Strategies for Success hires life coach, more expansion eyed
BY ALISON STANTON
As a licensed clinical social worker and substance abuse professional, Elizabeth Rahamim is devoted to helping kids, teens and adults work through their personal challenges in a healthy and successful way.
Rahamim, who started her career with a private practice in 2002 and founded Strategies for Success in June 2012, said she and her staff offer a variety of services for people, including individual, couples and family counseling, medication evaluations and management and post-trauma care.
“We work with every age group from 2 to 102,” Rahamim said. She works with a lot of young kids and teenagers who are experiencing depression and/or anxiety.
Strategies for Success, which recently moved to a new location in Chandler, is getting so busy that Rahamim hired a clinical social worker who does life coaching.
“Hiring a life coach goes along with our focus on problem solving, which can approach in different ways,” she said.
Rahamim said she is also working to add a nurse practitioner who can work with patients and, when necessary, prescribe medicine.
“We want to be a onestop shop,” she said.
She also hopes to expand into different areas of wellness including massage, acupuncture and an onsite hair salon.
“This will allow people to feel beautiful both inside and out,” she said.
In addition to young children and teens, Rahamim said she and her staff also work with adults who have different types of issues, from older adults who are struggling with changes in their health and may not be taking proper care of themselves to others who may have ADHD but have never been diagnosed.
“We will look at the barriers in their lives, and why they are always so exhausted and talk about different approaches that they can take,” she said.
For example, Rahamim said, if someone is experiencing anxiety at work, she may discuss ways that the person can communicate better while on the job, and/or talk about why the job might not be the best fit.
“We try to identify ways to alleviate the problems,” she said. Strategies for Success also offers seminars, employee and community training and other related services.
“I do a lot of corporate work; for example, if there has been a trauma in a workplace like a bank robbery I will work with them to minimize the risk of post-
traumatic stress disorder,” Rahamim said.
“I can also do consulting with small businesses on employee relationships. We want to be a one-stop shop.” Strategies for Success is located at 10440 E. Riggs Rd., Suite 207 in Chandler. For more information, call (480) 252-5152, email appointment@saptherapist.com or visit www.saptherapist.com.
Strategies for Success features inviting and comfortable therapy rooms, where people of all ages can work with licensed clinical social workers and other professionals. Submitted photo
Elizabeth Rahamim, a licensed clinical social worker, substance abuse professional and founder of Strategies for Success, said it is very gratifying to see the positive and long-term changes that her clients make in their lives. Submitted photo
Chandler grocery store hiring
Natural Grocers, a Colorado-based specialty retailer of natural and organic groceries, dietary supplements and body care products, is opening a store at 5805 W. Ray Rd. in Chandler later this year. An opening date has not been announced.
Full-time positions are being offered, with starting pay of $10.50 per hour for cashiers and $15 per hour for department managers, plus benefits. Info: www.naturalgrocers.com/about/ careers/store-jobs.
Family-run, Natural Grocers will provide the community with produce
that is exclusively USDA Certified Organic, as well as other natural and organic groceries, body care products and supplements. The store will feature a mix of national brands and locally grown, raised and manufactured products from Arizona in a small, neighborhood market environment. Info: www.naturalgrocers.com.
GilbertNow partners join brokerage firm
GilbertNow partners Frank Gerola and Kevin McKiernan have joined Show Appeal Realty brokerage firm at 500 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Show Appeal has more than 100 real estate agents and its services range from buying and selling real estate to relocation services, leasing and property management.
In the last 12 months, Gerola and McKiernan focused on home buying and selling in Gilbert at GilbertNow, and had a combined production of 56 transactions valued at $14.1 million.
“We are pleased to welcome Frank Gerola and Kevin McKiernan to our brokerage. “Their thorough knowledge of the Gilbert market will serve as a valuable addition to the local and client-centric focus here,” said Show Appeal owner Brandon Hunt. Info: www.showappeal.com and www. gilbertnow.com.
Career advice is free at nonprofit
Anyone in career transition is invited to the next local meetings of Career Connectors, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, March 22, and Tuesday, April 26, at Central Christian Church, 965 E. Germann Rd., Gilbert.
A nonprofit organization, Career Connectors holds free events three times a month, offering professional career speakers with presentations on relevant job search topics, three to four featured hiring companies, networking, resume help, career coaches, LinkedIn coaches and business portraits. Info: www.careerconnectors.org, contact@careerconnectors.org or (480) 442-5806.
Chandler startup wins entry to Flinn Foundation Bioscience Entrepreneurship
AniCell Biotech, a Chandler-based company that claims it is able to extend the active life of animals using a revolutionary treatment, has been competitively selected to participate in the 2016 Flinn Foundation Bioscience Entrepreneurship Program. AniCell Biotech will receive $30,000 from Flinn and a set of program services administered through a nonprofit partner. The program’s selection process begins with applications from bioscience startup companies throughout Arizona that are engaged in the commercialization of bioscience research and biotechnology.
The program was established to foster entrepreneurship and help early-stage bioscience firms develop into successful and sustainable businesses.
AniCell Biotech says it treatment can alleviate debilitating injuries through accelerated regeneration of tissue and bone. According to the company, the treatment uses amnion growth factors and cellular components collected noninvasively during birth at zero risk to the animals.
Info: www.anicellbiotech.com and www. flinn.org/entrepreneur.
Arizona Department of Economic Security pre-leases
space in Chandler
The Arizona Department of Economic Security has signed a long-term lease for a new building with 80,000 square feet of office space under construction at the southeast corner of Arizona Avenue and Elliot Road in Chandler. It is expected that 400 employees will work in the building, which is scheduled to be completed in August.
A fast-track design/build project, Sun State Builders is doing the construction at the 12.8-acre commercial site.
Chandler Elliot Partners LLC, an investment partnership headed by Jim
Harrison of Harrison Properties, made an all-cash purchase of the property for $3.6 million.
Lee & Associates’ principal Rick Robertson represented both Harrison Properties and the seller, Pollack Business Park South LLC, an investment partnership headed by East Valley real estate developer Michael A. Pollack. The property consists of lots 1-9 of Pollack Business Park South.
The building will have a 550-car parking lot.
• Vehicle registration
• Title transfer
• Duplicate registration / title
• Replacement plate or TAB
• Permit 3 day, 30 day and 90 day
• Level one inspection: bond title, title inspection, abandoned title inspection
2040 S. Alma School Rd., #23, Chandler, AZ 85286 480-855-1638 Fax: 480-855-1639
Design Dreams Made Easy...
Chamber events feature lunches, meetings for members
Throughout the year, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of luncheons and meetings for its members and the community.
Events are held at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce office, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, unless otherwise noted.
To register, call (480) 963-4571, visit www.chandlerchamber.com or email info@chandlerchamber.com. No refunds are available within 72 hours of the event.
Lunch Club
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, March 21 Network and promote business while having a great meal at one of our hometown restaurants.
Yoli’s Café, 241 S. Oregon St.
Ribbon Cutting
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 23
Join the Chandler Chamber at the ribbon cutting for Christian Brother’s Automotive-Ocotillo. Ribbon sponsor is Laser Creations. Christian Brother’s AutomotiveOcotillo, 290 E Ocotillo Rd.
Chamber 101
7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Thursday, March 24
Join us for breakfast and learn more about the Chamber and meet
the staff. Bring business cards and brochures to share with other members. Event sponsor is Magic Touch Carpet Cleaning. Breakfast sponsor is Burst of Butterflies.
Public Policy Series
8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 25 J.P. Holyoak from the Marijuana Policy Project will speak in favor of the recreational marijuana ballot initiative and Garrick Taylor from the Arizona Chamber of Commerce will speak against proposed recreational marijuana initiatives. Sponsored by Air Products, Catalyst Computer Technologies, Intel, SRP and Southwest Gas.
The Arizona Department of Economic Security has signed a long-term lease for a new building, now under construction at the southeast corner of Arizona Avenue and Elliot Road in Chandler. Submitted photo
MARCH
19 Health Connect Expo, Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 782-2243
19 Great American Barbeque & Beer Festival, A.J. Chandler Park, 234-4232
20 Chandler Symphony, Center for the Arts, 782-2680
22 Rainwater Harvesting Workshop, Chandler City Hall, 782-3580
26 Family Easter Celebration, Snedigar Sportsplex, 782-2669
26 LibCon 2016, Boys & Girls Club, Compadre Branch, 782-2800
28 City Council Study Session, Council Chambers, 782-2180
29 McQueen Road Improvements Public Meeting, Hamilton Branch Library, 602750-7139
29-31 Then They Came for Us Exhibit, CGCC Pecos Campus, 782-2214
30 Holocaust-era Rail Car Display, CGCC Pecos Campus, Parking Lot 2, 782-2214
31 City Council Meeting, Council Chambers, 782-2180
APRIL
1 Then They Came for Us Exhibit, CGCC Pecos Campus, 782-2214
1-2 17th Annual Jazz Festival, Downtown Chandler Library Plaza, 782-2665
For event details, visit chandleraz.gov or call the Chandler Special Events Hotline at 782-2735
The Chandler Fire, Health & Medical (CFHM) Department’s 2016 drowning prevention campaign will kick off on Saturday, April 2, when volunteers go door-to-door through a local neighborhood to share a water safety message and help prevent water-related tragedies in the community. Individuals, families, churches, scouting groups, service clubs, businesses, swim teams and other organizations are invited to participate by calling 782-2124 or emailing chandlerfire@chandleraz.gov. This year, the walk area is north
Chandler and will include neighborhoods east of the Loop 101 Price Freeway, and north of Galveston St. Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at Desert Oasis Aquatic Center, located at 1400 W. Summit Place, where they will receive instructions, maps and door hangers with water safety information. Participants then will walk their assigned route and leave a door hanger at every home. Additional water safety tips and drowning prevention information is available on the CFHM website at chandleraz.gov/fire.
Designers wanted for Trashion Fashion Show
If you’re creative and into recycling, consider entering Chandler’s 2nd Annual Trashion Fashion Show. A combination of trash and fashion, the Trashion Fashion Show provides entrants with an opportunity to use their design skills to create and exhibit a garment created from discarded materials. Chandler residents or students that attend a Chandler school have until April 29 to register. Registration forms and more information are available at chandleraz.gov/recycle. The runway
Jazz Festival returns
This April, Downtown Chandler will again turn the spotlight on its jazz scene with the return of the Chandler Jazz Festival, April 1-2. In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, the twoday festival hosts more than 70 artists across 13 venues. Each night, the main stage culminates with must-see sets by two renowned musical legends: 2014 Arizona Blues Showdown Winner, R.D. Olson Blues Band and Academy Award performer El Chicano. The complete festival entertainment schedule is available online at chandleraz.gov/jazz.
show and judging will be held May 21, at Chandler Fashion Center. Chandler’s Solid Waste Services Division is organizing the event, and at least 75 percent of a garment must be made from recyclable or reused materials that would otherwise be thrown away or recycled. Twenty-five entries will be accepted in three age categories; ages 10-13, 14-17 and 18-plus.
Persons interested in assisting, mentoring or inspiring young designers should contact traci.conaway@chandleraz.gov or call 782-3525. In addition, prize donations are being accepted from local businesses.
Family Easter Celebration
Chandler’s Family Easter Celebration will be held from 9 a.m. until noon, Saturday, March 26, at Snedigar Sportsplex and provides some of the most enthusiastic Easter Egg Scrambles in the Valley for kids up to 9 years old. In addition to egg hunts, there will be information booths, displays, interactive amusements, a coloring contest and Easter basket giveaway. The event is free except for food and beverages, face painting, photos with the Easter Bunny and some interactive children’s activities. For more information, visit chandleraz.gov/easter.
Looking for a way to give back? Chandler is looking for volunteers to assist with its annual “Let’s Pull Together” community service events. Held every Saturday during the month of April (April 2, 9, 16 and 23), volunteers help remove weeds from public rights-of-way and assist seniors and disabled residents with their yard work. If you are interested in volunteering as part of a team or an individual, please contact Cristabel Dykstra with the City’s Neighborhood Programs at 782-4354 or email cristabel. dykstra@chandleraz.gov. Those in need of assistance with weed removal also are encouraged to contact the City.
“Never forget. Never again.”
Chandler-Gilbert Community College, in partnership with the East Valley JCC and the City of Chandler, present a series of events (March 29-April 1) to honor the lives taken by genocide and to educate others that it never happens again. The events include a “Then They Came For Us” exhibit and display of the JCC Holocaust-era rail car. All events are open to the public. For more information and the event details, visit cgc.edu/evjcc.
Cooking demos are one of many activities at the Mayor’s Health Connect Expo on Saturday, March 19, at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center.
IRS warns of new telephone scam
Aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents remain a major threat to taxpayers, but now the IRS is receiving new reports of scammers calling under the guise of verifying tax return information over the phone.
The latest variation being seen in the last few weeks tries to play off the current tax season.
Scam artists call saying they have your tax return, and they just need to verify a few details to process your return. The scam tries to get you to give up personal information such as a Social Security number or personal financial information, such as bank numbers or credit cards.
The IRS continues to hear reports of phone scams as well as e-mail phishing schemes across the country.
“These schemes touch people in every part of the country and in every walk of life. It’s a growing list of people who’ve encountered these. I’ve even gotten these calls myself,” Koskinen said.
“These schemes continue to adapt and evolve in an attempt to catch people off guard just as they are preparing their tax returns,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. “Don’t be fooled. The IRS won’t be calling you out of the blue asking you to verify your personal tax information or aggressively threatening you to make an immediate payment.”
The IRS reminds taxpayers to guard against all sorts of con games that continually change. The IRS, the states and the tax industry came together in 2015 and launched a public awareness campaign called Taxes. Security. Together. to help educate taxpayers about the need to maintain security online and to recognize and avoid “phishing” and other schemes.
This January, the treasury inspector general for tax administration (TIGTA) announced they have received reports of roughly 896,000 phone scam contacts since October 2013 and have become aware of over 5,000 victims who have collectively paid over $26.5 million as a result of the scam. Just this year, the IRS has seen a 400 percent increase in phishing schemes.
Protect yourself
Scammers make unsolicited calls claiming to be IRS officials. They demand that the victim pay a bogus tax bill. They con the victim into sending cash, usually through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. They may also leave “urgent” callback requests through phone “robocalls,” or via a phishing email. They’ve even begun politely asking taxpayers to verify their identity over the phone.
Many phone scams use threats to intimidate and bully a victim into paying. They may even threaten to arrest, deport or revoke the license of their victim if they don’t get the money.
Scammers often alter caller ID
numbers to make it look like the IRS or another agency is calling. The callers use IRS titles and fake badge numbers to appear legitimate. They may use the victim’s name, address and other personal information to make the call sound official.
Here are some things the scammers often do but the IRS will not do. Any one of these five things is a tell-tale sign of a scam.
The IRS will never:
• Call to demand immediate payment over the phone, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you several bills.
• Call or email you to verify your identity by asking for personal and financial information.
• Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
• Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.
• Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone or email.
• Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying. If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS and asking for money or to verify your identity, here’s what you should do:
If you don’t owe taxes, or have no reason to think that you do:
• Do not give out any information. Hang up immediately.
• Contact TIGTA to report the call at (800) 366-4484.
• Report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Use the FTC Complaint Assistant on FTC.gov. Add “IRS Telephone Scam” in the notes. If you know you owe, or think you may owe tax, call the IRS at (800) 829-1040. IRS workers can help you.
Stay alert to scams that use the IRS as a lure. Tax scams can happen any time of year, not just at tax time. For more, visit Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts on IRS. gov.
Subaru Superstore of Chandler to donate $84,000 to local nonprofits
Subaru Superstore of Chandler is giving $36,000 to the Chandler Education Foundation and $48,000 to the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, as the company’s choices for Subaru’s Share the Love program. The checks will be presented at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, at the Subaru location, 1050 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler.
Customers who purchased or leased a new Subaru between Nov. 19, 2015, and Jan. 2, 2016 selected from a list of charities to receive a donation of $250 from SOA, which matched the donations.
