A Stepping Stone Foundation’s mission is to provide stepping stones to create success through education for children and families who have limited opportunities. Their program, Literacy Elevates Arizona Families (LEAF), provides daily, evidence-based preschool with parental supports, including but not limited to adult education, parenting education, home visitations and inter-generational learning activities. Thunderbirds Charities has awarded $30,000 towards the continuation to improve outcomes for at-rick children and their family through robust inter-generational literacy programming. The 9-month curriculum is presented in developmentally-appropriate learning centers. Children and families attend classes four days a week. Families take high school equivalency and/or ESL classes, attend parenting classes and participate in their children’s classrooms, all while children attend preschool. Free childcare is provided to younger siblings and teachers visit each home monthly to work individually with families. Thunderbirds Charities is proud to support the LEAF program and its efforts to provide quality education in the community. A Stepping Stone Foundation This grant is part of the Fall 2019 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

The Central Arizona Dental Society addresses barriers to dental care using Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy (AZMOM), a volunteer-driven dental healthcare delivery model that enables them to provide free dental care.  Thunderbirds Charities has awarded $20,000 towards AZMOM. AZMOM clinics serve low-income individuals who face barriers to receiving adequate dental care, largely due to a lack of dental insurance. Poor oral health can lead to elevated risks for conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, difficulty finding/keeping employment, and use of costly acute care. Attendees clearly see this as a life-changing opportunity. One patient, Iris, has stated, “You are all so wonderful. Now I will be able to interview for work and let my words, rather than my bad teeth, speak for me.” The two-day AZMOM-Phoenix clinic is held annually, with services provided by volunteering dentists, other dental professionals, and volunteers who assist with patient intake, security, and food service. Comprehensive dental treatments available include cleanings, restorative work, oral surgery, and one-day dentures. Central Arizona Dental Society This grant is part of the Fall 2019 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Arizona currently faces a crisis in its early education workforce, ranking 32nd in the nation for funding allocated to preschool programs according to the National Institute for Early Education Research. Many early educators enter the field directly, without attending formal degree programs. Jumpstart is a national early education organization working toward the day every child in America enters kindergarten prepared to succeed. Jumpstart delivers a research-based and cost-effective program by training college students and community volunteers to serve preschool-age children in low-income neighborhoods. Thunderbirds Charities has awarded Jumpstart $20,000 towards their Arizona Workforce Development Program. This award has supported the development and preparation for early educators and children in Arizona. The Arizona Workforce Development Program engages early education teachers throughout the year, training educators utilizing a research-based model and providing pathways to furthering education through partnerships with local community colleges—contributing to the professionalization of the field. The result is a lasting impact on Arizona’s earliest learners. Jumpstart This grant is part of the Fall 2019 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Wigged Out, Inc. provides financial assistance to women and children in the metropolitan Phoenix and surrounding areas who are in need of wigs and head coverings due to the effects of a diagnosed medical condition, such as cancer, alopecia, and blood or genetic disorders. By partnering with reputable wig boutiques across the Valley, Wigged Out is able to ensure that the women we help are able to receive new, high quality, and well fitting wigs that they are able to select themselves, empowering them to choose a wig that helps them feel more like themselves. Wigged Out serves a wide range of women, children, and the elderly across the Greater Phoenix area. Thanks to a $5,000 award from Thunderbirds Charities, the organization has expanded their program to provide additional wigs for women in need. Wigged Out has helped over 700 women and children across Arizona improve their self-image and quality of life through wigs and hairpieces. They are able to provide new wigs for women and children with medically related hair loss that does not restrict assistance based upon the diagnosis. Wigged Out This grant is part of the Fall 2019 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Student Expedition Program, a college access and leadership program for Arizona high school students, is pleased to announce it has received a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. These funds will support STEP’s Phoenix College-Prep Program. STEP equips low-income students with the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills to successfully transition to college and attain a 4-year degree. Support from Thunderbirds Charities will help STEP serve over 200 low-income Arizona high-school students in 2020. STEP provides college-prep workshops over the span of each student’s tenure in the program, including workshops with college admissions directors, a module on mental health and mindfulness, a ropes course for team-building and leadership training, intensive ACT test prep, writing workshops, financial aid 101, step by step review of the Common Application, FAFSA and CSS profile assistance with financial aid directors, and mentoring by alumni. Several of these workshops include parents and are also offered in Spanish. Les Smith, STEP CEO stated, “This grant will be instrumental in helping STEP to further our outreach efforts as well as broaden our ability to provide our young scholars with the tools, training and guidance needed to successfully prepare for, transition to, and succeed in college. We’re proud to say that […] More

Thunderbirds Charities has granted support to SOUNDS Academy in the amount of $5,000, to support their tuition free After School programming. SOUNDS Academy’s mission is to teach, mentor, and provide musical experiences and opportunities to underserved youth. The after school programs of SOUNDS Academy spread music education opportunities to children who are in schools that do not provide instrumental music education. “We are extremely grateful to be awarded this gift from Thunderbirds Charities,” said Kirk Johnson, SOUNDS Academy Executive Director. “These programs allow us to give students an instrument, music, and a structure where children can learn the fundamentals of music performance. We are able to do this work  with the help of foundations like Thunderbirds Charities.” SOUNDS Academy This grant is part of the Fall 2019 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

The Miracle League of Arizona is a nonprofit organization that welcomes new athletes with special needs, starting at the age of four and with no prior baseball knowledge required. Their adaptive baseball programming provides a chance for an often isolated and at-risk youth to be able to participate in a fun and positive recreational experience. Athletes come to the league in search of an inclusive and adaptive environment where they can play baseball and have fun. Everyone gets the chance to be part of a team, be successful, and have some fun at the Miracle League. Thunderbirds Charities has awarded $20,000 towards Miracle League’s growth. With their support, the Miracle League has added additional divisions, upgraded uniforms, and added key features to their facility. “Our goal is for everyone to have the chance to play baseball, regardless of physical or mental limitations,” said Cassandra Switalski; executive director of the Miracle League. “We want to thank The Thunderbirds for providing the generous funding for the special needs community, which gives our athletes a major league experience they could not have dreamed of before.” The Miracle League of Arizona This grant is part of the Fall 2019 cycle. View a list of all […] More

The Phoenix Police Foundation is a 501(C)(3) organization that addresses unmet capital needs of the City of Phoenix Police Department (PPD), providing financial assistance in crisis situations and recognizing those who protect our communities. The foundation is grateful to have received a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities that will allow the enhancement of youth-based programs sponsored by the PPD. These programs include the Phoenix Police Department Cadet Program, Police Activities League, Hoops for Hope, and Youth Experience. The Cadet Program provides young adults age 14 to 21 with leadership skills and law enforcement training with an emphasis on the importance of community relationships. The Police Activities League (PAL) brings together police officers and boys and girls through sports and school-related activities. PAL teaches youth the importance of integrity, respect, discipline, self-esteem, and teamwork.  Hoops for Hope is a year-round mentorship program for underserved young women.  The Youth Experience is a week-long camp held twice in the summer that exposes students entering 7th and 8th grade to what occurs in police work every day and provides the ability to build relationships with police officers. “This grant is an investment in our future. Today’s teenagers are tomorrow’s leaders. As officers and young […] More

Genesis City is honored to be awarded $75,000 from Thunderbirds Charities. This generous donation will allow Genesis City to continue the Trailblazer Program which serves disadvantaged youth, 14 to 21, who reside in low-income neighborhoods. Through this program, youth are shaped into true “Trailblazers” who overcome the multi-generational cycle of poverty by leading the way for others to access education and gainful employment. Over sixty-percent of the youth who participate in the program are the first in their families to earn diplomas and over ninety-percent will be the first in their families to attend college. Trailblazers blossom into impactful community leaders as they inspire other youth who experience the same barriers and are seeking similar opportunities. This rigorous program is the cornerstone of the Thunderbirds Charities Life Planning Center at Genesis City. “The Thunderbirds are proud to support Genesis City Trailblazer program,” said Thunderbirds Charities President Chance Cozby. “They’re teaching our youth essential life skills, and we are happy to help their efforts.” Genesis City This grant is part of the Fall 2019 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship is delighted to announce the receipt of $10,000 from Thunderbirds Charities in support of their horsemanship program for children and adults with physical disabilities. “We are so grateful to be chosen as a grant recipient by Thunderbirds Charities,” said Mary Hadsall, Camelot’s executive director. “Camelot wouldn’t be possible without good people and generous gifts such as this one. We’re thankful to receive this funding so we can continue to provide our life-changing services to our students.” Camelot was founded in 1983 upon the principle that it is impossible to put a price on human dignity, so all students in the Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship program receive their lessons completely free of charge. Camelot offers one-on-one education, with instruction tailored to the individual needs of their students. Students learn riding, driving, grooming, training, vet care, and stable management. This award from Thunderbirds Charities will go directly to support these program services. Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship This grant is part of the Fall 2019 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Every two minutes another child is diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones’ lives are changed forever. Families are overwhelmed by decisions regarding the care and well-being of their child, often spanning months and years. Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels offers support for the whole family through each step of their journey. Thunderbirds Charities has awarded Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels a $25,000 grant to support the Comfort and Care Counseling Program. The program offers free counseling to families in Maricopa county that have a child that has, or is currently battling, childhood cancer or other life-threatening diseases. The team of licensed counselors and therapists serves patients, siblings, parents and caregivers through family counseling, individual counseling, play therapy and support groups. “We’re proud to support Amanda Hope,” said president of Thunderbirds Charities, Chance Cozby. “Through their work, the cancer patient and their family members find comfort.” Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels This grant is part of the Fall 2019 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Opening its doors to the public in March of 2020, Arizona Autism (AZA) United’s East Valley Center will provide much-needed therapies and services for families experiencing autism and other developmental disabilities right in the East Valley – where so many families live, work and go to school. They plan to serve at least 250 families in the center’s first year alone. Thunderbirds Charities’ $50,000 grant has been instrumental as AZA United has prepared to open the East Valley Center to the public early in 2020. Services at the East Valley Center will include speech and feeding therapy, behavioral therapy and social skills development programs, as well as family support programs for parents, caregivers and siblings of children with special needs. This center will serve as a model for replication at future AZA United centers in residential areas throughout Maricopa County in the coming years. This expansion has helped them fulfill their mission of helping as many families as possible with individualized supports. Thunderbirds Charities is proud to continue supporting organizations who improve the lives of individuals experiencing developmental disabilities. Arizona Autism United This grant is part of the Fall 2019 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Best Buddies in Arizona, a nonprofit organization creating opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has received a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. The funds will support the Elementary School Promoter Program, an engaging opportunity for students with and without IDD to participate in inclusive activities that promote friendship, acceptance, and interaction. Teachers of students with and without IDD bring together their classrooms for socializing, learning, and activities. Through engaged social activities and shared learning experiences, students develop mutually enriching friendships and create a culture of acceptance that promotes inclusion throughout their academic career, encouraging friendship and integration among all peers. The meetings are comprised of games and social emotional education exercises, implemented by the teachers using the Sanford Harmony curriculum, which is provided free of cost to all elementary school chapters. “Best Buddies AZ is so much more than simply a place for kids to interact,” said Chance Cozby, president of The Thunderbirds. “It provides a fun and lasting way to strength the bonds between friends. And most importantly, it teaches the value of accepting our differences.” Best Buddies in Arizona This grant is part of the Fall 2019 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Valley Youth Theatre’s Literacy and the Arts (LTA) program gives students from Title 1 schools a page-to-stage experience by effectively combining the power of in-school learning with the magic of experiencing live theatre. Books related to the production and accompanying study guides prepare children for a production that helps them learn. Last season, 3,308 Title 1 school students benefitted from this program. “We are thrilled to be recognized by Thunderbirds Charities for the work we are doing on behalf of the young people of Arizona,” says Bobb Cooper, Valley Youth Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director. “This grant will help ensure that this crucial program continues and moves us closer to our goal of reaching 3,600 at-risk youth, this year.” VYT created the LTA program in 1993 to supplement diminishing arts funding for K-8 students from two inner city school districts – Roosevelt and Phoenix Elementary. Every year since, 3,000 to 5,000 students have had the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of this program, free of charge. Added Cooper, “LTA has been proven to increase students’ reading comprehension and literacy skills. In fact, all participating schools now integrate LTA into their regular curriculum as an essential arts-based learning experience and our feedback […] More

Detour Company Theatre provides theater training and performance experiences for adults with cognitive and physical disabilities, giving them authentic opportunities to develop artistry, demonstrate courage and collaboration, experience joy and participate in the sharing of musical theater with the entire community. In the past, Thunderbirds Charities has supported Detour Company Theatre in expanding their last season, with tremendous success. They have now been awarded $10,000 to continue expanding their programming by training new directors. This will ensure an authentic education experience for a new generation of directors and teachers. Detour is unique in being SOLELY an organization furthering arts experiences for those unable to experience success in traditional settings. They serve those who are deaf, blind and/or as cognitively challenged in the same performance group. Thunderbirds Charities is proud to support an organization that continues to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Check out their website to attend upcoming shows! Admission is free while donations are gratefully accepted. Detour Company Theatre This grant is part of the Fall 2019 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by The Ak-Chin Indian Community – awarded more than $4 million in grants to 77 Valley charities during its 2019 fall funding cycle. Thunderbirds Charities awarded grants of $100,000 or more to 12 Valley Charities; including $750,000 to Phoenix Rescue Mission, $250,000 to Brighter Way Institute, $150,000 to New Pathways for Youth, $150,000 to Ryan House and $125,000 to Fresh Start Women’s Foundation. “Without a doubt, giving back to our communities is the most rewarding thing about what we do as tournament hosts,” said Chance Cozby, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “We’re thrilled and so proud to give these grants to deserving organizations around the Valley. It’s an honor to have such a positive impact for those in need in our community.” The $750,000 grant to Phoenix Rescue Mission will help build an $11 million, four story building on the NEC of 35th Avenue and West Durango Street, allowing Phoenix Rescue Mission to substantially expand their Transformations Program and services to the surrounding community. The $200,000 donation to Brighter Way Institute go towards expanding Brighter Way’s Downtown Dental Center, providing comprehensive oral health […] More

Phoenix Children’s Hospital is Arizona’s only children’s hospital recognized by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals with rankings in all ten specialties. Phoenix Children’s provides world-class inpatient, outpatient, trauma, emergency and urgent care to children and families in Arizona and throughout the Southwest. Their Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) is the largest pediatric neuroscience center in the US. This facility heals children with neurological and mental health diseases and disorders so that they can have a happy and healthy quality of life by offering the most comprehensive inpatient and outpatient neurological care and services to infants, children and teens with neurological-related problems. Thunderbirds Charities awarded the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation $250,000 towards the first-ever Stealth Autoguide Platform, which has recently arrived to Phoenix Children’s main hospital facility. This is a robotic positioning and guidance system intended for the spatial positioning and orientation of instrument holders or tool guides used with neurosurgical instruments. BNI at Phoenix Children’s is eager to combine its deep bench of clinical talent with Medtronic’s cutting-edge innovation. “The Stealth Autoguide Platform is a tremendous addition to our neurosurgical team’s life-changing tools,” said P. David Adelson, Division Chief of Neurosurgery and Director of BNI at Phoenix Children’s. […] More

The Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA) has a mission to educate, motivate and inspire Arizona’s youth through golf and all of the valuable lessons and life skills inherent in the game. In addition to hosting competitive events, the JGAA develops programs for local schools, assists golf courses with their junior programs, and conducts college prep seminars and etiquette clinics. The JGAA’s strong belief in teamwork and cooperation has guided the organization for more than 30 years and is instilled in all of its members. The Thunderbirds awarded the JCAA $200,00 that will be used for several purposes, including the JGAA’s Financial Aid program to assist its members with participation fees – no juniors are turned away due to lack of resources. “We want to thank The Thunderbirds for their generous and unwavering support of the JGAA and the junior golfers it serves,” said Scott McNevin, Executive Director of the JGAA. “No matter where the game takes them, our juniors leave equipped to become tomorrow’s leaders both on and off the golf course.” This grant is part of the Fall 2019 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

According to AZ Central, unsheltered homelessness has increased for the sixth straight year, and now makes up half of the population experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County. For 35 years, CASS has worked towards ending homelessness one life at a time. They are committed to treating those experiencing homelessness with dignity and respect – a philosophy that facilitates their clients’ ability to take the steps needed to end their homelessness. CASS has been awarded $100,000 from Thunderbirds Charities for their 13-year-old downtown shelter, located on the Human Services Campus. The entry way for the shelter was described as “cold and impersonal.” CASS envisioned a more welcoming place to begin a fresh start. Operation Rebuilding Pride is a collaborative effort to renovate CASS’ downtown adult shelter and administrative space. Since moving their 74,000 square foot facility in 2013, CASS’ interior and exterior have become extremely worn and run down; many areas were never high-quality to begin with and certainly not designed to inspire and instill hope. A renovated and welcoming shelter will reflect CASS’ commitment and culture of empowerment of those served, while helping instill a sense of pride and ownership in clients and staff. Thunderbirds Charities was invited to celebrate Groundbreaking […] More

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded Gompers’ Assistive Technology team with $25,000 to support the implementation of Gompers’ groundbreaking program, Readtopia, a reading program aimed to teach literacy to adults with developmental disabilities.  In Readtopia, you won’t find elementary-looking line drawings and “See Spot Run” text. Designed initially for school-age students, Gompers brings Readtopia to adults with developmental disabilities for the first time. Readtopia brings first-hand experiential learning into the classroom, so members can bridge the gap between learning through reading and learning through experience. Thanks to the generous support of Thunderbirds Charities, Readtopia takes members down 1,000 feet in a submarine as they learn about oceanography. Members hear from Sacagawea to understand the journey Lewis and Clark faced heading west. Readtopia brings members into a volcano in Iceland to introduce them to the book Journey to the Center of the Earth. For more information: https://gompers.org/ This grant is part of the Spring 2019 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

The Homeless ID Project recently received a grant in the amount of $100,000 from Thunderbirds Charities in support of the “ID Empowers Our Community” Program. Thunderbirds Charities’ support will help individuals and families to end their homelessness and rebuild their lives by providing the critical first step of identification replacement services.  With offices in the Brian Garcia Welcome Center, the Homeless ID Project does much of its work on the Human Services Campus in downtown Phoenix. They also participate in programs intended to reach the homeless population across the Valley and Maricopa County. According to Rick Mitchell, Executive Director, “Our mission is to help people end their homelessness, not to extend it. Support from Thunderbirds Charities will help us provide the critical first step of replacing identification documents necessary for so many individuals and families seeking to end their homelessness. Need for replacement documents can result from loss, theft, eviction, or even fleeing a domestic violence situation. And while it is not something many of us think about, it is not possible to get a job, to gain housing, or enroll the kids in school without current and valid identifying documents. The Homeless ID Project is honored to receive this […] More

Thunderbirds Charities recently awarded Waste Not $30,000. These funds will help fuel Waste Not’s Feeding Children, Youth & Families in Arizona programming which provides 3.5 million meals to 75,000 individuals in need. They are able to achieve this impact by working with more than 40 food donor partners (businesses such as event venues, catering companies, and grocery stores) and 65 nonprofit agencies serving those in need in Maricopa County. “Thunderbirds Charities has been a longtime supporter of Waste Not. With 1 in 4 kids in Arizona experiencing food insecurity, this grant helps Waste Not to achieve our mission of feeding children and families right here in the Valley”, says Executive Director, Kate Thoene. “Waste Not is doing tremendous work in the community, providing vulnerable families with nutritious meals,” said Chance Cozby, Thunderbirds Charities President.  “At Thunderbirds Charities, we know the deep and long-lasting impact that food insecurity has on families and we are very proud to work with Waste Not to make a difference.” For over 30 years, Waste Not has been the only nonprofit agency in Arizona collecting prepared foods that would otherwise go to waste and delivering it to nonprofit agencies that serve those in need. Their goals […] More

House of Refuge was awarded a $25,000 grant in support of the “Adopt a Home” program. The “Adopt a Home” is one of House of Refuge’s sponsorship programs which provides an opportunity for organizations like Thunderbirds Charities to sponsor a house for an entire year in the House of Refuge community. These sponsorships provide families experiencing homelessness a safe home and essential services for an entire year. Nancy Marion, executive director at House of Refuge says that the work her agency does aligns perfectly with Thunderbirds Charities mission. “One part of Thunderbirds Charities mission statement reads ‘to assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in our communities.’ What better way to support that mission than to partner with an agency like House of Refuge, that provides housing and wrap around support services for families as they strive to overcome their cycles of homelessness”  Marion said. “Thank you Thunderbirds Charities for your commitment to the families and children in our community that simply need a helping hand as they heal and get back on their feet and on to a brighter tomorrow.” Located on 20 acres in Southeast Mesa, House of Refuge is a […] More

Hundreds of cancer patients will be transported to potentially life-saving treatment thanks to the financial support of Thunderbirds Charities who made a $25,000 commitment to support the American Cancer Society’s transportation programs. “Transportation shouldn’t be a roadblock to cancer treatment,” reports Ashley DeGooyer, Executive Director. “Even with help from family and friends, sometimes patients have trouble getting every ride they need. The American Cancer Society is here to help. Thanks to donors like Thunderbirds Charities we have several transportation assistance programs across Maricopa County and can connect patients to the best option for their situation.” “We’re proud to support American Cancer Society’s transportation programs,” said president of Thunderbirds Charities, Chance Cozby. “The work they do is vital to cancer patients and transportation should not be a barrier to their treatments.” The American Cancer Society Road To Recovery and transportation programs provide rides to and from cancer-related medical appointments for patients who otherwise might not be able to get there. If you or someone you love needs a ride, the American Cancer Society can help.  Based on eligibility and availability, patients will be matched with volunteer drivers,  transportation providers working with the Society, or other local resources. To learn more about […] More

Billy’s Place is honored to receive a $5,000 grant from the Thunderbirds Charities which is giving hope to more grieving families in the West Valley. Billy’s Place is a free Children’s Grief Support Center in the West Valley. There are very few programs that cater to children when it comes to grief and loss. Billy’s Place is serving that need by offering ongoing support/education groups each month which include loss of a parent, loss of a sibling, YA Grief (Young Adult), TLG (Traumatic Loss Group which includes losses of suicide, homicide and overdose) as well as a kicking back night for children only. The children participate in activities that are designed to help them discuss death through their play, art, storytelling, music and talking. With the assistance from the Thunderbirds Charities, the investment will assist with Program Coordination, Insurance, Support Group Supplies, and Volunteer Appreciation. “The business community has been so supportive of Billy’s Place. Because of that support, we are able to help families free of charge as they navigate their grief journey. The children of our community deserve to have a safe place to mourn the loss and learn healthy coping skills after a special person in their […] More

Maggie’s Place is proud to announce that through a grant from Thunderbirds Charities, $40,000 will go toward the organization’s Family Success Center services for homeless, pregnant women and children.  Founded in 2000, Maggie’s Place provides housing, resources and services to support pregnant and parenting mothers in need reach their goals, and welcome them into a community filled with love and dignity. Maggie’s Place provides life-changing programs and services for homeless women and their children by offering a warm and welcoming community, a safe place to live and learn, and ongoing services that promote self-sufficiency. Thunderbirds Charities answered the need through their most recent grant cycle. Maggie’s Place Family Success Center provides maternity and infant supplies, parenting education, bus passes, educational classes for children 0-12, and family coaching for nearly five hundred clients annually. Grant monies will make it possible for the Success Center to serve more mothers, babies and families, helping lift fragile mothers out of poverty and despair. “We are thrilled to receive the grant from Thunderbirds Charities,” said Laura Magruder, Maggie’s Place CEO. “It will change the lives of the mothers and babies we serve and give us the opportunity to help many more mothers in our community.” […] More

Thunderbirds Charities recently awarded a $25,000 grant to Neighborhood Ministries, a social service agency in downtown Phoenix that helps impoverished children and families, for their Katy’s Kids Early Childhood Development Preschool program.  During the 2019-2020 academic year, this program will serve 20 three to five-year-old children from economically disadvantaged households. It will provide opportunities for sensory learning, physical activity and social, emotional and cognitive development. Developmental, physical health, dental, hearing, and vision screenings will be offered free of charge. A unique aspect of this early education program is the comprehensive services that will be provided to meet the various needs of children and families. In addition to connecting families to Neighborhood Ministries’ onsite food and clothing bank, health and dental clinic, after-school programs, counseling services, workforce development program and parenting classes, community partnerships will be utilized to ensure families’ holistic needs are met. https://nmphx.com/programs/katys-kids-preschool/ This grant is part of the Spring 2019 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

More than 100,000 children in Arizona are being raised by their grandparents or other relatives, according to the U.S. census. Duet: Partners in Health & Aging helps grandparents raising grandchildren through Valley-wide support groups, workshops, family activities, respite care, and information and referrals. Recently, Thunderbirds Charities provided Duet with a $15,000 grant to support their one-of-a-kind Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program. “When grandparents raising grandchildren come to Duet, they are often in turmoil,” said Patricia Dominguez, MSW, director of kinship care services for Duet. “They are often confused and scrambling to find resources and help. Duet is that life-line to making sense of their situation and provide them with hope. This grant from Thunderbird Charities will make a huge impact to grandfamilies [grandparents and the children they are raising] facing many challenges.” By supporting grandparents raising grandchildren, Duet provides families with the tools they need to navigate an often unexpected transition and helps to keep children out of foster care. The funds from the Thunderbirds Charities grant will support group family activities, respite care, and more. These social and cultural outings such as family picnics, visits to local attractions, and more, allow grandparents and grandchildren to know that they aren’t alone […] More

As ACEs and the importance of trauma informed care continue garnering awareness in Arizona, one question remains: How will low-income individuals afford trauma care?  Hope Women’s Center has an answer – their trauma informed services are free. And thanks to the recent grant award from Thunderbirds Charities, Hope’s 5 locations can continue helping Arizona women heal from past trauma.  ‘Empower Her’, Hope’s one-on-one mentoring program, is Hope’s approach to trauma healing. “Mentoring allows a client to meet with a trained mentor for deeper emotional work. Being both relational and holistic, ‘Empower Her’ has a unique approach that creates a safe space for a woman to heal emotionally, physically, and spiritually from past trauma,” says Tammy Abernethy, CEO of Hope Women’s Center. “We’ve spent 35 years building trusting relationships with women and teen girls. In 2018, we invested 2,770 hours mentoring women in our communities and we expect that number to grow in 2019 as we open our 5th center in Maricopa and expand our Coolidge center. We are so grateful to Thunderbirds Charities!” “We admire the work and services that Hope Women’s Center provides,” said Chance Cozby, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “We know this grant is going to help so […] More

The Harvest Compassion Center Phoenix (HCC) is pleased to announce it has received a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. These funds will support the mission of the Harvest Compassion Center at both the North Phoenix and Maryvale locations of providing free food, fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy, clothing, hygiene, home and baby items to all who live in Arizona. In partnership with Thunderbirds Charities, as well as St. Mary’s Food Bank, both Harvest Compassion Centers welcome anyone living in Arizona to visit once every 30 days to receive a free shopping trip. Needy individuals, seniors, veterans, families and children come to HCC to find a unique mini-mart shopping experience where a personal shopper volunteer helps them select and fill a cart with their needed and desired grocery, home and clothing items. Last year alone, HCC served 36,180 individuals and children over 205,200 pounds of food and 36,000 pieces of clothing! HCC first opened its doors to the public in memory of a young 23-year-old brother and son, Mitch Swaback. Through one family’s loss, the desire and mission to serve the underserved in Phoenix was born. “Unfortunately, we know we will not end hunger or alleviate poverty in the Valley but […] More