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Boys & Girls Clubs seeks $35,000 to retain staff at Superstition Mountain branch
Summary
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley asked the Apache Junction Health and Human Services Commission for $35,000 to support salaries and employee‑related expenses at the Superstition Mountain branch, citing local demand and program details including daily homework help, robotics and behavioral health support.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley presenters told the Health and Human Services Commission on March 10 that they are seeking $35,000 in FY2026 funding to support salaries and employee‑related expenses for the Superstition Mountain branch in Apache Junction.
Maddie Roberti, director of grants, said the request would support direct‑service staff and represents "less than 5% of the branch's total operational budget, which is about $740,000." She said the funds would remain local to serve Apache Junction youth.
"Our dedicated trained staff at the heart of our programs provide the support that keeps kids engaged, learning, and safe in your community," Roberti said, describing staff roles in homework help, enrichment activities and mentoring.
Roberti and Liz Byrne, vice president of regional impact, said the Superstition Mountain branch serves about 350 local youth ages 5 to 18, with an average daily attendance of roughly 100 as of July 1, 2024. They said 72% of members come from low‑income households and 50% live in single‑parent households. The club provided $13,000 in scholarship support to 82 youth in the most recent period reported.
Byrne outlined program activities including daily academic support called Power Hour, participation in FIRST Lego League robotics, performing arts and a "whole child" approach that includes a behavioral health technician supported through grant partnerships.
The presenters said they do not track individual grade changes in club records but rely on engagement, participation and parent feedback as local success measures. Roberti described the requested funding as aimed primarily at retaining trained staff and partially for recruitment to meet expanded hours during the summer.
Commissioners asked about teen participation and post‑high school outcomes; the presenters said the teen cohort is smaller (21 teens reported) and that the organization offers workforce and leadership programs, including an AZ YouthForce workforce track for juniors and seniors.
The club requested that the commission prioritize staff funding because the presenters said trained personnel are the most direct driver of program continuity and youth outcomes. No funding decisions were recorded at the March 10 meeting.
The presenters thanked the commission for past support and noted existing local partnerships with Apache Junction Unified School District (which provides busing and meal support) and with local first responders for occasional events and outreach.
