As part of their In the Community Conversations, Thunderbirds’ 2020 Tournament Chairman Tim Woods held a virtual discussion with Joanne Thomson, President and CEO of Benevilla. The two leaders discussed the current challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and identify how the community can continue to support local non-profits throughout the Valley of the Sun.

“We started many years ago by a couple of different congregations that were seeing a need for human services in the area,” said Thomson. “Del Webb built these beautiful communities out here for seniors. We’ve since grown into helping every age in the community and are all about enriching people’s lives.”

Thomson shared how COVID-19 has made them change their operations.

“Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, our during-the-day programs have temporarily closed down,” said Thomson. “But we have staff still on board that are calling our caregivers every week to see how they’re doing and what other resources we could offer.”

Thomson also mentioned how virtual access has helped them operate during the crisis.

“Anyone can go on our website, Benevilla.org, and go to our virtual life enrichment activities,” she said. “And then we have our home services. We’ve expanded this program into anybody who does not feel comfortable going to grocery stores anymore. We have staff who are able to go to the grocery stores for people and we still have a wonderful group of volunteers who are going to the stores for people and picking up prescriptions [for example].”

How you can help Benevilla right now:

“Definitely donate,” said Thomson. “Donate to local non-profits. We do a lot of things that are free for the community like our home services and our caregiver support groups. But in order to keep doing that we need people to help us. Also volunteering. So if somebody wants to volunteer, please reach out. We would love to have that.” · Learn more about Benevilla: www.Benevilla.org

Amazon Wishlist | Website for monetary donations (if you have one)

Phone number and address

(623) 584-4999

16752 N. Greasewood St. Surprise, AZ 85378

Benevilla is applicable for Arizona State Tax Credit donations – Benevilla’s Qualifying Charitable Organization code is 20493