St. Joseph the Worker Receives $125,000 Grant From Thunderbirds Charities. The Grant Will Provide Much-Needed Funds for Its Free Direct-Hire Employment Program, Employment Without Barriers, as It Expands Its Efforts to Help Valley Residents Find Jobs

Phoenix (July 5, 2024)—St. Joseph the Worker (SJW), a leading Phoenix nonprofit organization committed to empowering unhoused, low-income, and other disadvantaged individuals with a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency through quality employment, has received a grant totaling $125,000 from Thunderbirds Charities. The funds will support the organization’s Employment Without Barriers program. “SJW’s partnership with Thunderbirds Charities and their financial support is vital to our community. Their contributions help sustain our free direct-hire employment program, Employment Without Barriers, which has offered comprehensive employment services for over 35 years. Through this program, SJW has helped more individuals secure quality paying jobs than any other workforce organization in Arizona,” said Carrie Masters, CEO of St. Joseph the Worker. “Our goal is to provide long-term solutions for our clients, empowering them to achieve independence and reduce reliance on government assistance.” “Thunderbirds Charities is proud to support the Employment Without Barriers program,” said George Thimsen, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “St. Joseph the Worker provides invaluable assistance to those in need, connecting them to quality employment opportunities. This program plays a crucial role in enabling individuals to rebuild their lives and provide a better future for their families.” SJW’s free Employment Without Barriers program provides employment […] More
 

Thunderbirds Charities support Volunteer Programs for Maggie’s Place

Grant funding secured will primarily support Maggie’s Place‘s volunteers and staff engaging directly with mothers in our care. AmeriCorps volunteers work across our residential facilities to provide 24/7, hands-on support to mothers and their babies as they work through our program. Maggie’s Place has over 100 volunteers consistently helping the organization with administrative tasks, in the residential facilities, at events and during programs and services at our Family Success Center. Volunteer support will ensure that both mothers in our care and women who have successfully completed our program will have access to a variety of services, supplies and programs necessary to empower mothers to lead a life of self-sufficiency and independence. Maggie’s Place This grant is part of the Spring 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
 

Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children Receives $75,000 Grant from Thunderbirds Charities

These funds will assist the community-supported nonprofit’s mission to provide social, emotional, and financial support directly to families managing the health and well-being of a loved one with pediatric cancer. Through support from the community, the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children (ACFC) is able to provide financial assistance to families for medical, rent and travel expenses as well as immediate assistance through K9 therapy and counseling, birthday gifts, art classes, and all other expenses associated with a child’s cancer diagnosis. “When we offer financial assistance to families who need to repair a car, pay rent, or provide for funeral services, I feel deeply gratified to be a part of this organization,” says Ben Hayes, Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children Board Member. Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children (ACFC) This grant is part of the Spring 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
 

Thunderbirds Charities Supports Saving Amy’s Rise Up Program with $20,000 Grant

The Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council conducted a point-in-time count in January 2023, revealing that 9,642 people experience homelessness at any time.We sincerely appreciate the significant role Thunderbirds Charities’ funds play in the ongoing Saving Amy’s Rise Up program, making a difference in the lives of those we serve.When families and individuals leave the shelter, they often do so with their personal belongings in a garbage bag. The income from their new jobs barely covers the rent, making it difficult to achieve a secure home. The Rise Up program ensures families can stay home, creating a safe, stable environment and aiding their transition into society.Rise Up furnishes our families’ apartments and covers all moving expenses. Saving Amy pays for the first few months’ rent, utilities, furniture, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, kitchen supplies, food, and anything the family needs to make a house a home. This hand-up gives the families a feeling of permanence, reduces stress, and provides the resources to learn essential life skills.As families stabilize with secure jobs and can pay their bills without government assistance, they are ready to move to better neighborhoods with higher-performing schools, increasing their likelihood of success. Rise Up covers the cost of […] More
 

United Sound Receives $10,000 Grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support Inclusive Music Programs for Students with Disabilities in Arizona

United Sound’s peer mentoring program offers musical opportunities to chronically underserved populations. Students with disabilities in 7-12 grade are often excluded from traditional instrumental music programs due to the large student-to-teacher ratio, which makes differentiating curriculum for individual students difficult or even impossible. United Sound provides current band and orchestra students, music teachers and special education teachers the opportunity and resources (training, specialized curriculum, flash cards) needed to step up and create more inclusive, empowering ensembles. Currently, 14 schools in the greater Phoenix area participate in United Sound’s peer mentoring program. This grant will allow us to expand our reach in the 24/25 school year and impact over 600 students! Participation in United Sound has the life-long effect of creating a huge body of people who will work better together and protect each other from discrimination and harm. This, above everything else, is the importance of our work. “I created United Sound after realizing that, as a band director, I was not well-equipped to serve students with disabilities and, after searching for help, realized it did not exist.,” said Julie Duty, Founder and Executive Director. “This grant will enable us to provide inclusive music education opportunities to even more students […] More
 

Advance Community Receives $35,000 Grant from Thunderbirds Charities for I Choose Wellness Program

Advance Community (Advance) has been awarded a $35,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support its I Choose Wellness program. Thunderbirds Charities is the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open. The I Choose Wellness program, designed for under-resourced Latino youth in grades 4-8, offers culturally appropriate lessons on nutrition, physical activity, and oral hygiene. These lessons are designed to inspire youth to improve their health outcomes and address the high prevalence of obesity in their communities. By focusing on these critical areas, the program aims to instill lifelong healthy habits in young people, thereby fostering a healthier future for the entire community. The planned programming includes 10 series of eight sessions each, conducted at Title 1 schools and community centers in Latino communities throughout the Valley. “We are incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their support,” said Jeri Royce, CEO of Advance Community. “This grant will significantly enhance our ability to provide essential health education and resources to the youth in our community. It will allow us to expand our reach and make a meaningful impact on the lives of many families with the ultimate goal of empowering at-risk youth to change their behaviors […] More
 

Thunderbirds Charities Awards $10,000 to the Center for the Rights of Abused Children Pro Bono Children’s Law Clinic

Phoenix, Ariz. – In a powerful act of generosity, Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a substantial $10,000 grant to the Center for the Rights of Abused Children’s Pro Bono Children’s Law Clinic. This significant contribution highlights Thunderbirds Charities’ commitment to supporting vulnerable children. “We are deeply grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for protecting children in our community with access to attorneys who advocate for their rights to a safe, loving home,” said Darcy Olsen, Founder and CEO of the Center for the Rights of Abused Children. Approximately 10,000 children are in the custody of the Arizona Department of Child Safety due to abuse and neglect. The Center for the Rights of Abused Children provides free legal advice and representation to these vulnerable children. By guaranteeing vital legal protections, the Center improves their life outcomes by ensuring their safety, helping siblings stay together, providing stability and access to loving homes, offering counsel for children in group homes, and assisting runaway or trafficked children in finding safety and opportunities for education, housing, and employment. Thunderbirds Charities supports organizations that assist children and families and help people in need. “We are proud to support the life-saving work of the Center for the Rights of Abused […] More
 

Thunderbirds Charities Generous Grant of $25,000 To Support Best Buddies in Arizona And Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities

Phoenix, AZ, July 8, 2024 — Best Buddies International, a nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is excited to announce a generous grant of $25,000 from Thunderbirds Charities to further our mission of inclusion by supporting friendship programs. Best Buddies is built upon four key mission pillars: one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living. With the grant provided by Thunderbirds Charities, Best Buddies will focus on furthering our mission through creating an environment of inclusion and support through our School Friendship Project to ensure students with IDD are empowered to participate in everyday activities without the fear of being ostracized or bullied. This funding will support the existing 57 active elementary, middle, and high school chapters in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area, with plans to expand into 2 more school chapters this school year. This program will help people with IDD form meaningful one-to-one connections with their peers, gain self-confidence and self-esteem, and share interests, experiences, and activities with peers both with and without IDD.   “Thunderbirds Charities is […] More
 

Foundation for Blind Children Receives $75,000 Grant from Thunderbirds Charities

Phoenix—Foundation for Blind Children (FBC) is excited to announce that it has received a $75,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. These funds will support approximately 18 students in FBC’s Teen-to-Work program. Teen-to-Work is a 5-week summer residential program on the campus of Arizona State University that prepares teens to join the workforce and to live independently. Students are given instruction in everything from how to write a resume to how to cook their own dinner. “Thunderbirds Charities have been an amazing partner and have done so much to support our students’ success,” said Jared Kittelson, CEO of Foundation for Blind Children. “Across the country, 70% of blind adults are unemployed, but for FBC graduates, that number is now below 10%. Teen-to-Work is a huge part of that success.” Thunderbirds Charities was established in 1986 as the charitable arm of the Phoenix Thunderbirds. Its purpose is to grant funds generated by the WM Phoenix Open. The mission of Thunderbirds Charities is to assist children and families, help people in need, and improve the quality of life in our communities. Each year, Thunderbirds Charities solicits grant proposals that support at-risk youth and families, community outreach/quality of life, education, improving the lives of the […] More
 

Digital Divide Sees Improvement: Thunderbirds Charities Grant Empowers Youth through Non-Profit College Bound AZ Program

A lack of computer technology, also called a digital divide, exists in families that live at or below the poverty line. An Equity through Education grant provided by the Thunderbirds Charities to non-profit College Bound AZ aims to change that story. The mission of the Arizona nonprofit College Bound AZ is to share the journey to college with aspiring underrepresented students through scholarships, guidance, and support resources for their advancement to a better life through education. “Laptops are more essential than ever,” says Gerald Paulus who mentors College Bound AZ alumni Elliott Aw studying mechanical engineering at Arizona State University. “We’re using graphing programs to complete homework assignments for calculus. A laptop is essential and must have a robust capability to help students succeed.” A laptop scholarship benefitted College Bound AZ alumna and Arizona State University student Yudidt Nonthe Sanchez, a 2024 Truman Scholar. With the help of the Thunderbirds Charities’ Equity through Education grant, students in College Bound AZ’s high school program can apply for a laptop scholarship and go to college better prepared. “The number of students with financial need increases every year,” says Lisa Rivera, College Bound AZ. “A laptop is very important, in fact it’s a […] More
 

Assistance League® of Phoenix Receives $50,000 From Thunderbirds Charities

Assistance League of Phoenix was recently awarded a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support Operation School Bell®. The flagship program partners with schools across the Greater Phoenix area to provide low-income students with new clothing, shoes, and other essentials for the school year. “We are honored to have the continued support of Thunderbirds Charities as we work to address the needs of children in our community,” said Aimee Runyon, Chief Executive Officer, Assistance League of Phoenix. “Over the years, their generosity has provided wardrobe packages for thousands of children and supported their education. Teachers have told us how kids who visit the Delivering Dream Buses have gained confidence in their appearance and that it has also translated into confidence in the classroom.” Thunderbirds Charities formed in 1986 to distribute funds raised through the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament to organizations that assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area The Operation School Bell program works with more than 140 K-8th grade schools in the area, with school staff identifying eligible students for the program. Last year, 13,740 clothing insecure children were served. Recognizing transportation challenges that face underserved […] More
 

Thunderbirds Charities Awards $25,000 to Assistance League of East Valley

The Assistance League of East Valley just got a huge boost toward its goal of providing new school clothing for almost 8,000 elementary school students next year. Thunderbirds Charities has announced an award of $25,000 to Assistance League of East Valley for its signature program, Operation School Bell. Operation School Bell, Assistance League of East Valley provides new school clothes and hygiene kits to elementary school children in need in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe and Kyrene School Districts. Next fall about 6,800 students in uniform schools will be provided with three tops, two bottoms and a sweatshirt in addition to hygiene items. Almost a thousand students in non-uniform schools will receive a shopping trip to Target. The children are recommended by school resource officers. “We are delighted to include this level of funding in the over $208 million in charitable donations the Thunderbirds have made over the years,” said George Thimsen, President of Thunderbirds Charities. Assistance League of East Valley is an all-volunteer group that raises funds through its thrift shop at 2326 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler, and through various events through the year. It is a chapter of a national nonprofit organization. “It is only through the help […] More
 

Thunderbirds Charities Awards Kids Need to Read with $15,000 Grant 

Kids Need to Read is the honored recipient of a $15,000 grant award from Thunderbirds Charities. The funds will be used to provide thousands of books and other reading resources to disadvantaged children via the Page Coach. MESA (June 14, 2024)–Kids Need to Read was the fortunate recipient of a generous $15,000 grant award from Thunderbirds Charities. This is the sixth year of funding Kids Need to Read has received from Thunderbirds Charities, which has provided over  $208 million of charitable donations to Arizona-based organizations over the years. The funds will be used to provide thousands of books and other reading resources to children living in low socioeconomic and rural areas of Arizona via the Page Coach, Kids Need to Read’s mobile conveyor of literary treasure. The Page Coach was selected for funding because of its ability to reach areas traditionally overlooked by many literacy programs, including remote areas where children sometimes live without electricity, running water, or the unfamiliar luxury of books. Kids Need to Read has also partnered with Thunderbirds Charities on occasion to provide books to other grantee programs. “ When people lament that children don’t read anymore, do they stop to consider whether those children have access […] More
 

Building a Foundation for Literacy

The Thunderbirds Charities generous gift of $60,000 will support the Toddler Class with a new tot-sized playground and supporting fees for six children starting in August.  “The Desert Voices families, staff and Board of Directors are grateful to the Thunderbirds Charities for their unwavering support over several years that have given so many children a voice”, said Kristen Levi, Executive Director.   This gift will support the classroom activities and education for the enrolled Toddlers (two years of age).  “The class takes place in our auxiliary building where there is no playground.  The new playground will be steps from their classroom and the children will have greater opportunities to enjoy free play, explore and use their newly learned language to interact with their classmates”, Levi commented. Desert Voices This grant is part of the Spring 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
 

The Centers for Habilitation receives Thunderbirds Charities grant

Tempe, AZ – The Centers for Habilitation (TCH) has received a secession grant from Thunderbirds Charities The grant will be utilized in our Actives Lives Program which provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities (our employees will benefit too) to participate in activities fostering healthy habits to improve physical and mental health. Our goal is for the entire TCH community to live long, happy, healthy lives and realize thier full potential.  We will achieve overall wellness through a multidimensional approach that includes; emotional/mental health, socialization, spiritual, and physical activity.  Funding from this request will go toward hiring instructors to lead fitness sessions such as, yoga, Zumba, and Tai Chi on campus; toward off-campus fitness activities like bowling and trips to Spofit/Ability 360; and toward our new clubs, include such activities as sports, hiking, and gardening. TCH provides a wide range of activities for all levels of abilities that are designed to increase communication, encourage a range of motion, provide sensory opportunities, increase confidence, provide an outlet for self-expression/creativity and increase independence. Our programs provide opportunities for our supported individuals to be embraced and accepted by their community.  Upwards of 120 supported individuals attend the TCH day program and/or live in a […] More
 

Domestic Violence Shelter Receives 250K Grant from Thunderbirds Charities Capital Campaign – New Life Center Hits Halfway Mark for Campaign Goal with Generous Grant

A West Valley domestic violence shelter that is one of the largest in the country, is honored to announce that it has been granted $250,000 for its capital campaign, which will directly aid the Single Suite Creation project. Grant funds will pay for renovation costs to convert current administrative office space into five single-occupant residential units, or Single Suites, for single survivors of violence. Each Single Suite will be fully furnished with space for a bed, closet for storage, and private bathroom. This space will also provide basic home and bathroom essentials. The goal of the new suites is to offer single occupants’ privacy and dignity, where they may finally find the respite and comfort they desperately need to start to heal. “We are thrilled that Thunderbirds Charities chose to help us create a profound impact on the lives of the survivors who stay at the shelter,” says Myriah Mhoon, CEO of New Life Center. “Not only did the Thunderbirds Charities help us with this project, but they have generously contributed to various other initiatives on our campus such as playground renovations. We can’t thank the group enough for their support and generosity.” The Thunderbirds Charities grant has pushed New […] More
 

Thunderbirds Charities donate $20,000 to support Blood Saves Lives: A Diverse Blood Supply & Community Health – the Sickle Cell Initiative and Beyond

The Red Cross Central Arizona Chapter is excited to announce a $20,000 donation from Thunderbirds Charities to help with the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative. Someone with sickle cell disease can suffer from a range of conditions, including acute anemia, tissue and organ damage, terrible pain, and even strokes. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for sickle cell disease – the most common genetic blood disease in the US, affecting about 100,000 people, primarily of African descent. These patients may rely on regular blood transfusions throughout their lives to help prevent complications, like organ/tissue damage, pain, and strokes. It is critical to identify the best transfusion matches for sickle cell patients, a key being increasing the number of blood donors who are Black. The Red Cross seeks to provide the most compatible blood to people living with sickle cell disease. Through this donation, Thunderbird Charities will help ensure a stable, diverse blood supply so that sickle cell patients and others facing health-related emergencies get the safest, best-matched blood possible through specialized testing, typing, and matching of blood products. Red Cross Central Arizona Chapter This grant is part of the Fall 2023 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
 

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