2008 Ageless Hero

Anita Van Boerum
Age: 72

Community Involvement:
Shows strength in commitment to a community and its individuals

For the past 23 years, Anita Van Boerum has managed the Manzanita Senior Center. Her ability to collect and utilize community resources for the center's operation is a source of constant wonder to the center's volunteers and clientele.

Ever sensitive to the changing needs of the individual seniors, she has the uncanny ability to spot subtle distress and compassionately address it. She finds the resources to ensure that the ill receive medical care, the malnourished receive food, and those needing transportation find rides. In essence, she weaves a gentle caring web around each individual.

Anita also volunteers at a homeless shelter and obtains books and clothing for low-income Phoenix children. She makes good things "happen;" inspiring all who know her.