Benevilla Spring 2024 Connection Newsletter

16752 N. Greasewood Street

13576

Phone: (623) 584-4999

Fax: (623) 546-1589 TTY: 711

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VETERAN SPOTLIGHT

A Life of Adventure and Achievement

Born and raised in the picturesque state of Rhode Island, Steve Ellinwood embarked on a life journey that would take him across the globe, witnessing historical moments and achieving remarkable success. At the age of 17, he joined the United States Air Force, a decision that would shape his future in ways he could have never imagined.

Steve's journey began with basic training in San Antonio, Texas, which lead to an unexpected encounter with a young John F. Kennedy. Steve recalls the future president si ng beside him on a plane, engaging in a casual hour-long conversa on. Li le did he know the man beside him would later become the President.

During his me in the Air Force, Steve witnessed astronaut training at Langley Air Force Base and the historic landing of Neil Armstrong on the moon.

A er four years in the military, Steve transi oned to civilian life, star ng his career at Simplex Time Recorder before joining General Dynamics. Remarkably, Steve's achievements at General Dynamics are even more impressive considering that he did not graduate high school ini ally. Undeterred, he pursued educa on later in life, pu ng himself through college over 13

years to ul mately a ain a master's degree in business administra on from Yale in New Haven, Connec cut.

Steve spent 35 frui ul years at General Dynamics, overseeing cri cal aspects of electronics tes ng, repairs, and ship checks for submarines. His global travels for tes ng purposes solidified his reputa on as a dedicated and accomplished professional in his field. His experiences took him to various corners of the world, from Scotland and Guam to Ireland, Spain, Hawaii, Idaho, Virginia, and Washington DC.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Steve leads a fulfilling personal life. He married Sandy, in 1957 shortly a er arriving at Langley, and he became a father to Stephen Jr., and a proud grandfather to four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. An avid hunter, Steve hunted elk in Colorado and deer in New England. He also hunted big game, bagging a Dahl Sheep in the Yukon territory, caribou in Canada, and antelope in Wyoming. Cowboy Ac on Shoo ng, a compe ve shoo ng sport that recreates the Old West era, with par cipants dressing in period a re and using firearms typical of the late 19th century, also became a passion. Steve enthusias cally competed in matches across Arizona, Texas, and New England.

Steve is a member of the Benevilla Life Enrichment Day Program Lucy Anne’s Place. He is one of many veterans we are honored to have in our programs.

in the Desert

Beyond the rou ne deduc ons associated with charitable contribu ons, tax credits epitomize a transforma ve approach to giving—one that not only allows individuals to support causes close to their hearts but also amplifies the power of their contribu ons through strategic financial incen ves.

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Community Summit on Emergency Preparedness: Enhancing Our Resiliency and Readiness

Gain invaluable insights from expert speakers and learn about the latest emergency preparedness efforts in the Northwest Valley. Free resources will be offered by local organiza ons to help residents be be er prepared for the unexpected.

Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Time: 10 AM - 12 Noon

Where: First Bap st Church 17419 N. Conquistador Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

For older adults, emergency preparedness is not just a recommenda on; it’s a necessity. As we age, our ability to respond to and recover from disasters can be significantly impacted by factors such as mobility limita ons, chronic health condi ons, and social isola on. Proac ve prepara on ensures safety and peace of mind, allowing older adults to navigate poten al emergencies with confidence and resilience.

The Federal Emergency Management Associa on (FEMA) has developed “The Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults”, a guide that can help in preparing for emergencies and disasters in three easy steps: assessing your needs, making a plan, and engaging a support network. Download the guide at h ps://www.ready.gov/older-adults#content.

According to FEMA, some of the ac ons older adults can take today to be be er prepared for poten al emergencies include:

Get Prepared

• Know what disasters could affect your area, which could call for an evacua on, and when to shelter in place, and plan what you need to do in both cases.

• Keep a NOAA Weather Radio tuned to your local emergency sta on and monitor TV and radio for warnings about severe weather in your area.

• Download the FEMA app and get weather alerts from the Na onal Weather Service for up to five different loca ons anywhere in the United States.

Plan Ahead

• Plan how you will communicate during an emergency.

• Plan for food, water, and essen als for you and pets or service animals.

• Research pet-friendly evacua on centers.

• Plan for your transporta on if you need help evacua ng.

All are invited to a end!

• Build an emergency supply kit for your needs including medicines, medical supplies, ba eries and chargers.

• Plan how you will have your assis ve devices with you during an evacua on.

• Make copies of Medicaid, Medicare, and other insurance cards.

Make a Plan

• Determine any special assistance you may need and include plans for that assistance in your emergency plan.

• Create a support network of family, friends and others who can assist you during an emergency. Make an emergency plan and prac ce it with them.

• Make sure at least one person in your support network has an extra key to your home, knows where you keep your emergency supplies, and knows how to use lifesaving equipment or administer medicine.

• If you undergo rou ne treatments administered by a clinic or hospital, find out their emergency plans and work with them to iden fy back-up service providers.

• Don’t forget your pets or service animals. Not all shelters accept pets, so plan for alterna ves. Through a generous grant from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Benevilla is partnering with local nonprofits, volunteer agencies, and municipali es in the Northwest Valley to plan for emergencies that may affect seniors in our area.

The coali on aims to build connec ons among these agencies that will prove beneficial in the event of a widespread emergency while amplifying and sharing the preparedness messages of local and na onal emergency authori es, such as FEMA.

This project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Preven on of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $120,413 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the US Government.

Since opening, Benefitness Adap ve Gym has served those with different abili es, special considera ons, and chronic medical condi ons. Special considera ons may include individuals experiencing stress from their role as a caregiver or those who’ve recently lost a loved one.

The gym’s mission is rooted in the understanding that stress significantly impacts overall well-being. Lorrie Karn, MPsy, the Director of Benefitness, emphasizes the therapeu c power of movement, sta ng, “Movement is medicine.” This philosophy underscores the intricate connec on between the brain and body, highligh ng the pivotal role of exercise in achieving total well-being and op mal health.

Lorrie goes on to comment that several members from

the Ambiguous Loss Support Group have gained friendship, compassion, and understanding from the team at Benefitness. Addi onal benefits for members have included increased strength, flexibility, agility, and an overall improvement of health.

Members of the Ambiguous Loss Support Group express gra tude by sharing encouraging words based on their Benefitness experiences. Diane A. emphasizes, “Benefitness is the light at the end of the tunnel. Our health, like grief, is a constant progression.” Maria Q. highlights close bonds with coaches, sta ng, “The coaches are excellent, very caring, and a en ve to everyone's needs.” Jan R. underscores the significance of self-care, saying, “Recognizing the importance of my health, I joined Benefitness last July. I now have more energy, improved balance, and a be er understanding of how my body works.”

The gym is more than a place for physical exercise; it stands as a sanctuary where individuals confron ng life’s challenges find a comprehensive path to healing. The Benefitness commitment to inclusive and holis c wellbeing posi ons it as a beacon of support and transforma on in the fitness and health landscape.

Scan the QR code to learn more about the programs and services at Benefitness Adap ve Gym

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.

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• 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 may be entitled to an estate tax charitable deduction for the gift’s full value, reducing taxes for your heirs and your estate.

At Benevilla, we are privileged to have many members who have served in the military. Recently, our West Valley Life Enrichment program celebrated the dedica on of a Veterans wall, honoring the service of these individuals. Our day program is dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults and adults with intellectual and developmental disabili es. This dedica on is a poignant fusion of honor and compassion.

For the Benevilla staff, this dedica on underscores their commitment to honoring the individual stories behind each members experience. By integra ng the veterans' wall into their space, they bridge the past and present, crea ng a tapestry of belonging that transcends boundaries of age and ability. The ceremony serves as a reminder of the enduring power of community and compassion, uni ng individuals in a shared moment of reflec on and gra tude for those who have served.

To add a sense of reverence and dignity to the ceremony, we were delighted to welcome a color guard from the local Thunderbird Highschool ROTC. Members of the West Valley Life Enrichment program led by Director Lindsey Nichols performed the Na onal Anthem, adding a patrio c flourish to the occasion.

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Intergenera onal programs involving older adults and children have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering numerous benefits to both age groups. The primary goal of these programs is to foster posi ve interac ons and rela onships between genera ons. Some key benefits of intergenera onal programs include:

• Improved vocabulary and language abili es

• Enhanced reading and wri ng skills

• Increased pa ence, sensi vity, compassion, respect, and empathy

• Reduced anxiety, sadness, and stress and decreased depressive symptoms

• Improved mood management

• Healthier family dynamics

• Improved peer rela onships

• Clearer educa onal aspira ons, occupa onal interests and goals

• Improved emo onal well-being and mental health

In January, we were thrilled to welcome a crew from PBS NewsHour at our program to capture the magic of an intergenera onal session. Addi onally, they interviewed some members and staff. The interviews were fantas c, and we eagerly an cipate sharing this heartwarming experience with you all in an upcoming PBS NewsHour segment! Stay tuned for more details.

Benefitness is excited to introduce assisted stretch as a new tool to enhance healing. Assisted stretching, performed under the guidance of experienced coaches, offers a mul tude of benefits that extend beyond what individuals can achieve on their own. One of the primary advantages is the significant enhancement of

range of mo on. The exper se of a skilled coach ensures that each stretch is performed correctly and targets specific muscle groups, allowing for a more comprehensive and effec ve improvement in flexibility. This heightened range of mo on contributes to be er overall physical performance, whether in sports, daily ac vi es, or simply maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

In addi on to improved flexibility, assisted stretching also promotes increased circula on throughout the body. As muscles are stretched and mobilized with the guidance of a coach, blood flow is op mized, delivering vital

nutrients and oxygen to ssues. Furthermore, assisted stretching has been shown to reduce pain and inflamma on.

Beyond the physical benefits, individuals engaging in assisted stretching o en experience a reduc on in s ffness and an overall improvement in their quality of life. The combina on of increased flexibility, be er circula on, and reduced pain contributes to a heightened sense of comfort and ease in daily ac vi es and paves the way for a healthier and more ac ve lifestyle.

The Benevilla Life Enrichment Day Program at Lucy Anne’s Place, catering to those with early to moderate forms of demen a, has incorporated an intergenera onal program into its daily ac vi es for the past 15years. This op onal program connects members, fondly known as grandmas and grandpas, of Lucy Anne’s Place with children from Wirtzie’s Preschool & Child Care. Through a variety of planned ac vi es, such as storytelling, arts and cra s, gardening, music, dance, board games, and puzzles, older adults and children engage in meaningful interac ons, providing mental and sensory s mula on to keep the minds of par cipants ac ve and engaged.

Benevilla’s commitment to providing a caring and inclusive environment through Life Enrichment Day Programs, including the intergenera onal component, exemplifies a holis c and personcentered approach to suppor ng the well-being of all par cipants. It stands as a testament to the belief that everyone, regardless of age or medical condi on, deserves opportuni es for meaningful connec ons and a fulfilling life.

By collabora ng with youth groups, clubs, and schools, Benevilla plans to grow their Intergenera onal Program in their other loca ons, Mary’s Place in Sun City, and West Valley in Peoria. To find out how your group can get involved in the Benevilla Intergenera onal Program, contact Jennifer Kehren: JKehren@benevilla.org or call 623-584-4999.

Benevilla recently received a generous grant from the Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation to support our Intergenerational Program. We are so deeply appreciative of their support and commitment.

As the popula on con nues to age, the demand for support services for older adults becomes increasingly cri cal. Many older adults choose to maintain their independence and reside in their own homes for as long as possible, but o en require assistance to do so. This demographic shi presents both challenges and opportuni es for communi es.

Amidst the aging popula on, the demand for volunteers to support older adults in their homes is steadily increasing. Tasks such as grocery shopping, transporta on to medical appointments, minor home repairs, and providing companionship through friendly visits or phone calls are vital for ensuring the well-being and independence of older adults. However, many lack access to these essen al services due to financial considera ons. Benevilla is commi ed to filling this void by providing resources and coordina ng volunteers to assist them. This shortage is further exacerbated by a lack of awareness about volunteer opportuni es. Susan Dilley, a dedicated Benevilla volunteer, beau fully encapsulates the essence of volunteering: "In asking myself, 'What makes me happy?', my answer is resoundingly volunteering. It's a way I can make a difference in this o en polarizing

world we live in; one person at a me." Susan emphasizes the value of establishing personal connec ons with members, sharing, "I really enjoy establishing a rela onship with a member. I've had the pleasure of grocery shopping for the same person for months. We mutually benefit from knowing one another; sharing about our lives."

Addi onally, volunteers like Troy Mercer contribute their exper se in home maintenance and repairs, ensuring the safety and comfort of older adults in their homes. Troy, inspired by the importance of community engagement, explains, "I work full me from home and ge ng out to meet and help the local community is important to me." He finds sa sfac on in providing assistance without the apprehension of costly or unnecessary services, sta ng, "It can be in mida ng for clients to have strangers come into their home. With Benevilla home services, there is no cost, no apprehension of surprise bills, and no contractors pushing for services they don’t need." Troy's commitment reflects the dedica on of volunteers who selflessly offer their me and skills to support older adults in maintaining their independence and quality of life.

The impact of inadequate support services for older adults extends beyond the individual

level to the broader community. When older adults cannot access essen al resources and services, their quality of life diminishes, leading to increased health risks, social isola on, and decreased overall well-being. Addi onally, the burden of caregiving o en falls on family members, resul ng in caregiver stress and strain on familial rela onships.

To address the growing need for volunteers, Benevilla is commi ed to promo ng volunteer opportuni es and raising awareness about the importance of maintaining older adults’ independence. While the focus o en lies on the posi ve impact volunteers have on older adults, it’s equally important to highlight the transforma ve effects volunteering has on volunteers themselves. Volunteers find fulfillment and purpose in their efforts, fostering empathy and forming las ng connec ons within their communi es. Benevilla volunteer Sheree Miller says "As a new re ree, I needed something to do that would keep me ac ve and in touch with people. For the be er part of a year I was the phone pal to a lady who had many health and emo onal challenges, was mostly bed-ridden, and was planning a reloca on to another state. The goal of our phone calls was to take her mind off her problems. We had much in common and we both enjoyed our conversa ons, which got her through a difficult me of her life."

By amplifying volunteers’ voices and sharing their impac ul stories, Benevilla aims to inspire

ensure that older adults receive the support they need to age with dignity. Together, we can build a more compassionate and inclusive community where older adults can thrive in the comfort of their own homes.

Volunteer

Become a Partner in Hope

Benevilla has many volunteer opportuni es to make a meaningful di fference that will enrich your life and the lives of others.

Scan the QR code to learn more about volunteer opportuni es.

others to join the movement and make a difference in the lives of older adults. The profound effect volunteering can have on individuals and communi es alike, create a ripple of posi ve change that extends far beyond the confines of the volunteer experience. By increasing interest and par cipa on in volunteering ini a ves, we can