Community
Benevilla Honored with Inaugural City of Surprise Community Legend Award Photo courtesy of Benevilla
B
enevilla, a distinguished nonprofit that has impacted the lives of Valley residents for over four decades, recently added a significant accolade to its list of achievements. At the 2023 Surprise Area Interfaith & Golden Rule Community Breakfast, the organization proudly received the inaugural City of Surprise Community Legend Award, sealing its reputation as a stalwart in community service.
Surprise, designated a Golden Rule Community since 2018, launched this award program through its Veterans, Disability & Human Services Commission to celebrate individuals and groups making a marked difference in the community. The award, representing the globally recognized moral principle of treating others as one wishes to be treated, stands
testament to Benevilla’s commitment to fairness, kindness, and respect. Benevilla President and CEO Joanne Thomson accepted the Organization of the Year award on behalf of Benevilla. “We are honored to be working handin-hand with such wonderful people and have the chance to celebrate this recognition together with our fellow city, faith, business, and nonprofit leaders from the region. If you haven’t heard about Benevilla and haven’t toured our campus, please come by. We would love to show you all the impact we make in the community,” she says. The Surprise award not only celebrates organizations but also focuses on efforts that enhance the quality of life, promote accessibility and equity, and connect residents to resources. Benevilla’s impressive statistics speak volumes:
48,807 acts of care and compassion in 2022 alone, touching the lives of 6,998 individuals in the northwest Valley. One standout contribution from Benevilla is its Life Enrichment Adult Day Programs. These initiatives provided an impressive 126,130 hours of respite for caregivers last year, offering engaging activities for individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, Benevilla’s free C.A.R.E.S. department saw a surge in services that assist community members striving to maintain independence at home. Founded in 1981 by the community for the community, Benevilla serves older adults, adults with disabilities, children, and their families. Those interested in services, volunteering, tours, or donating to Benevilla, can reach out at 623-5844999 or visit benevilla.org
Pastor Kim Sterner, Benevilla Board Chair from Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Joanne Thomson, Benevilla President & CEO with Steffen Hanzel, the Chair of the Surprise Veterans, Disability and Human Services Commission, who presented the inaugural awards.
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14 • November 2023 • UPPER WESTSIDER
9/11/2023 10:42:34 AM
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