Meet Laura Zeiner, Neighbors Who Care’s New Office Manager

Robin Wilson

A Lifetime of Service Comes Home to Sun Lakes

Neighbors Who Care is proud to introduce our new office manager Laura who grew up in the Phoenix area and whose entire career has been defined by a deep-seated passion for helping people in their most vulnerable moments.

A Foundation of Compassion

Laura’s journey in service began remarkably early. She earned her EMT certification in high school and joined Terros Health, an organization founded in 1969 to provide grassroots support for substance use and mental health crises. Working on psychiatric ambulances and crisis lines, she utilized the organization’s signature “no-heat” approach, which focused on partnering with healthcare providers to offer help without legal repercussions.

Growth and Operational Expertise

During her 32-year tenure at Terros Health, Laura witnessed the organization grow from 64 staff members to over 1,000. She eventually transitioned from direct field services into critical administrative roles, mastering the complex operational “gears,” including training and payroll, that keep a large nonprofit running smoothly.

From the President’s Office to Our Front Door

After her long career at Terros Health, Laura spent several years at Arizona State University. She worked in their business operation of the law department. That department eventually moved to the ASU president’s office where she served for the last two years.

While she was preparing for retirement, Laura saw a posting for the Neighbors Who Care office manager position and knew it was a “perfect fit,” an opportunity to bring her decades of operational expertise back to the community she calls home.

Life in Sun Lakes

Laura and her husband Clint, a retired police lieutenant, moved to Sun Lakes in 2021. Drawn by the golf and active community lifestyle, they have embraced the area. Outside the office, Laura is an avid crafter and cook. She believes food is the ultimate way to pull people together. She loves staying busy with work, reading, and other outdoor activities. She cherishes time with her adult children and her beloved dog Kolbie, a McNab Scottish border collie.

A Vision for the Future

Laura’s goal is to ensure Neighbors Who Care remains a stable, forward-thinking pillar for Sun Lakes and South Chandler seniors. She is dedicated to using her background in training and operations to move the organization into the future.

“I want to make sure I continue to serve my community,” Laura says. We are thrilled to have her experience and heart leading our office!

Free Financial Education Session

Neighbors Who Care is partnering with local providers to bring useful education as a great way to begin the year—prepared. Speakers will include Sheryl Keeme, Neighbors Who Care executive director, and featured expert speakers Lydia Wietsma, Cheryl Sheidell, and Jerry Whitmire.

The presentation is on Feb. 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. (doors open at 9:45 a.m.) in the Cottonwood Country Club Computer Learning Center Lecture Hall, 25360 S. Brentwood Drive, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248.

You’re invited to join an informative, no-cost workshop designed to help seniors, families, and caregivers make confident decisions about real estate, finances, and retirement planning.

An RSVP is required. To register, contact Cheryl Sheidell at 480-817-4324 or email Cheryls@barrettfinancial.com.

Lydia Wietsma, Certified Senior & Probate Real Estate Specialist, Solving Life’s Next Chapter

Learn how to navigate real estate decisions, probate, and senior transitions with clarity and confidence.

Cheryl Sheidell, Reverse Mortgage Specialist

“Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?”—Understand the basics, benefits, and myths surrounding today’s reverse mortgages.

Jerry Whitmire, Financial Advisor, JW Financial Consulting

Gain valuable insight into “Taxes and Inflation in Retirement” and how to plan strategically for long-term stability.

Planning Is Underway for Play It Forward Benefit

Planning is underway for Play It Forward, the fifth annual IronOaks event to benefit Neighbors Who Care, on Saturday, March 28. Activities are staged in and around the Oakwood Fitness Center, tennis courts, and pickleball courts and the Field of Dreams softball field. Lunch is provided for all participants at noon on the Oakwood Fitness Center patio.

All area communities are encouraged to join, including Cottonwood, IronOaks, Palo Verde, Robson Reserve, Solera, Springfield, SunBird, Sun Lakes Country Club, and Chandler.

The event expanded to include golf and softball in 2025, and this year, it will also include fitness.

Judy Gahide, event chair, requests that those who cannot play consider making a donation to the tournament on behalf of Neighbors Who Care. Arizona residents can make a donation on behalf of Play It Forward to satisfy the Arizona Tax Credit, which equals $495 for single filers or $987 for couples. In 2024 Play It Forward raised $38,000, in 2025 it raised $58,000, and in 2026 the goal is set for $50,000 to support services allowing hundreds to age safely in place with Neighbors Who Care’s volunteer services.

All play will begin at 8 a.m., and individuals may sign up for more than one 50-minute segment. Each player will contribute $20 to play for 50 minutes. All dollars are directed to Neighbors Who Care to support the Aging In Place program.

Forms will be available in February to sign up.

Get Involved—Sponsor and Access More Than 200 Active Adults!

Businesses and individuals may apply to become one of the limited sponsorships for the event. If your company is interested in having a table and a banner at the site or becoming a tee sponsor, contact Sheryl Keeme at sheryl@neighborswhocare.com or call Neighbors Who Care at 480-895-7133.

What If … Everyone Chose One Neighbor to Look Out For?

Carol Ensminger

When we make New Year’s resolutions, we usually look inward: We want to get fitter, save more money, or learn a new skill. These are worthy goals. But in 2026, what if we also looked outward—right across the street?

Many of us live near older adults who are aging in place, often facing challenges with mobility, home upkeep, and, most significantly, isolation.

Often, it’s the small, everyday acts of kindness that matter most. Here’s a few ideas to get you started.

1. Start with a Smile and a Hello

Sometimes the first step is simply being seen. A warm greeting or brief chat at the mailbox can help aging neighbors feel noticed and included. These small moments can brighten someone’s day and build trust over time.

2. Make a Casual Offer of Help

Independence matters, so offer help in ways that respect their autonomy. You might say:

• “I’m heading to the grocery store. Can I pick anything up for you?”

• “It’s trash day. Would you like a hand with your bins?” (or just bring them in)

• “It’s getting hot out. Would you like me to grab your mail for you?”

• “I’m updating my emergency contacts list. Here is my cell number, just in case.”

These gestures build trust and keep the relationship neighborly and not overwhelming.

3. Pay Attention to Changes

If you notice newspapers piling up, an overgrown yard, or your neighbor seeming more withdrawn, they could use additional support. Gently check in or, if appropriate, reach out to family or trusted local organizations like Neighbors Who Care for guidance and support.

4. Encourage Connection, Not Isolation

Many older adults want to remain social but may not know how to start. Let them know about neighborhood events, invite them to community gatherings, chat with them at the mailbox, or share a cup of coffee on the porch. Even a 5-minute conversation can reduce feelings of isolation.

5. Learn About Local Resources

Being a good neighbor also means knowing where to turn for help. Organizations like Neighbors Who Care provide services such as grocery transportation, meal preparation, friendly visits, and more. You don’t have to do everything yourself.

Aging in Place Starts with Community

When we look out for one another, we create neighborhoods where everyone can thrive—no matter their age. By extending just a little kindness and attention, you can make aging in place safer and more joyful for the older adults on your street.

Want to do more? Volunteer with us or share our services with a neighbor who may need support.

Visit neighborswhocare.com or call 480-895-7133 to learn more in 2026. Let’s build a neighborhood where neighbors care. A stronger community truly starts at the edge of your own driveway.