Neighbors Care Alliance
Bridging the Gap: The Southern Arizona Animal Food Bank Partners with Impact of Southern Arizona to Support Low-Income Seniors in Catalina By Perla Raygoza , Program Coordinator, Impact of Southern Arizona
Anchored at PCOA
impact of community support, one of our cherished clients shared their heartfelt gratitude for the assistance provided. “I’m so thankful for the meals and the food for my cats. I don’t know what I would do without it. My cat, Gracie thanks you too!” These words encapsulate the profound difference a simple act of kindness can make in the lives of individuals and their beloved companions. We have also been able to distribute pet food to more than 600 seniors across Pima and Pinal County in our food bank facility. The impact of this collaboration goes beyond simply providing food. For seniors living alone, pets are often their main source of social interaction and emotional support. Volunteers involved in the program not only deliver much needed supplies but also offer companionship and a listening ear, brightening the lives of those they serve. By supporting seniors in caring for their pets, the Animal Food Bank and Impact are indirectly promoting better physical and mental health outcomes for the entire community. The generosity of the Southern Arizona Animal Food Bank is made possible by the support of donors and volunteers who share a commitment to helping those in need. Through their dedication and compassion, they are making a tangible difference in the lives of low- income seniors and their pets, fostering a stronger, more inclusive community for all residents of Catalina, Oro Valley, and parts of Pinal County. As we celebrate this act of kindness, let us also reflect on the importance of supporting organizations like the Southern
In a heartwarming gesture of compassion and community support, the Southern Arizona Animal Food Bank has joined forces with Impact of Southern Arizona. Together they are making a profound difference by assisting low-income seniors who participate in our Homebound Senior Meal Delivery Program. Recognizing the vital role pets play in the lives of their owners, especially for those in vulnerable situations, the organization makes a significant contribution of pet food, ensuring that beloved animal companions are well cared for, even when resources are scarce. Thanks to Donna DeConcini, who is the Director of The Southern Arizona Animal Food Bank, for her generous donation of pet food to our seniors. Her kindness will make a significant difference in the lives of both the senior and their beloved companions. For many seniors, pets are more than just animals; they are cherished companions, providing love, companionship, and a sense of purpose. However, the financial burden of caring for a pet can be overwhelming, particularly for those living on fixed incomes. Through their partnership, they can provide regular deliveries of pet food directly to the doorsteps of those in need, ensuring that no senior must choose between feeding themselves or their beloved pets. In a heartwarming testament to the
Cody Cassidy IMPACT employee delivering cat food to our customer Wynona Sepulveda.
Arizona Animal Food Bank and Impact of Southern Arizona. By coming together to support our most vulnerable neighbors, we not only improve their quality of life but also strengthen the bonds that unite us as a community. With the positive impact of this partnership, the Animal Food Bank and Impact hope to inspire similar collaborations. Together, we can build a brighter future where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can experience the joy and companionship that comes from having a beloved pet by their side. Serving older adults with meal delivery and transportation in northwest Pima County (Oro Valley and Catalina), more information about Impact of Southern Arizona can be found at www.impactsoaz. org.
Page 32 | May/June 2024, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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