By Isabela Gamez
The Primavera Foundation
Longtime Tucson residents Nigel Brooks and John Kovacik have spent decades investing in their community. Through civic engagement, neighborhood organizing and hands-on volunteer work, the two have turned their commitment to Ward 3 into meaningful support for local nonprofits, including Primavera Foundation.
Their work took on a more formal structure when they helped establish Friends of Ward 3, a 501(c)(3) charitable network originally envisioned by Ward 3 Councilman Kevin Dahl. Nigel, Maxine Goodman, Daniel Dempsey and John co-founded the organization, with John stepping in as treasurer. While board roles have shifted over time, Nigel and John now lead much of the organization’s day-to-day efforts, continuing to build on the original vision of strengthening neighborhood connections and supporting residents in need.
Nigel and John first learned about Primavera Foundation through STAR Village, a one-year pilot program that supports women and non-binary individuals experiencing homelessness. STAR is located in Ward 3. “We researched it and found it aligned perfectly with our focus on social welfare.”
The pair began contributing with small donations—$200 in cash initially—and quickly expanded their support to assembling hygiene and sanitary kits for STAR. “A board member’s daughter-in-law had some clothes she didn’t need anymore, and we realized they could be a perfect gift for STAR,” John added.
To make giving more accessible, Friends of Ward 3 partnered with a local Starbucks at First and Wetmore to create a donation box for STAR. “The Starbucks crew, including manager Angel Rodriguez, have always been interested in supporting community projects,” Nigel said. “They put the box together, and it was a great success.”
For Nigel and John, partnerships between local organizations and residents are key to building stronger neighborhoods. “Strong relationships with businesses are essential,” Nigel noted. “We aim to help residents who may have fallen through the cracks and aren’t otherwise served.”
John emphasized that community engagement is not just about donations, but about understanding the needs of Ward 3. “It’s about doing things that genuinely support residents,” he said.
Supporting Primavera has deepened their appreciation for civic responsibility. Both leaders encourage others who want to support local nonprofits to start small. “Even simple contributions, like a hygiene kit or gently used clothes, can make a big difference,” John said.
Friends of Ward 3 is committed to continuing and expanding their partnership with Primavera. Nigel envisions stronger community-building efforts and potential workforce development initiatives. “There are a lot of opportunities in Ward 3 for businesses, but the workforce may need to be developed. We’re looking at training programs with schools and community colleges,” he explained.
As they continue to grow their impact, Nigel and John hope to inspire similar initiatives in other neighborhoods, demonstrating how focused efforts and local partnerships can strengthen Tucson as a whole.