Benevilla Buzz Newsletter – Updates, Events & Support for Seniors and Caregivers

The Buzz Newsletter is your monthly update from Benevilla, bringing you the latest news, stories, and highlights from our programs and the vibrant community we serve. From upcoming events and volunteer opportunities to helpful resources and inspiring member stories, The Buzz keeps you informed and engaged—all in one convenient email, once a month.

February 2026 Newsletter Sponsored By:

A Night in the Tropics Tickets Now Available

Night in the Tropics Tickets Now Available

Benevilla is excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for Night in the Tropics, the annual fundraising event taking place on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel and Conference Center.

Night in the Tropics invites guests to enjoy an evening filled with tropical flair, including delicious dining, island inspired entertainment, a silent auction, and a Treasure Chest raffle. Proceeds from the event directly support programs and services that enrich the lives of individuals and families across the West Valley.

“This event brings our community together in a fun and meaningful way,” said Joanne Byers, President and CEO of Benevilla. “Support from Night in the Tropics helps ensure programs remain accessible for older adults, caregivers, individuals with disabilities, and families who rely on these services.”

Tickets can be purchased online at www.benevilla.org/Dinner2026. Tickets must be purchased by February 13, 2026.

Caregiver Moments of Calm: A Painting Respite

Benevilla is launching a new monthly caregiver program designed to provide time for rest, creativity, and connection. Caregiver Moments of Calm: A Painting Respite offers caregivers a peaceful opportunity to step away from daily responsibilities and focus on their own mental and emotional wellbeing. The first session takes place February 18 at the Benevilla Education Center in Sun City, and space is limited.

Caregiver Moments of Calm is a free, small-group experience created specifically for caregivers who may rarely take time for themselves. Through guided painting and relaxed conversation, participants are invited to slow down, reflect, and enjoy meaningful connection with others who understand the caregiving journey.

No artistic experience is required. The program is not focused on skill or finished artwork. Instead, the emphasis is on emotional rest, self expression, and creating space to breathe in a supportive and welcoming environment.

The first session will be held Tuesday, February 18, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm at the Benevilla Education Center, located at 14601 N Del Webb Blvd in Sun City. Participation is limited to 12 active caregivers, and there is no cost to attend.

Advance RSVP is required. Caregivers may register online at https://benevilla.org/caregiver-art-time or by calling 623-584-4999.

Caregiver Wellness Series Offers Flexible Movement Support for Caregivers

Caregivers across the West Valley are invited to take part in a new Caregiver Wellness Series offered by Benevilla. This six week program provides interactive movement strategies designed to reduce stress, improve mobility, and support overall well-being. Participants may register for one class or attend the full series, allowing flexibility based on individual schedules and needs. Classes begin Thursday, February 5 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Bovard Education Center.

Caregiving often places physical and emotional demands on individuals who prioritize the needs of others before their own. The Caregiver Wellness Series was created to give caregivers practical tools they can use in daily life to feel stronger, more confident, and better supported.

The series is led by Lorrie Karn, Director of Benefitness, the adaptive fitness program offered through Benevilla. Each session includes gentle, evidence-based exercises that are adaptable for all ability levels and taught in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Participants may register for as many individual sessions as they choose or attend the full six week series.

Benevilla recently received a generous grant from the Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation to support Intergenerational Program and Benevilla CARES.

The Caregiver Wellness Series includes six interactive sessions:

Stretch for Stress Relief focuses on easing tension and includes a take-home stretch guide.
Motion Is Medicine introduces purposeful movement to support mobility and reduce fall risk.
Body Talk promotes mind and body awareness to improve movement confidence and peace of mind.
Heart Happy features circulation focused exercises that support cardiovascular wellness.
Pain Release targets common areas of discomfort including low back, joints, neck tension, and neuropathy.
Celebrate Your Strengths focuses on functional strength, stability, and balance used in daily activities.

Advance registration is required. Caregivers can register online at https://benevilla.org/caregiver-wellness-series/ or call 623-584-4999 for more information.

Benevilla Launches Enriching Lives Network

Benevilla has officially launched the Benevilla Enriching Lives Network, a new community collaboration designed to help older adults, adults with disabilities, caregivers, and families connect with trusted, vetted service providers across the West Valley.

Built on more than 44 years as a trusted nonprofit in the community, the Enriching Lives Network brings together mission-aligned organizations that support individuals navigating aging, caregiving, and life transitions. The network grew from the former Preferred Partner Program and reflects a renewed focus on strengthening relationships that benefit both community members and participating organizations.

The Benevilla Enriching Lives Network is founded on a promotional relationship model, where Benevilla works alongside partner agencies to build awareness, credibility, and meaningful connections. Each organization is carefully vetted to ensure alignment with Benevilla values and a shared commitment to ethical, compassionate service.

“The Benevilla Enriching Lives Network was created to make it easier for individuals, caregivers, and families to connect with organizations they can truly trust,” said Jennifer Kehren, Director of CARES at Benevilla. “By bringing these partners together, we are strengthening the support system available to our community and helping people navigate life’s transitions with confidence.”

Currently, the network includes 22 participating organizations spanning care management, non-medical home care, hospice and palliative care, legal services, senior living options, senior placement assistance, and complementary senior services. New members continue to be added as they successfully complete the vetting process.

Community members seeking information about the Enriching Lives Network or looking for guidance in connecting with participating organizations may visit benevilla.org/enriching-lives-network or contact the Benevilla CARES line at 623-526-4404 for personalized support.

Through the Enriching Lives Network, Benevilla continues its commitment to building strong partnerships and ensuring families throughout the West Valley have access to reliable, compassionate resources when they need them most.

Benefitness Updates for 2026

Benefitness Expands Access with New Membership Options, In-Home Training, and Youth Inclusion

Benefitness continues to expand access to adaptive wellness across the West Valley with several exciting updates designed to remove barriers and welcome more individuals into a supportive fitness environment. Recent enhancements include simplified unlimited class monthly pricing, the launch of Benefitness In-Home Training, and an expanded age range now welcoming members as young as 12 years old when accompanied by an adult.

Benefitness recently introduced a new membership structure that eliminates tiered pricing and allows all members unlimited monthly gym visits at nearly half the previous cost of the unlimited tier. This update supports consistency, long-term progress, and flexibility for individuals with varying wellness goals and schedules.

“Our goal has always been to make adaptive fitness inclusive, welcoming, and sustainable,” said Lorrie Karn, Director of Benefitness. “By simplifying pricing and expanding access, we are opening the door for more people to move, strengthen, and thrive at their own pace.”

In addition to pricing improvements, Benefitness has expanded services beyond the gym with the launch of Benefitness In-Home Training. This new option brings personalized fitness, nutrition, and wellness coaching directly to individuals where they live, helping overcome challenges such as transportation limitations, mobility concerns, or recovery needs. Services are available in private homes, apartments, independent living communities, assisted living settings, and select memory care environments with appropriate planning.

All in-home sessions are led by nationally certified professionals trained in adaptive exercise and individualized program design. The program is also ideal for individuals transitioning from physical therapy who benefit from continued guided movement and accountability.

Benefitness is an adaptive gym that supports individuals with a wide range of physical abilities while also welcoming community members seeking a safe, inclusive approach to wellness. Programs and services include Rock Steady Boxing for individuals living with Parkinson’s, additional boxing-based fitness classes, adaptive stretch and movement, seated yoga, personal training, wellness coaching, nutrition guidance, and body composition analysis (BIA scans).

As part of its commitment to serving the whole community, Benefitness now welcomes members as young as 12 years old, provided minors are accompanied by an adult during participation. This update allows families and caregivers to engage in wellness together while maintaining a safe and supportive environment.

Benefitness is part of the Benevilla family of programs and reflects the nonprofit mission of enriching lives through connection, wellness, and support throughout the West Valley.

For more information about memberships, in-home training, or available programs, visit www.benefitnessgym.org or call 623-584-0065.

AZ Tax Credit: There is Still Time to Give

There is still time to make a meaningful impact while reducing your Arizona state tax liability. Arizona taxpayers can support Benevilla through the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit by making a donation by April 15 and claiming it on 2025 state taxes. Donors can also choose to get a head start on 2026 giving by contributing now.

The Arizona Charitable Tax Credit allows individuals and couples filing jointly to redirect a portion of taxes already owed to support trusted nonprofit organizations like Benevilla. Rather than paying those dollars to the state, eligible taxpayers can choose to invest directly in programs that strengthen the West Valley community.

Gifts made through the Arizona Tax Credit help sustain Benevilla programs that support older adults, family caregivers, individuals living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and other age-related challenges, while also fostering meaningful intergenerational connections.

Donations can be made quickly and securely online. Contributors will receive a tax receipt to use when filing Arizona state taxes.

To make an Arizona Tax Credit donation, visit:
https://benevilla.org/tax-deductible-donations/

Your gift helps ensure Benevilla can continue delivering compassionate services, connection, and support across the West Valley.