Helping Hands in Demand
ACTS Serves Anthem Community Through Partnership
Writer Shannon Severson // Photography Courtesy of Anthem Cares Through Service
Three times each week, there’s a knock at Anthem resident Jim Crawford’s door. A friendly volunteer from Anthem Cares Through Service (ACTS) has arrived to transport him to critical dialysis treatment. Crawford says ACTS volunteers have been a pillar of consistency and kindness amid his health challenges. He’s not alone. This homegrown charitable organization, founded in 2009, is a boots-on-the-ground force for good in Anthem, directly assisting neighbors in their homes and throughout the community.
The charity’s latest expansion includes a well-stocked medical lending closet, brimming with essential equipment from wheelchairs and walkers to crutches and commodes. A new, streamlined volunteer sign-up system facilitates all services through a partnership with Carefree-based Foothills Caring Corps.
“I can’t say enough about this organization from the top to the very last driver that I’ve had,” Crawford says emphatically, adding that having reliable transportation is comforting for him but also gives his wife peace of mind that he’s not in danger of an auto accident if dialysis treatments leave him dizzy. “They’ve been there every single time; not once have they not shown up or been late. It’s an absolute top-notch organization.”
This kind of dependable assistance exemplifies the Anthem Cares Program’s stated mission: providing “caring support for independent living.”
Linda Pizzo, ACTS executive chair, leads the 12-member board and has expanded the organization’s donor and volunteer base.
“For years, our programs have helped with short-term needs like someone who needed a bill paid due to job loss or a medical event,” Pizzo explains.
Throughout its existence, the 501(c)(3) has distributed more than $600,000 in financial assistance to individuals and local charities, granted $70,000 in student scholarships and $22,000 for lifesaving defibrillator equipment at the Daisy Mountain Fire Department.
Pizzo says the partnership with Foothills Caring Corps is key to meeting the area’s growing needs.
“Our greatest need is for volunteers to serve our neighbors,” Pizzo says. “There are no services in Anthem for medical transportation.”
Foothills Caring Corps is just as pleased with the new partnership.
“ACTS is a great partner,” explains Brent Downs, executive director of Foothills Caring Corps, which has met 37,000 needs this year alone. “They’re plugged in and they know what is going on in their neighborhood. We cover 259 square miles but did not have coverage of Anthem. Now we are able to connect that community as well.”
Downs says the personal connections between volunteers and those they aid truly stand out from other worthy charities.
“We are very hands-on and relational,” Downs says. “People may not realize their neighbor is in need. When you go into someone’s home and drive them in your car, something magical happens. There’s a connection that takes place.”
Jill Tetsell is the ACTS at-large board member who, along with committee co-chair Karen Dorian, spearheaded the September launch of the medical equipment lending closet, housed at Anthem RV and Storage. Residents can request items by phone or email.
“Anthem’s population over the age of 60 has grown,” Tetsell notes, adding that volunteers have really stepped up for the program. “It makes sense to partner with Foothills Caring Corps. We welcome donations as word gets out and the need for items grows.”
ACTS Communications Chair Judy Bluhm says volunteering with the organization is flexible and easy to fit into anyone’s schedule.
“There’s something for everyone, whether it’s changing lightbulbs or programming a phone,” she says. “The connections made through small acts of service can be life-changing.”
ACTS and its 100 volunteers provide car rides, handyman services, technology assistance, grocery shopping and even friendly visits to chat, play a game or bring along a certified pet companion to perk up someone’s day.
“It’s been found that loneliness is just as debilitating as smoking a pack of cigarettes per day,” Pizzo explains. “I went on an intake visit with an Anthem neighbor who was so happy to host us, even serving cake and ice cream. When we shared the other ways that ACTS could help, she was stunned. It’s great to see the gratitude and appreciation of the people we are able to help.”
ACTS has become an indispensable, volunteer-powered resource for the Anthem community. As more volunteers answer the call to perform good deeds that make a difference, the strategic partnerships Pizzo and her board have forged will ensure this vital lifeline extends to all in need. With each small act of service, ACTS strengthens Anthem’s closely knit community and ensures no one is left behind.
