Upward for Children and Families Receives a Grant from Thunderbirds Charities

Thunderbirds Charities has graciously awarded Upward for Children and Families with a $40,000 grant to support the Thunderbirds Charities Child Care Center. This grant will be used to continue to provide an inclusive learning environment to support both children and their families. “I want to express sincere gratitude for your $40,000 grant for the Thunderbirds Charities Childcare Center. Your trust and support mean everything to us as it allows us to provide quality childcare for our community,” said Madeline Goodman Director of Educational Programs. Upward is unique in the environment we provide for children both with and without disabilities, ensuring we bring hope and joy to the children we serve. For over 50 years, UPWARD has been dedicated to a simple yet powerful purpose. To see past a child’s disability, recognize their unique abilities, and do everything in our power to ensure these children and their families thrive—through education, therapy and loving care. Due to a passionate commitment to this calling, Upward is many of the Valley school districts’ primary provider of special education, therapy and childcare for children with severe disabilities. To best serve our families, we offer an inclusive childcare center for children ages infancy through preschool.  Upward […] More
 

Meals of Joy Awarded 20K From Thunderbirds Charities

Litchfield Park, Ariz.– Meals of Joy, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing ready-to-eat meals to seniors in need, has received $20 thousand from Thunderbirds Charities to support Meals Of Joy’s efforts to provide no cost meals.The primary goal is to feed food-insecure seniors living independently in the West Valley with freshly-made, nutritious meals. Unfortunately, there are more seniors in need than funding available to provide meals at no or low cost. Seniors live on a fixed income, and many face impossible choices between food and shelter or medical care. Often, they are simply physically unable to make food for themselves. A recent study by Feeding America found that 5.2 million Americans over 60 are food insecure.When the fiscal year began this past July, more than 50 requests for no cost meals had already been received. Inflation has hit everyone hard, particularly vulnerable seniors. For every $5,000 received, Meals of Joy can supply 350 meals to 20 food-insecure seniors in the West Valley. With the generous funding from Thunderbird Charities, more than 1,400 hot and ready-to-eat meals will be served to 80 seniors in need. Meals of Joy’s mission is not only to provide a hot meal, but also a caring compassionate […] More
 

Thunderbirds Charities supports The Phoenix Symphony’s Mind Over Music Education Program

The Phoenix Symphony receives a $10,000 Grant Award from Thunderbirds Charities to support the Mind Over Music® education program. PHOENIX (March 11, 2024) – The Phoenix Symphony, Arizona largest performing arts organization, is thrilled to announce a grant award of $10,000 from Thunderbirds Charities to support its signature education program, Mind Over Music®. The program uses music to teach STEM concepts to Title 1 students. The Phoenix Symphony is one of a select group of orchestras in the country to implement a school instructional model based on STEM theory and practice. Symphony musicians collaborate with each teacher to design and adapt lessons to meet the needs of the students. In one lesson, students explore area and volume by measuring the musicians and their instruments and designing a stage plot for the orchestra based on their calculations of space requirements. Addressing education gaps, the goal of Mind Over Music® is to increase overall academic achievement. An independent study from the three-year pilot program before COVID-19 reveals improvement in all measured educational outcomes. Across all three years, evaluations showed that students in Mind Over Music® classrooms scored higher on classroom assessments than those in controlled classrooms. The Phoenix Symphony is very grateful […] More
 

Thunderbirds Charities Help Change Care for Babies Born Opioid Exposed

Hushabye Nursery’s innovative, trauma-informed model of care offers a safe and inclusive space. Mothers with opioid use disorder or substance abuse disorder, their babies withdrawing from opioids exposed to in the womb (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome – NAS), and family members can receive integrative care and therapeutic support that offers the best possible life outcomes. Across the nation, there are only two other facilities that provide NAS inpatient nursery services. However, neither provides family-based, “wrap around” support services that make Hushabye Nursery unique.Hushabye Nursery reduces NAS symptoms and the need for pharmacological care in infants, lowers hospital costs and lengths of stay, and keeps families together – while creating improved health outcomes infants and their families. Every baby with NAS and mom/dad can share a private room at Hushabye Nursery; this promotes prosocial bonding critical for recovery and improved health outcomes. Before, during and after their stay, Mom and Dad can participate in psychoeducation, recovery support, parenting and life skills education, help with building social connections, and peer support.Thunderbirds Charities has awarded $60,000 to Hushabye Nursery to change the care model for mom, dad, and baby than what would otherwise be experienced in a hospital. The model drastically reduces the degree […] More
 

Thunderbirds Fund Resilience-Building Arts Programs for Abused Children

Thunderbirds Charities generously supported Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona with $25,000 to provide 7 resilience-building arts-plus-mentorship programs for abused and neglected children and for foster families. Free Arts programs help youth and families build the resilience they need to overcome their trauma by connecting them with stable, caring adult mentors and by providing creative outlets that build their sense of self, self-efficacy, develop executive function, and self-regulation skills. All programs are free and are exclusively for children living in foster care group homes, treatment facilities, homeless and domestic violence shelters, and living with foster families. Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona This grant is part of the Fall 2023 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
 

Thunderbirds Charities grants $125,000 for secured entrance at Phoenix Boys & Girls Club

(PHOENIX) March 4, 2024 – Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable arm of The Thunderbirds, has awarded a $125,000 security grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley’s Harry & Sandy Rosenzweig Branch in Phoenix. Generated by the WM Phoenix Open, the funds will enhance safety measures for over 400 youth and teens through the building of a secured entrance to the Club. The Thunderbirds Charities grant helps BGCAZ address the need for increased physical security at the Rosenzweig Branch, located in the Alhambra School District near I-17 and Missouri Ave. The new front entrance will enclose the front lobby and be secured with a buzzer system so individuals cannot reach Club activity areas without permission. “The Thunderbirds’ generosity allows us to make a fundamental improvement to our Rosenzweig Branch facility,” said Marcia Mintz, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley. “The new secured entrance will give parents and guardians peace of mind to enroll their children in our safe, high-quality, and affordable out-of-school-time programs.” The Rosenzweig Branch is one of 31 Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley locations throughout the greater Phoenix area. With the support of charitable partners like The Thunderbirds, BGCAZ serves more […] More
 

ALS Arizona Receives $25,000 Donation From Thunderbirds Charities

PHOENIX – Thunderbirds Charities, the fundraising wing of The Thunderbirds, donated $25,000 to ALS Arizona formerly known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association Arizona Chapter to support the organization’s Caring for the Caregivers program. “The Thunderbirds donation is incredibly generous, and we couldn’t be more grateful,” said Taryn Norley, President and CEO of ALS Arizona. “Donations like these allow us to help maintain the well-being of individuals with ALS and those who support them.”ALS is a terminal illness that impacts all aspects of a person’s life, often resulting in decreased quality of life at a time when it matters most. ALS Arizona employs a multi-dimensional approach to support the physical, emotional, and social needs of people with ALS, and their families. The Caring for the Caregiver program addresses the unique needs of ALS caregivers and arms them with the skills and resources necessary to provide safe care and manage the stressors of their new role.This program helps caregivers maintain a higher quality of life by providing the following services: For more information on the ALS Arizona, visit the website at alsaz.org. Like the organization on Facebook at ALS Arizona . Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) This grant is part of the […] More
 

Thunderbirds Charities Awards $20,000 to House of Refuge “Adopt a Home” Program

Mesa, AZ – House of Refuge is grateful to announce that Thunderbirds Charities has once again “adopted” one of the 88 two-bedroom single-family homes utilized by the transitional housing program. The generous grant will fund housing and essential social services for a low-income homeless family for an entire year – including utilities, property repairs, household goods, on-site case management, employment assistance, adult education, and youth enrichment programming. Since 1996, House of Refuge, Inc. has provided families in crisis a proven path out of homelessness through transitional housing in a peaceful neighborhood setting. Dedicated staff work with residents to help them identify and address the root causes of their housing loss as they strive to improve income, work toward self-reliance, and successfully graduate into permanent housing in the community. “House of Refuge receives no federal funding” explains Kayla Kolar, president and CEO of House of Refuge. “We rely upon the support of caring community partners, such as Thunderbirds Charities, to help us rescue homeless families who may have been sleeping outside or in their cars. Some are desperate mothers with young children who have come to us because they are escaping domestic violence and need our help to start over. We […] More
 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona Receives Grant From Thunderbirds Charities in Support of Youth Mentorship

With a generous grant from Thunderbirds Charities, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) will provide professionally supported mentoring relationships through the ongoing Phoenix Mentoring Program. The purpose of the BBBSAZ Mentoring Program is to create and support mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. The collaborative program will match volunteer mentors (Bigs) to children in need of a positive role model (Littles). The Bigs will meet regularly with their Littles throughout the Phoenix community. “We are so excited to be partnering with Thunderbirds Charities to create and support more Big and Little Matches,” said Laura Capello, President and CEO of BBBSAZ. “Today, children face tremendous challenges, but through effective and sustained mentoring, we can work together to make a positive and measurable difference in their lives.” Outcomes for youth enrolled in the Phoenix Mentoring Program with BBBSAZ include improvements in the areas of academics and relationships, and avoidance of risky behaviors. This one-on-one mentoring program addresses the lack of adult support and role models for low-income youth. Youth who grow up in poverty can face numerous challenges that their peers with more resources do not. Having a caring adult role model is a key protective […] More
 

Thunderbirds Charities supports ‘iLEAD My Generation’ High School Leadership Program With a $22,000 grant to MentorKids USA

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a $22,000 grant to MentorKids USA in support of their innovative youth leadership program, iLEAD My Generation. “We are grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their investment in MentorKids over the years, and are tremendously thankful for this recent grant,” said Aaron Parrott, Executive Director of MentorKids. “Through this award, Thunderbird Charities will help fund the employment of high school students participating in our structured four-year high-school leadership program, iLEAD (which stands for “Leadership, Enrichment, Academics and Discovery”). In their first two years of the program, students gain invaluable work skills and experience as part-time employees of MentorKids, working with younger students in our after-school and summer programs.” The mission of MentorKids is to equip and empower youth to be transformative leaders in their lives, their families, and their communities. This is accomplished through free year-round programming for K-12 students in their four Promise Neighborhoods in South Phoenix, North Phoenix (Palomino Community), South Scottsdale (Paiute Community), and Maryvale. “The Promise Neighborhood model lays the groundwork for MentorKids to make long-term investments in our kids, their families, and their communities,” said Parrott. “iLEADers are the embodiment of our mission. They use the skills learned at MentorKids to mentor, coach, encourage, […] More
 

Thunderbirds Charities Supports Installation of Adult Changing Table at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix With $10,000 Grant

PHOENIX, AZ (February 20, 2024) – The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is proud to announce the receipt of a generous $10,000 grant dedicated to the installation of an adult changing table within their facilities. This transformative contribution, generously provided by Thunderbirds Charities, marks a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and accessibility within this beloved institution. The installation of an adult changing table is a crucial addition to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, ensuring that visitors of all ages and abilities feel welcome and accommodated during their visit. While the Museum primarily caters to children, they recognize that visitors with different abilities, including older children and adults, may require additional support and facilities. This initiative aligns with their commitment to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can fully participate and enjoy their experience. “We are immensely grateful for the generous support of Thunderbirds Charities in making this project a reality,” said Georgie Hanlin, the Museum’s Director of Development. “The installation of an adult changing table underscores our dedication to accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that all members of our community can engage with our exhibits and programs comfortably.” Visitors to children’s museums come from diverse backgrounds and have varying needs. By introducing […] More
 

Thunderbirds Charities Awards $25,000 Grant to The Miracle League of Arizona for Adaptive Baseball Program

Thunderbirds Charities has generously donated $25,000 to The Miracle League of Arizona (MLAZ) to support the enhancement of their play ball program in Scottsdale.The Miracle League of Arizona is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing athletes with special needs, starting at the age of five, an opportunity to play baseball in an inclusive and adaptive environment. Participants, regardless of their prior baseball knowledge, find joy and a sense of team spirit at the Miracle League.Since 2010, Thunderbirds Charities has been a vital financial supporter of the Miracle League. This ongoing support enables the league to grow and enhance the quality of the baseball experience for individuals with special needs.“This generous grant from The Thunderbirds transforms dreams into reality, allowing every player, regardless of their physical or mental challenges, to enjoy a true major league baseball experience.” said Cassandra Switalski, executive director of the Miracle League. “We are immensely thankful for their commitment to the special needs community.”This grant will be utilized to fund equipment, uniforms, and other programmatic expenses, all aimed at enriching the baseball experience for over 300 Miracle League athletes. Miracle League of Arizona (MLAZ) This grant is part of the Fall 2023 cycle. View a list of all […] More
 

Hope Women’s Center Receives Significant Grant of $20,000 from Thunderbirds Charities to Enhance ‘Hope Heals’ Program

The ‘Hope Heals’ program, a vital component of HWC’s services, is responding to an increasing need to prevent child removal during family crises. Given the profound trauma associated with family disruption, HWC is poised to enhance its counseling services, with support from Thunderbirds Charities. This response to the growing demand underscores the critical importance and impact of the ‘Hope Heals’ program in the community. The grant awarded to Hope Women’s Center will enable the hiring of an additional licensed therapist, who will provide counseling and oversee multiple counseling interns throughout the grant period, thereby increasing the availability of crisis counseling support groups. Utilizing trained mentors and center managers for observational screening, cases exhibiting critical needs, such as self-harm, a history of ongoing or severe abuse, a pattern of mental health concerns, or an open DCS case, will be referred to the licensed therapist. The therapist can then arrange the necessary on-site or tele-health consultations with the client. Furthermore, ‘Hope Heals’ ensures holistic client wellbeing by providing mental health care in a safe environment at HWC, along with free childcare. This approach allows mothers to attend counseling sessions stress-free, reflecting HWC’s commitment to the comprehensive needs of women and teen girls […] More
 

Hope Community Services Receives $25,000 Grant from Thunderbirds Charities

Glendale, Ariz. (January 3, 2024) – Hope Community Services is proud to announce that the Thunderbirds Charities has recently awarded $25,000 towards our Specialized Trauma Therapy Program. “This grant funding will provide Trauma Therapy for children who have been subjected to multiple traumas in their young lives. We are excited to continue and enhance this important program and greatly appreciate the support by the Thunderbirds Charities,” says Kary Goitia, CEO of Hope Community Services. The Trauma Therapy Program serves children who are struggling with PTSD and to gain in the areas of attachment and connections. Hope Community Services This grant is part of the Fall 2023 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
 

Thunderbirds Charities Awards the Arizona Council on Economic Education $45,000 to bring Math in the Real World to K12 Students in Arizona

The Arizona Council on Economic Education (ACEE) was recently awarded a $45,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to implement “Math in the Real World,” benefiting 75,000 K12 students in Arizona. Despite the crucial role of math in life and work, only 27% of Arizona students, per the 8th-grade math assessment, are prepared for high school math. ACEE addresses this gap, emphasizing the importance of robust math skills and financial literacy in empowering students for higher education and better job prospects, particularly among at-risk and minority students.The initiative expands “Money Minutes,” introducing innovative math learning experiences, enhanced outcomes, and teacher-developed resources with financial literacy applications. It targets 75,000 students in Maricopa and Pinal counties, aiming to offer cost-free math learning opportunities. Using real-life examples and practical financial concepts, it enables teachers to seamlessly integrate personal finance applications into all math standards from K-12. The pilot launch has gained strong support from Arizona K-12 teachers.“ACEE is very grateful for the early support received from Thunderbirds Charities and other grantors. The early result is encouraging, and we look forward to making a significant impact on the future work and personal lives of students in Arizona,” said Elena Zee, President and CEO of ACEE.  Arizona […] More
 

Teaching Character through Music Education

With a belief that the zip code of a child should not dictate their access to music education, SOUNDS Academy will use a gift from Thunderbirds Charities to support our Comprehensive Music Program, providing 500 underserved and at-risk youth with a high-quality music education during the 2023-2024 school year. We will offer full scholarships to youth in all levels of our Comprehensive Music Program to families earning less than 150% of the federal poverty level. We have provided more than $300,000 in scholarships since inception. Our multi-level, music education program aims to heighten the personal, professional, and academic trajectories of at-risk youth residing in low-income, predominantly minority communities. With our progressive approach, we will use music as the vehicle to teacher the character values of creativity, leadership, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork. This work would not be possible without the support of Thunderbirds Charities. SOUNDS Academy This grant is part of the Fall 2023 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
 

Thunderbirds Charities Announces Support of Playworks, Leveraging the Power of Play in Arizona

Thunderbirds Charities announces its support of the Playworks’ TeamUp and Pro training programs. Thunderbirds Charities generous funding will directly support Arizona’s kids by providing highly trained staff, play equipment, materials, and evaluation resources to Title 1 schools. This grant will support Playworks Arizona’s growing TeamUp and Pro Service programs as well as digital services for the ongoing 2023-24 school year. Playworks programming leads to positive, measurable outcomes including improved school climates, increased physical activity, stronger empathy and cooperation among students, and a healthier overall well-being and quality of life for students in need. “Thunderbird Charities is a leader of philanthropic giving in the Arizona community and Playworks is fortunate to receive a $44,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities and join together to positively impact the lives of children in the state of Arizona, ” says Kerryann Tomlinson, Vice President, Field Operations of Playworks Arizona. “The continued support from Thunderbirds Charities makes the Playworks mission possible in Arizona. I am proud of the work we are able to do with elementary schools in Arizona and our goal to support 30,000 students this school year. This partnership with Thunderbirds Charities is integral to our goal,” says Jen Scrivner, Playworks Arizona Board Vice Chair. […] More
 

Nourish Phoenix Receives Grant from Thunderbirds Charities

Nourish Phoenix (NourishPHX), a trusted community hub serving low-income individuals and families based in Phoenix, has been named a recipient of the Thunderbird Charities Fall 2023 Grant. NourishPHX has received $150,000 to support the installation of an elevator in its 20,000 square foot facility.The elevator will provide ADA accessibility to the second floor of the NourishPHX facility – approximately 10,000 square feet of warehouse space that will be turned into classrooms, doubling the program and partner capacity for the community. The nonprofit currently serves between 150-200 families daily and has more than 800 program participants annually. The current classroom space seats just 20 people and has become too small to accommodate the growing number of program participants. “This capacity-building project allows us to immediately relocate our classroom to the much larger boardroom upstairs, thus significantly increasing our program and partner capacity for our community,” said Beth Fiorenza, executive director of NourishPHX. “While most food pantries measure their outcomes in terms of pounds of food or clothing, our mission includes tracking the number of people who find social connections, economic relief and emotional support through our programs and services.” Over the past several years, NourishPHX has transitioned from a transactional food […] More
 

Military Assistance Mission Receives Generous Grant from Thunderbirds Charities

Among Arizona’s 33,000 active service members and their families, a larger number than commonly realized are grappling with financial hardships. The combination of low pay and rising inflation poses a significant challenge in meeting basic needs. Military Assistance Mission is at the forefront of providing critical assistance, offering emergency financial support for rent, mortgage, auto insurance, utilities, auto payments, and food. Additionally, MAM extends special support during major life events, holidays, and assists with continuing education. The $25,000grant from Thunderbirds Charities will play a pivotal role in enhancing MAM’s Financial and Morale Programs, aiming to bring stability and hope to over 2,500 military members and their families in 2024. The funding will be specifically allocated to providing emergency financial assistance and underwriting costs for essential initiatives such as holiday donations (toys/gifts), baby showers, and college/university expenses. “We are profoundly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their unwavering commitment to supporting the military community,” said Margy Bons, Founder & CEO at Military Assistance Mission. “This grant will enable us to expand our reach and provide critical assistance to those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of military families facing financial challenges.” Military Assistance […] More
 

SciTech Institute Secures Grant Funding from Thunderbirds Charities to Advance STEM Diversity in Arizona

SciTech Institute is pleased to announce it has been awarded a significant grant of $10,000 from Thunderbirds Charities to further its mission of promoting diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Arizona through its Chief Science Officers (CSO) program.The generous funding provided by Thunderbirds Charities will enable the CSO program to implement strategic initiatives aimed at increasing access and opportunities for underrepresented students in STEM. This grant aligns with our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of our communities throughout the state.“We are thrilled to receive this support from Thunderbirds Charities,” said Dr. Jeremy Babendure, the Executive Director of SciTech Institute. “This funding will be instrumental in creating programs and initiatives that not only encourage underrepresented individuals to pursue STEM careers but also provide the necessary resources and support to help them succeed.”SciTech Institute has a proven track record of developing innovative STEM education programs, and with the support of Thunderbirds Charities, we aim to expand these efforts to provide our CSOs with unique leadership training and the implementation of individual STEM action plans. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and targeted outreach, SciTech Institute will work towards breaking down barriers and promoting equal opportunities […] More
 

AHS Receives $12,000 Thunderbirds Charities Grant for Humane Teens Program

The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) announced today that it received a $12,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to help support its Humane Teens Program. The gift will be an integral part in continuing to create a stronger system of care for homeless pets throughout the state by inspiring the animal welfare leaders of the future. AHS’ Education and Outreach team positively impacts 300,000 pet lovers through community events and programs each year, with a particular focus on teaching children about compassion towards animals, responsible pet ownership and STEM careers in animal welfare. The Arizona Humane Society’s Humane Teens program is a unique youth leadership program for teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 who are interested in animal welfare. Becoming a Humane Teen is a special commitment to the Arizona Humane Society that requires 24 hours of service within a school semester. Teens that are part of the program receive training in animal handling skills including leading youth programs and presentations, assisting with the daily care of exotic animals and homeless pets, leadership and career discovery experience, and the accrual of service hours. “We are so grateful for this generous Thunderbirds Charities gift and look forward to the lasting impact […] More
 

Thunderbirds Charities Grant Supports Increasing Educational Outcomes of Arizona Students Through Parent and Caregiver Engagement

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a $25,000 grant to ALL In Education to support our efforts to ensure that students in Arizona are achieving academic success in their K-12 education. This partnership will provide ALL In Education with the support to expand the impact of the Parent Educator Academy (PEA), a program aimed at addressing the critical communication gap between schools and families, supporting parents and caregivers in navigating the school system, and developing their agency to influence decisions that affect their families and communities. The Parent Educator Academy began in 2020 in response to the sudden need for families to navigate virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program garnered strong community interest and participation, especially from multilingual, Latino families. Since 2020, ALL in Education has successfully delivered PEA to five cohorts of over 550 caregivers across various schools in Arizona. The goal of PEA is to equip Latino and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) parents and caregivers with practical, actionable information to create meaningful, sustainable change that ensures ALL students have the opportunity to reach their full potential and thrive. With a demonstrated track record of increasing participants’ self-confidence and self-efficacy, the PEA curriculum guides participants through […] More
 

Thunderbirds Charities Donates $30,000 to Phoenix Rescue Mission – Generous Grant Will Support Nonprofit’s Rescue-Assess-Place Program

PHOENIX – Phoenix Rescue Mission, the nonprofit providing life-transforming solutions to people experiencing hunger, homelessness, addiction, and trauma, is excited to announce it was recently awarded a $30,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to fund its Rescue-Assess-Place (RAP) Program, which offers short-term residential care to individuals facing life-controlling crises or trauma. The grant is designed to empower and enhance the RAP Program, which serves as the initial step towards lasting transformation for a diverse range of guests, including people experiencing homelessness, those struggling with addiction, and women seeking refuge from domestic violence. The program offers a typical stay ranging from seven to 30 days, providing vital support during this critical period. PRM ensures that individuals in the program have access to essential amenities, including nutritious food, comfortable bedding, clean clothing, and showers. This comprehensive care addresses the basic needs of those seeking assistance, fostering an environment conducive to positive change. The program offers various services during the initial stay in short-term residential care, including support for legal issues, referrals and transportation for medical needs, access to necessary medication, assistance with securing ID and legal documents, and enrollment in food stamps and Medicaid. Additionally, participants attend a classroom component where teachers cover topics such […] More
 

Family Promise Receives $50k from Thunderbirds Charities to Reduce Family Homelessness

Family Promise of Greater Phoenix, a nonprofit addressing family homelessness, has secured a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This funding aims to combat the escalating rates of family homelessness in the Phoenix Metro area. The grant will primarily support critical services, including case management, facility maintenance, and the upkeep of transportation. These funds play a pivotal role in Family Promise’s objective to shelter 165 families in 2024. Distinguished by its community-based model, Family Promise relies on religious congregations of all faiths to aid unhoused families. The organization employs 15-passenger vans to transport families nightly and provides intensive case management services, stabilizing families within 60 days and guiding them toward independent housing. Ted Taylor, CEO of Family Promise of Greater Phoenix, expressed gratitude, stating, “Over 600 children in 2024 will have a home, who otherwise wouldn’t, because of our community support.” Amid a 23% surge in eviction filings last year, Thunderbirds’ grant alleviates burdens for families during the transition to stable housing. It covers nonrefundable fees, transportation to job interviews, and essential needs, aiding families in regaining stability. Pat Williams, President of Thunderbirds Charities, highlighted the efficacy of Family Promise’s unique approach, stating, “Family Promise is working hard to solve important […] More
 

New Thunderbirds Charities Grant Helps Artlink’s “Artinerary” Connect The Arts Community And The Public

Artlink, the non-profit that brought First Fridays to Downtown Phoenix has received a $25,000 donation from Thunderbirds Charities to increase diverse artists access to Arizona’s arts economy and ecosystem. That’s one of the missions of Artlink’s new Artinerary platform, which provides customizable and shareable “Artineraries” complete with maps, and directories of participating artists, arts organizations, and venues. This new platform is a bridge between the arts community and a public eager to experience what they have to offer. It gives artists and businesses an opportunity to register events connecting them with the public in a user-friendly platform. Here is a link. This new digital resource for Arizona’s creative community provides critical tools necessary to drive exploration, appreciation, and support. Thunderbirds Charities, a non-profit organization formed in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the WM Phoenix Open, has contributed more than$190 million to numerous charities over the years. “We have a growing number of talented and diverse artists in Arizona who may lack the technical or financial resources to connect with the public. The Artinerary platform can be a critical resource to bridge that gap, making access to the arts just a click away. Our sincere thanks to Thunderbirds Charities for helping to […] More
 

Thunderbirds Charities Strengthens Fresh Start’s Family Law Support Program with $100,000 Grant

PHOENIX, AZ (02/13/2024) – Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, a Phoenix-based non-profit dedicated to empowering women on their journeys to self-sufficiency, has received a grant of $100,000 from Thunderbirds Charities to enhance and expand its critical Family Law Support services. This grant is a testament to Thunderbirds Charities’ commitment to giving back to the community, raising funds through the WM Phoenix Open – an event that has become a catalyst for positive change in our community. In 2020, the Thunderbirds Charities Family Law Support Center at Fresh Start was named in their honor. This generous contribution will help Fresh Start enhance its Family Law Support (FLS) Program, a cornerstone initiative that provides vital assistance to women contending with family law issues such as divorce, custody battles, and child support. The additional funding will support the expansion of FLS staff, ensuring increased accessibility for women seeking assistance in order to advocate for themselves and their children in family court. Since 2006, Thunderbirds Charities has donated over $817,000 to Fresh Start, demonstrating their unwavering support for the 4,000+ women and their children served by the organization each year. “The Thunderbirds Charities Family Law Support Center has been instrumental in providing a safe and […] More
 

JAG Awarded $50,000 from Thunderbirds Charities to Increase Arizona’s High School Graduation Rate

The Thunderbirds Charities grant of $50,000 supports Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates (JAG) in their mission to help young people stay in school and acquire the academic, personal, leadership and vocational skills they will need to be successful upon graduation. JAG serves more than 1,800 young people at secondary schools and within communities. With this support, JAG will grow their reach in secondary school programs in Maricopa and Pinal Counties and continue meeting needs of young people facing barriers as they work to obtain their diploma and achieve their career goals. Through the program’s for-credit elective course curriculum and co-curricular club, program participants engage in more than 130 hours of career planning, college readiness, job attainment and retention, skill development, employer engagement, and academic remediation. JAG program participants go on to reach their highest potential beyond graduation with a 99.7% graduation rate for the Class of 2022 compared to the statewide graduation rate of 77%. “Arizona’s youth are the key to the future of this state, and it starts with providing them support to realize their potential for careers and post-secondary education that otherwise would’ve been out of reach. No matter their circumstances, JAG supports young people in overcoming those barriers […] More
 

Thunderbirds Charities Supports Character and Civic Education Through A $15,000 GRANT Award to Veterans Heritage Project

Thunderbirds Charities is enriching academics and developing 21st century skills in students through a recent grant awarded to Veterans Heritage Project (VHP).Grant funds are supporting the organization’s after-school civic and character education program. Middle school and high school students learn about history, citizenship, service, and leadership by interviewing veterans, and documenting their service stories, the significance and impact on their lives and careers, and resulting life lessons. They write and publishing each veteran’s story in the student publication, Since You Asked,TM and preserve the oral history video in the Library of Congress. The book includes war and peacetime service stories from veterans of all eras or service branches, in addition to a selected theme for the year. The theme for the 20th Anniversary is Since You Asked XX: A Salute to Gold Star Families. A Gold Star Family is defined by legislation as a “parent, spouse, sibling or child of members of the Armed Forces who died as a result of their service during a period of war.” The legacies of 28 Gold Star experiences are among the 244 veterans’ stories preserved this year.Students will honor the interviewed veterans and Gold Star Families at a free community event on April […] More
 

Paz de Cristo Receives $25,000 Grant Award from Thunderbirds Charities

Paz de Cristo Community Center has been a recipient of the Thunderbirds Charities Fall 2023 grant award to support relief services for individuals experiencing homelessness. With the expansion of services and programs, the organization plans to serve over 300,000 meals to 12,000 people. Executive Director, Jackie Shelley, states, “We are so grateful for the support the Thunderbirds Charities have given to Paz de Cristo Community Center over the years. They are truly making a difference in the lives of those struggling with hunger, poverty, and homelessness, and we appreciate their partnership in our mission to feed, clothe, and empower our neighbors in need.” Thunderbirds Charities have contributed over $104,000 to Paz de Cristo since 2011. With the continued support of Thunderbirds Charities, Paz de Cristo hopes to help eliminate barriers for those who are struggling to provide healthy and nourishing meals for themselves and their families. Signature programs include food box distributions that provide healthy foods to those who are struggling to afford food or other necessities. This year, the organization plans to focus on removing the barrier of food insecurity by creating a program for those whose finances do not allow them to qualify for SNAP and other government […] More
 

Feeding Matters Receives $40,000 Grant from Thunderbirds Charities to Implement a Trauma-Informed Model for Families Affected by Pediatric Feeding Disorder

Feeding Matters, an Arizona based nonprofit pioneering advancements in the system of care for pediatric feeding disorder (PFD), proudly announces the reception of a $40,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities in their Fall 2023 Grant Award Cycle. This significant contribution will specifically support a new initiative for the organization, “Toward Healing: A Transformational Trauma-Informed Model to Support Families Experiencing the Impacts of PFD.” The organization plans to utilize the funding for trauma-informed initiatives, equipping families with essential resources and raising awareness within high-risk populations.PFD affects more than 1 in 37 children under the age of 5 in the US annually, leading to agonizing feeding experiences, refusal to eat, malnutrition and developmental delays. Feeding Matters’ ongoing work has revealed a significant lack of public awareness about the disorder and the intense emotional impact it can have on families, often producing trauma that takes years to unravel. The proposed trauma-informed model addresses this critical gap by integrating medical education and emotional support, transforming the experience of families to enable and empower them as they seek the best care for their children. The grant will elevate Feeding Matters’ existing suite of family support programming by significantly transforming these areas with a trauma-informed lens.Jaclyn Pederson, […] More