Benevilla, a nonprofit providing senior and family services in the northwest Valley, was honored with the prestigious Best Practices Award by Arizona LeadingAge, recognizing the organization’s outstanding commitment to innovation, individualized care and community support across a wide range of programming.
This competitive award acknowledges organizations that implement innovative, replicable and effective solutions in aging services.
Benevilla stood out for its licensed Adult Day Life Enrichment Programs, which are the only programs in Arizona to be CARF-accredited with a Dementia-Specific designation — an accreditation they’ve maintained for over 20 years.
“This distinction demonstrates Benevilla’s elevated standards in specialized dementia care and their commitment to best practices in serving individuals with memory loss and cognitive decline,” Benevilla officials wrote in a news release.
The programs exceed state staffing ratios to ensure individualized attention and care for each member, while incorporating the Seven Dimensions of Wellness from the International Council on Active Aging into daily activities that promote purpose and meaning.
“We are honored to be recognized by Arizona LeadingAge,” said Joanne Byers, president and CEO of Benevilla. “This award affirms our mission to deliver services rooted in dignity, respect and innovation. It also reflects the dedication of our staff and volunteers, who go above and beyond every day to support our community.”
Among the highlights of Benevilla’s work is Lucy Anne’s Place, home to a unique Intergenerational Program that brings together senior members and children from the Quality First and NAC Accredited Wirtzie’s Childcare and Preschool. This program promotes social connection and cognitive engagement through shared activities between seniors and children ages 1 to 5, occurring up to 10 times per week.
Benevilla’s impact extends far beyond day programming. Additional award-winning services include:
- C.A.R.E.S. (Community, Assistance, Resources, Education and Support) — A free resource navigation service connecting seniors, families, and caregivers with tailored solutions across Arizona.
- Home Services Program — Free volunteer-supported assistance for homebound and disabled seniors, offering grocery shopping, transportation, handyperson tasks, friendly visits, and more.
- BeneFitness Adaptive Gym — A pioneering fitness center offering classes and training tailored to individuals with chronic conditions or adaptive needs. Programs include Rock Steady Boxing, corrective exercise, nutrition coaching and a caregiver relaxation lounge.
- Dementia Friends Training — Benevilla staff and volunteers receive training as Dementia Friends Champions to support families, caregivers, and the community with inclusive education and awareness.
Arizona LeadingAge is the state association representing not-for-profit providers of senior living and aging services.
Its Best Practices Award celebrates organizations that set the bar for quality, creativity and measurable outcomes in the field of elder care.
To learn about Benevilla’s programs and services, visit benevilla.org.
