Mission of Mercy Chosen to Participate in Unique Program Partnering Non-Profits, Business Leaders

March 18, 2009 - PRLog -- PHOENIX—Mission of Mercy Arizona was selected as one of six non-profit agencies to receive technical assistance and mentorship from Valley business executives in a unique one-year partnership.

The six “Blue Ribbon” agencies were announced March 4th at the Collaboration for a New Century’s 3rd Annual “City of the Future 2020 Summit” in Tempe.

The Blue Ribbon program offers an opportunity for non-profits to receive mentorship from business consultants and in return, gives the executives hands-on experience in human services.

“We are honored to be chosen to be part of this incredible program and are eager to get started,” says Catherine Amiot, M.O.M.-AZ Executive Director. “As non-profits, we strive each day to creatively stretch our resources in order to meet our objectives. The expertise and guidance we will receive from this partnership will enable us to grow and enhance our operations in a very significant way.”

M.O.M. patient visits were up approximately 15 percent on average in 2008. The Shepherd of the Valley clinic site in central Phoenix saw the greatest jump with a 41 percent increase in patient visits during the last half of 2008. Amiot said the demand for clinic services is expected to further escalate this year due to the ongoing economic downturn.

“We’re seeing more and more everyday how quickly things can change for an individual or a family when faced with financial uncertainty,” said Amiot. “Unfortunately, when you’re cutting back on expenses, health care and costly insurance premiums frequently take a back seat to other priorities such as food and rent. Mission of Mercy is a front line medical provider for those who otherwise would have no where else to turn for help.”

Each year, the CNC strategically identifies six social service agencies that meet the needs of low-income people in our communities. The agencies represent best practices in the following areas: 1) child development; 2) youth mentoring; 3) affordable housing; 4) job training 5) family counseling and support; 6) affordable healthcare alternatives. Agencies are chosen to participate based on their record of being innovative, community-based, holistic, collaborative and outcome-focused.

The CNC works with a select group of 30 business leaders or “coaches” who help agencies improve upon objectives they have fallen short of, offering expertise and technical assistance. Coaches and their non-profit team are assisted and guided by CNC staff and the University of Phoenix, a CNC partner.

Participants in the 2008 program were Greater Phoenix Youth at Risk (winner of 2008 “Spirit of Collaboration Award”), Aid to Adoption of Special Kids (AASK), Homeward Bound, Arizona Opportunities Industrialization Center, Helping Hands for Single Moms and St. Vincent de Paul—Virginia G. Piper Medical and Dental Clinic.  In total, more than 3,000 volunteer hours were donated during the 2008 program.

An orientation meeting for coaches and the six Blue Ribbon non-profits is scheduled March 27th. The program will officially commence April 24th.
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About Mission of Mercy Arizona
Mission of Mercy (MOM), is a faith-based non-profit organization serving the Valley since 1997, taking a mobile medical unit to host sites in various neighborhoods throughout Maricopa County to provide free medical care and prescriptions to the uninsured and working poor. Staffed with more than 250 volunteer physicians, nurses, interpreters, and hospitality staff the mobile clinic currently operates at four sites three days per week. M.O.M. provided more than 8,200 patient visits and 14,576 prescriptions in 2008. Mission of Mercy seeks to restore dignity to all people by being an instrument of "healing through Love," and by the reciprocal sharing of God’s mercy with those we serve. To schedule a clinic site visit or to request information on volunteer opportunities, call (602)861-2233 or visit www.amissionofmercy.org.

About the Collaboration for a New Century
Founded in 1999, the Collaboration for a New Century is a Valley-based non-profit organization that rallies political, business and other stakeholders around significant quality of life issues. In 2006, CNC created the AZ LeaderForce Initiative, a framework  to develop a network of compassionate community leaders (“Coaches”) and human service partners (“Blue Ribbon” agencies) that are addressing these important issues. By 2020, the CNC hopes to engage more than 400 community leaders through AZ LeaderForce. These leaders will work with proven programs that will positively impact more than 500,000 people. For more information, go to www.thecollab.org or call (602) 496-1335.

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Mission of Mercy is the only mobile medical clinic in Maricopa County that offers 100% free primary medical care and prescriptions to the uninsured and working poor. We accept no government funding and rely solely on private donations and grants.