PHOENIX, AZ – A nonprofit in South Phoenix is committed to helping seniors who, due to various circumstances, are now the primary caregivers of their grandchildren.
Dana Burns, born and raised in South Phoenix, started an A Permanent Voice Foundation in 2018 to help her community.
“To be a voice for those without a voice, so simple and clear,” she said.
Burns has partnered with other organizations, community groups, and pantries to provide resources for these grandparents, including legal aid, meals, and literacy programs.
“This is a brand new world for them with technology, learning, math, and reading, and some of the seniors I work with unfortunately don’t know how to read,” said Burns.
A permanent voice also provides services to young people. They have a basketball program, advice and help in school.
Patricia Malone has used some of these programs. She has 24 grandchildren and is raising two of them.
“It helped a lot with a lot of things – for the holidays. Just the communication and the things we need and when you need to talk. So it’s really helpful,” Malone said.
The non-profit organization currently helps more than 200 people.
Burns said she hoped to expand. “It feels good for me to be able to come back and give my people where I was rooted. I mean, this is my home, this is right here.”
Burns is working with other community partners to bring a youth center to South Phoenix.
Learn more about A Permanent Voice Foundation here.
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