Empowerment Systems: Laundering money for a cause
[NEWS RELEASE] Empowerment Systems, Inc. is bubbling up with excitement at the opportunity to announce our newest community initiative in the Apache Junction/East Mesa area.
As members of the Apache Junction Homeless Coalition, we have long talked about needed services for the homeless/at-risk-low-income community. A reoccurring idea for the last three years has been a laundry voucher program; however, it has never been able to come to fruition due to logistics and partnerships. For the last five months, Empowerment Systems, Inc. has been spearheading a grassroots campaign to bring together community partners and funders to begin the Apache Junction Laundry Program.
“Through partners like the Apache Junction Wellness Partnership, the Friends of Apache Junction, Lost Dutchman Realty, Superstition Express Laundry and community donors, we have been able to raise $1,400 thus far and are ready to roll out the program,” said Braden Biggs, Director of Communications and Program Development for Empowerment Systems.
For $400 – $500 per month, about 50 people can get fresh, clean clothes. Studies have shown a direct correlation to dirty clothes and their continual use with disease and the goal of the program is to help reduce the spreading of illness.
To receive a voucher, clients will need to be currently working with Empowerment Systems, Inc., the Genesis Project, the Apache Junction Community Resource Center, or the Apache Junction Unified School District. There are liaisons within each agency that are helping to oversee this process. The first community laundry event will be held on March 26 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Superstition Express Laundry (725 Apache Trail Suite 43, Apache Junction, AZ 85120) and will continue every two weeks so long as there is available funding. If you wish to donate and “launder your money” for a cause, please visit www.empowermentsystems.org/donate and earmark your donation to Homelessness Work/Laundry Services.
For more program information, contact Biggs at Bbiggs@empowermentsystems.org.
