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CHARITY FEATURED CHARITY OF THE MONTH: ESPERANÇA

Almost five decades ago, Dr. James Tupper set out for Antarctica aboard a U.S. Navy ship. While docked in South America, he witnessed some of the most disadvantaged families living in shacks built on islands of garbage, a water system completely contaminated by sewage, adults and children suffering from malnutrition, cleft lips and a mouthful of missing teeth.

After fulfilling his military duties, Tupper began his surgical residency at the University of Chicago Medical Center. He loved medicine, but the suffering he witnessed during his time abroad continued to invade his thoughts, so in 1963, he gave up a promising career as a surgeon for his priestly vocation.

He was ordained in 1969, vowing to care for the bodies and souls of the poorest among us. Returning to those Brazilian communities, determined to carry out this mission, he soon realized he lacked the necessary resources including medical supplies, laboratory facilities, surgical equipment and standard medication to truly make an impact.

After expressing his concerns, family members and friends immediately rallied to help. In 1970, his brother, a lawyer in Phoenix, incorporated a nonprofit organization in order to support his efforts. Deemed “Esperança Inc.” from the Portuguese word for “hope,” Tupper was no longer in this fight alone.

Soon, the organization became known as a symbol of hope for those who have learned to live hopelessly. And the mission remains the same to this day—nearly 50 years later.

Through fundraising, donations and active volunteers, Esperança now provides medical missions to such places as Peru, Mozambique, Ecuador, Bolivia and Nicaragua. In addition, volunteers and indigenous partners provide these communities with access to clean water, stable sources of food, disease prevention, health education and ecological home-building.

“Although I am a general surgeon within the U.S., I feel truly fulfilled when I am volunteering my time overseas,” said Dr. Brandt Feuerstein, a volunteer surgeon for Esperança. “I am able to combine my studies and training as a surgeon to provide necessary medical care, in a culturally sensitive way, to international locations where they are needed most.”

Esperança’s mission to improve health and provide hope for families in the poorest communities now includes those in the Phoenix area, with the organization’s domestic program.

“While conducting these global missions, we realized there were so many more people that could benefit from our services—many of which are located right in the Phoenix area,” said Jeri Royce, president and CEO of Esperança. “In 2000, we launched our domestic program in order to serve our community’s most under-resourced children, adults and seniors.”

By partnering with Title I schools, dental clinics and community centers, Esperança’s bilingual and bicultural health educators provide children with oral health literacy, referrals for free or low-cost dental care and daily health and wellness exercises. They stress the importance of nutrition and physical activity, providing information in a language and at a level the kids can understand.

Known as Salud con Sabor Latino (Health with a Latin Flavor), adult classes are built around the idea that a family can be healthy, without losing touch with their culture. Participants engage in hands-on activities, such as cooking sessions and tours of local grocery stores. Further, the team offers parent-ambassador training, which teaches parents about public health and how to be a strong advocate for their children.

“Whether local or global, we don’t enter communities with the intention to disrupt their way of life, rather we listen to their needs and give them the tools, training and support they need to succeed,” said Royce.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLUS WAYS TO VOLUNTEER AND CONTRIBUTE, VISIT WWW.ESPERANCA.ORG

PHOENIX HOSTING BUDGET HEARINGS IN APRIL FOR 2019-20 BUDGET, RESIDENTS INVITED TO ATTEND AND SHARE INPUT

EVERY YEAR, THE CITY OF PHOENIX IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO APPROVE A BALANCED BUDGET. Phoenix’s budget sets a plan to fund important city services, departments and functions such as Police, Fire, Water, Parks, Streets, Libraries, Neighborhood Services and many more.

On March 19, the City Manager presented his 2019-20 Trial Budget to the Mayor and City Council. Staring April 2 through April 18, the city will be hosting 19 budget hearings citywide for community members to voice their input on what they would like to see in the budget. Details of the proposed budget are available at phoenix.gov/budget.

The Mayor, City Councilmembers and city management will attend various budget hearings to share details on the proposed budget, take feedback and answer any questions. Information will be available in English and Spanish.

District 1 Meeting Dates/Locations:

• Tuesday, April 9 at 8:30 a.m.; Helen Drake Senior Center, 7600 N. 27th Ave. • Thursdays, April 11 at 6 p.m. CityWide Spanish/English; Maryvale Community Center Multipurpose Room, 4420 N. 51st Ave. • Tuesday, April 16 at 6 p.m.; Goelet A. C. Beuf Community Center Multipurpose Room, 3435 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd. • Tuesday, April 16 at 6 p.m. Citywide Youth; Metro Tech High School Banquet Hall, 1900 W. Thomas Rd.

A list of ALL citywide dates/locations is available at phoenix.gov/budget.

If you are unable to attend, you can also share your thoughts on the city’s budget by emailing budget.research@ phoenix.gov. All community meetings will be broadcast on PHXTV Channel 11 and will be shared to the city’s ATTORNEY GENERAL MARK BRNOVICH States, often using the names of businesses regIS WARNING ARIZONANS ABOUT A RISE istered with the Arizona Corporation CommisIN SOPHISTICATED SCAMS RELATED TO sion that have been inactive for years. Scammers THE SALE OF TIMESHARE INTERESTS IN will also create new, slick websites to appear MEXICO. legitimate, and populate internet sites with fake reviews. In some cases, con artists have even Scammers often posing as real estate brokers posed as part of Mexico’s government and say contact consumers and claim that a buyer would the Mexican government has set up a fund to aslike to purchase or rent the consumer’s existing sist victims of timeshare fraud in Mexico. timeshare interest at a location in Mexico. The con artists tell consumers that a buyer wants to “Our office has seen an increase in consumer pay tens of thousands of dollars for their time- complaints involving timeshare resale scams in share, but the consumer must pay money upfront Mexico,” said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. for taxes, or put money into an escrow account. “These scammers know some people are desperThe consumer is directed to wire money to ac- ate to get out of their timeshares and prey upon counts in Mexico. The scammers will attempt that vulnerability to steal their money. Never to continue to extract money from the consumer wire or send money to people you don’t know or until the consumer runs out of money or realizes to a stranger in another country.” they’ve been scammed. If you believe you are a victim of consumer Although these scams are typically operated by fraud, you can file a complaint online with the individuals within the country of Mexico, scam- Attorney General’s Office. You can also contact mers frequently conceal their identity by using the Consumer Information and Complaints Unit the name of legitimate businesses in the United in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763. YouTube channel at youtube.com/ cityofphoenixaz.

After the community’s review, the city manager will present a revised proposed budget to the City Council May 7, and the Council is expected to make a final decision on May 22. The Mayor and City Council will then consider adopting a budget-balancing plan in June, and the approved plan

Respectfully,

Debra Stark Councilwoman City of Phoenix, Council District 3

AG BRNOVICH WARNS OF SPIKE IN RESALE SCAMS INVOLVING TIMESHARES IN MEXICO will take effect in July.

SEND US YOUR NEWS! We want to publish your Deer Valley/North Phoenix news. Send to news@egpublishing.com. Deadline for the May issue is April 10.

BOARD APPROVES PUBLIC SAFETY DOCK AT LAKE PLEASANT

THE MARICOPA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS APPROVED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW DOCK AND BOATHOUSES AT SCORPION BAY MARINA WITHIN LAKE PLEASANT REGIONAL PARK. This addition will be for the exclusive use of the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department, Sheriff’s Office, and Arizona Game and Fish Department as they manage the lake and ensure public safety.

“Lake Pleasant and the park are incredible public assets that see thousands of visitors every year,” said Supervisor Clint Hickman, District 4. “As the popularity of the park increases, we have to make sure we have the facilities for the people who keep everyone safe on the lake.” The dock will be attached to the existing marina, adding much-needed space for public safety and management services.

The construction cost is up to $898,700 and will be funded jointly by Maricopa County and Arizona Game and Fish Department. The county will own the dock while Scorpion Bay maintains the facility.

“I am proud of Maricopa County’s ability to effectively work with other levels of government and utilize public-private partnerships to solve a problem,” said Chairman Bill Gates, Supervisor, District 3. “This project is yet another example of what can be accomplished when entities collaborate.”

Scorpion Bay Holdings is partnering with Parks and Recreation to design and build the new docks and boathouses on the southwest corner of the marina. The project will include open, covered and enclosed slips as well as a multi-use building. A date has not been set for starting construction.

To learn about Maricopa County’s regional park system or locate a park near you, visit www. maricopacountyparks.net.

ENHANCED ARIZONA 511 TRAVELER INFORMATION SYSTEM LAUNCHED ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES EASY ACCESS TO ROAD CONDITIONS

A MODERNIZED, MOBILEFRIENDLY ARIZONA 511 TRAVEL INFORMATION SYSTEM WEBSITE AND PHONE LINE ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. The new system uses the latest technology to provide a customized experience with realtime updates from ADOT, the premier source of information on Arizona’s highway system.

The new AZ511.gov website allows users to save their favorite routes and most used traffic cameras. Before leaving for a destination, drivers can log onto AZ511.gov to view incidents along their route, get estimated travel times to their destination and receive alternate route suggestions. Travelers may set up text or email alerts for their routes. Users can also call the 511 phone line to hear personalized updates. The 511 phone line is now easier to navigate and voice recognition has been upgraded.

“Drivers have always turned to ADOT for the most accurate information on Arizona’s highways. The improved website and phone line make it even easier to access the information drivers need to make informed decisions when traveling throughout our state,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “As Governor Ducey has said, the principal job of state government is to protect and improve the quality of life for our citizens. Embracing new technology and offering better information to support motorist safety aligns with his charge to state agencies.”

The new site is easy to navigate and includes information not previously available. Speed maps for all of Arizona’s roadways are displayed. Motorists can see the weather forecast, radar, and National Weather Service watches and warnings. Border wait times have also been added. ADOT’s Twitter feed is visible on the home page, making it easy for travelers to get their questions answered by ADOT public information officers.

The 511 phone system includes the ability to transfer directly to state and national parks, airports, and other transportation-related contacts. Additionally, the phone system will allow callers to transfer to the Arizona Adopt a Highway system to report those who litter.

Soon to follow is an AZ511 mobile app for iOS and Android that will offer route planning, advanced monitoring of route conditions, and “drive mode” that will read off critical alerts to drivers.

“The new Arizona Traveler Information System was born out of demand from Arizona motorists for more information – especially during critical events like snowstorms or highway closures. With a 24/7 operations center, ADOT is the principal source of this information,” said Dr. Timothy Tait, ADOT’s director of communications. “While these new services have officially launched, we are still adding features, addressing issues and catching bugs. If you see something we can improve, be sure to look for ‘Contact Us’ under the ‘About’ link on the website.”

ADOT set up its statewide 511 phone line in 2002 and is part of the nationally-designated three-digit phone number for traveler information. Over the past year, AZ511.gov had more than 65 million hits and the 511 phone line received more than 430,000 calls.

The new AZ511 system is part of a range of tools used by ADOT to help drivers safely navigate the state. With the ADOT Alerts app – available at ADOTAlerts.com – more than 65,000 users are receiving alerts about crashes, serious weather or closures of highways to help them make informed driving decisions based on their location using geofencing technology.