Senior Village Membership Team
Betty Crawford and Jaci Nissen, Membership Team co-leaders (photo by Donna Stewart)
Phyllis Ketring
When you say “hello” to Senior Village for the first time, it’s the Membership Team that greets you. There are currently 27 volunteers on the team with two co-leaders. One of them will be your first personal contact with Senior Village.
Co-leaders Jaci Nissen and Betty Crawford are dedicated to creating an initial discussion that is open, positive, and informative. They answer questions and explain the enrollment process. All Senior Village vetted volunteers are committed to helping members live in their SaddleBrooke homes as long as possible and advisable.
A co-leader responds to an email/website request within 24 hours. Within two more days, a Membership Team volunteer will call to schedule an intake appointment in your home. When that process is completed, your information is entered into the Senior Village database. If there is an urgent request, the Membership Team works to facilitate your need.
“I am truly fortunate to be able to make a positive difference in a resident’s life at SaddleBrooke,” says Jaci Nissen. “I am humbled by words of thankfulness and the reassurance that residents express knowing that someone has their back.”
Jaci Nissen became a volunteer on the Membership Team in August 2020 and a co-leader in 2021. She started as a member and became a volunteer after requesting the Helping Hands Team for a home project. When she told the volunteer that she wanted something worthwhile to fill her time, he recommended Senior Village and the COVID-19 vaccination program. She joined the telephone team and later became a permanent Senior Village volunteer on the Membership Team. Jaci says, “Senior Village gave me new insight into what life is all about—truly and honestly caring about our fellow human beings to the best of our abilities.”
Betty Crawford started with Senior Village in January 2021 and considered the Going My Way and Fun with Friends Teams. When she was asked to join the Membership Team, she welcomed that role. In mid-2022 she was asked to co-chair the team with Jaci. She and Jaci work well together in their job-sharing arrangement. They alternate weeks on answering requests and assigning a team volunteer to arrange home visits and complete the intake procedure. Betty also does volunteer orientation.
Job-sharing the team leadership position is one of the many creative ways that allows talented volunteers to serve the Senior Village mission of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” If you would like to learn more about membership, call Senior Village at 520-314-1042.
Senior Village at SaddleBrooke Health Fair
Senior Village will once again be present at the annual SaddleBrooke Health Fair on Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. Visit the exhibit at the MountainView clubhouse.
Senior Village looks forward to meeting SaddleBrooke residents and discussing our many services. We would like to hear your ideas for present and future opportunities for Senior Village and our mission of Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
Come and meet with Senior Village volunteers at the annual SaddleBrooke Health Fair. Our goal is to help you live your best life on your own … but not alone!
For information before the Health Fair, contact Senior Village at 520-314-1042.
Senior Village Promotes a Sense of Community
Sonoran Singers performing (photo by Terry Heggy)
Linda Hampton, Executive Director, Senior Village
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” —Coretta Scott King
Building a sense of community requires many acts of intentionality. Unit parties and neighborhood gatherings create climates of belonging and connection. Senior Village at SaddleBrooke does its part by hosting community-wide events like the monthly music matinees and by providing SaddleBrooke residents the opportunity to volunteer right here in their own neighborhood. Senior Village at SaddleBrooke is truly a “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” organization that was seeded, nurtured, and allowed to blossom right here in our community.
Today, Senior Village’s 283 volunteers support 1,911 members in ways large and small, from changing a lightbulb to guiding a grieving widow through a maze of paperwork following the death of her spouse. Senior Village is a friend indeed for residents of SaddleBrooke.
But it wouldn’t happen without you. The business of operating an organization of this scope requires employees, supplies, insurance, and much more. Your donations ensure that SaddleBrooke residents receive the helping hand and support they need to live independently.
Senior Village at SaddleBrooke is an Arizona Qualified Charitable Organization, which means your donation may qualify for an Arizona Tax Credit. As a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, you may direct a Required Minimum Distribution from an IRA to Senior Village. A legacy gift through a trust or will helps guarantee that the SaddleBrooke residents of the future will receive Senior Village care. Legacy gifts also declare your values and communicate to your family what is important to you.
You may use the safe and convenient online donation page at www.seniorvillage.org or mail a check to Senior Village at SaddleBrooke, P.O. Box 8584, Tucson, AZ 85738. All donations are greatly appreciated and will stay right here in SaddleBrooke to assist your neighbors.
Music Matinee September 18
Phyllis Ketring
The monthly Music Matinees, hosted by Senior Village, have become a SaddleBrooke favorite. Local performers share their considerable talent with SaddleBrooke. What a treat!
The Sept. 18 performance will feature two singers: Irene Pierce and Mike Rutt. During the first part of their show, they will focus on music made popular by singers like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and others. Then they will transport you to music of the late ‘50s and early ‘60s. It’s the beginning of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Both Irene and Mike are SaddleBrooke residents. Irene moved to SaddleBrooke from The Villages in Florida where she was involved in several musical theatre productions. She both wrote and directed musicals there. Here she sings with the SaddleBrooke Singers and enjoys performances for All Seasons Memory Care folks. She loves bringing joy to her audience.
Mike Rutt was born in Iowa where he started singing at the young age of 3. He has been singing and playing the piano since his youth. Here in SaddleBrooke, he belongs to the SaddleBrooke Singers and the Men’s Barbershop Group.
Both Irene and Mike, aka “Thanks for the Memories,” look forward to the Music Matinee. Senior Village invites you to this relaxing event on Monday, Sept. 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Sonoran Room at MountainView.
If you would like to perform in a future Senior Village Music Matinee, please contact JoAnn Wilbour at [email protected].