Summary:
Police Department Grant Funding
The Police Department was awarded a $143,000.00 grant from the Tohono O’odham Nation’s 12 percent gaming distribution grant program. The Police Department’s grant proposal requested funding to purchase 3D Laser Crime Scene Scanners. The scanners will allow law enforcement personnel to manage incidents and scene investigations more accurately. The equipment improves evidence gathering and forensic mapping. Using high-performance laser scanners provides high quality, quick, and safe digital incident details. Accurate data increases the Police Department's ability to document activities while improving the community’s trust in evidence collection.
Neighborhood Human Services Department Grant Funding
The Neighborhood Human Services Department was awarded a $38,654.08, grant from the Tohono O’odham Nation’s 12 percent gaming distribution grant program. The Neighborhood Human Services Department’s grant proposal requested funding for the purchase of a Lü Interactive portable playground system.
The Lü Interactive Playground is a state-of-the-art system that transforms traditional learning spaces into dynamic, engaging environments using interactive display technology and a proven pedagogical approach. The Lü Interactive Playground is designed to be inclusive, catering to children of all ages and ability levels. In a recreational setting, it encourages every child to participate and stay fit in a fun and inviting environment. Additionally, it promotes active learning and provides real-time feedback to help students track their progress and improve their performance. By implementing the Lü Interactive Playground, NHSD aims to convert any space into an active and immersive educational environment where children are engaged physically, intellectually, and socially-emotionally. This not only aligns with the department's goals but also enhances the overall well-being of the community by providing innovative and engaging opportunities for children to learn, grow, and thrive.
Soldier’s Best Friend
Proposition 202, passed with the 2002 Gaming Compact in Arizona, directs participating Tribal Governments to share gaming revenues with surrounding local governments. Nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) designations are eligible to compete for Indian Community gaming grants if they have a local government agreeing to serve as a pass-through agent. As a pass-through agent, the local government receives the grant award from the Indian Community and forwards the amount to the nonprofit organization.
Soldier’s Best Friend, an IRS designated 501(c)(3) organizations applied for Tohono O’odham Nation grant funding and identified the City of Peoria as the pass-through agent. Peoria has acted as the pass-through agent for Soldiers Best Friend in the past when they received grant funding from Gila River Indian Community
Tohono O’odham Nation awarded Soldier’s Best Friend, $25,000.00 for their Service/Therapeutic Companion Dog Training program. Soldier’s Best Friend is in the City of Peoria and provides U.S. Military Veterans living with combat-related Post-Traumatic Stress or Traumatic Brain Injury with Service or Therapeutic Companion Dogs, most of which are rescued from local shelters. The veteran and dog train together to build a trusting relationship that is a life-long benefit to both participants.