LARRY CERVARICH
HOMELESS YOUTH CONNECTION & PRODUCE ON WHEELS
ORIGINALLY POSTED DECEMBER 2015
Larry Cervarich & Jen Barber: December 2012
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Jen's Editing Note: I always tell Larry that when I grow up, I want to be just like him.
Larry Cervarich has put the West Valley on the map. He's supported senior programs for more than 30 years. But after seeing a story about local homeless youth, he chose to find a way to help this deserving population, as well. I first met Larry when helping build the Goodyear/Arizona in ACTION nonprofit. In the photo to the left, you see us next to several boxes containing about a thousand tubes of toothpaste. The gift was originally donated to me, but, I knew Larry's homeless youth could use them. We had a great day and Larry was able to share wonderful stories of helping others during my visit. Larry built the Homeless Youth Connection from a small office - to a large facility. And he continues to expand the program far and wide. His newest adventure? Produce on Wheels. You can find out more in this Q&A. And don't forget to Like our Estrella Produce Exchange page! |
My actual first mission was to develop support for the senior population until I read an article in the local West Valley View regarding homeless youth. After hesitating for a few weeks I decided to approach a local high school to obtain information regarding the homeless youth, and to see if it was factual. It was then that I found the need to establish a program that would not only support the homeless youth, but to create awareness to the adult world, and local community of this serious situation." ~Larry Cervarich
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Q. Where are you originally from and how long have you been in the West Valley?
A. I was born in Portland, Oregon, and lived there until 2006. I moved to Sundance Community in Buckeye, Arizona in 2006, and shortly after I moved to PebbleCreek Resort in 2010. Q. Can you tell me a little about your family?
A. I am married to my fantastic wife (Judy), and have two grown up son’s ages 43 and 45. My oldest son lives near Fresno, California (single), and my youngest son lives in Sun Valley, Idaho (single) |
Q. How long have you been of service to others... or in non profit work?
A. I actually became aware of service to others when I joined the Rotary Club in Portland over thirty years ago. While in Portland I was invited to become a board member of the Loaves & Fishes (Non-Profit) organization. Primarily their mission was to support seniors in the local communities. This is where I became familiar with the meal on wheels program. When I arrived in Arizona I immediately sought out possible ways to be of support to others.
A. I actually became aware of service to others when I joined the Rotary Club in Portland over thirty years ago. While in Portland I was invited to become a board member of the Loaves & Fishes (Non-Profit) organization. Primarily their mission was to support seniors in the local communities. This is where I became familiar with the meal on wheels program. When I arrived in Arizona I immediately sought out possible ways to be of support to others.
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Q. What did you do before you got into Homeless Youth Connection?
A. Before I became involved with the Homeless Youth Connection I got involved with the vending and food industry. Actually became a salesman for a vending company while I was developing the homeless youth mission. Q. How did you get the idea for Homeless Youth Connection?
A. My actual first mission was to develop support for the senior population until I read an article in the local West Valley View regarding homeless youth. After hesitating for a few weeks I decided to approach a local high school to obtain information regarding the homeless youth, and to see if it was factual. It was then that I found the need to establish a program that would not only support the homeless youth, but to create awareness to the adult world, and local community of this serious situation. Q. What are HYC's accomplishments you're most proud of?
A. I am continually proud of all the support that HYC has given the homeless youth. One of the greatest accomplishments is to obtain the trust and confidentiality of the local school administrations. Serving over 34 high schools in the West Valley has become a huge challenge. Today HYC has developed a board of directors, and board of trustees that are continuing to develop the vision of HYC. I must not forget the wonderful volunteers and donors that have help support HYC to obtain their mission. |
Larry Cervarich - Spring 2013
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The Produce on Wheels is not only helpful to everyone, but will be helpful in funding the Meals of Joy program for seniors. After witnessing this program early this year I knew then that this would become a great success towards supporting future senior programs." ~Larry Cervarich
Q. How did you get the idea for Produce on Wheels?
A. Project Boost/Produce on Wheels and Meals of Joy has always been a long time vision. Obviously I did not have the time or opportunity to establish this program until recently. Spending years supporting senior programs in the Northwest helped me develop a mission that would be beneficial to seniors in the future. The Produce on Wheels is not only helpful to everyone, but will be helpful in funding the Meals of Joy program for seniors. After witnessing this program early this year I knew then that this would become a great success towards supporting future senior programs.
A. Project Boost/Produce on Wheels and Meals of Joy has always been a long time vision. Obviously I did not have the time or opportunity to establish this program until recently. Spending years supporting senior programs in the Northwest helped me develop a mission that would be beneficial to seniors in the future. The Produce on Wheels is not only helpful to everyone, but will be helpful in funding the Meals of Joy program for seniors. After witnessing this program early this year I knew then that this would become a great success towards supporting future senior programs.
Q. Can you tell me about your seniors program?
A. The senior charity (SCOSIC Inc.) will become the umbrella for several opportunities to assist seniors. Eventually the SCOSIC (Senior Citizen One Stop Information Center) will become an information center for seniors to obtain information regarding their personnel needs such as doctors, dentist, lawyers, financial, accounting and learning classes. Hopefully we will strive to have classes such as computer training, wine and culinary classes. Produce on Wheels will provide a source of fresh farm produce eight months of the year at a low cost. The Meals of Joy program mission is to deliver nutritional meals to seniors of low income, or seniors that are struggling with medical issues. This complete concept (vision) is projected to develop over the next two years.
A. The senior charity (SCOSIC Inc.) will become the umbrella for several opportunities to assist seniors. Eventually the SCOSIC (Senior Citizen One Stop Information Center) will become an information center for seniors to obtain information regarding their personnel needs such as doctors, dentist, lawyers, financial, accounting and learning classes. Hopefully we will strive to have classes such as computer training, wine and culinary classes. Produce on Wheels will provide a source of fresh farm produce eight months of the year at a low cost. The Meals of Joy program mission is to deliver nutritional meals to seniors of low income, or seniors that are struggling with medical issues. This complete concept (vision) is projected to develop over the next two years.
Q. What is one thing you'd like to see in the West Valley over the next 10 years?
A. The West Valley is a fantastic area to live in. Having opportunities to support individuals either young or of age is important in order for communities to survive. As the population continues to grow in the West Valley we must provide adequate education for our youth, and available opportunities for seniors to obtain a safe home and medical provisions. I have had the privilege to meet many political leaders within the West Valley, and found that all have one things in common, and that is to provide a safe community to live.
A. The West Valley is a fantastic area to live in. Having opportunities to support individuals either young or of age is important in order for communities to survive. As the population continues to grow in the West Valley we must provide adequate education for our youth, and available opportunities for seniors to obtain a safe home and medical provisions. I have had the privilege to meet many political leaders within the West Valley, and found that all have one things in common, and that is to provide a safe community to live.
As the population continues to grow in the West Valley we must provide adequate education for our youth, and available opportunities for seniors to obtain a safe home and medical provisions. I have had the privilege to meet many political leaders within the West Valley, and found that all have one things in common, and that is to provide a safe community to live." ~Larry Cervarich
Q. Anything else you'd like to add?
A. I am blessed to have received such great support from many residence and business leaders in the West Valley. I appreciate the support they have given to make the West Valley a better place to live.
A. I am blessed to have received such great support from many residence and business leaders in the West Valley. I appreciate the support they have given to make the West Valley a better place to live.
CONNECT
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Produce on Wheels
Project Boost - Meals of Joy Community Bingo Parking Lot 3690 S Estrella Pkwy, Goodyear, AZ 85338 MC85 & Estrella Parkway 
ESTRELLA PRODUCE EXCHANGE ON FACEBOOK
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The last Saturday every month November - May from at the Community Bingo Parking lot. Located on Estrella Parkway near M85. Produce on Wheels program helps support Cervarich's senior Meals of Joy program. Anyone can participate at the event.
"We bring in fresh farm produce (up to 18 items). You will receive 60 pounds of fresh produce for a fee of $10.00. A portion of this fee will apply to the Meals of Joy program." The produce is the same quality of produce that you purchase at the local grocery stores. It is awesome produce. Sixty pounds is a lot of product, and some families and friends are sharing the amount of produce. Please pass the word. |
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