Volunteer Peggy Abney delivering the evening meal.
Keep the Spirit of Community Growing This Summer
Robin Wilson
As the temperature rises in Sun Lakes and South Chandler, our community undergoes its familiar transformation. Many of our cherished seasonal volunteers, our wonderful “snowbirds,” have begun their journeys north. While we celebrate their contributions, their departure highlights a reality we face every year: that our client’s needs do not take a vacation.
At Neighbors Who Care, our mission to support the ever-changing needs of our aging community with a goal of helping them to remain safe, independent, and dignified in their own homes, continues unabated throughout the summer months. This is exactly why we are inviting you to consider joining our team now.
Summer is the Perfect Time to Start—If you have ever thought about volunteering but felt constrained by a busy schedule, Summer is the ideal season to dive in. We understand that life is dynamic, which is why we have built flexibility into the core of our volunteer opportunities. Whether you have an hour a week or a few hours a month, we have opportunities to serve others that are sure to fit your lifestyle.
Finding Purpose and Joy—There is a unique, quiet magic in helping a neighbor. When you deliver a meal, offer a ride to a doctor’s appointment, or simply check in on someone, you aren’t just performing a task; you are providing a vital lifeline of human connection. Volunteers often tell us that they gain far more than they give. The sense of purpose, the joy of meeting new people, and the satisfaction of knowing you are making your community stronger are rewards that stay with you long after the task is finished.
How to Get Involved—Getting started is easier than you think. We provide weekly orientations along with training and support so you can feel confident in helping your neighbors. We invite you to reach out today. You can visit our website at www.neighborswhocare.com or give us a call at 480-895-7133 and ask to talk with our Volunteer Manager Robin Wilson.
This summer, turn your spare time into something meaningful. Join our team and discover how helping your neighbor can bring a renewed sense of purpose and joy to your own life. We look forward to meeting you!
NWC Welcomes Terri O’Herron as New Executive Director
Neighbors Who Care Board of Directors
Neighbors Who Care (NWC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping seniors remain independent in their homes, is pleased to announce Terri O’Herron as its new executive director.
With more than 30 years of leadership experience in the social services sector, O’Herron brings a deep commitment to serving vulnerable populations and a career shaped by compassion, expertise, and community impact. She is known as a servant leader and has spent the majority of her professional life working in nonprofit organizations—exactly where she believes she belongs.
O’Herron’s background is notably diverse and well-rounded, with professional experience spanning dementia care, mental health, behavioral health, developmental disabilities, home care and more.
Throughout her career, she has worked alongside individuals and families facing life’s most difficult challenges, offering support, resources, and most importantly…HOPE!
Her love and passion for working with older adults began at the young age of 15, when she took a weekend job as a caregiver for an elderly neighbor. By providing that support, this individual could remain safely in her home. Reflecting on her journey, O’Herron realized how her current role connects to where she first began so long ago and commented “it gives me chills.”
“I’ve always known my life’s work needed to make a difference in the lives of others,” O’Herron said.
“Whether at the bedside of someone on hospice or supporting a homeless veteran transition off the streets, I meet people where they are, without judgment and offer a helping hand.” In addition to providing direct service and holding leadership roles at the state level, she has served her community as a certified instructor offering education in Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care, Mental Health, Caregiving and Brain Health.
On a personal level, O’Herron has been married for almost 30 years and is the proud parent of four wonderful children. Though originally from Southern California and having spent time in Montana, her family has called Arizona home for 10 years and is no stranger to this community. Not only was their very first family home located near Riggs Road but through the years she has remained active in the community by participating on the Dementia Friendly Task Force in Sun Lakes and Chandler.
Faith is central to O’Herron’s life and leadership, guiding her approach to service with grace. Outside of work, she finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, family and friends, nature (especially the ocean), meaningful conversations, and generous hugs.
O’Herron says Neighbors Who Care feels like a natural fit. “I can’t imagine a better place to be”, she shared. “Our organization has a huge heart and is built on the beautiful model of neighbors helping neighbors. Our volunteers provide free services that allow seniors to remain independent and live longer in their own homes. I believe deeply in this mission and I’m honored to serve as executive director.”
When asked about the future of Neighbors Who Care, O’Herron shared her genuine appreciation for the people who make the mission possible. “I am incredibly grateful for the dedicated volunteers, staff, board members, and financial supporters who give so generously of their time, talents, and resources,” she said. “I look forward to working alongside them as we continue to build a bright future together, one that ensures our neighbors are cared for, supported, and able to remain in their homes with dignity.”
The Road to Giving—Volunteer Charlene Clausen
Robin Wilson
When Charlene retired, she wasn’t looking for rest, she was looking for purpose. A lifelong nurturer, she knew that stepping away from her career didn’t mean stepping away from people.
Her journey began with the Sun Lakes Fire Department’s Community Assistance Program (CAP). For seven and a half years, she dedicated at least two days a month to five-hour shifts. While the work was essential and structured she felt like there might be something more for her out there where she could work directly with people.
Charlene found GINA’s Team, an initiative assisting women at Perryville Prison. For six years, Charlene committed herself to restoring dignity to those behind bars. She facilitated a six-week Leadership class twice a year, and led monthly book clubs. Her support didn’t end at the prison gates; upon their release, Charlene was there to provide clothing, food, and transportation to parole offices. She mentored these women through the difficult transition back into society, ensuring they reached their release addresses with hope. Eventually, however, the long trek to Goodyear multiple times a month began to take its toll. Charlene needed a break from volunteering, she wanted to travel and get more involved with her community in Sun Lakes and South Chandler.
After some time away from volunteering, Charlene felt like something was missing in her life… giving back to others! That’s when she discovered Neighbors Who Care, and in November of 2024 she joined our volunteer team. From the beginning it was the perfect fit. Serving the elderly and homebound in her own community offered the flexibility she craved. She began driving clients to medical appointments and assisting with shopping trips. The work expanded into a family affair, as she and her husband Hank, deliver dinners to NWC clients a couple of times a month.
Charlene has found fulfillment in the relationships she’s built and peace in knowing she is making a difference on her own terms. Her journey through retirement has been a winding path of resilience, from the halls of Perryville to the firehouse, and finally to Neighbors Who Care in the goal of neighbors helping neighbors!
Charlene and Hank recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. They have a grown daughter and a family of “grand-furbabies,” including one grand-dog and two grand-kitties. When she isn’t volunteering, Charlene is an avid pickleball player, a retired golfer, and a lover of travel.
Do you know someone like Charlene? Are you looking for a rewarding, flexible way to give back to your community, join us at Neighbors Who Care and find your own road to giving. Visit Neighborswhocare.com to learn more.