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THE GIVING TREE OUTREACH PROGRAM, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, faith-based organization, has been serving Tucson's homeless and needy since 1988.
(The corporate name is The G.T. Outreach Program, Inc.) We provide meals, emergency food boxes, transportation and referrals
to community services. In addition, we provide a home for abused, neglected or homeless babies and children with their parent
or other placement relative. We invite you to join with people from all walks of life to serve the needs of the less
fortunate. You can be the difference in someone's life! The
mission of The Giving Tree is to support and improve the quality of life for children, families, elderly and disabled individuals.
We are committed to breaking the cycle of poverty, homelessness, and abuse in this community of marginalized people.
It all starts with the very basic necessities: food and shelter. Although
we offer numerous programs, they are all interrelated and serve to bring those in need back to a stable and healthy lifestyle. The
Giving Tree provides assistance through several different programs including the Grace Home (for mothers and children,) the
Promise Home (for fathers and children,) the Compassion Hope Center, and The Lighthouse. What we do Project F.E.E.D. (Feed Everyone Every Day)
This program Feeds more than 1000 meals each week to homeless and disadvantaged children and their family members, veterans,
the elderly, and disabled individuals each week including 3 times a day at the Compassion Hope Center, along with our
twice weekly Thursday and Sunday feeding program (food served from 4:30pm to 5:30pm)
located between the Palm Court Inn (at 4425 E. 22nd St. ) and the Family Dollar Store. At our Thursday and Sunday feeding we serve a hot meal, distribute clothing, as well as dispense
emergency food boxes and toiletries.
"The Grace Home"
Is our residence
that houses children and their mothers, who might otherwise be homeless or in abusive circumstances. They
are cared for in a safe environment, have a place for their personal belongings, served healthy meals and snacks, and are
nurtured by our staff and volunteers. Various children's activities are conducted including music instruction, artistic
development and practice for our Homeless and Needy Children's choir.
- "The Promise Home"
Is our residence that houses children and their fathers, who might otherwise be homeless
or in abusive circumstances. This
facility is unique to Tucson where shelter choices allow for either single men or for women and their children, but not for
fathers and their children. "Our Home"
provides intergenerational housing
for those soon to embark on independent living. Our residents range in age from infants to seniors, offering
a home for fathers and their children. This housing arrangement mimics that of a traditional family with
all age groups represented; each relying on and working for one another.
The
Lighthouse
Is our residence that
houses disabled individuals who might otherwise be homeless or in abusive circumstances. They are accomodated
in a safe environment, have a place for their personal belongings, served healthy meals and snacks, and are nurtured by our
staff and volunteers.
The Compassion Hope Center
Is our non-denominational church. Services are held here on Sundays for all that wish
to participate. The Center also provides a safe haven, food, clothing, mentoring, case management, counseling, education,
tutoring, and a variety of additional life management classes.
The Compassion Hope Center hosts Fellowship
and Food on Tuesday evenings with a casual meal of soup and sandwiches. This program allows for
homeless or needy families to sit together at a dinner table, be served a meal and eat as a family. Fellowship
and faith-based inspirational discussions take place after our meal.
H.E.L.P.
Hands-on Education and Learning Program, is a tutoring and mentoring program for at-risk children. HELP assists teens
and adults prepare for GED testing and also provides tutoring for English as a second language. Children
are helped with homework, given a nutritious snack followed by structured activities.
The Benevolence Program
Was founded to assist those who occasionally cannot pay their
utilities, need gasoline for their vehicle to get to work, or need rental assistance. The fund also helps the
elderly with emergency repairs to their home, costs of medications,
toiletries, and counseling/case management.
G.E.A.R.
(Gaining Employment And Respect)
Helps the unemployed, underemployed, homeless, near-homeless, formerly
incarcerated, and survivors of domestic violence to secure living-wage employment. The
success of this program can be directly attributed to the “wrap-around” services provided to our candidates in
the form of food and clothing, and, most especially, emotional support during and after this process.
The Giving Tree Thrift Shop
Provides practical experience for those returning to the workforce. Those individuals have the opportunity to hone
their job skills in a supportive environment. This location also serves to help financially support the many programs in operation
by The Giving Tree. Donations are sorted at the Thrift Shop are prioritized for our children and clients at our facilities
first, secondly donations are designated for others who are poor and needy and who come to the Giving Tree for assistance.
Finally donations are presented for sale at extremely low and attractive prices to help provide funds for our overall
activities.
The Summer Feeding Program
During the last 13 years,
thousands of meals have been served to children providing two meals daily during summer vacation. This program operates at
selected locations providing meals for children who receive free or reduced fee meals during the school year. Without the
availability of these meals, many Tucson children would miss being fed at the time of the program during the summer months.
During Summer 2007, 145,924 meals were served to area children.
"Thank you for the gift of these childen, these lives to share these, minds to
help mold, and the privilege to love them." - Libby Wright, Director
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