AJUSD’s Project Help region’s only community-based family support program

Apache Junction Unified School District’s Project Help continues to serve as the only program of its kind in the area, providing crucial short-term assistance to families while fostering community engagement and long-term stability.

Project Help is a community-based program committed to providing temporary support for families and students enrolled in AJUSD. What sets the program apart is its unique approach that combines immediate assistance with a pathway to self-sufficiency through community service, according to a release.

“Project Help isn’t just about providing aid — it’s about building stronger community connections and helping families develop the tools they need for long-term success,” Rosie Portugal-Brastad, Project Help coordinator, said in the release. “The program’s loan-and-service model helps maintain dignity while encouraging families to give back to the community that supported them.”

The program’s reputation has grown to the point where families have transferred their children from other school districts specifically to access Project Help services, demonstrating the program’s vital role in supporting area families during difficult times, it states in the release.

Project Help operates entirely on community donations, including financial contributions, food, new and gently-used clothing, and household goods provided by local churches, organizations, businesses, and individuals. This grassroots support reflects the tight-knit nature of the Apache Junction community.

To ensure resources reach those most in need, Project Help has established clear eligibility criteria. Families must have children enrolled and regularly attending AJUSD schools for at least two weeks, with all school-age children in the household attending district schools. Parents or legal guardians must apply in person and provide documentation of income and expenses.

The program’s innovative approach treats assistance as a loan to be repaid through community service hours. Families are encouraged to volunteer at their children’s schools when possible, creating stronger connections between home and school while contributing to the educational community.

Beyond direct assistance, Project Help serves as a resource hub, connecting families with other available community services and making appropriate referrals when needed.

Aid is distributed based on availability of funds and assessed need, as determined by the Project Help coordinator. The program’s sustainability depends on continued community support and donations.

Project Help, 195 E Superstition Blvd. in Apache Junction, operates on the following schedule:

• General hours: 8:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, (Closed on all AJUSD school holidays and breaks)
• Donation days: 8:30 a.m.-noon or by appointment Monday and Wednesday,
• Assistance days: 8:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday and Thursday,

For information about Project Help, including how to apply for assistance or make donations, contact Rosie Portugal-Brastad at rportuga@goaj.org. Project Help’s phone number is 480-288-2955.

Apache Junction Unified School District serves approximately 2,700 students across six schools, with a commitment to supporting not just academic achievement but the overall wellbeing of students and their families, the release states.