The Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce and Town of Queen Creek have partnered on a new community initiative, “For Our Town Queen Creek,” a quarterly meeting to bring together local nonprofits and service organizations, businesses and faith-based organizations in Queen Creek and the surrounding area to tackle pressing issues.
"I am so excited for this incredible partnership that is bringing together nonprofits, businesses and faith-based organizations," said Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley. "Communities are most successful when everyone comes together to share ideas and inspiration and this new initiative will help Queen Creek thrive."
In March, the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce hosted its bi-annual Non-Profit Summit for local non-profit organizations, including small startups such as the Chosen Warrior Cancer Support Foundation to established, large organizations such as Dignity Health. They came together to find new ways to work together to support people in the Queen Creek and San Tan Valley area. Queen Creek Councilmembers Robin Benning, Bryan McClure and Dawn Oliphant were also in attendance. Individuals were given the opportunity to network and share the issues they are seeing in their organizations and community. The meeting also addressed the community needs survey conducted by the chamber.
“Coming out of the pandemic, organizations were telling us they were seeing rising mental health issues such as depression, substance abuse and domestic violence,” said Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce. “Our survey also told us that most organizations are still recovering from various effects of the pandemic.”
The survey reported that the three biggest needs for organizations are volunteers, increased funding due to inflation costs and connecting with other non-profit organizations and community partners. Other areas of need in the community are affordable housing, substance and mental health resources, and general help in areas of employment, housing and food services.
The next "For Our Town Queen Creek" will be from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at the Queen Creek Library, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road. All area community service organizations, businesses, mental health and health care providers, and faith-based organizations are welcome to attend. Complete the community needs survey at explorequeencreek.com/forourtown.
