise local awareness of veteran supports.

Ending: Staff asked commissioners to continue outreach and to refer exhibitors and employers to the city’s VetFest registration page; no policy decisions or funding requests were made at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Veterans, Disability and Human Services Commission - March 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Danielle (City of Surprise staff) briefed the Veterans Disability and Human Services Commission on March 12 about VetFest, scheduled for April 12 at Mark Coronado Park from 5 to 8 p.m.","taxTitle","Surprise, Maricopa County, Arizona","taxId",2566,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6122950,"Surprise senior services supervisor summarizes dementia supports and congregate meal program; center reports 5,689 meals served this fiscal year",549,1985000,2534000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2693500-534fa2f4faf72290de3b5abeb7941f2a&start=1985&end=2534","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2693500-534fa2f4faf72290de3b5abeb7941f2a/thumbnail_1985000.jpg","/articles/6122950/Surprise/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Surprise-senior-services-supervisor-summarizes-dementia-supports-and-congregate-meal-program-center-reports-5689-meals-served-this-fiscal-year","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6122950-d808aef40d1098185d060af35defde59/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171334&Signature=UDofjq8w1Y79l-RvSGaXXVLUBYJO6t2BK3WITPQhiC1p8FXvVQe2rFswoPNnKL~Eoxm1SBdHa4N5ucXQO4xwHhNc7j58NpJQnN3iR2Njogby-yE3snLXv5UJX8h09l6PXsJqCgMO52bdJXnfxBSQGcHtItRAEDDzKmK52jY9vauANlvBIPz-O8LuaQEnOK3iuZQNAj-y1cyDwuDGwMmfckh3TzHVnteq0s3w1xHX1MHQrf9wkwWZ8poZdIWPmDSKjzShDu55Qk8AHahFawnZaepajPjuBPmlcnCnL7-~exOnHN61q5aT-yr2YmC~n9xp1gMp3IWC6dvAIiRbUl5MOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tricia Weston, Senior Services Supervisor for the City of Surprise, told the Veterans Disability and Human Services Commission on March 12 that the city offers a broad set of programs for adults 50 and older and for older adults in the disability community, including dementia‑friendly outreach, congregate meals and fitness and enrichment programming.

“Since 2019, Surprise has been at the forefront of supporting those living with dementia,” Weston said, and the city is a member of the Dementia Friendly American Network of Communities. She distributed a resource card describing free dementia‑friendly informational sessions the city offers to organizations and resident groups.

Weston described the senior center’s congregate meal program, which she said “takes place Monday through Friday at 12PM at the senior center” and is in‑person only. The meals meet nutrition standards set by the Older Americans Act and are provided with a grant from the Area Agency on Aging Region 1. Eligibility follows Older Americans Act rules (60 and older) but the Area Agency on Aging allows expanded participation for Surprise: adults ages 50–59 with a disability or a spouse age 60 or older may also access the meals with a higher suggested contribution.

Weston gave enrollment and usage figures for the current fiscal year so far: the senior center served 5,689 meals to 564 different individuals. She provided an age breakdown: 265 participants were between 60 and 75; 175 were between 75 and 85; 60 were older than 85; and the oldest participant is 98.

Weston highlighted programming and partnerships — with Sun Health, the American Heart Association, Dysart Community Center and others — and described recreational and therapeutic offerings including “fun Fridays,” tournaments, a certified “Bingo size” fitness program, multigenerational events and a Quilting Club that donates handmade items to hospice agencies.

She also noted the senior center serves known veterans: the center tracks 68 veterans, 27 veteran spouses and 46 widows of veterans, and she said the actual number of veterans may be higher because some do not identify themselves as veterans.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the senior center serves as a social and health hub that can prevent isolation and support independent living; its meals and partnerships provide nutritional, medical and social services that benefit older adults and veterans in Surprise and the surrounding area.

Ending: Weston provided commissioners with the center’s monthly newsletter and her contact information and encouraged referrals and outreach to residents who could benefit from the center’s services.","Tricia Weston, Senior Services Supervisor for the City of Surprise, briefed the commission on the senior center’s programs, dementia‑friendly initiatives and meal program eligibility and statistics, including a fiscal‑year total of 5,689 meals served to 564 individuals and a congregate meal schedule of Monday–Friday at noon.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6122953,"Seeds for Autism founder outlines job, life‑skills programs and plans for thrift store and coffee shop",572,904000,1476000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2693500-534fa2f4faf72290de3b5abeb7941f2a&start=904&end=1476","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2693500-534fa2f4faf72290de3b5abeb7941f2a/thumbnail_904000.jpg","/articles/6122953/Surprise/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Seeds-for-Autism-founder-outlines-job-lifeskills-programs-and-plans-for-thrift-store-and-coffee-shop","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6122953-b8d077a48b44c3f8e6fa227918c583b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171334&Signature=Cm925mto4jGNq02jeVBRfxLqi-u~EYtX0Pd6ypHuimXCwIcFmU0PFq5W1ztV9tOzNddVhFcdMFOdvaKNqrlAPgqlqDF5mmrsWxFlvUjt8nJfSyiQl3BpVrMX9~dFXyEAlRAST-q6ebVQHXLOoNGv84-89Nkh8ZhTBlY2R-bfxK07WbdC4mlNhsZMWO2A0JZAh863w6ZAgXPbrKcwSI8XzkOaKPrlpKbnSpQHCu94199A6OfANYk6hp9ImssAKNSOzWMIPs20QKEzr8XQrIvExKkFVFzgsavgJgH1-djktOiIcdV8NgbGiXosrFpsBY8SFcydmJNSKvCHqcfuCelteQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mary Anne, executive director and founder of Seeds for Autism, told the Veterans Disability and Human Services Commission on March 12 that the Phoenix nonprofit trains adolescents and adults with autism in job skills, life skills and social‑skill development aimed at supported employment and independent living.

The program “was founded in 2010,” Mary Anne said, and grew from “four young adults” working in her backyard to a facility offering woodworking, jewelry making, sewing, weaving, graphic arts, culinary training, blacksmithing and a garden program. She said Seeds pairs participants with job coaches and partners with vocational rehabilitation to pursue employment and on‑the‑job supports.

The organization described a two‑phase expansion. Phase one is a thrift store — “Seeds Garden of Treasures” — planned to open in April (date not specified), where students will work alongside community volunteers and job coaches on sorting, laundry and retail skills. Phase two is a coffee shop that Mary Anne said the program hopes to open in the months ahead; she told commissioners the board’s deadline is September but that they expect to open sooner.

Mary Anne emphasized social‑skill and executive‑functioning development in addition to workplace tasks, noting students range from nonverbal participants to college students and older adults. “SEEDS does stand for success through education, exploration, and development,” she said, and described the thrift store and coffee shop as part of a plan to create apprenticeships and eventual paid positions.

Commissioners asked about placement and outcomes. Mary Anne said Seeds placed 11 students in paid positions last year and that the program works with families and vocational rehabilitation to show “independent employability” where possible. She described typical coaching ratios ranging from one coach to three or four students, with smaller one‑to‑one supports when needed.

She also described community engagement activities: a mobile boutique, summer camps for ages 14–22, an Arizona Author Book Festival fundraiser planned for April 27 and a YouTube/podcast channel produced by program participants. Mary Anne said part of the organization’s mission is to educate employers about reasonable expectations and supports so placements succeed.

Commissioners who spoke praised the program and encouraged other commissioners to visit. Commissioner Michael Tree asked whether job placements were intended to be permanent; Mary Anne replied that placement and independent employment are the goal. A commissioner noted the quality of students’ products and recommended community tours.

Why it matters: Commissioners said Seeds’ model — combining trade instruction, retail experience and employer outreach — could increase employment opportunities for local veterans with service‑connected or other disabilities and provide community‑based training and social supports that fill gaps after school transition.

Ending: Mary Anne invited commissioners and other community members to tour the facility and to attend the Arizona Author Book Festival fundraiser; she said the thrift store is expected to open in April and the coffee shop later in the year.","Mary Anne, founder and executive director of Seeds for Autism, described a Phoenix‑based program that trains adolescents and adults with autism in trades, life skills and supported employment; organizers plan a thrift store opening and later a coffee shop to expand community integration and paid apprenticeships.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6122938,"Commission approves February 12 meeting minutes",63,861000,924000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2693500-534fa2f4faf72290de3b5abeb7941f2a&start=861&end=924","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2693500-534fa2f4faf72290de3b5abeb7941f2a/thumbnail_861000.jpg","/articles/6122938/Surprise/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Commission-approves-February-12-meeting-minutes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6122938-af07e87092fb1b2344f7ae99f465eae9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171334&Signature=nunYzCbF~aDRwcUPe5HnY0HmOk7~XvlPm9qIWSQaZjJ9~Voasfko2CZT~~5MjMkEybdYkXuJvI5yUD6C4LBWkHPXFKtQ5SHQakeEbeM3uzYRlZWU8g1Uan7FAYAruhNMoY2uZQpUHJzAQIHuV2COMkQ78Zg2O5DVC059K-77WCjF0zMnSG3SqYfDV2LQb6zJGKonr~YUFSJVpnmvCtrgyMGOk2ZVE3VqiSh0kfP4CoTNX6Kc40ikwfbtuPS6x0CrP3VP1tzSpSrmWAiRsOoZ3HrGZCggq-lLxR-XTqSSgCLFGVKsojZw2VJaTfj-S0z1kb7slr1LV1zdJwXDz7k0NQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Veterans Disability and Human Services Commission approved the minutes of its February 12, 2025 meeting during the March 12 meeting.

A commissioner moved to approve the minutes of 02/12/2025; another commissioner seconded the motion. When the chair called for the vote, commissioners responded “Aye,” and the chair announced the motion passed.

Why it matters: Approval of prior minutes finalizes the official record of the February meeting and allows the commission to proceed with its March agenda.

Ending: No roll‑call details for individual votes were given on the record during the motion; the chair declared the motion passed.","The Veterans Disability and Human Services Commission voted to approve the minutes of its February 12, 2025 meeting; the motion passed without recorded opposition.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City staff previews April 12 VetFest: job fair, sponsors, exhibitors and rules for veteran‑resource focus

Surprise senior services supervisor summarizes dementia supports and congregate meal program; center reports 5,689 meals served this fiscal year

Seeds for Autism founder outlines job, life‑skills programs and plans for thrift store and coffee shop

Commission approves February 12 meeting minutes