Gervonni Cares Inc

Gervonni Cares, Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals and families by providing essential resources in housing stability, financial literacy, and food security. Since its founding, we have served 1,588 individuals in Maricopa County, Arizona, and Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, through direct assistance, education, and community programs.

Gervonni Cares is a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to filling critical gaps for individuals and families, improving lives, and creating opportunities in the communities we serve. Our work is deeply rooted in addressing well-defined community needs, with programs designed to provide essential support and long-term stability.

Our Stuck in the Middle (SIM) Program addresses the needs of individuals and families facing financial instability by offering food assistance, eviction prevention, workforce development, and financial literacy education. Our community food pantry provides nutritious food options, fresh produce, and dairy assistance to families experiencing food insecurity.

At Gervonni Cares, we organize within Maricopa County, Arizona, and Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, regions marked by both resilience and significant socioeconomic challenges. Our base primarily includes low- to moderate-income families, individuals at risk of homelessness, seniors, and youth. Many of the individuals we serve fall within or below 150% of the federal poverty line, navigating barriers such as housing instability, food insecurity, and limited access to education or technology.

The Need or Problem and Population Served

Gervonni Cares focuses on addressing four core issues:

1. Housing Stability: Many individuals in Maricopa County and Milwaukee County struggle with rent affordability and face the risk of eviction.
2. Food Insecurity: Low-income families, especially those earning 150% or less of the federal poverty level, face difficulty accessing nutritious food.
3. Workforce Challenges: Barriers such as lack of technology, training, or resources hinder many from finding sustainable employment.
4. Financial Literacy: Our free financial literacy classes teach families how to manage their finances, budget effectively, and build savings, addressing one of the key barriers to increasing stability.

We primarily serve low-income families and individuals in Maricopa County, AZ, particularly in the West Valley, and Milwaukee County, WI. Our clients include working families, seniors, and youth who often fall into the "gap" of existing assistance programs.

Current Programs and Accomplishments

Programs:

1. Stuck in the Middle (SIM) Program: Provides food security, financial literacy classes, workforce development services, and minor vehicle repair assistance.
2. Digital/Skills Ready at 50+ Workshops: Offers older adults and seniors training to improve digital literacy and access resources.
3. Youth Development: The Summertime Sno program builds math skills, self-esteem, and community engagement, culminating in the Summer of Gratitude Dinner.

Recent Accomplishments:

• Served 1,588 individuals in 2023-2024 through food, financial literacy, and rent/utilities assistance.
• Distributed over $24,200 in 2023 for rent, utilities, and vehicle assistance.
• Partnered with CVS, Midwest Food Bank, and Valley of Sun United Way to secure significant in-kind donations for community programs.
• Connected with six Maricopa County high schools to promote youth community service.
• Expanded Unite Us platform usage to improve efficiency in service delivery.