We only received photos of two of the seven students whose TRVFA grants were funded in February. 

The bottom photo was sent to TRVFA Grant Processing by our contact at the Arizona Technical Training Institute.  Shown in the photo are Daisy (on the left) and Vanessa, as they were getting ready for graduation from their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program which they started last December.

 

Rotary Clubs who sponsor grants for TRVFA do not have a financial obligation.  They are strongly encouraged to maintain a relationship with the students, who may be willing hands to help with service projects, and may one day be in a position where they can become Rotarians.  TRVFA grant processing can ensure that all basic requirements are in place, but sponsoring Rotary Clubs interview the applicants to be sure the student is motivated, likely to succeed in completing the course and will be a good fit for the chosen vocation.  TRVFA doesn't want the interviewing club members to "rubber stamp" the application.  If they have serious doubts, declining the request is the appropriate thing to do.

 

We also encourage clubs to bring their scholars back after they complete their course of study and share the impact the grant made in their life.  Photos and success stories help us raise funds so that we can continue to make a positive difference by helping individuals help themselves.

Jim Patmos, shown on the right in this photograph is an Advisor to the Board of Directors of The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona.  He is the middle of five generations of his family who have been members of Rotary Clubs in their communities.  He is currently a member of the Chandler-Horizon Rotary Club, and has been a Rotarian for 54 years.  His Father, who was a busy general practitioner who worked seven days a week still found time to give back to his community through Rotary and other civic organizations.  His mother's father was also a Rotarian.  Jim can remember Rotary always being a part of his family's life, and remembers visiting his dad's and grandfather's clubs with them as a young man.  Jim's son, Brent (middle in the photo) is a Rotarian who has recently accepted a business position in another state and will be transferring his membership from Chandler Horizon to a Rotary club in his new location.  Brent is the father of Bryce (on the left), who will become a Rotarian - it's only a matter of time.  Jim has one granddaughter who is a Rotarian, having joined Rotary at age 27.

 

Why is Rotary such an important part of their lives?  They want their family to leave a positive mark on the world.  They feel they can do it best through Rotary.  Rotary has five Avenues of Service:

The Rotary Foundation (the charitable arm of Rotary International) has seven areas of focus:

These are all areas the family cares about and where they know their family can have more impact through Rotary's combined efforts.  TRVFA grants specifically help all the areas highlighted in aqua, and because the majority of our grants are for health-care vocations and many are to single mothers, we also have an impact on the areas highlighted in yellow. 

 

The Patmos family has a meeting once a year - this year it was virtual - to talk about how they want to make a difference.  They know, without a doubt, that they can have a bigger impact through Rotary, The Rotary Foundation, and - in Arizona - The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona.  It is a known expectation in the Patmos family that, around age 30, future generations will be looking for a Rotary club to become a part of .  

 

This Rotary year, which started July 1, TRVFA has already received donations from Jim, Brent, and Bryce.  With Jim's involvement with TRVFA which goes back to the mid 90's.  He has seen many grant recipients be enabled to have a better life because of TRVFA grants.  Jim says with the Arizona Tax  Credit, you have the opportunity to help someone make their life much better without it costing you anything in the long run (you either send the State a smaller amount or get a larger refund).  He wonders why anyone would not do that.  

 

Jim had a bit of advice to share with our alumni.  No matter how much or how little you make, make it a priority to save something so you can live well in your retirement years and so you can be generous and make a difference.  He also hopes you will accept the Patmos' family challenge to become Rotarians so you can be part of a worldwide network of individuals seeking to effect positive change in the world.  

 

 

Rotarians attending the District 5495 Conference June 22, 2019 had an opportunity to hear from vocational education grant recipients telling about the profound difference their TRVFA support has made in their lives.  CLICK HERE or on the image to watch a video of their presentation.

 

Sofia Ibarra, seated closest to the podium, was sponsored by the Scottsdale Sunrise Rotary Club to study phlebotomy at East Valley Medical College during the 2016-17 academic year.  She was hired immediately after graduating, but has since completed other studies and advanced in her medical profession.  She has enjoyed many positive transitions in her personal life as a result of the beginning her TRVFA grant provided for her.

 

Jocelyn Castillo, seated in the middle was recently sponsored by the Peoria Rotary Club to begin a Surgical Technology program July 12, 2019 at East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa, Arizona.  The grant will enable her to enter a career where she will earn a livable wage while she seeks to achieve her real goal of becoming a surgeon.

 

Cayanne Nelson, seated on the left, was sponsored by the Paradise Valley Rotary Club in March of this year to study phlebotomy at the East Valley Medical College in Mesa.  She interned at the VA medical facility, and was so touched by what they have given for all of us, that she plans to continue to volunteer there even though her permanent paid position will be with another employer.