People Who Care is made up of community leaders who devote their energy and time into what they love to do, help Neighbors. Our staff and board are committed to making what can be difficult tasks, easy. We appreciate all our volunteers and board members who take time out of their own lives to make the lives of others better, happier and meaningful.
Meet Our Staff
About Our Executive Director
Cj Meldahl joined People Who Care in May of 2019 as Development Director and was promoted to Executive Director on January 1, 2020. Cj embraced the mission of People Who Care and is devoted to both our volunteers and the client “Neighbors” we assist. An advocate of healthy and vital aging, Cj served as a volunteer on the committee that created Minnesota’s 2010 and 2013 plans to address transportation and smart homes to enable people to age in place, and community shopping to address food deserts.
Cj retired from the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health Division of Epidemiology where she worked in Clinical Research for eleven years. Two of the larger studies she was involved in were the Minnesota Heart Study and the ARIC Study, which was an atherosclerosis longitudinal study lasting more than 30 years. The ARIC Study expanded into vision, hearing, and cognitive studies in which Cj was closely involved.
Cj majored in communications and psychology at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She received her graduate degree in aging and gerontology from the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health.
Cj Meldahl joined People Who Care in May of 2019 as Development Director and was promoted to Executive Director on January 1, 2020. Cj embraced the mission of People Who Care and is devoted to both our volunteers and the client “Neighbors” we assist. An advocate of healthy and vital aging, Cj served as a volunteer on the committee that created Minnesota’s 2010 and 2013 plans to address transportation and smart homes to enable people to age in place, and community shopping to address food deserts.
Cj retired from the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health Division of Epidemiology where she worked in Clinical Research for eleven years. Two of the larger studies she was involved in were the Minnesota Heart Study and the ARIC Study, which was an atherosclerosis longitudinal study lasting more than 30 years. The ARIC Study expanded into vision, hearing, and cognitive studies in which Cj was closely involved.
Cj majored in communications and psychology at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She received her graduate degree in aging and gerontology from the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health.
People Who Care | , Prescott, AZ |
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Your Donation Changes Lives.
We work hard to support our Neighbors who cannot drive due to physical limitations and assist them in remaining independent in their own homes.
Your donation is an act of kindness and generosity that truly makes a difference.
Together, we can improve our Neighbors’ access to healthcare, food, and other essentials – and replace loneliness and isolation with meaningful connections.
What Our Staff Does Every Day
Behind every ride, phone call and helping hand is a small team that keeps People Who Care running smoothly. Our staff members answer questions from Neighbors and their families, match requests with volunteers, and make sure each person we serve feels heard and respected. The work is often quiet and practical, but it is the foundation that allows a Neighbor to stay in the home they love.
Just as important, staff members support the volunteers who give their time. They provide guidance, answer questions, and say thank you often. A volunteer who feels prepared and appreciated is a volunteer who keeps coming back, and that consistency matters greatly to the people who depend on us.
- Receiving and coordinating requests for help from Neighbors
- Matching each request with a caring, available volunteer
- Welcoming, orienting and supporting new volunteers
- Working with the board to plan programs and manage resources
- Building partnerships with other organizations in our community
How Neighbors Are Served
Many of the people we help can no longer drive because of physical limitations. Without a ride, a simple errand can become a major obstacle, and a missed appointment or an empty refrigerator can quickly turn into a larger problem. Our staff works to make these tasks easy again, so that Neighbors do not have to ask a stranger or go without.
When a Neighbor contacts us, a staff member listens first. We want to understand what is needed, how often, and what would make the experience comfortable. From there, we connect the Neighbor with a volunteer who can help, whether the need is a ride to a medical visit, a trip to the grocery store, or another everyday essential.
Our goal is always the same: to help people remain independent in their own homes, with dignity and with friendly company along the way.
The Role of Our Board and Volunteers
People Who Care is guided by a board of community leaders who give their time because they believe in the mission. They help set direction, oversee our finances, and make sure the organization stays true to its purpose. Board members, staff and volunteers work as one team, each contributing in a different way.
Our volunteers are the heart of the organization. They are neighbors helping neighbors, and many tell us they receive as much as they give. A short drive or an hour of conversation can brighten two lives at once, and the friendships that grow from these moments are among the best things we do.
Small acts of kindness, repeated day after day, change what it means to grow older in a community.
Why Healthy Aging Matters to Us
Our Executive Director has spent years studying and advocating for healthy and vital aging, and that perspective shapes how we work. Research shows that access to healthcare, nutritious food and social connection all influence how well people live as they age. When any one of these is missing, health and happiness can suffer.
Transportation is often the key that unlocks the rest. A reliable ride means a Neighbor can reach a doctor, shop for fresh food and visit with friends. Loneliness and isolation are serious concerns for older adults, and a friendly face at the door can make a real difference.
That is why we focus on the whole person, not just the errand. Every trip is also a chance to check in, share a smile and remind someone that they are valued.
Get to Know Us and Get Involved
We invite you to learn more about the people behind People Who Care. Whether you are a Neighbor who could use a hand, a family member looking for support for a loved one, or someone who would like to give a little time, we would be glad to hear from you. You can reach us at the Prescott office using the details above.
There are many ways to help, and you do not need special experience to make a difference. Here are a few ideas:
- Volunteer to provide rides or assist with errands
- Make a donation to support our Neighbors
- Spread the word to friends, family and local groups
- Subscribe to stay informed about our work
To see what is happening around the organization, visit our Announcements page for the latest news and updates.