AIRES LLC

AIRES celebrated the retirement of Cathy, who has been a very special part of the AIRES family for the past 26 years.

Over the years, she held several different roles with AIRES, bringing her dedication and compassion to each one. She has always been known for making people feel appreciated and for taking the time to know the people around her—not just their names, but their stories. Families, staff, and administrators came together to celebrate her retirement, and it was clear just how much she has meant to so many people. There were smiles, hugs, stories, and plenty of gratitude for the years she has given to AIRES. Seeing her greet each person with that same warmth and compassion was a beautiful reminder of the difference she has made.

She has also been an incredible representative of AIRES in our community, reflecting the heart and values of our organization in the way she interacts with the people we support.

We are incredibly grateful for her 26 years of dedication, compassion, and service to AIRES. We will miss seeing her, but we are so happy to celebrate this next chapter with her.

Thank you for everything, and congratulations on your retirement!

At AIRES, we believe independence is about more than doing everything on your own. It is about empowerment—having the opportunity to make choices, develop skills, try new things, and have a meaningful voice in your own life.

Independence looks different for everyone. It might mean learning to prepare a meal, choosing how to spend the day, navigating the community, pursuing employment, building relationships, or making decisions about where and how to live. We respect that each person’s goals, choices, and definition of independence are unique.

Our role is to provide the support, encouragement, and opportunities that help each person work toward their own goals, not to decide what independence should look like for them. With mutual respect, we listen, honor individual choices, and work alongside each person as a partner. Through teaching, we help build skills and confidence. With passion, we celebrate progress and encourage people to keep trying, growing, and discovering what they can do. We take accountability for the trust placed in us and do our best to follow through on the support we provide.

Most importantly, we bring a “Yes, we can” attitude—believing in each person’s potential, finding solutions, and supporting people as they learn, grow, and become more self-directed.

We believe every person deserves the opportunity to discover what is possible for them—and the right support to help them get there.

In August, we celebrated the two winning homes from our Prescott team's annual Recycle Robots Contest with a fun night of bowling!

The photos say it all— it no doubt was a night of laughter, friendly competition, and time spent together. Congratulations to our winning homes!

Summer Fun at AIRES!

🍿 Popcorn? Check.
🍧 Sno-cones? Check.
🎪 Cotton candy? Check.
🍰 Pie throwing and a dunk tank? Absolutely!

One of our districts recently hosted a summer carnival, and it looks like everyone had an amazing time! The people we support enjoyed games, treats, and plenty of laughs—and our staff were right there in the middle of it all. Staff volunteered to run games, get dunked, and even let the people we support throw pies at them!

We love seeing our teams create opportunities for the people we support to get together, enjoy their community, try new things, and make memories.

And to the staff who volunteered to get covered in pie or take a turn in the dunk tank…you deserve a special shout out for that one! Thank you to everyone who helped make this such a fun day!

About AIRES: Our Mission

At AIRES, our mission is centered on supporting individuals to live meaningful, independent, and fulfilling lives.

We provide person-centered services that are built around each individual’s unique strengths, preferences, and goals. This means taking the time to listen, understand, and create support plans that truly reflect what matters most to the people we serve.
Our teams work every day to promote independence, encourage choice, and create opportunities for individuals to actively participate in their communities. Whether through daily living support, community engagement, or skill development, our focus remains the same—empowering each person to live a life that is their own.

We are proud of the work our staff does to bring compassion, professionalism, and dedication to every interaction.
Because at AIRES, it’s not just about services—it’s about people, purpose, and possibility.

Employee Spotlight: Mark – 30+ Years of Service and Dedication

This month, we’re proud to highlight Mark, who works at our DTA in Tucson and has been a valued member of our team since 1994. For over three decades, Mark has embodied what it means to serve with compassion, patience, and purpose.

We asked Mark a few questions about his experience and what keeps him motivated:

What inspired you to work in this field, and what keeps you here?
“I have always wanted to help people and I enjoy serving our clients because their needs are very much like other people including my own. I stay here because I like helping our members be the best they can be, and feel they matter, because they do.”

Can you share a moment that reminded you why this work matters?
“When I walk into my day program, I am overwhelmed by the group’s greetings, hellos, and welcoming me into their space. I am able to connect with each person there. I feel loved.”

What skills matter most in this type of work?
“You need to think outside the box and put yourself into the members’ world which is much different than your own.
You need to be a good listener, be perceptive, and have a compassionate heart. You need patience and kindness and grace and you must never forget you are there to serve them first and to help them reach their potential.”

Mark’s words reflect the heart of our mission: connection, dignity, and supporting every individual to reach their full potential.

Thank you, Mark, for your dedication, your heart, and your 30+ years of service.

Soaking up sunshine and smiles!

The Tucson and Sierra Vista teams planned a special trip to the lake, creating an opportunity for the people we support to enjoy fresh air, laughter, and great company.

At AIRES, we believe in empowering individuals to explore new experiences, build connections, and enjoy life to the fullest. Moments like these reflect our commitment to person-centered services, dignity of risk, and making a positive impact—one meaningful experience at a time.

Special shoutout to everyone involved in making this such a meaningful and enjoyable experience!

Our Phoenix team kicked off the season with a fun BBQ for the people we support, their families, and staff! It was a great day filled with good food, laughter, and time spent together.

Thank you to everyone who helped organize, cook, and make this event so enjoyable. We’re grateful for such an amazing team and community!

Thank you to the AIRES’ Office Coordinators. Their work keeps our local offices running smoothly and supports our teams in delivering quality, person-centered services.

We appreciate how you balance local needs while staying connected to our statewide team—your organization, reliability, and support make a meaningful difference every day.

Thank you for all you do for our team and the people we serve.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

It’s a great time to check in on our driving habits. Small choices—like putting your phone away or pulling over if needed—can make a big difference. Even quick distractions can take your focus off the road.

If you drive as part of your role, remember to do a quick vehicle check, make sure everyone is safely secured, and stay focused while driving. Always ensure individuals arrive safely, are never left unattended, and do a final check before leaving the vehicle.

Safe driving helps protect everyone—every trip, every day.