Valley woman changing lives since 1994

MESA, AZ - Bev Tittle-Baker didn't start off in life enacting change but along the way it's estimated she has helped hundreds of thousands of people in the Valley.

"This was not intentional," Baker said laughing. "I was not an intentional change-maker here. A lot of people are struggling and they really don't know where to start, they don't know where to turn."

So in 1994, when Baker moved into her Mesa neighborhood, she knew she had to help.

"I soon found out I moved right into a gang territory with drive-bys," she said.

Baker said she started helping kids who were left without a mother and others were quick to respond.

"It's a lot of people from the community just willing to pitch in and that's how everything has happened over the years," she said.

It grew from backyard craft projects to a new building and a non-profit called '" Care Partnership ," which helps nearly 20,000 people every year.

"Health services, dental care, after school programs, emergency Santa shop, food bank," Baker said.

The list of what Baker has been doing for the past 17 years is too long for one story, but she credits everything to partnerships and volunteers.

And for all she gives she only asks for one thing in return:

"Help a church, a school," she said. "Help your neighbor."

Care Partnership is having a VIP Recognition Event honoring volunteers, partners and supporters on June 18th at 5 p.m. at the Casino Arizona Show Room, McKellips Road at the 101.