THATCHER — Nonprofit organizations serving Graham and Greenlee counties received grant funding from Arizona Community Foundation of the Gila Valley during a special ceremony Tuesday evening, along with a trio of individuals and two organizations receiving special honors.
The Greenlee County Volunteer of Year is Ruben Rojas, president of the Morenci Lions Club, while the Ed and Angie Sawyer Graham County Volunteer of the Year is Jon Stewart, who serves with the Safford Lions Club and the Safford Downtown Association.
“I want to thank everybody here for the opportunity to be able to serve. That’s what makes this community great,” Stewart said.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
The Graham County Nonprofit of the Year is the Friends of the Safford City-Graham County Library, and Greenlee County Nonprofit of the Year is the Morenci Lions Club.
“I’m grateful for this recognition. We do work very hard throughout the year, and we have for, gosh, I think since 1932. Morenci’s been around a long time, right?” said Brian Boling with the Morenci Lions Club.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Honored was Don Smith, one of the founding board members of ACF of the Gila Valley, who has recently retired from the board.
“He gave his time, has given his time, continues to give his time year after year to talk about our mission, recruit grant reviewers, volunteers, connect partners, and just really help people understand the importance of planned giving and what it can do for the community,” said Colleen Iuliucci, Southwest Regional Director for ACF.
Thirteen nonprofit organizations received grant funding this year from ACF of the Gila Valley, including:
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Boys & Girls Club of Tucson
Power Hour: Homework Help & Tutoring Program
$3,700
Funds will support Power Hour, a program that provides a supportive space where youth ages 6-18 can complete homework, build confidence, and stay on track in school. Led by Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson at its Gila Valley branch located in Safford, the program serves approximately 100 youth each year. Grant funds will support staff, supplies, and daily program delivery.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Desert Cat Rescue & Sanctuary of Arizona
Graham & Greenlee Spay/Neuter Assistance Program
$2,000
Many residents in Graham and Greenlee Counties face financial and geographic barriers to veterinary care, resulting in unplanned litters and pet overpopulation. By removing these barriers, this program prevents unwanted litters, reduces strain on local resources, and supports responsible pet ownership, resulting in lasting community impact.
Easter Seals Blake Foundation
Graham & Greenlee Community Transportation
$5,000
The GGCT program provides reliable, low-cost transportation for seniors (60+) and individuals with disabilities in Graham and Greenlee Counties. Services include rides to medical appointments, pharmacies and grocery stores; education (e.g., EAC, community classes); and social and community activities.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Eastern Arizona Museum & Historical Society of Graham County
Fire Engine Canopy
$10,000
We are so grateful for the ACF grant from 2025 that allowed us to take down the old dangerous canopy on the west side of the Carter Farm Museum. We now are hoping to reclaim this space for display of historical artifacts including an old fire engine. In taking down the old structure, we made preparation for this new structure.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Gila Valley Arts Council
Gila Valley Sounds 26-27
$5,000
Gila Valley Arts Council (GVAC) serves the geographic area of Graham and Greenlee (AZ) Counties, although it is not uncommon to find visitors from outside our service area attending our public performances. This includes all public schools in Ft. Thomas, Pima, Thatcher, Safford, Bonita, Solomon, Morenci, Duncan plus Dan Hinton (SPED) Accommodation School and two charter schools (Discovery Plus Academy and Triumphant Learning Center), one home-school program (Graham County Homeschool) and two private schools (AZ Arts Academy and Grace Christian School).
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Gila Valley Samaritan Home, Inc.
Strengthening Frontline Homeless Services Through Training
$4,900
Gila Valley Samaritan Home will strengthen frontline homeless services by training five staff in trauma-informed care, behavioral health, and crisis response. Funds will support online courses, in-person training in Phoenix, and travel costs to expand our capacity to serve vulnerable individuals.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Greenlee County Substance Abuse Coalition
Summer is Substance-Free with GCSAC
$3,700 Greenlee County Community Fund
The Greenlee County Substance Abuse Coalition will be serving the communities of Duncan and Morenci to provide a 2-hour, one day a week program consisting of activities and substance abuse prevention education to school-aged children over the summer. The funds requested would purchase necessary program supplies and reimburse staff for travel.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona
Keeping Families Together
$2,500 Graham County Community Fund
Ronald McDonald House Central and Northern Arizona will support the Keeping Families Together Program. This program provides families from Graham and Greenlee Counties whose critically ill or injured child requires treatment in the Valley with a safe, comforting, home-like place to stay at no cost.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Southeastern Arizona Community Unique Services
Meals Program Support
$5,000
This project will support seniors in maintaining their quality of life by providing services such as home-delivered meals. Grant funds will be used to continue access to these services, ensuring vulnerable older adults receive proper nutrition, allowing them to safely remain in their homes.
Special Olympics Arizona
Gila Valley Special Olympics Inclusive Sports
$3,000
Special Olympics Arizona will support Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disabilities in the Gila Valley as they participate in inclusive sports during the 2026-2027 season. Inclusive sports allow athletes to showcase their abilities, create friendships, and increase their fitness while playing sports they love.
Tooth BUDDS, Inc.
Mobile School-Based Oral Hygiene Program
$2,500
In Tooth B.U.D.D.S.’ Mobile School-Based Oral Hygiene Program, licensed dental hygienists will travel to elementary schools in Greenlee County to provide preventive oral hygiene services and oral health education. Grant funds will provide participating children living in Gila Valley with smile bags containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss.
Wheel Fun
Expanding Access to Youth Programs in the Gila Valley Through Mobile Equipment Support
$4,000
This $4,000 request will support the purchase of a Huckwagon trailer to transport bikes and equipment for free, school-based youth programs in the Gila Valley, expanding access to structured, supportive environments where students build confidence, connection, and belonging.
Wild Horse Haven Rescue
Wild Horses for Wellness
$2,500 Safford Community Fund
Funds will help the organization use previously wild and rescued horses for Equine Assisted Activities creating connections with the horses to people suffering from mental illness, developmental disabilities, stress, anxiety, or PTSD.
“I’m really proud to say that we now have $6.3 million in permanently endowed charitable assets to support this region,” said Jennifer Perry, vice president of Regional Impact for ACF.
Ed and Angie Sawyer Graham County Volunteer of the Year
- 2017 — John Bonafas
- 2018 — Ruth Powell (posthumous)
- 2019 — Paulette LeBlanc
- 2022 — Chris Gibbs
- 2023 — Linda Lopez
- 2024 — Ted Prina
- 2025 — Tim Linden
- 2026 — Jon Stewart
Greenlee County Volunteer of the Year
- 2017 — Doug Barlow
- 2018 — Catie Gross
- 2019 — Jesus Garcia
- 2022 — Steve Ahmann
- 2023 — Steve Guzzo
- 2025 — Theresa Campbell
- 2026 — Ruben Rojas
Graham County Nonprofit Organization of the Year
- 2017 — Safford Lions Club
- 2018 — Mt. Graham Safe House
- 2019 — Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry
- 2022 — Southeastern Arizona Community Unique Services (SEACUS)
- 2023 — Gila Valley Arts Council
- 2024 — Secret Soldiers
- 2025 — Gila Valley Samaritan Home
- 2026 — Friends of the Safford City-Graham County Library
Greenlee County Nonprofit Organization of the Year
- 2017 — Duncan Pride Society
- 2023 — Greenlee County Tourism Council
- 2024 — Southeastern Arizona Community Unique Services (SEACUS)
- 2026 — Morenci Lions Club
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
