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February 1, 2022"This year Pio Decimo Center celebrated it’s 75th year of serving the Tucson community," said Executive Director George Rushing. "Milestones are not the result of luck, they are a direct result of hard work and support from our community and donors like you.
"The COVID-19 Pandemic created unforeseen challenges and obstacles for so many families. Pio Decimo quickly adjusted to meet the needs of children by providing a safe space to learn and thrive, meeting the basic needs of families, migrants, refugees, creating opportunities for financial growth and sustainability for individuals and helping our seniors live quality lives.
"I am proud of how responsive the Pio Decimo Center staff, volunteers and donors have come togeth- er during this crisis.
"I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the humble leaders you may never see, as they are tremendously important to what we do:- Molly Tylutki, Education Program Manager, Pio Decimo Center
- Jessica Alderete, Program Manager, John Valenzuela Youth Center (South Tucson)
- Anna Burke, Associate Director, Assets/VITA/LITC/Migrants and Immigration
- Sonia Lopez, Housing Program Manager, Pio Decimo Center
- Michelle Torres, Property Manager, Casitas on East Broadway
- David Mata, Property Manager, Barrio Viejo Elderly Housing
- Maria Suarez, Youth Program Coordinator, Pima County One Stop
- Gloria Hamelitz, Administrative Coordinator, Pio Decimo Center
"With your help, we can continue to live out the scriptures:
"Together we’re stronger. Together, we make the difference."Matthew 25:35-40 "For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
Pio Decimo Center, an agency with Catholic Community Services, achieved these milestones during their 75th year of service:2,200 hours of enrichment and tutoring for children and youth, including full day programing during school closures. The digital divide was evident as many low income families were not ale to provide internet connections for virtual classes. Both children’s programs provided opportunities for youth to receive educational assistance, utilize the internet, utilize resources, receive daily meals, and have safe space to complete their classes.
Amid the Pandemic crisis, Pio’s Early Childhood Education program continued to maintain the highest level of care and earned the prestigious 5 star designation through the Quality First Things First childcare rating.
78 adults and children provided with transitional housing. This program has 20 housing units and provides long term case management services where families participate in financial education, career counseling, in order to increase self sufficiency and increase economic mobility. The long term results show that nearly 99% of families continue to remain housed and self sufficient.
2,662 households strengthened with emergency food and clothing. During this pandemic, Pio Decimo strives to distribute food equitably through an expansion of services in South Tucson. Families are encouraged to take advantage of ad- ditional services, such as SNAP enrollment, financial coach- ing, and free tax preparation. Throughout the pandemic, staff has tried to expand “summer foods”, as well. They have been supplying families with peanut butter, healthy snacks, cereals, and other goods to help families stretch their food supplies, as children remained home from school and household budgets have been severely stressed.
245 Healthy Arizona Household applications were submitted and approved for families to have access to nutritional assistance.126 low-income seniors were provided safe, comfortable, and affordable senior housing. Pio is dedicated to helping seniors live active and healthy lives in a safe environment with social and educational activities.
713 clients received housing counseling. Individuals received education and guidance on identifying barriers and then develop a strong plan to allevi- ate those barriers. This program offers a variety of services that entail access to equitable housing, financial management, predatory lending, non-delinquency post home and fair hosing issues. The guidance and education helps to empower participants and secure permanent and long term housing.
62 settled refugees gained employment, 19 became US citizens, and 43 gained permanent legal residence. The Migration and Refugee program welcomes refugee families at the airport, furnishes an apartment, helps them settle and orients them to the Tucson community and America. Ongoing case manage- ment and social services are provided for up to 5 years.
731 individuals participated in financial education and asset building workshops. Pio’s financial education classes are encouraged so that families can increase access to quality financial tools and services, which are often unavailable to low-income individuals. We also work with clients to build personal assets and savings to increase financial stability and independence.
18,002 taxes for families, resulting in over $17 million in tax refunds. Pio’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program enlists IRS certified volunteer in providing free tax services to both low income and middle income families and individuals. This program helps families save tax preparation fees and avoids some of the predatory tax loan services that other business push.
