Apache Junction Unified School District

Project HELP

195 E. Superstition Blvd., Apache Junction, AZ 85119 (Pinal County Complex)

Hours

Monday – Friday, 8:30 am - 2:30 pm

Closed on all AJUSD school holidays and breaks.

Donation Days

Monday and Wednesday, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm or by appointment

Assistance Days

Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm

Project HELP is a community-based program committed to providing short-term assistance for families and students enrolled in the Apache Junction Unified School District.

Project HELP is 100% supported by donations: financial, food, new and gently-used clothing, and household goods provided by churches, organizations, businesses, and individuals. Aid is distributed, as funds allow, based on need, as determined by the Project HELP coordinator.

To be eligible for aid, students and families must meet the following criteria:

The parent or legal guardian of the student must apply in-person at the Project HELP office.
The family must have children who have been enrolled and regularly attending an AJUSD school for at least two weeks.
ALL school-age children living in the household must attend an AJUSD school. Aid will be contingent on continued, regular attendance at the school.
The family must live within the boundaries of AJUSD.
Written documentation of all income and all expenses must be provided.

Project HELP encourages families to become self-sufficient, in part by treating aid as a loan. Families will repay these loans through service to their community. Families are responsible for finding their own community service and bringing in written documentation of their volunteer hours. It is strongly suggested that parents volunteer at their child’s school if possible.

Project HELP also serves as a resource for other services available to families within our community and will make referrals whenever possible and appropriate.

Rosie Portugal Brastad
Project Help Coordinator
480-288-2955

rportuga@goaj.org

Mission Statement

Project HELP will operate in the best interest of the students of the Apache Junction Unified School District. This will be accomplished by providing assistance to students, as well as families, school nurses, teachers, and coaches to assist our AJUSD students on a case-by-case basis.

Project HELP, when funds allow, can provide limited, emergency financial aid to secure or retain adequate housing and utilities, food, and access to new and gently used clothing. Project HELP DOES NOT provide housing or any sort of Voucher program.

As a program within the Apache Junction Unified School District, Project HELP is open when schools are in session and is closed during Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring Breaks, as well as all school holidays.
Philosophy

The AJUSD Governing Board, administration and staff recognize the importance of a stable home environment to success in the classroom. From this knowledge and concern, Project HELP emerged over 30 years ago to offer creative solutions to temporary, emergency situations for our students and families in times of need.

Community-based

Project HELP is a community-based program committed to providing short-term assistance. The degree of assistance will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the program coordinator.

“Loans” Repaid Through Community Service

While dedicated to providing assistance whenever possible, Project HELP also understands the importance of helping families achieve financial independence to build self-sufficiency and esteem. Any aid given is considered a “loan” to be repaid through community service. Volunteer hours can be served at AJUSD schools, within the community, or by attending self-help or parenting classes.

Focused on Educational Success

The children of our community constitute our greatest natural resource. The opportunities for educational success are enhanced when a child is healthy, has a place to live, food to eat, and clothes to wear. Project HELP is committed to facilitating the growth and development of AJUSD students in any way we can, helping them reach their best potential.