Foothills Caring Corps “Expands The World” of homebound residents
February 10, 2010
Executive Director credits community response to 2009 Capital Campaign
CAVE CREEK – Ninety year old Betty Hickman went out to eat at a restaurant for the first time in ten years thanks to the Foothills Caring Corps, an organization dedicated to promoting the independence of homebound residents.
Hickman, who is confined to a wheelchair, was transported to the restaurant in the organization’s new wheelchair-accessible van driven by Foothills Caring Corps volunteer John McGhee of Cave Creek.
Hickman is just one of the many homebound who receive assistance from the non-profit organization that provides in-home visits, hot meal delivery, van transportation, grocery shopping, handyman service, caregiver relief and a variety of other services that promote physical, mental and emotional well being.
“The need for these services has jumped 21 percent compared to last year,” said Foothills Caring Corps Executive Director Debbra Determan.
“The organization is healthy and able to maintain services. Thanks to the community’s response to our recent capital campaign and the loyal dedication of hundreds of volunteers, we have come close to reaching our campaign goals. It is our hope that the community will continue to support Foothills Caring Corps so we might be able to meet the greater demand for services. The community’s generosity is truly a case of neighbors helping neighbors,” Determan said.
For Betty Hickman, a Phoenix native who likes to remain active, the organization’s services have expanded her world geometrically. In addition to dining out occasionally, the organization’s wheelchair accessible van also makes it possible for her and other homebound individuals to enjoy musical events and a host of other “wonderful opportunities that would normally be off-limits,” said John McGhee.
The Foothills Caring Corps members encourage everyone in the community to “mark your calendars and save the date” for the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, the Cash and Caring Raffle and “A Taste of the Foothills” culinary experience, at El Pedregal in North Scottsdale on March 11.
Participants will enjoy live music at the event, plus three $5,000 cash prizes will be awarded to raffle winners. Participating restaurants include Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House, Tonto Bar & Grill, Carefree Station, LaTilla at the Boulders Resort, El Encanto, Café Bink and El Encanto Mexican Restaurant.
To learn more about the agency or volunteer opportunities, contact the Foothills Caring Corps, call 480-488-1105, write [email protected] or visit www.FoothillsCaringCorps.com.