Three of the Valley’s oldest and most-respected Native American non-profits: Native Health, Native American Connections and the Phoenix Indian Center have partnered together using forward-thinking philosophy, to find the solution, this building (Native American Community Service Center, NACSC). These partners have collaborated creating a geographic center for urban Native Americans in Greater Phoenix through co-locating their services, as well as others, into a single location at 4520 N. Central Avenue, overlooking Steele Indian School Park. The partners, all non-profits formed a legal partnership to purchase the building and are now conducting a $4.2 million capital campaign to complete the purchase and necessary building improvements. Providing a central location for services, culture and businesses, NACSC addresses the needs of urban Native Americans, now and well into the future. It provides a hub for Native Americans working to make their home in the urban environment, away from the cultural and familial support of the reservation.
“In one building, Native Americans can visit the doctor, get support to find a job, get help putting a roof over my family’s head, and much more; the most basic needs any person could have!” – Former NACSC client, now employee
Just a few examples of the plethora of services provided in the NACSC:
- Quality housing opportunities integrated with community and social supports aimed at improving the residents’ level of stability and self-sufficiency.
- Assistance in their employment search by gaining the tools and resources to obtain a job quicker than normal including job readiness training classes that help with resume writing, job search techniques and interviewing skills.
- Full clinic provides the entire basic preventive medical and dental services as well as prenatal and post-natal care, and services targeting high-risk and low income families at a sliding scale rate.
- Culturally appropriate behavioral health services.
- Alternative education program respecting cultural needs and values for at-risk youth.
- Tribes in Arizona can receive training and technical support to help develop a response to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence.
- Situated on the sixth floor, a conference room provides community groups including Tribes, a central location to meet.
Located along the new light rail line, services are easier to get to geographically as at least 75% of the population depend on public transportation, and easier to access once the client arrives at the center. NACSC will foster Native American professional development and leadership opportunities for current and future generations.
Co-location and a new combined legal status provides service delivery efficiencies, reduction of overhead costs and future partnership opportunities that will enhance each organization’s ability to provide continued and increased services. This campaign is about sustainability of services provided to the urban Native American community and beyond. Funding will provide a home of service provisions for generations to come.
