Faces of Kare: Volunteers Who Embody “Neighbors Helping Neighbors”

Kathy Koncel

The celebration of Kare Bears’ 30th year anniversary presents a meaningful opportunity to recognize both the volunteers who give so generously and the neighbors whose lives have been touched by their care. Built on the simple but powerful idea of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” Kare Bears has become a trusted and compassionate presence in PebbleCreek. In this third and final installment of our Faces of Kare series, PebbleCreek residents Kathy Pettit and Pat Engelmann share how Kare Bears has given them the opportunity to be of service and comfort to their community.

What brought you to PebbleCreek, and how did you hear about Kare Bears?

Pat: My husband and I moved to Arizona from Connecticut, first building a home in Fountain Hills, where we lived for nine years. Then, a professional colleague of mine invited us to his PebbleCreek home, telling us how much he and his wife loved the community. That visit led us to build a home in PebbleCreek, and we moved into it in October 2006. I learned about Kare Bears in the PebbleCreek Post. After retirement, I was very active in golf and exercise classes. But, after a bit, it was time to pull back on physical activities, so I redirected my newly available time and energy to volunteering at Kare Bears.

Kathy: My husband and I were looking for a part-time residence in the Phoenix area, as a get-away from our home in Minneapolis. Aside from maintenance-free living, golf was a priority for us. PebbleCreek and its Villas met our needs perfectly, and we made our decision the day after we visited the sales office. We began living seasonally at PebbleCreek in 2020 and became full-time residents in 2023. After becoming more immersed in the community and hearing about Kare Bears, I began volunteering in 2025.

What type of volunteer work you have done for Kare Bears?

Pat: I have been working with Kare Bears’ Health & Wellness programs for about three years. A part of that has been coordinating with other Kare Bear volunteers to help with registration and set-up for the various Health & Wellness clinics and fairs Kare Bears offers the community.

Kathy: I work at the Kare Bear house in their front office one day a week in-season, and as much as needed in summer months. I also help with Health & Wellness events. And, I also “spread the word” to others who aren’t aware of all the services Kare Bears provides.

What is most meaningful to you about being a Kare Bears volunteer?

Pat: Being involved in the important services that Kare Bears offers residents, such as the vaccine clinics, has been especially gratifying. I’ve met some great Kare Bears volunteers and have learned so much from them.

Kathy: I am thankful to be part of a community organization that helps neighbors take care of each other. Just yesterday a new resident stopped into the Kare Bears house to inquire about services, and I am pretty sure he’s going to become a volunteer himself!

Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Kare Bears brings together PebbleCreek resident volunteers to help neighbors in need with loans of home medical equipment, rides to medical appointments, and more. Kare Bears also promotes wellness across the broader PebbleCreek community through events and screenings.

To learn more about Kare Bears, including how to volunteer your time to help fulfill Kare Bears’ mission, visit karebears.org or call 623–536-1200.

Kare Bears News and Activities

Kathy Erlick, Kare Bears Communications Director

Fall is upon us, and soon the snowbirds will start to return to PebbleCreek. Activities at Kare Bears for September include:

* Share Bears Bingo is happening on Fridays at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It is held in the Eagle’s Nest Ballroom. No need to register. Check out karebears.org for more information.

* The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregivers Support Group is on Sept. 19 in the Tuscany Falls Sienna Room from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Please go to karebears.org for more information. No need to register, just show up.

Mark your calendar for next month’s activities:

* Vaccine Clinic will be held on Oct. 13, 14, 20, and 21. It will be held in the Eagle’s Nest Activity Center, Room 100. Registration opens on Sept. 12. To register for an appointment and get more information, go to karebears.org. On the home page, scroll to the bottom–right and see the activities in the Events section.

* Share Bears Bingo is every Friday.

* Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregivers Support Group is always the third Saturday of the month.

Kare Bears is open, with reduced hours, over the summer (Mondays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon). You can get more information on all the above via any of the following methods:

Visit: 15383 W. Cheery Lynn Rd., Goodyear, AZ 85395-8513

Call: 623–536-1200

Email: info@karebears.org

Website: karebears.org