Benevilla extends sincere appreciation to Thunderbirds Charities for their generous support to their organization and the people they serve especially during the current COVID-19 crisis. Thunderbirds Charities commitment to serving and improving our communities – backed by a $60,000 grant – will enable Benevilla to continue their Home Services program and provide much needed services to older adults challenged with the daily routine of independent living and staying safe with extra precautions during COVID-19.
During the COVID-19 crisis, CDC guidelines advise older adults to stay home as they are at high-risk of serious complications/death from the virus. According to the Census 2018 population estimates, there are 254,000 West Valley residents that are seniors or adults with disabilities and many of them do not have a support network that enables them to stay home. Benevilla has received a surge of requests from older adults in the West Valley in need of assistance with grocery shopping or transportation. Concurrently, Benevilla experienced a drop in volunteers for the program as many of them are retirees that need to take similar precautions for their health.
The Benevilla Home Services program provides essential care services helping your neighbors in need maintain their independence. All services are provided free of charge by a team of generous Benevilla volunteers and staff. The Benevilla Free Home Services program provides grocery shopping assistance, assisted transportation to medical appointments, phone pals and more.
Thunderbirds Charities support will allow Benevilla to continue to meet the community’s urgent requests by continuing to provide essential Home Services and the opportunity to redeploy some current Benevilla staff from temporarily suspended Benevilla programs to help meet the need.
“In the world of COVID-19, the Benevilla Home Services program has become a lifeline for many in our community who wish to remain safe at home.” says Joanne Thomson, Benevilla President and CEO, “With the support of Thunderbird Charities, we are able to support our neighbors who may otherwise be alone, have nowhere else to turn and are without these everyday resources.”
“Benevilla is providing vital services to our high-risk older adults to help them stay independent and at home, where it is safe,” said Tim Woods, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “We are happy to support their efforts in our community.”
This grant is part of the Spring 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.