History of Friends

The dream for an organization like Friends In Deed occurred in 1971 when Jackie Wight envisioned loaning durable medical equipment for short term needs to people, providing for their transportation needs when no other options were available, and conducting blood pressure clinics.  

She gathered together 12 friends and Friends In Deed was born in her home. 

In 1971, the Lion's Club donated four pairs of crutches, a cane, two walkers and three wheelchairs to Friends in Deed which allowed the dream of loaning equipment to begin.  

In 1974 the need for more room was apparent so a villa was rented.  Friends in Deed began to outgrow the villa and in 1978 a room was offered at East Center. Again, needing more space, the group worked on raising money and by 1982 there were adequate funds to build onto the south end of the East Center.  

During that time,  then President Bettie Thayer started the Blood Pressure Clinic in 1983.  The Blood Pressure Clinic continues to this day offering blood pressure checks every Tuesday and Friday morning to the folks in Green Valley and the surrounding area.

By 1991, Friends in Deed had received enough donations (post card campaign) to build a new facility which was located on Continental Road, just west of La Canada.  The building was perfect and met all of the needs except parking.  There was just never enough.  The building was sold and is now occupied by Radiology LTD. 

In 1997 funds were raised (Estate Donation) to design and build our current location at 301 West Camino Casa Verde.  This building has allowed for additional services to be offered. The new location includes 3 spacious meeting rooms which are used free of charge by approximately 60 other non-profit groups in the area. The largest of the 3 rooms hosts our weekly Friday Social every Friday from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. This get-together offers friends and neighbors a chance to socialize and enjoy refreshments and entertainment, all at no charge.