The 100 Club of Arizona has received a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to expand critical mental health support and injury prevention resources for first responders across the Phoenix metropolitan area. This funding will help the organization expand services for more than 1,500 public safety officers and firefighters by providing timely mental health support, trauma-informed resources, and essential safety equipment designed to prevent injuries and improve operational readiness.
“Every day, Arizona’s first responders face challenges most people never encounter,” said Melissa Kowalski, CEO of the 100 Club of Arizona. “This investment from Thunderbirds Charities ensures we can provide immediate support when tragedy strikes, expand access to mental health resources, and equip agencies with tools that help keep their personnel safe. Together, we’re strengthening the well-being and resilience of those who protect our communities.”
Since 1968, the 100 Club of Arizona has provided financial assistance, wellness resources, safety funding, and family support to Arizona’s public safety professionals. Today, the organization supports more than 50,000 public safety professionals employed by approximately 400 agencies statewide.
When tragedy strikes, the impact on first responders and their families is immediate and devastating. The 100 Club of Arizona exists to respond with compassion, understanding, and practical assistance. Whether providing emergency financial aid, emotional support, wellness resources, or long-term assistance, the organization’s mission is to ease the burdens faced by those injured or killed in the line of duty and the families who stand beside them.
The grant from Thunderbirds Charities will support two critical initiatives:
PEER 100 Assistance
PEER 100 provides first responders with accessible mental health and trauma support through counseling services, peer connections, wellness resources, and trauma-informed care. The program helps address the cumulative effects of repeated exposure to traumatic incidents, including critical injuries, fatalities, violent crimes, abuse investigations, and major emergencies.
Injury Prevention Equipment Program
The Injury Prevention Equipment program strengthens responder safety by funding critical protective equipment and safety resources that agencies often cannot afford through traditional budgets. Supported items may include personal protective equipment, cancer-reduction tools such as decontamination systems, ballistic protection, communication equipment, and other resources that reduce preventable injuries and enhance responder safety.
The need for these services continues to grow. Phoenix-area public safety agencies face increasing call volumes and escalating demands on personnel. First responders routinely encounter traumatic events at rates far exceeding those experienced by the general population. Studies show these repeated exposures can contribute to elevated rates of post-traumatic stress, depression, occupational stress, burnout, substance misuse, and family hardship.
In 2025, the 100 Club of Arizona provided support to 4,663 first responders and family members through comprehensive programs including mental health assistance, financial relief, safety enhancement funding, scholarships, and family support resources. With support from community partners such as Thunderbirds Charities, the organization expects to reach more than 3,500 first responders and their families in the Phoenix metro area through these grant-supported initiatives.
“Our first responders sacrifice so much to keep Arizona communities safe,” said Jason Eisenberg, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “We are proud to support the 100 Club of Arizona and its efforts to provide life-changing mental health resources, financial assistance, and injury prevention tools that strengthen those who serve our communities.”
Through partnerships like this, the 100 Club of Arizona remains committed to standing beside first responders and their families before, during, and after times of crisis.
This grant is part of the Spring 2026 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.