Robin Wilson
If you recognize Sandra Givens, it might be from her years as a regional HR manager or perhaps from the cover of one of her nine published novels. Since 2023, however, our clients know her best as the friendly face behind the wheel.
A Journey of Resilience
After years of Bay Area living, Sandra moved to Sun Lakes in 1993 with her beloved husband, Dennis. They shared 20 wonderful years of marriage before Dennis passed away 15 years ago. At the time, Sandra was still immersed in her HR career, and the loss required a profound adjustment to single life. Thankfully, she found strength in a community of amazing girlfriends here in Sun Lakes who supported her through the transition.
In 2011, when her company requested a relocation to Atlanta, Sandra knew it was the right time to stay put and retire. This decision opened the door to a new creative life. She traded corporate reports for storytelling, publishing her first book, Running Horse Ranch, in 2018. To date, she has published nine books, including her latest, At Long Last, Love all available on Amazon.
A Full-Circle Connection
Sandra’s journey with Neighbors Who Care is unique. Upon a neighbor’s recommendation she became a volunteer. Despite being a bit nervous at first, she jumped into our greatest area of need, helping us with transportations. But her journey didn’t end there, when Sandra needed a medical procedure she reached out and became a client.
“I feared becoming a client would be complicated,” Sandra admits, “but I discovered it was so quick and easy to get the help I needed.” The social worker at Neighbors Who Care sat down with Sandra to go over her medical issues, living situation and outside support. Once she was evaluated, she was made a client and that allowed her to get those needed service during her time of need.
Today, she is back to volunteering and finding immense reward in the gratitude of the clients she serves.
Finding the Joy
When she isn’t writing, volunteering for the HOA, or driving for NWC, Sandra is likely planning her next adventure. A prolific traveler, she has visited 22 countries—including a month–long trek through Africa. Whether traveling or serving her community, Sandra’s philosophy remains the same: “Look for the joy and find just a bit of it in each day.”
We are so grateful that Sandra shares some of that joy with our neighbors every week!
Are you looking for your next adventure? Maybe becoming a volunteer supporting your neighbors in need is the ticket! Please visit neighborswhocare.com to learn more about how you can give back in a positive and rewarding way.