Chandler, Ariz. (April 8, 2025) – Dignity Health Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers, along with Arizona General Hospital – Mesa, have awarded a total of $544,983 in community grants to 36 local nonprofits across 11 projects. The grants program, part of the CommonSpirit Health Community Health Improvement Grants program, is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of vulnerable and underserved populations.
Speaking on the importance of the grants and their impact, Dignity Health East Valley Community Benefit and Partnerships manager Theresa Dettler says, "Nonprofit organizations like those highlighted here play a vital role in enhancing the health and well-being of our communities. By supporting local nonprofits in delivering essential services and meeting people where they are—whether in schools, churches, clinics, parks, stables, or their own homes—together we bridge gaps for those facing significant health and social challenges. It’s inspiring to see new collaborations emerge, like Wranglers for Freedom in Mental Health at CUSD and Southeast Valley Family Resources, each making a meaningful impact where it’s needed most."
The grant program helps to improve community health and health equity, and enhance local service systems, Collaborating 501(c)3 non-profit organizations applied to receive grant funds to address significant issues identified by Dignity Health’s community health needs assessment (CHNA).
Hope and Healing Project – Awarded $60,000. This project supports children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses by offering holistic mental health services. In addition to counseling for patients and their families, the project includes an exceptionally clean, safe play area designed to promote emotional well-being. This collaborative effort was created by Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, Goodworks Counseling, and Lily’s Pad. The primary CHNA focus area is mental health.
Compassion Connect: EV Collaborative Response to Human Trafficking – Awarded $50,000. Strives to combat human trafficking through bi-monthly outreach to unhoused individuals, using survivor-led screenings to identify victims. Those identified are connected to case management, specialized services, and referrals through the Arizona Human Trafficking Hotline. This collaborative effort includes the Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network, Aris Foundation, Starfish Partnerships, and the Tempe Police Department. The project’s primary CHNA focus area is human trafficking.
East Valley Senior Home Sharing Program – Awarded $50,000. This program works to prevent senior homelessness by matching at-risk older adults to safely share housing, improving stability, financial security, and social connection. Collaborative partners—Aster Aging, AZCEND, and TCAA—conduct thorough assessments to ensure effective matches and provide ongoing case management. Wraparound support includes advocacy, financial assistance, meals, transportation, home care, and access to social services. The primary CHNA focus area is homelessness.
Destination Diploma – Awarded $50,000. This program supports independent high school students experiencing homelessness in the Chandler Unified School District by providing counseling, meals, stipends, and essential resources. In partnership with Child Crisis AZ, Chandler Education Foundation (CEF), and Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank, the program helps students stay on track to graduate. The primary CHNA focus area is homelessness.
Compassion Connect – Awarded $48,320. In partnership with Hope Heart Heal, Compassion Connect Arizona, and Amore Senior Support Network, this project expands access to primary care, dental, pharmacy, and case management services for underserved community members. Funding will also support the purchase of vital lab and medical equipment. The primary CHNA focus area is access to care.
East Valley FrescaZona Medical Food Box Program – Awarded $50,000. This program integrates food access with healthcare to address chronic disease and food insecurity. In partnership with Creighton Community Foundation, Pinnacle Prevention, and Chandler Seventh-Day Adventist Church, patients receive food prescriptions, personalized nutrition plans, and medically tailored food boxes. Referrals are made by Dignity Health Medical Group Family Medicine Residents. The primary CHNA focus area is food insecurity.
Wranglers for Freedom in Mental Health – Awarded $39,000. This project offers equine therapy as an alternative mental health intervention for underserved youth. In partnership with Friends of the Great Commission/Broken Arrow Wranglers, Shine His Light LLC, Mike Buchanan, and Balance Consulting Services, the program is coordinated with Chandler Unified School District. The pilot aims to measure impact and inform potential expansion to other schools and districts. The primary CHNA focus area is mental health.
Liberty House – Awarded $30,000. This project provides crisis housing and support for at-risk single mothers impacted by substance abuse, domestic violence, or trauma. In partnership with Hope for Addiction, Jesus Cares Ministries, and Gospel Centered Biblical Counseling, the program stabilizes clients before transitioning them into long-term independence programs, such as Freedom House. The primary CHNA focus area is substance abuse.
Improving the Health of Uninsured Patients with Diabetes – Awarded $61,663. This project provides uninsured patients with comprehensive diabetes care, including A1C monitoring, nutrition education, diabetes-focused food boxes, and mental health support. In partnership with Mission of Mercy, Unlimited Potential, and AZCEND, it also addresses food insecurity to improve long-term health outcomes. The primary CHNA focus area is chronic disease.
Southeast Valley Family Resources – Awarded $45,000. This project supports low-income families by providing educational events and access to essential community resources. In partnership with Pan De Vida Foundation/Mary Gloria Foundation, Southwest Institute, and Raising Special Kids, families receive food, household supplies, case management, benefits support, counseling, and workforce development services. The primary CHNA focus area is access to care.
Nurtured Beginnings: Bridging Access to Behavioral Health in Maternal Care – Awarded $60,500. This project provides maternal mental health support at Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers, focusing on at-risk mothers during pregnancy and postpartum. In partnership with Women’s Health Innovations of Arizona, Hope Women's Center, and 4th Trimester, the program offers bedside support, referrals, and a NICU support group. Certified Perinatal Peer Coaches assist mothers before discharge to ensure continuity of care. The primary CHNA focus area is mental health.
