42 JANUARY 2023 By Rachael Bouley For over 40 years, Devonshire Senior Center has brought the local community together for family fun, education and support. Located on 28th St. and Devonshire Ave., the center first opened in early 1980 and has grown to include a multitude of classes, programs and events. Don’t be fooled by the name, however, as Devonshire Senior Center is not exclusive to seniors. It’s open to all ages. In 2006, Devonshire was part of an expansion project that consisted of a 8,500 square foot one-story addition and a 1,500 square foot remodel to the existing building. This included a fire system insulation, miscellaneous site and landscape improvements, a newly constructed large multipurpose room, restrooms, offices, and classrooms. The center is shared by the City of Phoenix Parks and Rec. Department and Human Services Department. At 23,000 sq. ft., the facility also houses a fitness center, dance and exercise room, billiards, computer lab, meeting space, and local art gallery – all available to the public. The center has connections to local organizations and is known for popular events like Money Bingo and classes in photography and arts and crafts. Events like family yoga time and youth soccer leagues encourage physical activity, too. Classes are offered year-round and new programs are regularly introduced based on community feedback. The Human Services Department also provides nutritional and social services for older adults. Devonshire recently introduced the City of Phoenix Memory Café Program. Phoenix, which became America’s largest “dementia- friendly” city in April 2020, offers those living with early to moderate dementia a safe space for socializing and activities that support brain health. Care partners also benefit from their visits to Devonshire for Memory Cafés, where they can access resources and learn how to help their loved ones navigate this disease. “The cafés offer a place where both care partners and loved ones can connect with others in a similar situation by participating in social activities, music therapy and different forms of art,” Program Manager Pablo Flores said. “Participants will then be eligible to participate in all programs including group trips, exercise classes, arts and crafts activities, game groups, and lots of other activities.” “It is an easy process. I leave here happy, fulfilled, and have made new friends,” participant Leonard Chayrez said. “The activities we have are interactive, stimulating and enjoyable.” “The City of Phoenix Dementia Community is geared toward helping individuals and families. The Memory Café adds some peace to the lives of the individuals with memory loss,” Leonard’s partner and caregiver Mark Garrity said. The busy calendar of events at Devonshire is part of the Parks and Recreation Department’s goal to build healthy communities and make Phoenix a better place to live. “Devonshire Senior Center is a crucial community asset that serves so many residents across many demographics,” said Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Aguilar. “It’s heart-warming to know that Phoenix Parks and Recreation plays a part in keeping our seniors busy.” Upcoming January classes include aerobics, sewing club, photography and yoga. phoenix.gov Los Olivos Park Devonshire is situated on the southwest side of Los Olivos Park, a picturesque area that’s lined by olive trees and was once an active olive grove. Today, the wide open space features a walking trail, playground, picnic area, sports courts and a disc golf course. “The center, along with Los Olivos Parks, is a gem in Arcadia,” said Northeast Deputy Director Danielle Poveromo. “Our staff is dedicated to positive programming that always puts a smile on the faces of our seniors. Not to mention a great disc golf course in the heart of Phoenix.” The Parks and Recreation Department is working with a Phoenix-based group called Greenbelt Hospitality on plans to develop a 4.5-acre section of the 26-acre park into an urban working farm and education center, known as The Farm at Los Olivos. This project is aimed at building a healthier community by getting locals involved in the urban garden. The project was approved by the Parks’ Board and is awaiting feedback for the conversion process before moving forward. City of Phoenix senior center serves entire community Devonshire Senior Center opened in 1980 and has grown to include a multitude of classes, programs and events, like bingo games. PHOTO COURTESY OF ADAM WALTZ By Rachael Bouley Founded in 2006, The Singletons is a nonprofit that offers numerous resources and a strong sense of community to help loved ones navigate health and financial challenges following a cancer diagnosis. Founder Judy Boyd created the organization in honor of her childhood friend Michelle Singleton, a 30-year-old single mother of four diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. Friends and family rallied around Michelle to support her by shopping for groceries, dropping off dinner and covering bills. Sadly, she passed away at 32. “Seeing how overwhelming this situation had been for Michelle and her family, we realized she couldn’t have been alone during all of this,” Boyd said. “We knew that there were likely many others in Michelle’s situation who needed help, and that is how The Singletons were born.” Michelle’s loved ones wanted to acknowledge her brave battle and that life doesn’t stop with a diagnosis, especially for single parents who still need to pay bills and put food on the table. For the first four years, Boyd ran The Singletons out of her home with the help of family and friends. As they gained more volunteers, they branched out to a small office in Old Town and grew from there. In January 2020, the organization bought a building in North Phoenix and turned it into the H.U.B. (Help Us Build: Strength, Hope and Community). The first-ever family center exclusively supports single- parent families, with resources to help loved ones navigate a life-changing diagnosis. From their H.U.B. base, The Singletons offer utility stipends, meal prep, essential household supplies, and social activities to give parents and kids a break. One of their most recent events was a charity magic show with Tank Hanna, a big hit with both kids and adults. “This was a great event hosted by one of our volunteers who happened to be a magician and had a community of support in the magic world,” Boyd said. “It’s a reflection that it takes a village. We are grateful for every volunteer and donor.” In planning for their next community fundraising event, Swing into Spring Casino Night on February 25, Boyd hopes they can strengthen support across Arizona, including in Tucson, where they serve 19 families. “Being able to continue growing at the H.U.B. is a priority,” Boyd said. “We are building community gardens, teaching families to grow vertically and hydroponically, inviting local chefs to facilitate educational cooking classes, and are focused on a head-to-toe approach to wellness.” Throughout the years, The Singletons have supported over 1,000 families and 3,500 children and are proud to give families a chance to foster friendships with others in this unique situation. “I think we provide them with a community of support they otherwise wouldn’t have. We bring love, care, budget relief, and peace of mind,” Boyd said. “Knowing what they’re facing is so scary and unknown, it is helpful for them to be surrounded by a community that supports them and wants to bring some smiles.” thesingletonsaz.org Valley organization offers help and hope to parents The Singletons team, which includes Madison Prester, Jody Boyd and Tilly Bowens, gives back through the Bare Necessities Drive, which provides families with every day needs. PHOTO COURTESY OF JODY BOYD

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