Non-Profit Corner

Thanks to a one-year Community Health Improvement Grant from Dignity Health/YRMC, The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center now offers Care Management and Programming Support for community members attending the day center.

Candace Lea, who has been with Adult Care Services for more than two years as Community Liaison, effortlessly transitioned into a new role as Care Manager. With a master’s degree in business emphasizing health care management, a past career as a program manager in case management, a family caregiver, and a certified yoga instructor, Candace brings a wealth of knowledge and knows the resources.

Candace said her goal as a Care Manager is to help family caregivers successfully navigate their role when respite time ends.

The Sweeney family is on a mission: to spread the word that although everyone communicates differently, we’re all the same in so many ways.

Two of the four Sweeney siblings, Ben, 18, and Keagan, 22, communicate in unique ways, thanks to autism. As they were growing up, people often stared at Ben and Keagan, and some even made rude comments.

After 15 years, Cristi Rose is still blown away by the way horses and humans can help each other like no one else can.

The secret?

“I had to learn to get out of the horses’ way. They have a sixth sense about when someone is hurting.”

These lucky seniors are provided everything they need to live a healthy, happy life. This year, Dogtree Pines has taken in more than forty senior dogs from various sources, primarily high-kill shelters, all of which were high risk due to age, health, or mental state. A few have been adopted out but the majority that makes it to the pines are there to stay.

When these seniors arrive, a veterinarian evaluates their medical needs and creates a healthcare plan, including scheduling veterinary care as needed. Dogtree Pines staff feed these homemade nutritious food, supplements, and medications as needed.

Staff introduces the dogs to the pack, and the other dogs show them the ropes.

Founded by a group of parent-friends in 2009, Step Up for Kids developed as a 501(c)3 under Salli’s leadership. A graduate of Prescott College (with her bachelor’s degree) and NAU (where she earned her master’s), Salli applied the tenets of experiential education to fill the voids of early childhood support. Her original inspiration, Sophie, is now 19, and her son, Alistair, is nine

American author Timothy Pina said, “Philanthropy is not about money…it’s about feeling the pain of others and caring enough about their needs to help.”

Since 1997, North Star Youth Partnership, a program of Catholic Charities, has engaged youth through educational, recreational, leadership, and service-learning opportunities in Prescott and the surrounding communities. Although the program began as a community coalition aimed at reducing teen pregnancy, it has grown to include a more diverse youth development approach. Rather than solely concentrating on the issues plaguing today’s youth, North Star strives to nurture youth’s potential through programs that build self-confidence, empower them to make healthy choices, and create positive changes in their community.

Under the leadership of Senior Program Manager Diane DeLong since the program inception, North Star has expanded its programming to include Maricopa County. North Star led efforts for Girls & Sports Day in 2002 and Teen Maze in 1999, and both community events continue today. Some of North Star’s most recognizable programs include Teens’ Closet, Peer Assistance & Leadership (PAL), Girl Talk, Safe Sitter, Baby…Ready or Not, and the Priceless Prom Project.  

The founders of the Highlands Center for Natural History had in mind an intergenerational experience when they started the non-profit.

Its mission statement: “To help children and adults experience the wonders of nature and become wise caretakers of the land.”

Now in its 25th year, the Center thrives, offering visitors myriad opportunities to connect with the natural world, and with each other.

Since 1992, the nonprofit organization People Who Care has provided transportation and other essential services to adults in the Quad Cities who cannot drive due to age, vision issues, or disability. Volunteers provide services that enable neighbors to stay independent in their own homes and communities. All services are provided at no cost, thanks to these many dedicated volunteers and donors. These services also improve access to healthcare and shopping and replace social isolation with meaningful connections. This month People Who Care celebrates several professional milestones: a new location, a fresh look and a 30th business anniversary.