For years, the Chandler Compadres, AZCEND, and the Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) have been working together to make the Compadres Early Learning & Resource Center a reality. In late January, it officially opened at San Marcos Elementary School.
As an extension of AZCEND, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations, it will enhance family programming for CUSD.
"The Compadres are proud to be part of this project because it represents why we do what we do," says Matt Askland, president 2024-2025 Chandler Compadres. "We often can get caught up in planning our events and all the efforts, stress, and accountability that we put on each other, and it can be easy to forget why we are pushing each other so hard. In reality, organizations like AZCEND do the real work. They are making a direct impact on our community day in and day out with these kids. We are proud to be a significant supporter by funding these programs and organizations."
There are six modular classrooms in the Resource Center. A preschool program, funded by the Chandler Compadres, is housed in three of them, while another serves as an AZCEND office. The office will offer essential family resources, including SNAP benefits and rent support.
Another classroom is called The HIVE, and is a digital learning space for both students and seniors that offers access to technology education.
Make Way for Books, a partnership between AZCEND and San Marcos Elementary School that provides free books and reading resources, is located in the remaining two classrooms.
"We hope organizations like AZCEND can continue to make a huge impact on our youth. They are motivating these kids with higher and more specific education. Our funding makes it easier for them to continue this impact," says Askland.
"They are making a direct impact on our community ..."