A recently completed United Way of Northern Arizona report on building capacity to help UWNA better address critical needs in Navajo and Apache counties has identified substance abuse/mental health issues, affordable childcare and afterschool programs, and creating a skilled workforce as top priorities for the northeast region.
UWNA retained Phoenix Philanthropy Group to create the report, which was based on interviews with nonprofit leaders, elected officials, economic development directors, healthcare and education professionals, as well as current and past members of the UWNA Board of Directors.
The strategic plan being developed is similar to a process UWNA underwent several years ago in the greater Flagstaff region, which led UWNA to refocus efforts on the most critical needs in Coconino County.
The creation of this report and a strategic plan task force led by UWNA Board member Eric Scott, Human Resource and Risk Manager for Navajo County, comes at an inflection point for northeast Arizona.
Historically, an economically challenged area, the region has faced a reduction in jobs due to power plant closures, but also a dramatic increase in population due to the number of people able to work remotely in the pandemic era. This has led to a shortage of affordable housing and increased rental costs. |