Benevilla has been a part of the West Valley for more than 44 years, founded on the idea that supportive neighbors foster compassionate communities. What started out as a community-based initiative to support senior citizens and caregivers has developed into a reputable non-profit that provides a wide range of services intended to improve lives at every stage.
Today, services provided by Benevilla include those for older adults, adults with disabilities, caregivers, and families, all wrapped around one simple yet powerful mission: to enrich lives with compassion, dignity, and connection.
According to President and CEO, Joanne Byers, community has always been the heart of the organization. “At its core, Benevilla is togetherness. We were built by neighbors helping neighbors, and that spirit still guides us today. Everyone who comes to us, older adults, caregivers, families, should feel seen, supported, and valued.” That sense of belonging and purpose shines throughout the many programs Benevilla offers, each created to support independence, wellbeing, and meaningful engagement.
The most impactful programs for Benevilla are the Adult Day Life Enrichment Programs that cater to individuals living with dementia, Parkinson's, stroke recovery, intellectual disabilities, and age-related challenges. Programs offer a safe and structured environment where members can benefit from cognitive activities, social connections, and physical movement. These are truly invaluable services for caregivers who need time off to rest, work, or take care of personal needs while being reassured their loved ones are safe and supported.
The organization's Home Services Program extends this support beyond its walls and into the homes of older adults who may be isolated, homebound, or struggling with daily tasks. With the help of dedicated volunteers, Benevilla offers free transportation, grocery shopping, light home maintenance, visitors, and phone pals to those in need in their service area. These simple acts make all the difference to many people between living independently and being overwhelmed.
Caregivers also find key resources through support groups, workshops, and services at Benevilla. These programs help families walk the journey with the emotional, logistical, and medical complexities often associated with caregiving. The organization also provides community education about healthy aging, Medicare, estate planning, ALTCS, long-term care options, and other topics to support informed decision-making.
There is also the Benefitness Adaptive Gym, which provides person-centered fitness programs to help improve mobility, stability, weight management, and the quality of life for individuals who face physical challenges or chronic medical conditions. Benefitness Adaptive Gym provides an innovative and exciting fitness space to help those who have different abilities, special considerations, and chronic medical conditions in the West Valley.
We customize fitness and wellness goals to meet the unique needs of each member and caregiver, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to improve their health and enhance vitality. The gym offers both group classes and one-on-one sessions tailored toward each member's goals.
Benevilla also assists families with young children by offering Wirtzie's Preschool & Child Care, featuring the highest quality in early learning for children six weeks to five years old. Nationally accredited by the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs, it enjoys a 4-star Quality First rating. With its low child-to-teacher ratios, small class sizes, intergenerational experiences with members from the on-site Adult Day Life Enrichment Program, and a splash pad for summer fun, Wirtzie's brings both exceptional care and joyful learning opportunities.
These programs are needed now more than ever in the rapidly growing West Valley. With population growth comes a rising number of older adults living far from family members who might otherwise support them.
"As the West Valley continues to grow, so does the need for meaningful support for older adults and caregivers," Byers says. "Many families here don't have relatives nearby, and that's where we step in. We provide trusted programs that keep people active, supported, and rooted in their community."
For people wondering if it is time to get their family members involved in a program such as Benevilla’s, there are several signs to look for that can help in guiding the decision. These include:
- increased forgetfulness or confusion
- withdrawal from activities
- loneliness or social isolation
- difficulty managing daily routines
- mood or behavior changes
- safety concerns including falls or wandering
- medication issues
- visible physical decline
- caregiver exhaustion.
When these and others start to show up, a structured, supportive program can assure safety, engagement, and an enhanced quality of life.
Choosing a quality program is important, and Benevilla encourages families to look closely at accreditation, staff ratios, and overall care philosophy. The Adult Day Life Enrichment Programs of Benevilla are the only licensed Adult Day Programs in Arizona that are Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) Accredited, including Dementia-Specific Accreditation at all locations. In April 2025, the organization obtained another three-year CARF reaccreditation with more than 1,800 standards reviewed for a total of 21 years of excellence.
Byers stresses that supporting caregivers is as essential as directly supporting those enrolled in the programs themselves: “Caregivers give so much of themselves every day. Our programs provide not only a safe, engaging space for their loved ones but also the time and breathing room caregivers need to stay healthy. When the caregiver is supported, the whole family thrives.”
For families or individuals who would like more information, Benevilla encourages them to call 623-584-4999 or visit Benevilla.org. To prepare for this call, it is helpful to consider what type of support the individual needs, any medical or mobility considerations, and preferred days or times for participation. And when the time is right, the team invites them to schedule a tour to find the best fit.
Today, after more than four decades, Benevilla remains a beacon of compassion and connectivity in the West Valley, firmly rooted and continuing to be guided by its founding vision: neighbors helping neighbors, one family, one caregiver, and one community member at a time.