It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic The McCroskey House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Chandler, AZ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“When I tell you their company name should be "Angel on Earth"- I really mean”
“We have been using ABC for almost a year and have been completely satisfied with”
“I have worked with for this company for 4 years and they are great people”
“Absolutely unbelievable care provided. If you or a family member need assistance don’t”
“Always Best Care provided in home personal care for my sister for seven years. Their”
“Always provided great care for my mom and Chelsea was amazing. Thank you!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services went above and beyond anything that we ever could have”
“My grandmother has received nothing but the best care and attention since starting services with”
“My grandmother has received nothing but the best care and attention since starting services with”
“My grandmother has received nothing but the best care and attention since starting services with”
“My grandmother has received nothing but the best care and attention since starting services with”
“My parents had nothing but good things to say about their caregiver. She was reliable,”
“Always Best is a great place to work. They treat their employees well and truly”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was top notch from the RN caseworker to the aides.”
“Marcy took time out of her day to answer all of my questions when I”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was top notch from the RN caseworker to the aides.”
“My parents had nothing but good things to say about their caregiver. She was reliable,”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was top notch from the RN caseworker to the aides.”
“Marcy and her team are genuinely caring and want the best for each individual they”
“Marcy took time out of her day to answer all of my questions when I”
“This is a great company! Highly recommend!”
“The care for my wife was wonderful for abut 9 months when I had to”
“Always best took excellent care of my mom. They made sure that whoever took”
“I recently had a situation with the wedding of my daughter that needed a caregiver.”
“Our family needed to get my disabled brother in an assisted living environment quickly as”
“When I tell you their company name should be "Angel on Earth"- I really mean it! I had spent several hours on a Friday calling numerous senior care agencies, but I made zero progress. Most were too expensive or couldn't accommodate my needs. Finally, around 5:30pm, one of the owners of "Always Best Care Senior Services" returned my call. She introduced herself and let me know she received my message & was returning my call. Her name was Marcy and from the moment she started talking, I knew I was in good hands. She asked me what I was looking for in a care giver & also shared what her company offered. I thanked her for calling me even though I knew she was probably done for the day, but she let me know she's on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. After I told Marcy what I needed for my mother & what we could afford, she asked if I ever considered a "group home" for my mother's care. She explained what it was and said she could even take me to visit a few she would recommend. We agreed to meet a few days later at one of the locations and I was impressed with what the home had to offer. I was more impressed that Marcy didn't know me and still went above and beyond my expectations! She took time from her day to take me to 2 different homes, she asked questions at each location to help let me decide and let me know that she has helped place people in both locations and she trusts both owners 100%. It really eased my mind & I was able to place my mother and know she was in good hands. If it weren't for Marcy, I would still be looking for someone to care for my mom. Even though I didn't use her agency, Marcy helped me find an alternative that we could afford & I'm forever grateful!”
“We have been using ABC for almost a year and have been completely satisfied with the service and quality of their staff. They have been flexible with schedule and always on time. We trust them to take my Mom to Dr appointments and grocery shopping. Marci, who is in charge is delightful and always personally comes to visit when introducing any new caretaker.”
“I have worked with for this company for 4 years and they are great people to work for. Marcy goes above and beyond for her clients and genuinely cares for her clients. Highly recommend if you need care for a loved one or if you are looking for a job as a caregiver.”
“Absolutely unbelievable care provided. If you or a family member need assistance don’t hesitate to contact Always Best Care. They do it right with superb care and compassion!”
“Always Best Care provided in home personal care for my sister for seven years. Their caregivers were skilled, professional and most importantly demonstrated genuine concern for my sister's well-being. They provided three shift coverage, covered vacations, and recruited new caregivers when required. The owner and office staff were delightful to work with. I would highly recommend them.”
“Always provided great care for my mom and Chelsea was amazing. Thank you!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services went above and beyond anything that we ever could have expected. Our 87-year-old mom was provided with kind, gentle care and attention by everyone who cared for her. Nobody expects to be in the situation of needing a caregiver. We are extremely grateful that Always Best Care was able to provide their services. If you are in need a caregiver and income assistance for yourself or a loved one needs in home caregiving, we highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“My grandmother has received nothing but the best care and attention since starting services with Always Best. This stuff can be a nightmare but the team here is simply the best and makes everything easy!”
“My grandmother has received nothing but the best care and attention since starting services with Always Best. This stuff can be a nightmare but the team here is simply the best and makes everything easy!”
“My grandmother has received nothing but the best care and attention since starting services with Always Best. This stuff can be a nightmare but the team here is simply the best and makes everything easy!”
“My grandmother has received nothing but the best care and attention since starting services with Always Best. This stuff can be a nightmare but the team here is simply the best and makes everything easy!”
“My parents had nothing but good things to say about their caregiver. She was reliable, kind, and caring and did a lot of extras that were very much appreciated. Thank you Always Best Care for all your help.”
“Always Best is a great place to work. They treat their employees well and truly care about their customers.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was top notch from the RN caseworker to the aides. We used them for our 90 year-old parents for some respite care.”
“Marcy took time out of her day to answer all of my questions when I has been turned down by others. She is a wealth of knowledge and displays a tremendous amount of passion in the work that she does. I would highly recommend her for support needed with yourself or your loved one, she definitely would take the time to ensure all of your concerns and questions are addressed.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was top notch from the RN caseworker to the aides. We used them for our 90 year-old parents for some respite care.”
“My parents had nothing but good things to say about their caregiver. She was reliable, kind, and caring and did a lot of extras that were very much appreciated. Thank you Always Best Care for all your help.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was top notch from the RN caseworker to the aides. We used them for our 90 year-old parents for some respite care.”
“Marcy and her team are genuinely caring and want the best for each individual they serve. Marcy has a breadth of knowledge, experience, and connections within the community to provide support in making decisions about care of our loved ones. I highly recommend ABS.”
“Marcy took time out of her day to answer all of my questions when I has been turned down by others. She is a wealth of knowledge and displays a tremendous amount of passion in the work that she does. I would highly recommend her for support needed with yourself or your loved one, she definitely would take the time to ensure all of your concerns and questions are addressed.”
“This is a great company! Highly recommend!”
“The care for my wife was wonderful for abut 9 months when I had to place her in a home for Alzheimer's patients. The care and concern for her well-being was at the top of their agenda! The staff that looked after my wife was very good! Should I need home care services again, Always Best Care would be at the top of my list!”
“Always best took excellent care of my mom. They made sure that whoever took care of her didn’t wear perfume and didn’t smoke. They also provided me with updates. Highly recommend”
“I recently had a situation with the wedding of my daughter that needed a caregiver. My daughter's father is disabled and needed extra assistance to look his best and get to the wedding. Always Best Care was there to help. They were understanding, professional and on time. Since then I have needed Always Best Care's services for my 93 year old Aunt. My Aunt has loved the friendly , cheerful company and the help has been priceless. Trust is a huge factor with having someone come into our home. I trust Always Best Care. They have done an excellent job with management , communication, and consistent high quality care.”
“Our family needed to get my disabled brother in an assisted living environment quickly as his care giver's health (our mother) was in decline. Always Best Care came to our rescue after finding out the needs and type of care needed to get our brother into a safe environment. We spent many hours looking and found the right place for him all in one day. Always Best Care also gave us resources to get additional financial help that my brother could qualified for. These amazing women helped us in a very stressful and emotional time when we were under extreme pressure and they made it as easy as possible considering the situation. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Desert Breeze Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar or visit The Edwards House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Chandler, AZ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Chandler, AZ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Chandler, AZ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
CHANDLER, Ariz. — Ryan Reeves, Airport Manager of Chandler Municipal Airport, has been named the 2025 Airport Executive of the Year by the Arizona Airports Association (AzAA). In addition to this prestigious honor, Reeves also was selected as the recipient of the AzAA’s 2025 President’s Award, recognizing his outstanding leadership and service to Arizona’s aviation community.“These awards reflect Ryan’s tireless dedication to ...
CHANDLER, Ariz. — Ryan Reeves, Airport Manager of Chandler Municipal Airport, has been named the 2025 Airport Executive of the Year by the Arizona Airports Association (AzAA). In addition to this prestigious honor, Reeves also was selected as the recipient of the AzAA’s 2025 President’s Award, recognizing his outstanding leadership and service to Arizona’s aviation community.
“These awards reflect Ryan’s tireless dedication to aviation excellence and community engagement,” said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. “His passion for aviation runs generations deep. Having the awards presented by his mentors and in front of his colleagues, made it extra special. On behalf of the City Council, we congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition and his leadership in advancing the success of Chandler Municipal Airport.”
Since becoming Airport Manager in 2022, Reeves has overseen key infrastructure improvements and prioritized long-term planning to enhance airport safety and future growth—all while remaining a good neighbor to surrounding neighborhoods and businesses in the Airpark Area. Reeves also is working with consultants to execute a community impact study and the development of a strategic business plan.
This past April, he worked with the Federal Aviation Administration and a research team who conducted flight tests with several different models of helicopters to test and create safety regulations that will impact all vertical takeoff and landing aircraft facilities nationwide.
Reeves and his small yet mighty team also are busy planning for the next Airport Day, a community event held at the airport scheduled for January 2026. He’s been instrumental in hosting public tours of the airport—a program that will resume after the summer months.
With 20+ years of experience, Reeves continues to play an active role in shaping aviation policy and mentoring future airport leaders through his involvement with AzAA and other professional organizations.
“Ryan is a consummate professional who not only manages one of the busiest general aviation airports in the nation, but also gives back to the aviation community in meaningful ways” said AzAA President Dave Reffner. “He’s highly deserving of both these awards.”
For more information about Chandler Municipal Airport, visit Chandler Airport.
Media contact:Stephanie RomeroPublic Information Officer, City of Chandler480-782-2231
CHANDLER, AZ (AZFamily) — A Chandler teenager is reaping the rewards of doing a good deed. He found a wallet and returned it to its owner, cash included.Now, Cody Chalmers is the cool kid on the block with a brand-new electric dirt bike. “I did not ever think this would happen,” the eighth-grader said.It was a gift from a stranger who wanted to pay it forward after hearing about Cody‘s good deed. “I’m really glad that I got this for actually helping someone else out,” said Cody....
CHANDLER, AZ (AZFamily) — A Chandler teenager is reaping the rewards of doing a good deed. He found a wallet and returned it to its owner, cash included.
Now, Cody Chalmers is the cool kid on the block with a brand-new electric dirt bike. “I did not ever think this would happen,” the eighth-grader said.
It was a gift from a stranger who wanted to pay it forward after hearing about Cody‘s good deed. “I’m really glad that I got this for actually helping someone else out,” said Cody.
At just 14 years old, Cody has shown he’s a person with integrity when faced with an ethical dilemma. Last Friday night, he was riding what’s now considered his old bike when he spotted a wallet in the street near Queen Creek Road and Arizona Avenue in Chandler. “I thought that someone would feel really bad if they lost it, so I was like, I better return this,” he said.
So Cody called his mom and sent her a photo of a woman’s ID that he found in the wallet. He searched on social media and public records websites and tracked down her phone number. “She said that she lost it around 30 minutes before I found it and she was really glad that someone like me found it and that it didn’t get stolen,” said Cody.
In addition to the driver’s license, the wallet’s owner said there were credit cards, health insurance cards, and about $300 in cash inside. Cody‘s mom, Carrie Strecker, is impressed he didn’t take the money.
He’s been saving up for an off-road e-bike for months. And the one he’s had his eye on comes with a nearly $4,000 price tag. She posted in a Facebook group about how proud she is of her son.
“It seemed impossible. An impossible save for him, but he’s been trying so hard so I mentioned in my post that here was this opportunity for him to be able to get what he’s been trying so hard to save for and he could have just walked away with it and nobody really would have known any different and it didn’t even occur to him,” said Strecker.
That inspired a neighbor they don’t know to reward Cody. “He was like, ‘Your motivation and like integrity would get you far in life so that’s why I bought you this,’” said Chalmers, showing off his new e-bike.
And get this: the store where he got it is called “Integrity E-bikes.”
Cody said he knew how to handle the situation because he saw how stressful it was for his dad when someone stole his wallet years ago. “It kind of taught me how bad it is to like take someone’s money, like because their wallet is basically their life,” said Cody.
He hopes other teens learn from his experience that taking the high road is always the right call. “Do the right thing and you will get good things back,” said Cody.
And he has a simple message for his parents who lead by example. “Well, thank you, Dad, for teaching me to return things and Mom,” said Cody with a smile.
Strecker felt it was important to highlight her son’s actions because of all the teen violence we’ve seen lately in the East Valley. She wants people to know there are plenty of good kids out there.
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HOLIDAYSArizona RepublicJuneteenth commemorates the abolition of slavery in the United States.The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 declared that enslaved persons in Confederate states were to be freed. But that news did not travel fast.It wasn't until June 19, 1865, that U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 informing Texas residents that slavery was no longer legal and all enslaved people were now free.President Joe Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021.But even bef...
HOLIDAYS
Arizona Republic
Juneteenth commemorates the abolition of slavery in the United States.
The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 declared that enslaved persons in Confederate states were to be freed. But that news did not travel fast.
It wasn't until June 19, 1865, that U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 informing Texas residents that slavery was no longer legal and all enslaved people were now free.
President Joe Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021.
But even before that, Juneteenth commemorations have been happening across the country and throughout Arizona to celebrate Black history, culture, achievements and excellence.
Here's what to know about Juneteenth 2025 in Arizona and where to celebrate.
Yes, Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States.
On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden made Juneteenth the 11th American federal holiday.
Yes, Juneteenth is always on June 19.
The Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863 but didn't immediately take effect in places still under Confederate control, including Texas.
On June 19, 1865, 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, to announce that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas were free. The name Juneteenth arose from that.
According to Juneteenth.com, some of the earliest commemorations of Juneteenth involved prayer, family gatherings and pilgrimages to Galveston by former slaves and their descendants.
Quilts have a long history of telling stories, preserving traditions and symbolizing freedom. In honor of that heritage, the Tempe Public Library will host a Juneteenth program at which attendees will design paper quilt squares to be combined into a display inspired by historical quilt patterns and their meanings.
Details: 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, June 18. Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Road. Free. tempepubliclibrary.com.
The Arizona Heritage Center Tempe will host a Juneteenth celebration with discussions, storytelling, performances and two afternoon genealogy workshops. Refreshments will be available.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 21. Arizona Heritage Center, 1300 N. College Ave., Tempe. Free. arizonahistoricalsociety.org.
The African-American Advisory Committee will present the annual Juneteenth Celebration at the Tempe History Museum. This free, family-friendly event will have activities, performances, vendors, story time, police and fire vehicles, food trucks and more.
Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave., Tempe. Free. tempe.gov.
Celebrate freedom, community and culture at the Goodyear Recreation Campus. There will be speeches, live performances and activities along with local businesses and food vendors. Outdoor activities begin at 5 p.m.; indoor activities begin at 6 p.m.
Details: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Goodyear Recreation Campus, 420 Estrella Parkway. Free. goodyearaz.gov.
Chandler Freedom Week presents Culture Music in the Park with Vaughn Willis & Ear Candy, hosted by the newly crowned Ms. Juneteenth. Attendees can eat barbecue and soul food from Kravins Food Truck, cool off with OMG Shaved Ice and enjoy a free photo booth.
Details: 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. chandleraz.gov.
Celebrate Juneteenth at historical Eastlake Park with entertainment by DJ Rampage, the School of Hip Hop and more. Scholarship awards and a history of Juneteenth will be presented on the indoor stage.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Eastlake Park, 1549 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix. Free. azifoundation.wixsite.com.
The downtown Tempe bock party, emceed by Teri Tobin, will have a spoken word performance from Urban Poet and DJ Panic. DJ AKSHEN will spin tunes all night. Furious Styles Crew will hit the dance floor for some 1 v. 1 dance battles and SouthWest Steppaz will put a fresh take on classic line dancing. There will be food and beverage vendors too.
Details: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Centerpoint Plaza, 660-740 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. Free. downtowntempe.com.
Meredith G. White covers entertainment, art and culture for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. She writes the latest news about video games, television and best things to do in metro Phoenix.
Wilde Wealth Insurance Services, a family-owned business launched by Southeast Valley business leader and resident Taylor Whatcott in 2022, announced the opening of its official headquarters in Chandler. Located at 3200 W. Ray Road, Ste. 101, the move is to accommodate both its team’s Southeast Valley roots as well as its expansion since its founding just three years ago.LOCAL NEWS: 100...
Wilde Wealth Insurance Services, a family-owned business launched by Southeast Valley business leader and resident Taylor Whatcott in 2022, announced the opening of its official headquarters in Chandler. Located at 3200 W. Ray Road, Ste. 101, the move is to accommodate both its team’s Southeast Valley roots as well as its expansion since its founding just three years ago.
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“Our focus as a full-service independent Insurance brokerage is business insurance, personal insurance as well as life and disability insurance.” said Taylor Whatcott, president of Wilde Wealth Insurance Services.
Since founding the firm in 2022, Whatcott – who leads the firm and oversees all client engagements – has grown the team from just himself to 15 team members, with eyes to expand further by year’s end. Whatcott is supported by vice president and partner Zac Sorel, who joined the Wilde Wealth Insurance Services in 2023 and is a veteran of Federated Insurance and Ernst & Young, as well as Trevor Wilde, MBA, AIF®, founder and CEO of sister firm Wilde Wealth Management Group, which is an award-winning financial services firm that provides comprehensive retirement, investment, real estate, legal and tax planning services all under one roof through in-house partners and local affiliated firms. In recent weeks, Wilde was honored by being named to Forbes’ 2025 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list. Only 175 advisors from across Arizona were named to the prestigious list, with Wilde being named the No. 1 overall advisor statewide. This is his fifth year in a row being named among the top three advisors in Arizona. Wilde also earned recognition at the national level, ranking among the Forbes “America’s Top 250 Wealth Advisors” for 2025 as well.
“Our team not only has strong leadership, but now a strong bench,” said Whatcott. “We are working to build Arizona’s premier insurance agency.”
Prior to founding Wilde Wealth Insurance Services, Whatcott worked in commercial insurance for Federated Insurance, including for several years as a marketing representative and a district manager. Known for his personal approach to helping clients, Whatcott earned several awards for his work, including being among the top producers within Federated Insurance multiple years.
“My goal has always been, and will continue to be, taking genuine care of people,” says Whatcott. “We see our role in the community as helping protect individuals’ and businesses’ hard-earned work as well as their families for generations. We do this by educating individuals and businesses so they can make the best decisions for themselves, their teams, and their families.”
An Arizona and Gilbert native, Whatcott graduated from Highland High School in Gilbert. After serving a two-year volunteer mission in Nicaragua, he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northern Arizona University.
Today, Whatcott lives in the Southeast Valley with his wife and three children.
For more information, visit www.wildewealthinsurance.com.
480-656-8393
