FUNERAL CONSUMERS ALLIANCE of Southern Arizona, Inc. How To Arrange for Funeral Services that are Dignified Meaningful Affordable Mailing: PO BOX 12661 Tucson, AZ 85732-2661 Physical: 7030 E Broadway Blvd Ste. 220 Tucson, AZ 85710 Hours: M-F 9:30a - 12:30p Phone: 520-721-0230 Fax: 520-296-9037 Email: [email protected] Website www.funerals.org/affiliates/tucson Protecting a consumer’s right to choose a dignified, meaningful and affordable funeral since 1961 March 2011 FUNERAL ADVICE YOU CAN TRUST The Funeral Consumers Alliance of Southern Arizona (FCA~SAZ) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization of area residents dedicated to helping our neighbors make funeral arrangements that are dignified, meaningful and affordable. We are committed to assisting individuals and families avoid the confusion, sales pressure and high expense often associated with cremation and burial arrangements. We achieve this goal through consumer education outreach, including group presentations, printed materials, personal consultations, local price surveys and membership benefits. We serve residents in Pima and surrounding Counties, usually within a one hundred mile radius of Tucson, AZ. Founded in 1961, the FCA-SAZ is one of more than 100 affiliates across the country, supported by the National Funeral Consumers Alliance. www.funerals.org We are staffed solely by volunteers and two paid part time employees. We have no attachment to the funeral industry or any religious group. Our membership is open to all. Simply put, we are a group of people who have learned about planning funerals through personal experience, and we would like to share our knowledge with you. Did You Know? Most individuals never share their funeral or burial wishes with their family members. FCA~SAZ members receive forms and instructions on how to communicate this information; sparing relatives from difficult, expensive decisions. The average cost of a “traditional” funeral in the U.S. is now over $7,000. FCA~SAZ members usually purchase simpler services for a fraction of the cost. Embalming and fancy caskets are not required for cremation or burial. FCA~SAZ members avoid unnecessary procedures and expenses by pre-planning. Your safety deposit box is a poor place to store your funeral instructions. FCA~SAZ members learn who to notify before the time of death. When a body is not displayed, memorial services can be held almost anywhere. FCA~SAZ members learn about various options, including community halls, churches, synagogues and parks. Page 2 HOW YOU BENEFIT… Objectivity- You get advice from knowledgeable volunteers who are not in the business of selling funeral services. Dignity- You learn about dignified alternatives to excessive funeral displays including natural after death care and natural burials. Confidence- You are able to choose services with full knowledge of your consumer rights. Knowledge- You become an educated consumer, receiving more for your funeral dollar while avoiding unnecessary expenses. Savings- You can take advantage of member-only pricing at our contracted funeral providers. Security- You enjoy the convenience of pre-planning without the risks of pre-payment. Peace of mind- You are given the opportunity to discuss an important topic with family or friends while you are still healthy. Caring- You leave behind a final gift. . . sparing your next-of-kin the stress of making difficult decisions during a time of grief. MEMBERS RECEIVE… H O W I T W O R K S… •Once you receive your membership kit, complete the • Funeral Planner Kit, including information and discount pricing on cremation and burial choices. • Optional Organ/body donation information forms. • Vital Statistics planning forms. • Membership wallet card. If you’ve chosen the contracted funeral home, you will receive the FCA discount in place at that time • Optional informative pamphlets. • Invitation to FCA~SAZ member events. •If death occurs out of town, contact the National FCA office toll free to find a nearby Alliance affiliate. • Directory listing over 100 Affiliates nationwide • Subscription to our Newsletters • Right to elect Board of Directors for FCA~SAZ • Peace of Mind planning form using the simple step-by-step instructions. Make copies of your personal planning form for your files, distribute to your likely survivors and send white copy to the FCA~SAZ office •Upon death, your relatives simply contact the chosen mortuary and pay for services directly. •If you move, your membership can usually be transferred to another FCA group for a nominal charge. We are one of over 100 affiliates nationwide Our National Office: FCA NATIONAL 1-800-765-0107 33 Patchen Road, South Burlington, VT 05403 www.funerals.org Page 3 Last revised March 2011 D I S C O U N T P R I C I N G T H AT C O M E S W IT H M E M B E R S H I P TO T H E F C A ~ S A Z FCA~SAZ contracts with a particular funeral home as well as a home funeral guide to provide the best service and price to our members. However, you are free to choose a funeral home or guide of your preference. We conduct a biennial price survey on all local funeral homes and that survey is available to members and non-members at any time by request. We also encourage you to request a General Price List (GPL) from any funeral home you are considering for your after death care. As part of the Funeral Rule enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, you have a right to price lists, price quotes by phone and the right to pick and choose goods and services you want and can afford. Contracted Funeral Home is: Adair Funeral Homes 1050 N. Dodge Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85716 (4 locations to serve you) Phone: (520) 326-4343 (24-7) Fax: (520)326-3591 Sweetgrass Ceremonies (Home Funeral Guide) Live. Love. Celebrate. Honor special passages in your life. Enter expressive and uplifting spaces provided within personalized ceremonies. Sweetgrass offers refreshingly customized ceremonies, where the sources of inspiration are your stories, beliefs and values. [email protected] or 520.609.8396 Pricing information available upon request or developed based upon your needs. FCA~SAZ members receive 10% off any general prices quoted. ADAIR DISCOUNT PRICING FOR FCA~SAZ MEMBERS: 1. Plan One: Direct Cremation: $760.00* Arrange for my body to be transported to the mortuary Procure the original death certificate signed by my physician, and a cremation permit. Take my body to the crematory (on premises) in a suitable cardboard container (or a $50 credit towards the purchase of a different crematable container) for cremation Provide suitable cardboard container for the cremated human remains (or a $50 credit towards the purchase of an urn other than temporary from Adair) Notify Social Security and provide Veterans Administration forms if needed 2. Plan Two: Direct Burial: $1225.00* Arrange for my body to be transported to the mortuary Procure the original death certificate signed by my physician and a burial permit Provide cloth covered casket for my body or $200.00 credit on a more expensive casket from our price list. Arrange a time convenient for the mortuary and cemetery to inter my remains Provide transportation of my remains to any of the local cemeteries Notify Social Security and provide Veterans Administration forms if needed 3. Plan Three: Economical Funeral: $1615.00* Arrange for my body to be transported to the mortuary Take care of my body and prepare it for possible viewing Procure the original death certificate signed by my physician and a burial permit Provide a cloth-covered casket for my body or $200.00 credit on a more expensive casket Allow the use of the mortuary chapel for a funeral service during normal business hours Provide a hearse to the cemetery Notify Social Security and provide Veterans Administration forms if needed Items not included in these plans: Use of mortuary chapel for a memorial service (except for Plan 3), Certified copies of death certificate, Flowers, clergy fees, obituary notices, Government fees and taxes. Cemetery expenses. The family may also arrange for a burial plot, vault, urn, niche, etc. *Basic prices quoted are good through May 3, 2012 OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM FOR NEW MEMBERS Please send me the planning forms, wallet card, and the latest newsletter. I have enclosed the initial Membership Fee of $40 (which is non-refundable) that covers an individual and spouse as well as children under 18 years of age. Annual renewal fee is only $10 per person. NAME(S):______________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________________________ CITY/STATE/ZIP: ______________________, _____ ______________ TEL:_________________ New Membership ($40):_______ OR Transferring from another FCA group?($10.00) _____ “Before I Go, You Should Know” Freezer packs ($12.00 ea.)________ Additional contribution________ Total enclosed $_______________ CHECK/M.O.________ CC: VISA___MC___AMEX___DISCOVER___ NAME ON CARD__________________________________________________ CARD # _____________________________________EXP____________CID:____________ This is not a pre-paid service. Services are paid for at time of need to your designated funeral home. Signature:_________________________________________ How did you hear about us?__________________________________________________________ See reverse side for additional options Mail this form with credit card #, check, or M.O. to: FCA/SAZ ~ P.O. Box 12661 ~ Tucson, AZ 85732-2661 Every adult American should have one in their freezer! What? You might ask. Surveys indicate that 85% of the public supports advance planning for end-of-life issues, yet only 20-25% have done anything about it. (And even if you have signed advance directives, does your family know where they are? This 20-page booklet," Before I Go, You Should Know”, comes in a freezer pouch, along with a magnet for the refrigerator door. In addition to setting out your funeral or memorial wishes, there are reminders for survivors to cancel your weekly hairdresser and your internet e-mail account...those “little” things you might have forgotten to tell someone about otherwise. But Most importantly, the pouch comes with your Arizona specific Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney. And if you are a person who travels a lot, you’ll find this a handy size to drop in your suitcase. The pamphlet “Death Away From Home” has vital information, including necessary phone numbers to call if you’re in a foreign country. There’s also a directory of funeral consumer groups that can help locate the most affordable US mortuary if you’re in an unfamiliar town. Order Yours Today for $12.00, including shipping and handling (Backside of membership application) Please send me the following brochures with my membership kit: A donation of .25 each helps cover printing costs Cremation Explained Common Funeral Myths Consumer Guide to Cemetery Purchases Death Away from Home Guide to Funeral Planning: Affordable Options How to File a Funeral or Cemetery Complaint How to Help Grieving People Organ and Body Donation: A Gift to Science Prepaying your Funeral: Benefits & Dangers Ten Tips for Saving Funeral Dollars Veteran’s Benefits Viewing vs. Visitation Recycle Your Medical Devices What You Should Know About Embalming Please send a copy of this brochure to: NAME: ADDRESS: VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ Invite an FCA~SAZ speaker to make a presentation Volunteer a few hours a week for office tasks. Serve on the Board (4 meetings a year) Treasurer (with computer skills) Price Survey Committee Legislative Watch Committee State Funeral Board Monitor Legal Consultant Newsletter Editor (with computer skills) Speakers Bureau (group presentations) Please check with your church or Civic group to schedule a speaker. We have a very upbeat presentation that lasts about 40 minutes including a Q & A period. Your help getting “the best kept secret in America” to the public is a wonderful contribution to friends and family. Call: 721-0230