Local nonprofit Unlimited Potential focuses on empowering low-income families in South Phoenix through education initiatives. The pandemic put its in-person programming on hold, but it pivoted by continuing classes online and providing food from community gardens and local farms to families in need.
“Unlimited Potential ignites unity, pride and dignity through education and advocacy,” board treasurer Joan Brunner explains.
Since 1985, Unlimited Potential has addressed the needs of underserved populations. It focuses on the whole family – parents can advance their literacy skills while their children engage in activities to further their development and better prepare them for school. According to Brunner, the organization has three main priorities: adult education programs, children and adolescent development and leadership programs and community programs.
Since March, Unlimited Potential has distributed nearly 29,000 pounds of fresh, organic produce to South Phoenix residents to provide meals to more than 3,000 families.
“Many individuals are not employed. They are not able to feed their families,” Brunner says. “Each week, volunteers and staff provide much-needed natural, home-grown food from Spaces of Opportunity and local farms to families in the community at various locations.”
Unlimited Potential is striving to continue its programming and maintain its staff, and is using social media to stay in touch with its donors. It has also received grants to help provide programs that are desperately needed in the South Mountain community.
“The programing had to be changed due to social distancing,” Brunner says. “However, computer training helped the participants continue their ESL and GED classes from home.”
Brunner adds that Unlimited Potential will continue with its present programs in creative ways, remaining aware of COVID-19 restrictions.
“UP will continue to provide the wonderful people in the South Mountain community help with their education and advocacy,” she says. “UP provides preventive programs by educating, modeling and caring for all people.”
For more information, visit unlimitedpotentialaz.org.
