Volunteer Spotlight: Sandra Givens
Robin Wilson
If you recognize Sandra Givens, it might be from her years as a regional HR manager or perhaps from the cover of one of her nine published novels. Since 2023, however, our clients know her best as the friendly face behind the wheel.
A Journey of Resilience
After years of Bay Area living, Sandra moved to Sun Lakes in 1993 with her beloved husband, Dennis. They shared 20 wonderful years of marriage before Dennis passed away 15 years ago. At the time, Sandra was still immersed in her HR career, and the loss required a profound adjustment to single life. Thankfully, she found strength in a community of amazing girlfriends here in Sun Lakes who supported her through the transition.
In 2011, when her company requested a relocation to Atlanta, Sandra knew it was the right time to stay put and retire. This decision opened the door to a new creative life. She traded corporate reports for storytelling, publishing her first book, Running Horse Ranch, in 2018. To date, she has published nine books, including her latest, At Long Last, Love all available on Amazon.
A Full-Circle Connection
Sandra’s journey with Neighbors Who Care is unique. Upon a neighbor’s recommendation she became a volunteer. Despite being a bit nervous at first, she jumped into our greatest area of need, helping us with transportations. But her journey didn’t end there, when Sandra needed a medical procedure she reached out and became a client.
“I feared becoming a client would be complicated,” Sandra admits, “but I discovered it was so quick and easy to get the help I needed.” The social worker at Neighbors Who Care sat down with Sandra to go over her medical issues, living situation and outside support. Once she was evaluated, she was made a client and that allowed her to get those needed service during her time of need.
Today, she is back to volunteering and finding immense reward in the gratitude of the clients she serves.
Finding the Joy
When she isn’t writing, volunteering for the HOA, or driving for NWC, Sandra is likely planning her next adventure. A prolific traveler, she has visited 22 countries—including a month-long trek through Africa. Whether traveling or serving her community, Sandra’s philosophy remains the same: “Look for the joy and find just a bit of it in each day.”
We are so grateful that Sandra shares some of that joy with our neighbors every week!
Are you looking for your next adventure? Maybe becoming a volunteer supporting your neighbors in need is the ticket! Please visit neighborswhocare.com to learn more about how you can give back in a positive and rewarding way.
2026 Play It Forward Fundraiser Surpasses 2025 Totals Raising $57,500!
Sheryl Keeme
For the fifth year in a row, IronOaks and the South Chandler/Sun Lakes community came out in record numbers to join friends for fun and play to raise dollars for Neighbors Who Care.
On March 28, Play It Forward, which began with tennis five years ago, has grown by adding pickleball, golf, and softball, in year’s past, and this year the newest activity to join was water aerobics. Instructor Heather Durrans got behind the event with a commitment to raise $1,000. Nearly 80 residents signed up for the class, many choosing to contribute more than the $20 hourly play rate.
Judy Gahide, event chair, recruited a formidable team of committee members in Lois Newman; Mike Amato; Molly Bergensen; Bernie Emery; Joann Zapatka; Mark Thesing, NWC’s Jenny Sanderson, Terri O’Herron, Sheryl Keeme, and Heather Durrans. BlueStar staff Michele Renahan and Joi Johnson, are among many who helped to promote the event.
Play It Forward is a gift to Neighbors Who Care that reaches beyond the dollars raised. PIF has raised awareness of the mission and the everlasting need for more generous residents to choose volunteering. We also attribute Play It Forward for informing community members of the rich menu of services we offer to sustain homebound seniors safely at home for up to five years longer.
Where does the money go?
* Resources like three full time and four part time staff, NWC technology systems to arrange and monitor more than 15 different offsite services for 600 clients.
* Homebound, vulnerable seniors numbering more than 100 receive delivered meals regardless of their ability to pay for them.
* Transport van costs for running four routes a week.
* Free aging information from vetted providers help neighbors make decisions and access services as they age.
* Support for up to 30 different volunteer services performed in the community.
* Case worker attention to 600 plus clients with daily changing needs as they age.
A remarkable $57,500 was raised to sustain Neighbors Who Care moving forward
Remember: You likely know someone personally who received one or more of our services.
Our Sponsors: A-1 Golf Carts, Amazing Dental, Blue Star, Bosa Donuts, Flagstar, Heart of Healing Hospice, Joelle Green, Kristi Kiernan State Farm, Probate Realty Help/Power Realty, RIS Medicare, Robson Reserve, Scheels, The Kolb Team,The Redeemed Team, The Young Team, Trial Sphere/Md First Research, Trust Bank.
NWC’s 300 volunteers drive 100,000 plus miles, deliver 9,000 plus meals, and perform hundreds of services annually. We thank chairperson Judith Gahide, IronOaks, the committee, and all of the volunteers and participants comprising the very generous community of Sun Lakes and south Chandler!