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THE BENEVILLA

CONNECTION

WHAT’S INSIDE? FALL EVENTS CALENDAR

40TH YEAR CELEBRATION Benevilla Home Services member attending a Benevilla Vaccine Clinic with the support of wonderful Benevilla volunteers.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT & MORE Benevilla News and Events May - September 2021

16752 N. Greasewood St., Surprise, AZ 85378 | 623-584-4999 | www.Benevilla.org

From Our President and CEO As Summertime approaches and Benevilla’s Anniversary is celebrated in early May, we reflect on 40 Years of Care and Compassion. Since 1981, Benevilla has supported countless seniors, caregivers, children and families in our community. From our first programs, including our Free Home Services, Life Enrichment Programs and Resources, to our newest services including Life Coaching, family and children services, Group Supported Employment and Benefitness coming soon and everything in between, Benevilla has always upheld the mission to enrich the lives of others and vision for a better quality of life for every one, at every age. As we move forward and continue to navigate through our changing world, we continue to count our blessings and try our best to provide the best programs and services we can for our community. As an organization, we seek out the needs of the community and explore how we can meet those needs. Our newest adventure has been our Benevilla Vaccine Clinics where we can help provide easy access to the COVID-19 Vaccine to our Benevilla members and soon to be, our entire community! Please enjoy this edition of the Benevilla Connection newsletter and all our of wonderful updates. We have provided information on many upcoming events including our upcoming Fall Educational Events, Caregiver Connect Event and 40th Anniversary Golf Tournament. Also, enjoy stories of our very special donors and members in our programs. We hope you will celebrate 40 years of care and compassion with us and include Benevilla in your 2021 giving plans. We sincerely appreciate each and every gift as this allows Benevilla to provide the programs and services we offer today and into the future. Sincerely,

Joanne Thomson Benevilla President and CEO

Benevilla Caregiver Connect 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 the caregiver journey.

Save the Date: November 5, 2021

Event Series Sponsor:

Lord of Life Lutheran Church 13724 W Meeker Blvd, Sun City West, AZ 85375

OCTOBER

Smart Gifting Strategies to Utilize in Unpredictable Times October 14, 2021 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

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.

AUGUST Understanding Grief and Mourning August 11, 2021 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Grief and loss can be overwhelming experiences, but the more you know about what to expect, the less frightening it is. Experts from our Hospice partners join us to educate you on this important topic.

SEPTEMBER Elder Law Planning Workshop

September 8, 2021 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Ask your questions and learn from our expert partner the tips and tools on how to stay in control of your property and finances, plan for senior living and long-term care, minimize and avoid expenses, and so much more.

Home is Where the Heart Is - and Where to Turn When Home is No Longer an Option September 29, 2021 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Join us for an expert presentation from our Home Care and Placement partners on the options of keeping your loved one at home and where to turn when this is no longer possible.

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.

Steve Harnden, CFP, CPA Private Wealth Advisor, with Affirm Wealth Advisors will discuss how to invest in uncertain times and how to make smart charitable contributions.

Confident Caregivers Caring for Those with Dementia October 20, 2021 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

This workshop by experts in Home Care will explain why challenging behavior can happen and how to address these changes with confidence. This workshop will also explore communication tools, person-centered care and more.

Getting Your Affairs in Order

October 26, 2021 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Rita Daninger, Attorney and Kathleen Crowley, with Condit & Associates will discuss making arrangements for your future, including your health care needs, financial affairs, estate provisions, and final wishes.

NOVEMBER BENEVILLA CAREGIVER CONNECT Lord of Life Lutheran Church November 5, 2021 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Are you a family member caring for a loved one? The Benevilla Caregiver Connect will provide expert guidance and valuable information for caregivers.

Expert Presentations | Senior Care Vendors | Resources

Year-End Tax Planning Tips

November 16, 2021 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

As the year end approaches, Ken Mueldener, CPA will update you on current tax law changes and give helpful planning tips that can help reduce your state and federal tax burden.

DECEMBER

All About AZ Tax Credits

December 2, 2021 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Gary Frisch, MBA, CPA, Landmark CPAs will give an overview and discuss the benefits of the Arizona Tax Credit programs and other tax saving strategies just in time for the upcoming tax season.

How to Choose the Best Independent or Assisted Living Community December 8, 2021 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Learn from the experts in senior living what are the most important questions to address when choosing a community for you or your loved one. What is independent living? What is assisted? How do I know what is right for me or my loved one? We are here to help.

Benevilla Celebrates 40 Years of Care and Compassion Benevilla is proud to celebrate our 40th anniversary this year. The not-for-profit senior and family services agency was founded in 1981 by citizens of the Sun Cities area out of concern that local services were not readily available to the community’s residents. Our mission was to promote health and independence by providing supportive services to their neighbors. 40 years ago, this May, Benevilla formed as Sun City Area Interfaith Services, Inc. (“IFS”) and was established as a non-profit, nonsectarian agency by concerned citizens and the local Area Ministerial Association.

From humble beginnings as a group of 30 volunteers helping with errands and home care services and a handful of employees, IFS grew into Benevilla, a vibrant network of Life Enrichment Day Programs, comprehensive care-management programs, free support, family and children services and educational opportunities across the Northwest valley – all supported by more than 200 volunteers and 100+ employees – seeking to help keep seniors and families independent in their own homes.

Benevilla. Enriching Lives. 5

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SAVE THE DATE 13

2021

Benevilla 40th Anniversary Golf Tournament Saturday, November 13, 2021 Wigwam Golf Resort Watch for additional details, registration information and sponsorship opportunities in the mail or visit www.Benevilla.org in the coming months. For more information, please call the Benevilla Donor Relations team at 623.584.4999. Thank You to Our Signature Sponsors

Benefitting Benevilla programs and services that enrich the lives of West Valley older adults, adults with disabilities, children and their families.

Service and Philanthropy

Written by Daphne Vincent, Donor Relations Manager

Ted and Marietta Johns are quite familiar with serving others and their community. Ted was a Lutheran minister for over 40 years. His wife for the past 60 years, Marietta, was a music teacher and then an executive with American Express. After they both “retired”, they served with an organization called “Opportunity International” and spent 13 years traveling the globe helping residents in underdeveloped countries become more financially independent so their local economies could be more sustainable. When Ted was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, the Johns made the difficult decision to limit travel so that Ted could get the medical support and care that he needed in the U.S. In 2015, Ted and Marietta decided to “retire” again and moved to Surprise, AZ. After moving to the area, they developed a close friendship with a Benevilla board member and donor who introduced them to all the wonderful services Benevilla offers to the local community. They have since became huge advocates and supporters of Benevilla. They also have provided care for caregivers’ loved ones while they attend Benevilla Caregiver Support Group meetings at their church. Having been a financial advisor, Marietta is aware of ways to make charitable contributions that also provide maximum tax savings. She and Ted learned a long time ago, the best way for them to support charitable organizations was through IRA Charitable Rollover Gifts. IRA Gifts reduce taxable income which helps

donors to avoid entering a higher tax bracket when Required Minimum Distributions become necessary. As Marietta says, “It is a smart way to give”! The Johns have contributed to Benevilla through an IRA Rollover for many years. Ted said the reason they give to Benevilla is, “We believe in Benevilla, in their leadership, and all that they provide in our community”. Recently the Johns made an IRA Rollover Gift to Benevilla to fund the purchase of a Neofect Smart Glove to be used as a therapeutic tool for individuals in Benevilla Life Enrichment Day Programs who are recovering from a stroke or suffer from Parkinson’s Disease. The Smart Glove is designed to induce neuroplasticity for hand function of patients with neurological brain injuries by providing game-like, virtual, exercises so that patients can remain motivated and perform exercises that are gradually challenging. Ted and Marietta have three children, eight grandchildren, and are expecting their first greatgrandchild. They have modeled charitable giving to their family, who are also philanthropic. Their legacy continues…through their gifts and through their example!

Stopping the Spread Benevilla is very excited to have partnered with Osco Pharmacy to offer COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics to over 80 of our Benevilla Home Service Members in early February. Each of these members are older, vulnerable adults who do not have the means to register for vaccinations or transportation to get to and from vaccination sites. “This has been such a blessing!” says Mary, a Benevilla Home Services member who attended the first Benevilla Vaccination Clinic, “I had such a hard time getting an appointment and had no way to get there in the late hours of the night. Thank you Benevilla for your help. I am now vaccinated!”

With the success of this clinic, Benevilla also held a clinic late April for Benevilla Home Services members, Life Enrichment Program members, Support Group members, caregivers, Benevilla employees, volunteers and more. This clinic provided over 200 vaccines to individuals in our community! Benevilla staff worked very hard contacting each group, supporting them with the registration process and providing resources for transportation. Additional clinics open to the public will be available on July 17th and October 2nd. Benevilla is doing our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and working hard towards a safer and healthier community for all. Thank you to Bank of America and the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust for your generous support of the Benevilla Vaccine Clinics.

The Art of Planning an Effective Will A will or living trust along with the rest of your estate plan should be reviewed at least every five years. More often if there is a change in the law, your finances or personal circumstances, such as the birth of a new grandchild, health issues have arisen, or you have experienced the loss of a spouse.

objectives. Ask questions. Be sure you understand all the techniques for disposing of your estate in an effective manner.

There are five basic steps to making a new will or reviewing an existing will.

5. Communicate your decisions to your attorney and rely on the attorney to draft a will to accomplish your objectives.

1. Make a detailed inventory of your estate— a comprehensive listing of assets and liabilities, including personal effects. Write down the income each asset produces and other characteristics of each asset. 2. Make a list of your objectives in terms of what you want your estate plan to accomplish rather than how much each beneficiary is to receive. For example, you may want to provide practical financial security for your spouse, charitably support causes that are important to you, or establish a fund to ensure an education for a grandchild. 3. Seek the advice of an attorney. Trusts, bequests, lifetime gifts and other arrangements are available to help you accomplish your

4. Make your own decisions. It is your estate and you have a right to dispose of it in any manner you desire.

Please consider including Benevilla in your will, estate plans or with a beneficiary designation to leave a lasting legacy for others in need in the community.

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 the Benevilla Legacy Circle, please contact Sara Villanueva, VP of Donor Relations at svillanueva@benevilla.org or 623.584.4999.

Home Away From Home

Written by Beth Stockton, Benevilla Enrichment Liaison

Did you know that Benevilla means “Good Home”? Benevilla has been the best home away from home for so many families in the West Valley. We would like to share with you some of the thoughts of a few of our members and their families on what the Life Enrichment Day Programs here at Benevilla have meant to them.

Member Highlight: Mary Durkin Mary Durkin has been coming to the Benevilla Helping Partners Program in Sun City for over 15 years. She absolutely loves the Life Enrichment Day program there and her many friends she has made. “It is a great program with really great food,” says Mary. Benevilla serves hot, fresh and delicious lunches from Birt’s Bistro every day and a healthy and fun morning and afternoon snack. Mary has participated in many of the activities and outings at the Helping Partners Program including a Theater Works Beauty and the Beast Jr. production in 2019 and Silent Singers, a sign language chorus group run by members of the program. These are some of her favorite experiences at the program. Moneen Durkin is Mary’s sister and Moneen loves that the Helping Partners Program has provided wonderful daytime care filled with activities and a place where Mary can be creative with painting while building relationships. Moneen is Mary’s primary caregiver and the program gives her time to herself.

The Helping Partners Program is a Benevilla Life Enrichment Day program located at 14601 N. Del Webb Blvd in Sun City. The Helping Partners Program provides respite for family members who are caring for adults with cognitive/ developmental disabilities. Helping Partners is a community of individuals learning, growing, and building relationships together in a safe, warm and inviting environment. Helping Partners members participate in daily activities, community outings, games, and crafts and often dictate and plan their own daily schedules. Healthy and delicious lunches are provided every day. The Helping Partners Program also offers the unique Group Supported Employment (GSE) program which allows members to learn working skills, work in Benevilla programs and the community while earning a paycheck.

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Member Highlight: Eric Deschamp Eric Deschamp has been a member of the Benevilla West Valley Life Enrichment Day Program for over 20 years now. Eric attends the West Valley program five days a week and enjoys every bit of it. His favorite things about the program are the activities, the food and the outings. Eric says, “I love the other members and making new friends at the program. I also really love to do yoga.” Eric is very fond of Tony the Director of West Valley and calls him Tony Bologna. Eric is also a wonderful member of the Group Supported Employment program at Benevilla. He has the opportunity to wash dishes and serve food to other members at Mary’s Place Life Enrichment Program while participating in trainings and earning a paycheck. Eric’s mother Maryke says “The people and staff at the program are just fantastic, they always seem to have such joy and energy.” Maryke explained that the West Valley Life Enrichment Program was there for her when she had to work full time and provided a wonderful and safe place for Eric to be every day.

The West Valley Program is also an adult Life Enrichment Day Program located at The Church at Cactus at 8133 W. Cactus Rd. in Peoria. The West Valley Life Enrichment Day Program has been providing family members that are caring for adults with cognitive/development disabilities, survivors of stroke, Parkinson’s disease and early to moderate stages of dementia for over 22 years. Each member participates in daily activities such as creative arts and craft, fitness groups and activities, interactive musical activities and brain games. A warm, healthy and delicious lunch is served every day as well. The West Valley Life Enrichment Day Program supports those who live in Glendale, Peoria, and parts of Phoenix. For more information about Benevilla Life Enrichment Programs, please visit our website at Benevilla.org or call us at 623-584-4999.

TWO Great Ways to Support Benevilla and Save on Your Taxes Couples filing jointly can make a donation up to $800 and individuals can donate up to $400 and receive a dollar-for-dollar Arizona Tax Credit! Additionally, taxpayers who take the standard deduction and don’t itemize on your federal taxes are now able to claim up to $300 per individual ($600 per couple) in qualified charitable donations on your 2021 federal taxes as a deduction from their gross income outside of the AZ Tax Credit program. For more information, please call the Benevilla Donor Relations Team at 623.584.4999 or visit www.Benevilla.org

Need Support & Resources? Benevilla is here to help. Whether you are caring for a spouse, parent or friend, Benevilla can support you on your caregiver journey.

PO Box 8450 Surprise AZ 84374-0124

We are proud to partner with the highest quality senior care agencies in the community and can connect you with the help you may need.

623-584-4999

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.

www.BenevillaCares.org CARES 2021 AZR.indd 1

NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES!

BENEVILLA NEEDS YOUR HELP Become a Benevilla Home Services Volunteer and be a Summer Hero! Support your neighbors and friends with the following opportunities: • • • •

grocery shopping assisted transportation to medical appointments light handyman services emergency errands

For more information or to apply, please call Paula Barron at 623-584-4999 or at www.Benevilla.org/volunteer-application

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