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Cobre Valley Youth Club asks Gila County supervisors for help to expand programs, repair facilities
Summary
Carmen Casillas, president of the Cobre Valley Youth Club, told the Board of Supervisors the nonprofit has regained 501(c)(3) status and is seeking funding and in‑kind help for programs and repairs including a playground estimated near $60,000 and kitchen upgrades.
Carmen Casillas, president of the Cobre Valley Youth Club, told the Gila County Board of Supervisors on March 25 that the volunteer nonprofit serving Globe, Miami and San Carlos has regained its IRS nonprofit status and is seeking continued county support to expand youth programming and repair club facilities.
Casillas said the organization’s mission is “empowering, inspiring, and engaging our next generation,” and described a range of programs from swimming lessons and first‑aid classes to music, language instruction and one‑on‑one support for youth with behavioral or trauma‑related needs. She credited local partnerships — including Arizona@Work and the library — for helping place members in job and training opportunities.
The presentation stressed immediate facility needs. Casillas said the club recently resolved a lapse in its IRS filings and now has its nonprofit status back, which she said allows the group to pursue donations and grants again. She identified a playground replacement and surface work (sod or safety chips) as a primary need and said contractor quotes put that cost “probably about close to 60,000.” She also listed plumbing upgrades (three sinks) and other repairs as items that must be addressed before the club can expand programming.
Supervisors responded with offers of help and follow‑up. Supervisor Humphrey said he has prior service on the local Boys & Girls Club board and offered to help the Cobre Valley Youth Club with grant information and applications. Supervisor Klein asked whether the club offers safety or parent training; Casillas said the club provides self‑awareness/self‑defense and works with the police department on training and safety protocols. County staff at the meeting urged Casillas to submit a formal grant application to begin the county’s grant review process.
Casillas described specific programming planned for the coming months: summer swimming lessons, a music program coordinated with Councilman Mariano Gonzales to obtain donated instruments, culinary classes, language instruction and job‑readiness work with Arizona@Work. She gave a brief example of a member who began at the club as an introverted teen, participated in Arizona@Work programming, and now works in IT and homeland security fields.
The meeting did not include any formal county action on funding; supervisors encouraged the club to submit grant paperwork and said they would help where possible. Casillas said she would follow up with county staff on grant applications and other technical assistance.
The club provided names of board members and staff during the presentation; Casillas asked supervisors to consider ongoing investment in the program so it can continue serving local youth.
The discussion took place during the Board’s work session and was framed as a presentation and request for help; no motions or votes occurred on the item.
