Arizona Health Care Foundation

Established in 1997, The Arizona Health Care Foundation (AHCF) is a nonprofit organization made up entirely of volunteers. All funds raised are used to enhance the lives of assisted living and long term care residents and the professionals who care for them through two key programs: the Live a Dream Award for residents and the Scholarship Award that helps long term care staffers further their education.

The Live a Dream Award

The experiences and wisdom of our elders deserve both honor and respect. In some cases, life-long dreams go unfulfilled due to health challenges, lack of finances or unexpected life circumstances. The Live a Dream program, funded entirely through donations, provides monetary support and professional assistance to help each recipient reach a cherished dream. Past recipients include:

• “Edward.” Born in 1921, Edward once played for the State Senators baseball team in Phoenix and dreamed of attending an Arizona Diamondbacks game in-person. With help from the AHCF and the Diamondbacks, Edward – along with his son and granddaughter – attended a game. Edward has been smiling ever since!

• “Barbara.” Diagnosed with M.S. in her early 30’s, Barbara has been in long term care for several years. As a former model, image was important to her – but broken and missing teeth kept her from smiling. Through AHCF and generous support from a local dentist and her resident community, Barbara was fitted with dentures. Her self-confidence and outlook on life have been forever changed – and she, too, has been smiling since!

The Scholarship Award

Continuing education is the cornerstone of professional life for those who provide skilled nursing care and other long term care assistance. Yet, education costs can be prohibitive.

 AHCF awards scholarships to deserving professionals, allowing them to enhance their education and skills, and in turn provide a better life for those entrusted to their care.

Funds are also used to create innovative health care training programs.