TCAA is thrilled to announce the launch of the Puente Project, a three-year pilot program designed to support families at Thew Elementary School in Tempe.
Through this initiative, participating families will receive $200 per month for three years—no strings attached. This steady, reliable support can be used however families choose: groceries, rent, school supplies, transportation, or anything else that helps ease daily stress. We trust families to know what they need most, and we’re removing barriers so they can focus on what truly matters.
"Families know best what they need. The Puente Project is about trust, dignity, and opportunity." – Xavier Gonzalez, Senior Manager of Economic Mobility
Over the next three years, families will connect monthly one-on-one with Puente Project Coordinator, Stella Perez, who will help bridge the gap between needs and resources. We’ll also be tracking student attendance, academic performance, and key social determinants of health—including economic stability, education access, healthcare access, neighborhood environment, and community connections—to understand the program’s impact.
The Puente Project reflects TCAA’s commitment to building stronger, more equitable communities by starting with the basics and delivering holistic support for Tempe families. Together, we’re creating a future where every family has the stability, opportunity, and resources to thrive.
Because when we invest in families, we invest in the future of our community.
