PHX Reporter

Banner Olive Branch Senior Center has been named the 2024 Organization of the Year by the city of Surprise Community Legend Awards Program. This award recognizes entities that have positively impacted the community, improved the lives of vulnerable residents, and connected them to programs enhancing their quality of life.

The recognition took place on Tuesday during the annual Interfaith and Golden Rule Community event in Surprise.

“We are incredibly honored to have been recognized as the city of Surprise Community Organization of the Year,” said Banner Olive Branch Director Jennifer Lawless. “This recognition means the world to our staff and volunteers, and we look forward to continuing to work with other non-profit, civic, business and faith leaders to enhance the lives of all residents in the northwest valley.”

In 2023, Banner Olive Branch Senior Center recorded over 73,000 visits and served more than 24,000 congregate meals. The center also made and delivered 200 home-delivered meals daily and had approximately 350 visitors use their free food pantry each day. Their benefits support program saved local seniors nearly $3 million last year. Additionally, they provide all meals for senior centers in Surprise and El Mirage.

“We live in a time when many people are living longer and retirement planning may change -- living on a fixed income can be extremely challenging for many in our community,” Lawless said. “In the city of Surprise our average client is over 80 years old, lives alone and makes less than $10,000 a year. We are so grateful that we can help those in our community who really need support. And we are so very grateful to live in a community that celebrates those who give back every day.”

Banner Olive Branch Senior Center has been serving Sun Cities and surrounding communities since 1988. The center offers various social and educational programs along with support services such as home-delivered meals, daily congregate meals, health and wellness classes, and a free food pantry program supported by Banner Health and community donations.

For more information about Banner Olive Branch Senior Center, visit bannerhealth.com/olivebranch.