Interagency Meeting – April 2026

This month’s Mesquite Interagency Meeting featured two informative presentations focused on strengthening the community and protecting residents. George shared details about a new grant opportunity through the Mesquite Regional Community Fund, while Riley Franco from AARP Nevada provided practical guidance on recognizing and preventing fraud and scams.

George Gault – Mesquite Regional Community Fund

George introduced the Mesquite Regional Community Fund, a new charitable grant program designed to support projects that improve the quality of life in the Mesquite region. The fund will provide grants to nonprofits, municipalities, and other eligible organizations for initiatives that enhance parks, arts, public spaces, educational opportunities, and community infrastructure. Applications opened in March and close in June, with typical grant awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. The long-term goal of the fund is to encourage charitable giving and direct more philanthropic investment into projects that benefit the Mesquite community. 

Riley Franco – AARP Fraud Protection and Awareness

Riley Franco, Outreach Director for AARP Nevada, spoke about the growing impact of fraud and scams and the importance of community awareness. She explained that scammers often rely on urgency, emotional manipulation, and unexpected communication to trick victims. Riley emphasized a simple but powerful strategy for avoiding scams: “Pause, Reflect, and Protect.” By slowing down, verifying information, and recognizing common warning signs, individuals can significantly reduce their risk. Her presentation also highlighted how fraud affects people of all ages and encouraged open conversations and reporting to help prevent scams from spreading in the community.