CEO’s Corner
As we celebrate Benevilla’s 45th anniversary, I am filled with deep gratitude for the community that has made this milestone possible. For nearly five decades, Benevilla has remained committed to enriching lives through connection, compassion, and innovative programming that supports older adults, caregivers, and families across the West Valley. What began as a small group of neighbors around a kitchen table has grown into a vibrant organization impacting thousands of lives each year — and that is because of you.
This year, we are especially proud to share that Benevilla’s Intergenerational Program has received national recognition as a Program of Distinction from Generations United. This honor affirms the meaningful work happening every day on our campus, where children from Wirtzie’s Preschool & Child Care and older adults from Lucy Anne’s Life Enrichment Day Program learn, laugh, and grow together. The relationships formed across generations are powerful — reducing isolation, fostering empathy, and creating a true sense of belonging for everyone involved.
We also extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported our recent “A Night in the Tropics” fundraising event. The evening was a wonderful celebration of community and generosity, and its success ensures we can continue providing life-enriching programs to those who rely on us. As we look ahead, we remain inspired by our mission and energized by the opportunities before us. Thank you for being part of Benevilla’s story — and for helping us build the next 45 years of impact together.
Joanne
Byers, Benevilla President and CEO
From a Kitchen Table to a Community Legacy: 45 Years of Benevilla
Celebrating its 45th anniversary, Benevilla proudly reflects on more than four decades of service, compassion, and community impact in the West Valley. Founded by a small but determined interfaith group committed to helping older adults remain independent, Benevilla has grown into a trusted nonprofit resource supporting thousands of individuals and families each year. What began around a kitchen table has evolved into a vibrant organization dedicated to enriching lives and strengthening connections across generations.
Over the past 45 years, Benevilla has expanded its programs to meet the changing needs of the community. From Life Enrichment Day Programs and caregiver education to intergenerational partnerships, preschool & child care, adaptive fitness opportunities, Benevilla continues to provide innovative services that promote dignity, purpose, and well-being. Each milestone represents the dedication of staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners who believe in the organization’s mission to support independence and enhance quality of life.
As Benevilla marks this special anniversary, it also looks toward the future with gratitude and vision. The organization remains committed to evolving alongside the community it serves—offering trusted guidance, meaningful engagement, and compassionate care for generations to come. The 45th anniversary is not only a celebration of the past, but a renewed promise to continue enriching lives for the next 45 years and beyond.
No Medical Skills Required: Just a Willing Heart
When people think about volunteering with homebased programs, they often imagine medical training, clinical expertise, or complex caregiving responsibilities. At Benevilla, Home Services volunteering looks very different, and that is exactly what makes it so powerful.
Benevilla’s Home Services volunteers do not provide medical care. Instead, they provide something just as essential: connection, consistency, and compassion. For older adults who want to remain living independently at home, a friendly visit, a helping hand, or a familiar face can make all the difference.
Home Services volunteers support older adults through simple, meaningful activities, including companionship visits, friendly check-in calls, and practical help that makes daily life a little easier. Sometimes that means sharing conversation over coffee, helping with grocery pickup, providing transportation for a medical appointment, or offering reassurance to someone who may not see many people during the week. “It’s often the simplest moments that mean the most” shares Daphne Sietz, Manager, Volunteer Services, “a friendly visit, a phone call, or a ride to an appointment can remind someone they matter and that they’re not alone.”
One of the most common misconceptions about volunteering with older adults is that it requires special skills or prior experience. Benevilla provides training, guidance, and ongoing support to ensure volunteers feel confident and comfortable in their role. What matters most is not professional background. It is reliability, kindness, and a genuine desire to help someone feel less alone.
For many older adults, Home Services volunteers are a vital connection to the outside world. Regular visits help reduce isolation, support emotional wellbeing, and foster a sense of trust and friendship.
“A friendly visit, a phone call, or a ride to an appointment can remind someone they matter and that they’re not alone.”
— Daphne Sietz Manager, Volunteer Services
Over time, volunteers and members often build meaningful relationships rooted in mutual respect and shared stories.
Volunteering with Benevilla’s Home Services is designed to be flexible and accessible. Volunteers are thoughtfully matched, schedules are manageable, and commitments are based on availability.
As the West Valley continues to grow and age, the need for compassionate, community-based support grows with it. Benevilla’s Home Services volunteers are neighbors helping neighbors, proof that a willing heart can change lives.
If you are looking for a way to give back that is personal, flexible, and deeply meaningful, Home Services volunteering may be the perfect fit. No medical skills are required, just a willingness to make someone’s day a little brighter.
Make a meaningful connection, one visit at a time. Visit our website to explore volunteer opportunities.
Benevilla.org/volunteer-opportunities
Fitness for Every Body, Every Ability, Every Season
Benefitness Adaptive Gym supports strength, mobility, and vitality.
Spring brings a sense of renewal, with comfortable temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fresh energy. Benefitness is proud to support the community by helping individuals optimize their health and vitality year-round. Benefitness services include personalized fitness and nutrition plans designed for all bodies, regardless of health circumstances or physical ability. The coaching staff is highly credentialed and trained in corrective exercise, functional movement, balance and mobility, and the mind-body connection.
Benefitness is well equipped to support individuals living with chronic conditions and neurological diagnoses through thoughtful, evidence-based programming. The team takes great pride in helping participants reclaim their abilities, improve daily function, and reduce symptoms that may impact quality of life. Every member receives a detailed and comprehensive fitness and wellness assessment, allowing programs to be tailored to the whole person, including movement, nutrition, and lifestyle support.
Access to health education and wellness resources is a cornerstone of the Benefitness mission. The program actively works to increase health literacy for individuals and communities who may face barriers to traditional health and wellness services. Free education sessions, support groups, and community collaborations help ensure information is accessible and easy to understand. Membership assistance is also available for those who qualify, helping remove financial barriers to participation.
Health literacy and movement are equally important for youth. Bene fitness serves individuals ages 12 and older, welcoming participants of all fitness levels, including those with different abilities, special considerations, or chronic medical conditions.
To help individuals explore personalized fitness, nutrition, and wellness options, Benefitness offers a free class pass that allows participants to try any
Benefitness group classes are thoughtfully tailored to support every individual’s unique strengths, needs, and abilities.
class without a commitment. A complimentary personal training consultation is also available, providing an opportunity to discuss goals and receive a proposed fitness plan tailored to individual needs. In addition, Benefitness offers a free BIA (bioimpedance analysis) scan, which provides insight into body composition, cellular inflammation, cardiac risk score, metabolic health, and more. Personal training sessions may also include assisted stretching to relieve muscle tension and stress, as well as the use of SMART devices paired with electronic tablets to support mobility and coordination. These tools are especially beneficial for individuals experiencing single-side deficits commonly associated with stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.
To learn more or to schedule a tour visit Benefitnessgym.org or call (623) 584-0065.
FREE EDUCATION WORKSHOPS
Benevilla offers a diverse range of free workshops and educational experiences designed to support caregivers, older adults, families, and community members throughout every stage of aging. These sessions provide practical tools, trusted guidance, and meaningful connection in a welcoming community setting. Topics span caregiver wellness, stress management, and self-care strategies. Educational programs also address important planning conversations, including healthcare decision-making, patient rights, financial strategies, legal, estate considerations, and navigating complex systems with greater confidence. Additional workshops explore healthy
Learn. Connect. Prepare.
living strategies such as nutrition, whole-person wellness, and lifestyle habits that promote longterm health. Creative and interactive experiences are also part of the lineup, offering participants opportunities to recharge emotionally while building supportive relationships with others who share similar journeys.
Each workshop is led by knowledgeable professionals and community partners who bring real-world expertise and compassionate insight. Whether you are caring for a loved one, planning ahead, or simply looking to improve your own wellbeing, Benevilla provides accessible, relevant education that empowers individuals and families.
Discover the many learning opportunities available.
To view the full schedule of upcoming topics and register for sessions, scan the QR code or visit Benevilla.org/workshops.
REDUCE YOUR TAX BURDEN
IRA Charitable Rollover Gift
Do you own an IRA or other qualified retirement plan for a tax-wise strategy to make gifts to support our m consider making an IRA charitable rollover gift.
• 70½ or older
• Direct up to $111,000 IRA rollover has several significant tax advantages, an you avoid income that could push you into a higher ta
Investing in Connection:
Benevilla’s Intergenerational Program Receives National Recognition
Benevilla is proud to share that its Intergenerational Program has received national recognition as a Program of Distinction awarded by Generations United. This meaningful honor celebrates programs across the country that thoughtfully bring younger and older generations together, creating connections that enrich lives, strengthen
communities, and remind us all of the power of shared experiences across ages.
This recognition reflects what we see every day. When generations come together with intention and care, everyone benefits.
— Courtney Allen, Vice President of Program Operations
At the center of this recognition is Benevilla’s intergenerational partnership between Wirtzie’s Preschool & Child Care and Lucy Anne’s Place Life Enrichment Day Program, one of Benevilla’s signature Life Enrichment Programs. This collaborative initiative creates purposeful opportunities for preschool-aged children and older adults to engage in shared experiences that foster connection, understanding, and joy across generations.
Participants from Lucy Anne’s Place include older adults living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, and additional age-related challenges. Through thoughtfully designed and facilitated interactions, older adults and children come together regularly
to participate in activities such as music, art, games, movement, storytelling, and gardening. These experiences are intentionally structured to support abilities, encourage participation, and promote dignity, while allowing relationships to develop naturally.
The impact of these shared moments is felt by both generations. Older adults benefit from increased social engagement, a renewed sense of purpose, and opportunities to connect in ways that are emotionally meaningful. Children gain empathy, patience, communication skills, and a broader understanding of aging and community. Together, these interactions reduce social isolation, build confidence, and create a sense of belonging that extends beyond the program space.
“This recognition reflects what we see here every day. When generations come together with intention and care, everyone benefits,” said Courtney Allen, Vice President of Program Operations. “The relationships formed through this program enhance emotional wellbeing and create moments of joy and connection that are truly transformative for participants of all ages.”
Benevilla’s recognition reflects not only the success of the intergenerational connections but also the organization’s long-standing commitment to innovative programming that supports the whole family. By intentionally bringing generations together, Benevilla continues to demonstrate how intergenerational engagement can strengthen individuals, families, and communities, while creating a more compassionate and inclusive future for all ages.
Planting seeds together to nurture and grow.
Learn more about how Benevilla programs provide support across generations. www.Benevilla.org
Give To Benevilla, Get It Back
There’s still time to make a difference in your community and reduce your 2025 AZ state taxes at the same time! You can receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit* on your 2025 Arizona state taxes—up to $987 for married couples filing jointly and $495 for individuals.
Or, jump start your giving for 2026. Maximum tax credit gift amounts for 2026 taxes have increased to $1,009 ($506 if filing single).
Your donation will directly support older adults, adults with disabilities, and families in your local community.
Please call 623-584-4999 to
www.Benevilla.org
®
Reminder!
Make your donation by the April 15th to qualify for the 2025deduction.
Creative Aging in Motion
Unlocking Joy, Confidence, and Connection Through Movement
At Benevilla, movement is about far more than exercise—it is a way to spark connection, expression, and joy. From rhythmic fitness activities like Zumba-inspired sessions to guided seated movement classes and live music experiences, motion is a meaningful and regular part of life in our programs. These activities invite members to move in ways that feel comfortable, engaging both body and mind while creating opportunities for shared energy and fun.
For individuals living with dementia, movement paired with music can be especially powerful. Rhythm and familiar songs often access parts of the brain that remain strong even as memory changes. A well-known melody can spark recognition, encourage participation, and bring feelings of comfort and confidence. Even small movements such as tapping a foot, swaying to a beat, or following a simple routine—can help individuals reconnect with the joy of music and the pleasure of moving together.
Recently, Benevilla received grant funding in support of our Creative Aging programming. This project is supported in part by an award from the Arizona Commission on the Arts, an agency of the State of Arizona. This meaningful investment
helps provide Vitality in Motion artistic dance therapy classes for members at all three Benevilla Life Enrichment Day Programs.
“Movement has the power to unlock joy, confidence, and connection at any age.”
— Lisa Minette Sr. Director of Enrichment
Designed to be accessible for individuals of varying abilities, the classes focus on seated movement that allows participants to safely engage in rhythmic exercise and coordinated activity. Members learn a dance routine step-bystep, building movements gradually throughout the session and eventually bringing the routine together with music. This structured approach encourages focus, repetition, and a rewarding sense of progress as participants master each part of the routine.
Beyond the physical benefits, the program also supports cognitive engagement through
Chair Zumba at the West Valley Program
Dance party at Lucy Anne’s Place
rhythm, sequencing, and memory. Practicing the movements together fosters social connection, shared laughter, and a sense of accomplishment as members experience the joy of moving to music as a group.
“Movement has the power to unlock joy, confidence, and connection at any age,” said Lisa Minette, Sr. Director of Enrichment. “These classes give our members the opportunity to learn new movement patterns, stay mentally engaged, and enjoy the uplifting experience of music and motion together.”
At Benevilla, our Life Enrichment Adult Day Programs are designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. This grant ensures our members continue to experience innovative and engaging programming that enhances overall well-being. We are deeply grateful to the Arizona Commission on the Arts for recognizing the transformative impact of creative movement and for investing in the vitality of the older adults and adults with disabilities we serve.
New Year. Clear Intentions. Lasting Impact.
A new year invites reflection—on what matters most, the people we love, and the legacy we want to leave behind.
Estate planning isn’t just about documents. It’s about peace of mind. It’s about caring for family, honoring values, and ensuring the causes you believe in continue to thrive for generations to come.
Tips to start the year strong:
• Take stock of what you value most
• Review or create a will or trust
• Designate beneficiaries and decision-makers
• Consider how your legacy can make a lasting difference to the causes that matter to you.
This year, give yourself—and those you care about—the gift of clarity.
Your legacy starts today.
Write or update your will
Check with your bank and investment advisor to update your transfer on death forms
Take inventory of your highly appreciated assets and use them, rather than cash, to give to charity
To learn how you can include charitable giving in your estate plans call the donor relations team: 623-584-4999.
Vitality in Motion session at Mary’s Place.
Growing For Good
Surprise Community Garden Comes Together to Help Those in Need
Even in the heart of winter, the Surprise Community Garden is alive with activity and generosity. Tucked among raised beds, gardeners are tending more than plants. They are cultivating connection, sustainability, and support for neighbors in need.
One of the garden’s most meaningful features is the hunger bed, a dedicated space where everything grown is donated directly to the Valley View Food Bank in Peoria. In early January, gardeners celebrated the successful harvest of carrots from the hunger bed, ensuring fresh, nutritious produce reached local families. No time was wasted before replanting. Those beds are now home to cauliflower and cabbage, continuing the cycle of giving through the cooler months.
Across the garden, participants are enjoying the rewards of their fall planting season. Cool-weather crops planted back in October are now ready for harvest, offering an abundance of leafy greens and hearty vegetables that thrive in Arizona’s mild winter climate. For many gardeners, this season is a reminder that growing food is both a lesson in patience and a source of pride, especially when the harvest is shared.
Looking ahead, the garden is already preparing for the next chapter. As spring approaches,
gardeners will begin planting warm-weather crops, transitioning beds to accommodate tomatoes, peppers, squash, and other seasonal favorites. This careful planning ensures the garden remains productive year-round while providing ongoing opportunities for learning, collaboration, and community engagement.
The Surprise Community Garden is more than a place to grow food. It is a place where neighbors come together, skills are shared across generations, and compassion takes root. With every harvest and every new planting, the garden continues to demonstrate how small acts, like tending a single bed, can make a meaningful impact throughout the community.
The Surprise Community Garden offers 4x8 and 6x20-foot garden beds and is open to local residents of surrounding communities. To reserve your garden bed or learn more, visit: Benevilla.org/community-garden
Fresh from the soil carrots harvested from the Surprise Community Garden’s hunger bed, donated to the Valley View Food Bank to nourish neighbors in our community.
Planted in October and ready to harvest, these cool-weather crops are thriving in Arizona’s mild winter.
With Gratitude for our Sponsors
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Dave Benson and Peggy Nelson
Thank you to all who attended this year’s event! With your support we raised over $110,000.
Kendal T. Mueldener, CPA, PLLC
Boulware Investment Group
SURPRISE MAIN OFFICE
16752 N. Greasewood Street, Surprise, AZ 85378
SUN CITY WEST
C.A.R.E.S. OFFICE
13576 Camino Del Sol #22, Sun City West, AZ 85375
BENEVILLA EDUCATION CENTER
14601 N Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85351
MAILING ADDRESS:
PO Box 8450, Surprise, AZ 85374
Phone: (623) 584-4999, Fax: (623) 546-1589, TTY: 711
Benevilla is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Benevilla is partially funded by the Area Agency on Aging Region One, the City of Glendale, the City of Peoria, Dept. of Veterans Affairs, and the City of Surprise. Benevilla is an equal opportunity provider.
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VETERAN SPOTLIGHT
Pam Hall U.S. Army Veteran | 1989–1993
Pam Hall proudly served in the United States Army from 1989 to 1993, separating at the rank of E-4. Originally from Montgomery, Illinois, a far west suburb of Chicago, Pam completed basic training at Fort Jackson before serving overseas in Kaiserslautern, Germany, often referred to as “K-Town,” and later at Fort Knox.
Pam worked in secretarial and administrative roles, where her skills quickly stood out. She loved to type and impressed her supervisors with a typing speed of 68 words per minute. In addition to her office responsibilities, she also worked in the mail room, where delivering Christmas packages to fellow service members became one of her favorite memories. While she admits she never enjoyed running, she excelled at push-ups and sit-ups and embraced the discipline that came with military life.
One of Pam’s most cherished stories from her time overseas involved sending German beer home to her family so they could taste the
difference between American and German brews. Her brothers, who also both served in the Army, enjoyed it so much they kept asking for more. Although there was a monthly shipping limit, Pam faithfully sent what she could.
Pam shares that the Army taught her lifelong lessons, including how to speak her mind and how to speak up with confidence. She believes her time in service made her who she is today and says she would not change a thing.
After leaving the military, Pam moved to Upstate New York and later made her way to Arizona. She continued her career in secretarial roles, primarily working in nursing homes, where she found meaningful work supporting others.
Today, Pam is an active member of the West Valley Life Enrichment Program at Benevilla. She enjoys participating in art projects, playing games, attending outings, and especially connecting with fellow veterans. Being part of the program provides social connection, creativity, and a continued sense of community.
We are honored to recognize Pam Hall for her service and the strength, spirit, and stories she brings to Benevilla each day.