Our Mission
Encore Field Trips
Our Mission
The mission of Encore is to support organizations and activities that enhance the lives of the senior population in Fountain Hills in the areas of health, recreation, and education, by providing funding and other support services. These include Bingo, Encore Field Trips, Speaker Programs, Home Delivered Meals, Give-A-Lift, and the Durable Medical Equipment Loaning Program.
Bingo
Encore Field Trips
Our Mission
Bingo has become one of Encore's most successful and consistently attended programs. Much of this can be attributed to the dedicated team of volunteers led by Encore board member Joanna Herman. Bingo is held every Tuesday at the Fountain Hills Community Center. Card sales begin at 11:30 am and close at 1:00 pm. Minimum admission is only $8.00 for two hours of fun. Daubers are available for $2.00 or you can bring your own.
Encore Field Trips
Encore Field Trips
Encore Field Trips is another Encore sponsored program that is beloved by our senior community and selling out on a consistent basis. Coordinated by board member Rose Gonsoulin, in conjunction with the Community Center Staff, Encore Field Trips currently offers three to four day trips throughout the winter season. For a small fee, participants are provided a fun outing to venues throughout the Valley, including transportation, lunch and venue entry.
Speaker Programs
Yet another Encore program that is gaining interest in the community is the Speaker Programs, coordinated by Encore board member Mary Burritt. Working with the AZ Humanities Organization, Mary schedules speakers from their roster, as well as other local presenters, who have local and historical interest in Arizona and the southwest.
Home Delivered Meals
Home Delivered Meals
The program that was the foundation of Senior Services and Encore continues 30 years of service to the community, providing meals for homebound seniors, those needing temporary assistance following surgery or therapy, or those in need. For a nominal fee, this program consistently provides meals for 100 plus Fountain Hills residents every week.
Give-A-Lift
Home Delivered Meals
Encore helps to fund and support the Give-A-Lift Program, in coordination with the Town of Fountain Hills. Volunteer drivers provide transportation to medical appointments for qualifying individuals within the town boundaries. Approximately 25 rides are being provided monthly. Volunteers for this program are always needed. If you are hesitant about committing, no worries, as scheduling is based on your availability!
Durable Medical Equipment Loan Program
Encore Serves and Thrives Because of Our Volunteers!
Encore Serves and Thrives Because of Our Volunteers!
Encore has been supporting this program for almost 30 years, originally under the name of Senior Services when the fledgling organization shared space in the Kiwanis Building and stored medical equipment in the garage. Fast forward to 2020 when Encore For More purchased the shed that currently stores crutches, wheelchairs, canes, walkers, knee scooters, etc. on Community Center property and lends the equipment at no cost to our residents.
Encore Serves and Thrives Because of Our Volunteers!
Encore Serves and Thrives Because of Our Volunteers!
Encore Serves and Thrives Because of Our Volunteers!
All of these programs work and thrive thanks to the efforts of our volunteers. Whether it's serving on the Encore Board, becoming part of the Bingo Team, delivering Home Delivered Meals or Giving Lifts to citizens needing to see their doctors, volunteers are essential.
If you are interested in either the Home Delivered Meals or Give-a-Lift programs, call the Community Center Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, at 480-816-5200.
For more information on becoming part of the Encore Team click on the link below.
Encore Volunteers Key To Accomplishing Mission Goals
Encore Volunteers Celebrated
The Encore Board hosted a thank you get together for their volunteers who support their programs and activities including Bingo, the Speakers Bureau, New Adventures, social media, marketing, grant writing, Fountain Community Foundation support and the Community Center staff as well.
Volunteers Officially Thanked
Encore President Gail Pape welcomed attendees and recognized the variety of ways that they contribute to Encore and support the recent growth and success of their programs.
The Fortune Cookie Challenge
A number of fortune cookies with Encore "fortunes" were placed in the center of each table. Gail urged the seated guests to help themselves because two "You're A Winner" cookies were in the mix. Winning fortunes received gift cards to the newly remodeled Bistro at Fountainview Village. The lucky winners pictured at the left include: front row l to rt Jennifer Lyons (Community Center), Kathleen Kurty (Community Center), Candy Preban (Community Center), Marta Ludwig (Bingo). Back row l to rt Jill Haislip (Board), Judy Glock (TLC), Suzi Denny (Bingo) and Anita Glenister (Hospitality).
Attendees ~ Community Center
The Community Staff provides significant support of Encore's mission to enhance the senior experience of Fountain Hills residents. Back row l to rt: Jennifer Lyons (CC Manager),Renee Stevenson (CC Assist), Kim Wickland (CC Vol Coordinator): front row l to rt: Candy Preban (CC Assist), Joann Sabath (CC Assisst), Nita Blose (Home Delivered Meals).
Attendees ~ Bingo
Bingo attendance has nearly doubled over the last 6 months in large part thanks to Board member/Coordinator Joanna Hernan and her loyal, smiling, can do volunteers that truly enhance the "enjoyability factor" of Tuesday Bingo at the Community Center. Three of those volunteers are pictured, left to right: Joan Prather, Jan McNally and Betty Koeller.
Attendees ~ Bingo
Pictured at left are Encore Board member/Bingo Coordinator Joanna Hernan and one of her "right hand people" Suzy Denny, seated to her left. Joanna is holding one of the "thank you" boxes placed at each seat that contained special heart chocolates from Chocofin and unique ceramic hearts created by former Encore Board member Dana Thornton.
And Nothing Says "Thank You" Like Food!
Attendees enjoyed a mid-afternoon break of various Charcuterie Boards and treats for the palate including a delicious cake prepared by the culinary talents of the Fountainview Village kitchen that said it all.
Volunteers not only play a vital role in the Encore organization but in our community as a whole.
Volunteers truly lift hearts in so many ways through their service, support and sometimes just their smiles.
A special thank you to Encore Board member and TLC Volunteer Cathay Fischer for catching the candid table photos as well as the cake before it was cut!