THE BENEVILLA
CONNECTION
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF CARE AND COMPASSION Benevilla members return and enjoy safe Creative Aging activities at our Life Enrichment Day Programs.
Benevilla News and Events January - April 2021 16752 N. Greasewood St., Surprise, AZ 85378 | 623-584-4999 | www.Benevilla.org
1
From Our President and CEO In the year 2021, Benevilla is proud to celebrate 40 Years of care and compassion. Since 1981, our community has come together to support friends and families in need in our community. I feel so honored to have been surrounded by such an amazing group of individuals dedicated to the Benevilla mission over the years and look forward to many more years to come. As we move forward, let’s be grateful for our blessings, especially in trying times, and let’s not forget to reach out and support our neighbors in need this season. As we move into 2021, please enjoy some exciting new announcements, heart warming stories and our plans for the year in this edition of The Benevilla Connection. We hope you enjoy this newsletter and consider including Benevilla in your 2021 giving plans! Don’t forget, Benevilla does qualify for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit and you still have until April 15, 2021 to make a gift towards your 2020 taxes! We sincerely appreciate each and every gift as this allows Benevilla to provide the programs and services we offer today and into the future. I appreciate each
and every one of our community members, volunteers, partners, staff members and families who have supported Benevilla over this past monumental year. I recognize that we would not be where we are without you. Sincerely,
Joanne Thomson Benevilla President and CEO
Benefitness Coming Fall 2021! We are very excited to announce our next adventure... Benefitness Adaptive Gym. The Benefitness Adaptive Gym provides specialized individual and group fitness to our community of adults with different abilities to reach the wellness goals of each member and caregiver and to enrich their lives. The Benefitness Adaptive Gym will provide small group training classes including circuit training and RockSteady Boxing along with specialized goals and plans for each member. A healthy smoothie and snack bar will be available as well as a caregiver relaxation space. We are currently in the process of raising funds for this project with a hope to begin construction late Spring of 2021. Our goal is to open to the public with our first classes in Fall 2021. If you have any questions or would like to sign up for updates, please call 623-584-4999. If you are interested in contributing to this project, please reach out to our Donor Relations team at 623-584-4999. Thank you! 2
When to Use a Fiduciary
February 23, 2021 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Toni Nelson, CDP, Sr. Case Manager, Managed Protective Services will discuss how a fiduciary may be able to help you or a loved one manage financial and medical affairs when needed.
Virtual Educational Workshops Benevilla FREE Educational workshops offer guidance and address senior life changes. Each workshop is led by carefully selected professionals and Benevilla partners who can provide support and answers to your questions.
JANUARY How to Zoom
January 7, 2021 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
As we adjust to a new, virtual way of life, Benevilla is here to help. Benevilla professionals will teach you the ins & outs of Zoom Video Conferencing so you are equipped to attend each of our wonderful, educational events this Spring.
Care for the Caregiver
January 13, 2021 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
The best way to take care of others is to take care of yourself. Learn ways to make sure you are still a priority while providing quality care for your loved ones. Join experts from the Home Care field who can help you on your caregiver journey.
Foundations for Investing
January 19, 2021 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Brian Laurie, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones will discuss financial planning and tips on making wise investments.
FEBRUARY The New Normal: Finding Care for my Loved One
February 10, 2021 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Finding the right place for your loved one can be difficult and confusing without the obstacles of COVID-19. Let our Senior Placement professional partners help you navigate this daunting process and guide you to the right questions you should ask.
MARCH BENEVILLA VIRTUAL CAREGIVER CONNECT
March 4, 2021 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Are you a family member caring for a loved one? The Benevilla Caregiver Connect will provide expert guidance and valuable information for caregivers. More information to come on virtual opportunities to tune in.
A Time of Uncertainty: The Importance of Updating your Estate Plan and Planning for the Future March 16, 2021 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Will discuss the importance of updating your estate plan, for future uncertainties. This would include an overview of trusts, wills, powers of attorney and navigating possible tax law changes. Expert presenter: Mary A. Nykamp, Attorney of Jeckel & Nykamp P.L.L.C
APRIL Stress Management & Self Care How Care Management Can Help April 14, 2021 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Stress management and self care are difficult enough, but tend to be even harder as a caregiver. Learn tips and tricks to ensure you are taking care of yourself while taking care of your loved one. Join our Care Management experts and learn how they can help.
MAY Improving Communication with a Loved One in Memory Care May 12, 2021 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Communication is more than just talking and listening. Learn new ways to connect with your loved one as dementia progresses from our Memory Care experts. Explore different scenarios and develop new strategies to communicate.
Benevilla is offering all Educational Events as live, online Zoom workshops. Please visit benevilla.org/community-events/ to register online or call 623-584-4999 today. Registration is required with a working email.
33
A Gift from Heaven Written by Marilyn Newman, Benevilla Caregiver
M
y name is Marilyn and I would like to tell you about a man and the journey that brought him to Benevilla and Lucy Anne’s Place Life Enrichment Program. My husband Bob and I were born in the Bronx, and discovered we lived about 6 blocks from each other. Unfortunately, when we were introduced to each other, he had a cast on his leg, due to sliding into home base while playing baseball. That should have been my first intuition of his bad luck. When Bob and I got married in July 1961, we went to Puerto Rico for our honeymoon. Well it may sound exciting but while we were on the plane, I told Bob that I didn’t think that our luggage made it onto the plane. Once we were in Puerto Rico, we found out I was right. Our luggage went to Pittsburgh! I was just a little upset! Thankfully, our luggage came to the hotel the next day. We had barely unpacked when Bob got a severe sunburn at the hotel pool. This didn’t make for the greatest honeymoon. Was this another sign of Bob’s bad luck? Our first child, our daughter, was born in 1962, then in 1972 our 2nd child, our son, was born a whole ten years later. Both as a couple and as a family we enjoyed traveling, playing cards, watching movies, and spending time with friends. Unfortunately, Bob was in a serious accident while driving a newspaper truck, which required 2 years of recovery subsequently ending his employment. As a result,
4
we decided to move to Arizona. I didn’t know it at the time, but moving out to Arizona became a blessing in disguise since Benevilla was here. A few years ago, Bob was diagnosed with dementia. I noticed little changes in him at first. The changes didn’t interfere with his daily life initially, however, I knew it was time for me to find the best place for him. The synagogue we attend gave us information about several programs, but something told me to check out Benevilla. I made an appointment to go on a tour, and as soon as I stepped into Lucy Anne’s Place I knew that he would be happy there. I also had the opportunity to meet some of the staff, who I adore. First, Bob only went to Lucy Anne’s Place 1 day a week, then he slowly increased to attending 2,3,4 and ultimately 5 days a week. The staff became family. The friendships that he made were genuine. Every morning when he arrived at Lucy Anne’s Place and walked in, it was just like the comedy show “Cheers”. Everyone would call out “BOB!” He loved bingo and was pretty lucky playing it. Trivia was right up his alley, especially if it had to do with old movies or war movies. His passion was the interaction between the children and the seniors through the Intergenerational Program. On most occasions, when we would be leaving Benevilla for the day, one of the youngsters from Wirtzie’s Preschool and Childcare would see Bob in the lobby and run over to give him a hug. I knew that when I left him at Lucy Anne’s Place for the day, I was leaving him in the best care in the world. Besides being the best Enrichment Program, it is the heartfelt love shown that makes it so special! The greatest benefit of the program was knowing that I didn’t have to worry about Bob. He was safe and happy, and I had time to do what I needed to do.
When it came time to pick him up, I was welcomed with positive remarks about his sense of humor and his friendly spirit. Two years after Bob started attending Lucy Anne’s Place, he was hospitalized with a blood infection then he received hospice care. Staff members and volunteers from Benevilla came to visit with him there, sometimes for an hour or so. It lifted his spirits so much! When he passed, it was hard letting him go for all of us! They too expressed the loss which meant a lot to me. I owe the Lucy Anne’s Place staff so much. Each time I have come to say hello, I receive hugs and they always ask, “How are you doing?” Life without Bob is difficult, but the knowledge of who and what he left behind, makes it somewhat better.
In closing, I want to tell you all that Benevilla has also become a part of my own life. One day after dropping Bob off at Lucy Anne’s, I had noticed a sign asking for volunteers for the new infant room at Wirtzie’s. I had previously volunteered at Banner Del Webb Hospital in Sun City West, in their labor and delivery unit, so I put in an application to volunteer at Wirtzie’s and couldn’t wait to start! Prior to the pandemic, I got to see firsthand how well the children are cared for. The love that each child gets, whether in the toddler, wobbler, or in the pre-school rooms, graciously given, is like a gift from Heaven. It takes special people to do all that has to be done to provide the services Benevilla provides, and it is the support of the community that helps make that happen.
5
BENEVILLA 50/50
RAFFLE
Raffle Winner Will Be Announced Friday, February 26th
FUNDRAISER
Help Benevilla support neighbors in need AND have a chance of winning 50% of the raffle drawing proceeds! 5 Raffle ticket entries for $10 10 Raffle ticket entries for $15 20 Raffle ticket entries for $25 100 Raffle ticket entries for $50 Benevilla is a local nonprofit founded in 1981 by community members to enrich the lives of West Valley residents by serving older adults, adults with disabilities, children, and the families that care for them.
BENEVILLA 50/50 RAFFLE DRAWING ORDER FORM Name: ____________________________________ Email: _________________________ Street Address: __________________________________City: _____________________
10 Raffle Entries $15_____
State: __________ Zip: __________________Phone #: (_____) _____________________
20 Raffle Entries $25_____
Please make your check payable to BENEVILLA or charge to credit card: oCASH oMasterCard oVisa oDiscover oAmerican Express Card Number: ________________________________________ Exp. Date: _________ CVC # : ____________ Name on Card: _________________________________________
100 Raffle Entries $50_____
Checks should be mailed to: P.O. Box 8450, Surprise, AZ 85374 Or call 623-584-4999 to purchase via credit card over the phone or online at www.benevilla.org/50-50-Raffle **Purchase by mail or online must be received by February 25, 2021 to be eligible for the drawing. Confirmation of purchase will be mailed. Raffle entries will be entered in the February 26, 2021 drawing. Complete raffle rules at www.benevilla.org/50-50-Raffle
6
5 Raffle Entries $10______
TOTAL PURCHASE $______________
*Note that Raffle Drawing purchases are not tax-deductible donations
I’d like to make a taxdeductible donation to Benevilla of $________
Benevilla Community Shred-A-Thon Fundraiser Drive-thru Event
Supported in partnership by:
Saturday, February 20, 2021 | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Lord of Life Lutheran Church Parking Lot 13724 W Meeker Blvd, Sun City West Are you ready to de-clutter and get organized for 2021? Do you need to dispose of documents safely and securely?
Join Benevilla for our Shred-A-Thon Fundraiser and securely dispose of old documents such as: • Old bank & credit card statements • Billing statements • Receipts • Tax records and documentation (after 7 years) • Medical records • Credit card receipts • Paycheck stubs Stay in your vehicle to safely drop off your documents to be shredded curbside. (Social distancing procedures will be in place) MINIMUM $4 DONATION PER BOX OF DOCUMENTS TO BE SHREDDED. PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT BENEVILLA
Save the Date 40th Anniversary Benevilla Golf Tournament Saturday, November 13, 2021 at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park
7
Together Through It All During the COVID-19 pandemic, Benevilla has continued to offer free essential services to neighbors in need in our community. Benevilla Volunteer Home Services Programs provides free grocery deliveries, emergency errands, transportation to medical appointments, and friendly phone pals; free Caregiver Support Groups provide caregivers with emotional support, and our C.A.R.E.S. Resource & Information Service gives community members care related resources. During the pandemic, more than ever, we found a community of neighbors in need that Benevilla could not ignore. With a new set of safety and health policies in place, our family of generous volunteers continued to step up to serve those in need.
68 volunteers provided 3254 hours of service since April 2020 As we move forward, Benevilla will continue to serve seniors in our community in need of assisted transportation to medical appointments, grocery deliveries, light handyman services, and phone pals. If you or your neighbors are in need of these free services, please call 623-584-4999 or visit www.Benevilla.org today.
Reduce Your Tax Burden even if you don’t itemize
IRA
Charitable Rollover Gift 8
Do you own an IRA or other qualified retirement plan? Are you looking for a tax-wise strategy to make gifts to support our mission? If so, consider making an IRA charitable rollover gift.
GIVE TO BENEVILLA, GET IT BACK
• 70½ or older (72 if born July 1, 1949 or after) • Direct up to $100,000 IRA rollover has several significant tax advantages, and could also help you avoid income that could push you into a higher tax bracket.
For more information, please contact the Benevilla Donor Relations team at 623.584.4999.
Gratitude Leads to Generosity Written by Daphne Vincent, Donor Relations Manager
John Branning has been a faithful donor to Benevilla for over 16 years. He has supported Benevilla during its “Fulfilling the Promise” building campaign, given AZ Tax Credit Gifts, and for several years he has been giving recurring monthly gifts. John has said often, he “wants to support Benevilla as much and for as long as I am able”. John spent his career as a firefighter in New Jersey before retiring and moving to Arizona in 1980. When his late wife Lillan (Lil) began battling dementia, he enrolled her for a few hours a week at one of Benevilla’s Life Enrichment Day Programs. When he saw how happy Lil was there, John decided to increase Lil’s time there from a few hours to a few days a week. As a
result, John was able to run errands, get his hair cut, and pick up groceries, all while knowing that Lil was in good hands. When asked why John donates to Benevilla he said, “because without Benevilla’s help, I wouldn’t have been able to manage caring for Lil at home and still have been able to get other things done”. He said the Benevilla staff was wonderful to Lil and “treated her great”! John is a wonderful example of a donor who has both given to and received from Benevilla programs and services which “enrich lives” in the West Valley. Support like John’s helps to ensure that quality Benevilla programs and services like he and Lil received will be around for others into the future.
We Need Your Help! Your neighbors need you more than ever. Start your new year off right and help make a difference in the lives of others. Benevilla is currently in need of Home Services volunteers including help with transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, emergency errands and phone pals. Benevilla has implemented new safety and social distancing procedures to ensure the health of all members and volunteers. Apply online at www.Benevilla.org/volunteer or call 623-584-4999. 9
WE ARE OPEN!
and safely supporting our community. Benevilla Life Enrichment Programs provide support for caregivers and their loved ones. Benevilla provides specialized day time programming to meet each member’s specific needs - from memory support, to supporting those with Parkinson’s, survivors of stroke and adults with disabilities. Benevilla is currently open and serving members at our Surprise, Sun City, and Peoria locations.
www.Benevilla.org | 623-584-4999
Thank You to Our 2020 Signature Sponsors! We appreciate your support and generosity!
Abrazo Health | Banner Health | Rio Salado College | Western State Bank Lovitt & Touché If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a Signature Sponsor, please contact the Benevilla Donor Relations Department at 623-584-4999. 10
Do You or Your Neighbor Need Support While Caring for a Loved One? Whether you are looking for information on Benevilla services, a reputable senior care company, an assisted ride to the doctor, free support groups and so much more, our Benevilla C.A.R.E.S. team is here to help.
Bring Comfort — to Your —
Loved Ones
Please call 623-584-4999 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Find community resources online at www.BenevillaCares.org With the chilly winter weather, it’s time to pull warmer clothes out from your closet. As you bring out your favorite sweater, take a moment to think about the other things that bring comfort:
friends, family and the causes important to you.
Bring Comfort to your Family If you have any questions or would like to share your plans so we can say thank you and include you as a member of our Legacy Circle, please contact the Donor Relations Department at 623.584.4999.
Did you know that you can leave a wonderful legacy to benefit your family, friends and causes like Benevilla using money you no longer need? Consider your checking, savings, investment and retirement accounts. With a beneficiary designation, you can name the people or causes you want to receive what’s left of these accounts when you pass away. Just like the warmth of a familiar sweater, knowing you have helped others this season is a great feeling. Please consider including Benevilla in your will, estate plans or with a beneficiary designation.
PO Box 8450 Surprise AZ 84374-0124 www.Benevilla.org
Benevilla is a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible. Benevilla is partially funded by the Area Agency on Aging Region One, the City of Peoria, Dept. of Veterans Affairs, and the City of Surprise. Benevilla is an equal opportunity provider.
Benevilla Caregiver Connect Virtual Event Are you a family member caring for a loved one? The Benevilla Caregiver Connect is a free event offered to family caregivers providing expert guidance and valuable information for their caregiver journey.
Save the Date: March 4, 2021 More information on how to tune in coming soon!
There’s still time to take advantage of the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit for your 2020 taxes! Donate your Tax Credit gift to support Benevilla, today! Your $800 donation (or $400 if filing single) to Benevilla can get you a dollar-for-dollar tax credit* on your Arizona State Tax Return and will directly support older adults, adults with disabilities, and families in your local community. Donations for the 2020 AZ State Tax Credit can be made up to April 15, 2021…or get a jump-start on giving in 2021! Please call Benevilla’s Donor Relations Department at 623.584.4999 to donate or visit www.Benevilla.org to give securely online. Benevilla’s Qualifying Charitable Organization code is: 20493. *You can essentially give and it will cost you nothing. Consult a qualified tax advisor on your personal tax situation.