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Since her arrival in Scottsdale 40 years ago Frances
Young has mentored, advised, assisted and championed
numerous community organizations and causes — simply
for the good of the community. She’s fondly
known as “the mayor of South Scottsdale” among
her admirers and countless people she has mentored,
advised and assisted. And Frances sums up her life
by saying, “I’ve gained far more than
I ever gave. That’s what I want everyone to
know.”
Her notable contributions include the establishment
of an English as a Second Language program in the
schools, the beginning of Indian Education, Head
Start and Title I programs, and the establishment
of the Vista del Camino Community Center. During
her tenure with the Human Services Commission, she
worked with other members to find funds for social
services, which resulted in the Scottsdale citizen
utility bill donation fund and the Scottsdale Cares
Program that gives out over $220,000 annually to
non-profits.
 A
long-time champion of minorities’ rights,
Frances rolled up her sleeves in the early ’60s
and has worked tirelessly for 40 years to create
a safer, healthier, more productive community. She
epitomizes warmth, caring and concern for people
of varying backgrounds. She embraces all people
and is an advocate for their quality of life, whether
Yaqui, Hispanic, Asian, Black or White. In fact,
the Paiute Neighborhood Center is a living legacy
to the work that she and her fellow commission members
urged Scottsdale’s city staff to undertake
in the late ’80s to benefit the Spanish speaking
immigrants from Mexico.
Frances’ husband swiftly purchased one of
the only homes available in South Scottsdale when
his job transferred to Phoenix. Frances quickly
turned the new 3-bedroom house into a garden and
a home for 5 children of their own and hundreds
of other Scottsdale teenagers.
Celebrating more than 80 years in her “hometown” here
in Scottsdale, Frances’ leadership, diversity
and commitment remain strong — and at the
core of her being.
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