AZ Benevilla Press Release - Benevilla Proud to be Part of 2017 City of Surprise Intergenerational Community Award Nomination

June 7, 2017                                                                    Contact: Jay Lickus

Marketing Coordinator

623-584-4999

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                 marketing@benevilla.org

Benevilla Proud to be Part of 2017 City of Surprise Intergenerational Community Award Nomination

West Valley, AZ – Benevilla, the West Valley’s premier human services nonprofit, is proud to be a partner with the City of Surprise who was selected as a National Finalist for the 2017 MetLife Foundation and Generations United America’s Best Intergenerational Communities Awards.

Since 2012, the awards program has recognized 24 innovative communities across America that are at the vanguard of building intergenerational solutions that engage the wisdom and vitality of all generations. Surprise was recognized for its intergenerational workforce development partnerships that promote a greater sense of community.

Among these partnerships is the Benevilla Group Supported Employment (GSE) program which is a special part of the Helping Partners Life Enrichment Program – a vocational training program for adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities. This program provides volunteer, skills training and employment opportunities that enable

members to contribute and make a difference in their communities. Many GSE workers are able to obtain special training and certifications, such as a food handler’s card, work in unique job opportunities and earn a paycheck.

The city is supporting the organizations’ efforts through the creation of job opportunities. GSE program participants are now working with City of Surprise staff to learn specific job skills that they can use to acquire employment outside of the program. Benevilla currently has 4 members employed at City Hall as well as having members employed at their main campus and in Birt’s Bistro restaurant.

The City of Surprise supplied underutilized space in City Hall to house the program. GSE workers now have space to hold training sessions, work on resumes and fill out online applications. Four city departments (Water Resources Management, Public Works, Information Technology and Human Service and Community Vitality) are currently

 

participating in the programs, with expansion to other departments anticipated this summer.

“The City of Surprise is delighted to partner with Benevilla and the Helping Partners Program,” says Seth Dyson, City of Surprise Human Service & Community Vitality Director. “We look forward to learning from and working with the Group Supported Employment members and their coaches to continue to deliver quality public services.”

Benevilla has approximately 20 GSE members employed each month who, in total, average approximately 725 work hours a month. “This is not only a wonderful employee pool for the City of Surprise but should also be considered by other local employers and private businesses as well” states Tony Arsiniega, the Director of the Life Enrichment Program.

Benevilla was previously honored in March 2014 in partnership with the Maricopa Association of Governments with an America’s Best Intergenerational Communities Award. This prestigious award was given by the MetLife Foundation and Generations United to only four communities nationwide.

Started by the community and for the community in 1981, Benevilla is a not-for-profit human services agency dedicated to enhancing the lives of West Valley residents by providing care services for older adults, intellectually disabled adults, children, and families. Services are provided through a dedicated group of staff and volunteers. For more information on services, volunteer opportunities, to donate to Benevilla or to schedule a tour call 623-584-4999 or visit www.benevilla.org.