Just in time for its 30th Anniversary, People Who Care gets a fresh look – and New Digs that will allow for expanded services
By Cj Meldahl, Executive Director, People Who Care
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.
People Who Care recently moved to new offices thanks to a generous gift from the estate of R. Doris Glushenko.
“We were privileged to serve Ms. Glushenko for many years prior to her passing in 2020,” said Cj Meldahl, Executive Director of People Who Care. “Ms. Glushenko often expressed that she was able to remain in her home for so long because of assistance from our volunteers.”
Cj said People Who Care is excited to be using Ms. Glushenko’s gift in a meaningful, permanent way. The gift has enabled the organization, which had outgrown its rented space, to purchase a building at 1580 Plaza West Drive in Prescott. Cj said the new location will provide much-needed space for the continued expansion of People Who Care services.
“As we celebrate 30 years of assisting residents in the area, it is wonderful to finally have our own home,” said Cj. “We will always be grateful for Ms. Glushenko’s generosity. She left a lasting legacy that will help us continue to support the independence of our neighbors as they age in place.”
In conjunction with its 30th Anniversary, People Who Care is launching an updated fresh, new look. One of the questions they often hear is what does People Who Care do? Their volunteers work to change lives one neighbor at a time. And now the organization’s logo is more reflective of the fact that volunteers assist their neighbors to live independently.
“We love sharing what our staff and volunteers do for our neighbors and the many services we provide at no cost to people in the community,” Cj said. “We look forward to continuing to get our message out to let residents know they’re not alone and we can help them to continue to live independently.”
“Though our numbers can fluctuate, at any given time we have more than 350 enrolled neighbors we are helping and about 300 volunteers who assist. We’re always looking for more volunteers and feel our organization is one of the most flexible and rewarding groups to be a part of,” said Board Member Cheryl Phipps.
Volunteers for People Who Care provide transportation to doctor visits and other essential appointments, escorted grocery shopping, grocery pickup and delivery, friendly visits and phone calls, personal paperwork assistance, family caregiver relief, support groups, technology assistance, minor home repairs, and home safety assistance. Again, all services are provided at no cost thanks to a community of dedicated volunteers and donors.
To learn about volunteering or enrolling with People Who Care to receive services, or, like Doris, to consider being a legacy donor, please visit PeopleWhoCareAz.com or call 928.445.2480.