Helping Hands of Vegas Valley
About Us
Empowering Seniors Across Nevada
Helping Hands of Vegas Valley is a dedicated non-profit organization that serves as a vital lifeline for seniors in North Las Vegas, Las Vegas, and rural Nevada communities. With a deep-rooted passion for enhancing the lives of older adults, our organization strives to bridge the often-challenging gap between independence and the natural aging process.
Our mission is to empower seniors to lead dignified lives with purpose, offering vital services to them and their families. We believe that every senior deserves to maintain their independence, quality of life, and sense of community connection, regardless of the challenges they may face.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower seniors to lead dignified lives with purpose, offering vital services to them and their families.
We believe that every senior deserves to maintain their independence, quality of life, and sense of community connection, regardless of the challenges they may face.
Our Impact
- Promoting independence and aging in place
- Reducing social isolation and improving mental health
- Easing the burden on family caregivers
- Ensuring access to essential resources and healthcare
- Fostering a sense of community and belonging among seniors
Get Involved
Our Team Members
At Helping Hands of Vegas Valley, we’re more than just a team—we’re a family dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our senior community. Each of us brings unique skills, experiences, and a shared passion for service, creating a dynamic and supportive environment where great ideas flourish.
Together, as Golden Ambassadors—employees, volunteers, and donors alike—we drive action to change lives and bring comfort, care, and joy to the seniors of North Las Vegas, Las Vegas and rural Nevada communities.
Marcia Blake
Executive Director
Nina Gallagher
Deputy Director
Ben Douglas
Director of Finance
Celia Chicas
Programs Support Specialist
Marina Gonzales
Director of Programs
Diana Jayne
Director of Monitoring & Evaluation
Cheri Castro
Director of Human Resources
Diamond Barrier
Marketing Specialist
Ireland Otto
Grant Writer
Whitney Hartley
Accounts Payable
Faye Johnson
Bookkeeper
Elena Perez
Lead Case Manager
Lidia Larios
Case Manager
Terrell Roberts
Case Manager
Tanasha Williams
Case Manager
Makahla Gallagher
Case Manager
Jenny Villanueva
Manager
Lexy Silva
Pantry Manager
Edgar Schafer
Warehouse Manager
David Jackson
Warehouse Coordinator
Karla Espitia
Pantry Coordinator
Cory Lutz
Manager
Alba Martinez
In-take Coordinator
Jessica
Melissa Ortega
Manager
Rodger Rubio
Maintenance Tech
Jesus Del Rio
Maintenance Tech
Liza Avila
Manager
Paulette Clay
Dispatcher & Scheduler
Joe Rono
Transportation Operations Manager
Mary Ellen Branigan
Driver
Raymond Pasamonte
Driver
Mitch Van Buren
Driver
Jeanine
Our History
Helping Hands of Vegas Valley began with a simple yet powerful idea: to support the seniors in our community with care and compassion. From a small group of volunteers, we’ve grown into a thriving organization that touches the lives of thousands. Through perseverance, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to our mission, we’ve expanded our programs and built a legacy of care. As we reflect on our journey, we’re grateful for everyone who has joined us along the way—and we’re excited for the future, knowing the best is yet to come.
2000
Helping Hands of Vegas Valley (HHOVV) was founded on June 16, 2000, with a mission to provide essential support and services to low-income, frail elderly adults aged 60 and older. Our commitment to helping seniors maintain their independence and enhance their daily living remains at the heart of everything we do. Today, we proudly offer five core programs, all provided at no cost to our clients.
2005
The donation of a Ford Econoline van equipped with a wheelchair lift in 2005 marked a significant milestone. For the first time, we could serve seniors with mobility challenges. To ensure safety and efficiency, we hired a dedicated driver/coordinator. We also expanded our Home Repair program by hiring our first part-time handyman to address minor home repairs.
2010
A fruitful partnership with Three Square began in 2010, launching the Senior Share pilot program. This initiative, now recognized as a best practice by Feeding America, has expanded to include more community partners. With support from Humana, other donors, and another RTC grant, we purchased a second gas-fueled 14-passenger bus and later replaced it with a more fuel-efficient 2010 Dodge Caravan.
2019
On January 1, 2019, HHOVV merged with our sister agency, James Seastrand Helping Hands of North Las Vegas. This strategic merger grew out of many successful collaborations between both agencies and the opportunity to reduce overhead while investing additional resources in direct services for our clients. The union has allowed us to serve the entire valley with at least one or more of our services.
2020
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for our services among seniors. Our staff united across all programs to strengthen each department and better serve our community. We launched Home Delivered Meals, providing meals directly to seniors’ doors, and created drive-thru grocery pickups and home grocery deliveries. Our volunteers ensured seniors could attend essential medical appointments, truly embodying the heart of our mission.
2024
We established a partnership with Gilcrease Orchards with funding through the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation to purchase fresh and local produce to enhance the health of our seniors in the valley.
Testimonials
Thank You Helping Hand of Vegas Valley. Thank You Marina & Melissa. For your kind Help of setting up The Ring Security Camera. And most of all thank you Marcia Blake for your superior job of operating a Non-Profit of Helping the Needy Senior families in times of hardship. God Bless.
Samuel G.
These are good people. They are so caring and helpful. I was weighing 74 lbs. when they first helped me and my husband who has cancer, to gain weight. We weren’t eating enough. Meals were difficult for me to make, and we couldn’t eat fast food. Lindsey and the other caseworkers there are so wonderful. They are understanding and empathetic. They care about us elderly and our nutrition. Mom’s Meals helps so many elderly folks. God bless you all.
Sandra R.
Am now once again getting transportation help from Helping Hands. This is a great service. When living in the NE part of the Valley I depended on them for many trips to medical offices.
One day left an office in North Nellis and a lady was standing there waiting for her ride. She had an oxygen tank…and was using a crutch. The Helping Hands van pulled up and she said, “My prayers have been answered” The driver was there to pick me up….and of course gave her the business card.
Hopefully they were able to add her to their very busy schedule. Transportation isn’t easy in Las Vegas but is improving and Helping Hands is a great resource.
They also have a food bank and other sources of help. I’m adding more comments now to my previous review. Hope that they receive all the funds necessary to continue their great work…and many businesses are donating to that work.
Eileen S.
Listen my friend, I am still thankful and appreciative of your kindness and professional attitude you displayed. I just wanted you to know that you put a real smile on my face today – Nina. Hope and faith are real. Have a great day. Prayers and blessings
Mr. Harris
Thank GOD for HIS “Helping Hand’s.”
Perfect timing.