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THE BENEVILLA

CONNECTION

WHAT’S INSIDE? NEW EDUCATIONAL EVENTS CALENDAR BENEVILLA DINNER IN THE DESERT WE’RE HIRING!

Benevilla offers Intergenerational volunteer opportunities serving homebound seniors in the community.

& MORE Benevilla News and Events January - April 2022 16752 N. Greasewood St., Surprise, AZ 85378 | 623-584-4999 | www.Benevilla.org

Joanne Thomson and Dr. Nieri at Benevilla Caregiver Connect Virtual event.

From Our President and CEO The year 2021 flew by and we are here to say “hello” to 2022 with a year of new ideas, new programming, and new goals, all with the same care and compassion for our community that we have provided for over 40 years. I am excited to share with you our first Connection Newsletter of the year including our Spring Educational Event Calendar, stories from our wonderful programs, opportunities to get involved with Benevilla, information on our new fundraising event Dinner in the Desert and many different ways to support the Benevilla mission. I would like to welcome and thank our 2022 Benevilla Board of Directors who will help guide our mission throughout the year. Shannon Arriola John Bridgford Merlyn Carlson Oana Constantinescu

Joe Deblasi Erica Dorward Conrad Graff Lora Johnson

Birt Kellam Brian Laurie Pastor Kim Sterner Dick Stuckey

Dawn Tompkins Larry Vering Mike Zongolowicz

We hope you enjoy this newsletter and consider including Benevilla in your 2022 giving plans! Don’t forget, Benevilla does qualify for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit and you still have until April 15, 2022 to make a gift towards your 2021 taxes! We sincerely appreciate each and every gift and know we could not provide our many programs and services without your support! Sincerely,

Joanne Thomson Benevilla President and CEO

MARCH BENEVILLA CAREGIVER CONNECT

March 4, 2022 9:00 AM Lord of Life Lutheran Church | Sun City West

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

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.

Threats to your Family’s Financial Future March 30, 2022 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Benevilla CARES experts discuss estate planning basics, elder law, VA planning, will planning and more that may impact your family’s financial future.

APRIL Getting Your Affairs in Order and When is a Fiduciary Needed? April 14, 2022 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

As we adjust and continue with the virtual way of life, Benevilla is here to help. Benevilla will teach you the ins & outs of Zoom Video Conferencing.

Kathleen Crowley of Condit & Associates, Arizona Licensed Fiduciaries will discuss the importance of updating your plans for future uncertainties. This includes making sure your health care needs, financial affairs, estate provisions and final wishes are all up to date and in order.

Choosing the Right Care

Shortcuts to Shopping for Senior Living

When it comes to Home Care, you have many choices for the right care for your loved one. Benevilla CARES experts will help guide and prepare you with what to look for when searching for support.

Navigating senior living options can be overwhelming and emotional. Our experts are here to help. This event will explore options to make the transition smoother and less stressful.

How to Zoom

January 19, 2022 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

January 26, 2022 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

FEBRUARY Probate and other Misconceptions in Estate Planning February 15, 2022 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Attorney Michael McGreevy will discuss estate planning misconceptions and best practices that can help you ensure your future plans are securely in place.

You’re Not Alone: Creating a Plan for the Future February 23, 2022 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

It’s never too early to plan ahead and having extra expertise to call upon can make a huge difference. Benevilla CARES experts are here to support you as you plan for the future.

April 27, 2022 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

MAY Maintaining Dignity and Memory Care May 18, 2022 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

When caring for a person with dementia there is a tendency to focus on what a person cannot do. Explore memory care options where the focus is maintaining dignity and celebrating abilities.

Benevilla is offering all Educational Events as live, online Zoom workshops. Please visit www.benevilla.org/community-events/ to register online or call 623-584-4999 today. Registration is required with a working email.

Dinner in the Desert Friday, March 25, 2022 The Barn at Desert Foothills East Jomax Road, Phoenix, AZ 85054

Join Us

Fireside cocktails at sunset, a desert sky full of stars, dinner, dancing, raffles and more at the lovely Barn at Desert Foothills. Music by the popular country western band Honeygirl, performing old and new country favorites. Complimentary charter bus transportation from Surprise to and from the event will be available

Individual Tickets: $175 Event and Table Sponsorships available Call the Benevilla Donor Relations team at 623.584.4999 or visit Benevilla.org/dinner-in-the-desert for more information.

Learn more at www.Benevilla.org/car-donation

“The entire process was easy peasy! CARS staff picked up the car and arranged to sell it auction, then sent a donation check to Benevilla and a tax acknowledgment to me. I was so happy that donating my car could help Benevilla Life Enrichment day programs, which has benefited Ted so much.” Mary Ellen and her husband, Ted who attends one of Benevilla’s Life Enrichment Day Programs, were in a real dilemma. The one and only vehicle they had, which they affectionately called the “Dad-illac”, was 17 years old and needed extensive repairs. Mary who normally relied on Ted to manage car sales and purchases wasn’t sure what to do with this non drive-able vehicle that was sitting at a service center. She was thrilled to find out that Benevilla accepts car donations and she contacted CARS customer service to handle the whole donation transaction. If you have a vehicle you no longer need, please consider gifting your vehicle to Benevilla by contacting CARS at (855)-500-7433 and mentioning the donation should be directed to Benevilla.

CONSIDER INCLUDING A GIFT TO BENEVILLA IN YOUR WILL OR LIVING TRUST. If you believe in investing in the future of your community, but don’t want to part with money today, a gift in your will or trust to benefit Benevilla may be the donation option you’ve been looking for. It has these benefits: • • • •

Simplicity. Just a few sentences in your will or trust are all that is needed. Flexibility. Because you are not actually making a gift until after your lifetime, you can change your mind at any time. Versatility. You can structure your gift to leave a specific item or amount of money, make it contingent on certain events or leave Benevilla a percentage of your estate. Tax Relief. When you make a gift to Benevilla, a qualified charitable organization, in your will or trust, your estate is entitled to an estate tax charitable deduction for the gift’s full value.

If you have any questions, please contact the Benevilla Donor Relations team at 623.584.4999.

Good Home Written By Beth Stockton, Benevilla Enrichment Liaison

From around the world to Peoria, Arizona, Marlene comes to the Benevilla West Valley Life Enrichment Program ready to embrace all that the program has to offer. Her son Mitchell is her caregiver and in finding Benevilla and our services, he could not be more at ease knowing she is thriving and enjoying her time. Marlene joined the Benevilla Life Enrichment Day Program in September 2021. Her son Mitchell was looking for a place where he felt safe and comfortable having his mom stay and socialize during the day while he worked. He knew it was time for his mom to get out of the house and enjoy life enriching activities and meet new people. During his search he had a hard time finding a place that would give him that ease and comfort, until he called Benevilla, he explained. After taking a tour of the program, he knew right away that is mom would love it. He instantly felt relief he hadn’t felt in a long time, knowing his mom was making friends and out of the house enjoying activities.

Marlene loves to paint and participate in the exercises. On the days that Marlene attends Mitchell says that morning, it’s time for class and Marlene does not waste any time getting ready to come to the program. To Marlene this means spending a day at the West Valley Life Enrichment Program where she laughs and has her group of ladies she loves to be with. Marlene is from Puerto Rico and moved to New York. This is where she met her husband and raised her family. In the late 70’s her family moved to Peoria, Arizona where she was a bilingual teacher at North High School. She has enjoyed Arizona and lives now with her son Mitchell and their 3 Golden Retrievers. Mitchell said “I notice a big difference in my mom and how much she enjoys coming 3 days a week. Your staff is fantastic and I cannot thank you enough for the human interaction that my mom gets every day.” Benevilla means GOOD HOME, and that is just what we strive for here at Benevilla; a place for your loved ones to enjoy, grow and have their lives enriched by our staff and by the members around them. For more information on Benevilla programs and services, please call 623-584-4999 or visit www.Benevilla.org.

Did you know that Benevilla Life Enrichment Programs are the only CARF Accredited day programs in Arizona? All Benevilla Life Enrichment Day Programs are accredited by CARF International, an accreditation organization for rehabilitation facilities. CARF provides accreditation services worldwide at the request of health and human service providers. Providers that meet CARF standards have demonstrated their commitment to being among the best available.

Thank You to Our 2021 Signature Sponsors! We appreciate your support and generosity!

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a Signature Sponsor, please contact the Benevilla Donor Relations Department at 623-584-4999.

Reduce Your Tax Burden

even if you don’t itemize

IRA

Charitable Rollover Gift 2021 IRA Benevilla Ad_IND_.indd 1

Do you own an IRA or other qualified retirement plan? Are you looking for a tax-wise strategy to make gifts to support the Benevilla mission? If so, consider making an IRA charitable rollover gift.

GIVE TO BENEVILLA, GET IT BACK

• 70½ or older • 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. 9/13/2021 10:57:37 AM

Learn more about IRA Charitable Rollover Gifts at www.BenevillaPlannedGifts.org

e h t g n i s s e r Add d e e N y t i n u m m o C Physical activity plays an important role in maintaining health, well-being, and quality of life. Any amount of physical activity that gets your heart beating faster can improve your health. Half of the 21 million Americans who have a disability don’t exercise, and that lack of exercise is jeopardizing their health. Exercise can delay the progression of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall. Every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from injuries resulting from a fall.

“Benevilla is a remarkable organization! I’ve been affiliated with Benevilla for over 10 years and in community services for over 30 years. I can honestly say that Benevilla Leadership, staff and volunteers truly care about providing the best service possible to those in the West Valley community.”

Join the Benevilla Team Are you driven by a desire to use your skills and talents to help others? Are you self-motivated and interested in being part of a dynamic and growing service organization? Would you like to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the community? If so, join us! As a member of the Benevilla team, you may be eligible for the following employment benefits: Insurance (Health, Dental & Life) Long-Term and Short-Term Disability 403(b) Retirement Plan with company match Paid Time Off (PTO) Days Paid Holidays Paid College or Professional Education Discounted child care at our on site preschool and child care center

To explore our current job openings, please visit www.Benevilla.org and click Join Our Team.

Not looking for full or part time work but still want to support your community? Benevilla is also looking for community heroes to volunteer for our many programs and services we offer. Volunteer opportunities include: Grocery Shopping Assisted Transportation to Medical Appointments Light Handyman Services Phone Pals, Friendly Visitors Life Enrichment Programs Childcare Office Support & More Apply online at www.Benevilla.org or call 623-584-4999 today.

Free Home Services Grocery Shopping Assistance Phone Pals Emergency Errands Rides to Essential Medical Appointments Light Handyman Services Business Assistance The Benevilla Home Services program provides community members with that little extra assistance to maintain their independence at home. Services are available short or long-term to those with limited resources and options.

All provided free of charge by Benevilla Volunteers. Enriching Lives | 623.584.4999 | www.Benevilla.org

Do You 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, Benevilla can help.

We are here. Call 623-584-4999 Please call 623-584-4999 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Learn more about Benevilla at www.Benevilla.org Benevilla CARES_2020.indd 1

5/1/2020 2:34:30 PM

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.

There’s still time to take advantage of the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit for your 2021 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 2021 AZ State Tax Credit can be made up to April 15, 2022…or get a jump-start on giving in 2022! Please call Benevilla 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.