Message from the President of Elevate Phoenix

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s inspirational quote from the 1800’s couldn’t be more fitting for the times we are living in now. He wrote it as an uplifting comment, meant for us to look beyond our current situation and have great confidence in what is to come.

Elevate Phoenix is focused on looking up and looking forward.

     It’s in times of adversity and challenge that we have our best opportunity to reflect on our work, develop creativity and enhance our mission of delivering life- altering relationships with urban youth.

     As a civic organization, Elevate Phoenix continues to be on the leading edge of this movement. With school closures and social distancing measures in place, we have created innovative, safe and responsible ways to continue to build relationships with our students. Staff is mentoring with video conferencing and providing support through phone calls, texts and social media, in addition to providing families with food and other basic needs. Our methods to accomplish our mission may have changed, but our determination has not.

     And yet, the unsung heroes are our students. Many are taking the character qualities and life skills we teach in school and putting them to work. THEY ARE SERVING NOW, handing out food, sharing words of hope, giving to neighbors and caring for family members. It’s a true testament to the success of our program.

     We also continue to work and develop valuable partnerships with our allies in education, government, faith-based organizations, business, economics and professional sports. As our partnerships with each of these entities grow, we are becoming just as treasured to them in serving, encouraging and supporting their missions today and into the future. Serving both the community and our partners in this manner, while helping provide them a measurable return on investment, continues to make us an invaluable part of their community.

     Our focus has had to change during these unprecedented times. We are supporting our youth and partners in ways we never envisioned. Our current and immediate focus has shifted from collecting donations to service, relationships, innovation and creativity which will continue to grow our mission with our partners and our community.

Thank you,

Ed Beasley

President Elevate Phoenix