Robin Wilson

For nearly two decades, Jerry and Randi Rex have been the heart and hands of Neighbors Who Care, a couple whose quiet dedication and lasting impact has helped shape the organization into what it is today. Their story is one of service, community, and compassion, a perfect reflection of the mission they’ve supported for almost 20 years.

Both Jerry and Randi grew up in Oregon. Before calling Sun Lakes home, they built a life together in Portland, a Chicago suburb, Scottsdale, and Southern California (twice). Jerry spent over 30 years in the commercial insurance business in various states. In 2006 Jerry decided it was time to retire, and they chose to move back to Arizona, a move that would lead them to Sun Lakes and Neighbors Who Care.

A Life of Service. While Randi has volunteered for hospitals and libraries, she calls Neighbors Who Care her favorite chapter. She recalls the early days when everything was done with paper and pencil. “Each client was logged into a book, and every appointment was made through a personal call,” she says. When the organization transitioned to digital records, Randi adapted quickly, thriving as a scheduler.

Jerry’s Helping Hands. Jerry’s contribution has been equally remarkable. Over the years, he’s done just about everything, from driving the van and transporting clients to medical appointments to performing minor repairs and lending his handyman skills to the office wherever needed. He also served as chairman of the board, providing leadership and vision to help the organization adapt and grow.

When Neighbors Who Care transitioned from a rental home location to its current location, Jerry was there every step of the way. Jerry personally worked on the post build-out, installing everything from ceiling fans to door locks, making sure the new office was ready to serve clients for years to come.

20 Years and Counting. Married for 53 years, Jerry and Randi balance their service with family time and hobbies like stained-glass artistry and golf. Their two-decade tenure stands as a testament to selfless giving. They have witnessed Neighbors Who Care grow from a small operation into a thriving organization that changes lives daily. Their dedication reminds us all that Neighbors Who Care isn’t just a name—it’s a way of life.

Are you newly retired? Serving others may be just the thing you need! Volunteer!

Blooming with Hope Gala to Be Held May 9

Sheryl Keeme

The Sun Lakes Dementia Friendly Task Force and Aging with Grace Alliance AZ will host a gala on Saturday, May 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. to benefit families living with dementia. Music, dancing, heavy appetizers, drinks, and more are on tap to help raise funds for the initiatives supporting people living with dementia and their caregivers in the South Chandler/Sun Lakes area.

Tickets for Blooming with Hope are $50 and can be purchased at agingwithgraceaz.org/events. All event proceeds will support programming such as Memory Café, held every Monday at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church from 9:30 to 11 a.m., and complimentary Dementia Friendly Info classes where attendees learn basics of understanding living with dementia and strategies for interacting better with relatives, friends, and neighbors living with dementia. The event is the first fundraiser of its kind for Dementia Friendly Sun Lakes.

If you would like more information on how to participate or get involved with the Sun Lakes Memory Café, living with dementia, or Dementia Friendly Sun Lakes, contact Sheryl Keeme at sheryl@neighborswhocare.com.

NWC Hosts Successful Aging Made Easier Conference

Jenny Sanderson

Neighbors Who Care recently welcomed 260 community members to its “Aging Made Easier: Body. Brain. Balance.” conference, a one-day event designed to educate, inspire, and connect older adults and caregivers. With participation from more than 45 vendors, the conference created a hub of information, resources, and support focused on aging well.

Throughout the day, attendees heard from a variety of knowledgeable speakers who addressed topics related to physical health, brain wellness, balance, and overall quality of life. Presenters shared practical strategies and realistic steps participants could incorporate into daily routines, reinforcing the idea that small, intentional changes can make a meaningful difference over time.

The vendor area offered opportunities to explore local services and organizations dedicated to supporting independence, wellness, and peace of mind as people age. Many attendees expressed appreciation for having trusted resources and expert guidance available in one setting.

Events like Aging Made Easier reflect Neighbors Who Care’s ongoing commitment to education and community connection. Planning is already underway for the 2027 Aging Made Easier Conference, and Neighbors Who Care looks forward to continuing this important conversation in the year ahead.

Sign Up Now! IronOaks’ 2026 Play It Forward Fundraiser Event Benefiting Neighbors Who Care

Sheryl Keeme

The Fifth Annual Play It Forward event is coming up on March 28 beginning at 8 a.m., held at multiple sport locations around Oakwood Country Club. All event proceeds benefit Neighbors Who Care (NWC) and the 14 volunteer services offered to help neighbors age in place safely for as long as is feasibly possible.

Organizers of the event offer 50 minutes of play for a $20 donation to Neighbors Who Care for tennis, pickleball, softball, or a water aerobics class, or play golf for a $20 donation plus a $65 greens fee for 18 holes or a $40 greens fee for 9 holes. All participants receive a complimentary lunch following play.

Players also are encouraged to supplement their playing donation of $20 by considering making their Arizona Tax Credit donation to NWC on behalf of Play It Forward. Single Arizona filers may make a $495 contribution, and couples may make a $987 contribution, and the donors will receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on their Arizona taxes. It’s a win-win for donors and Neighbors Who Care. It’s easy, but explaining it is not simple. If you want to understand the tax credit donation, contact the Neighbors Who Care office at 480-895-7133.

If you want to play and are not certain how to sign up, contact Jenny Sanderson at Jenny@neighborswhocare.com. You will receive information about the specific contact person for the particular sport you wish to play.

Don’t want to play a sport? You can support the Play It Forward event and Neighbors Who Care, too. Just contact Neighbors Who Care and ask to make a contribution to support the Play It Forward event.