Heart of AZCEND
Celebrating staff as they uphold our values.
Heart of AZCEND is a recognition program that celebrates staff members as they uphold our values. Staff, volunteers and supporters are invited to share those moments when they see a teammate living our values in action. It’s what makes AZCEND such a special place, and it’s what we do best!
AZCEND is built on five core principles:
INTEGRITY | Exemplifying honesty, trust and reliability.
COMPASSION | Providing support in an empathetic way.
DIGNITY | Treating everyone with honor and respect.
INCLUSIVITY | Embracing equity and fairness to provide equal access to all.
HOPE | Empowering each other to believe that there is a brighter future ahead.
Brenda Harrison
DIGNITY
June 2026
Brenda helps seniors transition safely from their activities at the Gilbert Senior Center to the building exit doors and waits with them until their ride arrives. In addition, she coordinates all of the volunteers at the Gilbert Senior Center with a positive attitude. Thank you, Brenda!
Jackie Cruz
HOPE
May 2026
Jackie gladly covers the front desk reception as needed in addition to her responsibilities in the Community Action Program. We are grateful for you, Jackie!
Guadalupe Reynoso Jimenez
INTEGRITY
May 2026
Lupe leads the staff at the Family Resource Center to deliver valuable programs and classes during a time of transition. Thank you, Lupe!
Jessie Mendivil
COMPASSION
April 2026
Jessie shows warmth and compassion as she delivers a lifeline of services to neighbors in need. We appreciate you, Jessie!
Edita Lekan
COMPASSION
April 2026
Edita extends a positive attitude, compassion and kindness to clients during in-take appointments and case management. She is an inspiration to her team. BRAVO, Edita!
Jill Bigelow
INCLUSIVITY
March 2026
Jill warmly welcomes new participants to the Chandler Senior Center. She identifies the resources they need and connects them to support. She introduces participants to one another making them feel welcome and included. Well done, Jill!
Laura Rahman
INTEGRITY
February 2026
Laura went above and beyond leading students in Giggles, Squiggles & Squirms to create unique, one-of-a-kind handcrafted coasters for each one of our guests at Eggs Benefit Breakfast. Thank you, Miss Laura!
Chloe Shillet
Integrity
February 2026
Chloe works extra hours in the kitchen performing her tasks with excellence while ensuring that the kitchen is clean. She is a pleasure to work with also!
Irene Leyva
HOPE
January 2026
Irene always offers encouragement to clients during tough times. She helps those in need giving additional resources for more help. She truly cares for her clients.
Chandler Fifield
INCLUSIVITY, INTEGRITY & HOPE
January 2026
Chandler goes the extra mile talking with clients to see all perspectives. He encourages guests in the I-HELP Emergency Shelter program to stay focused and keep going when they feel like giving up as they face hard times.
Stella Perez
INCLUSIVITY, INTEGRITY & HOPE
November 2025
Stella greets and welcomes all guests warmly. She also promotes consistent processes and procedures giving us hope for future growth and professional development.
Rhemy Montalvo
DIGNITY & HOPE
November 2025
Rhemy serves with excellence especially as she led the CAP team through Phase 1 of training.
About Heart of AZCEND
This program celebrates staff members as they uphold our values. Staff, volunteers and supporters are invited to share those moments when they see a teammate living our values in action. It’s what makes AZCEND such a special place, and it’s what we do best!