Benevilla is excited to announce Deandre Walker has been hired as the new Director of their Helping Partners Life Enrichment Adult Day Program (HPP) in Sun City.
Deandre was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois where his passion for working with youth and those with disabilities began. He attended DeKalb High School and upon graduation studied Family and Child Studies at Northern Illinois University before moving to Texas to attend Wiley College in Marshall where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice. After working as an after-school program coordinator and a teacher’s assistant within a special education department, he moved to Arizona to take a full-time teaching position as a High School special education teacher and later as the principal of a charter High School in Buckeye, Arizona.
As the new Director of the Helping Partners program, Deandre is excited to use his experiences to continue to help foster love and compassion for those with disabilities. “We hope everyone in the community who needs our help will visit our program to see the wonderful activities and amenities available to our members,” said DeAndre. “We want everyone to see the goal of our HPP program is to be well-rounded and person-centered, addressing the unique strengths, interests, and ambitions of each of our members.”
Deandre is married to Aajai Walker, has 3 young children and still lives in Buckeye.
The Benevilla HPP program serves developmentally and intellectually challenged adults aiming to support and enhance their overall well-being, independence, and quality of life. Entertainment, education, games, crafts, gardening, community outings, and exercise fill the daily agenda. The program is built on a foundation of enhancing life skills, educational opportunities, socialization, recreation and vocational training. Members are involved and help direct their daily activities and they enjoy indoor and outdoor spaces offering inviting opportunities for group activities or private time, just like home.
“We want the community to experience that all people can benefit from the opportunity to connect with others in meaningful ways, no matter their age or challenges. The staff of caring professionals leading our program make sure those meaningful experiences happen every day and our members’ lives are positively impacted with every visit” said Lisa Minette, Benevilla Senior Director of Education and Enrichment.
For more information on Deandre Walker and the Benevilla Helping Partners Life Enrichment program call (623) 815-1117.
Started by the community and for the community in 1981, Benevilla is a not-for-profit human services agency dedicated to enriching lives of West Valley residents by serving older adults, adults with disabilities, children and the families who care for them. For more information on services, volunteer opportunities, to take a tour or donate to Benevilla, call 623-584-4999 or visit www.benevilla.org.