WM Phoenix Open

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/U23ZyIKDk8w”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1588021473428{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]As part of our In the Community Conversations, Thunderbirds’ Big Chief Tim Woods checked in with CEO of Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ) Jamie Heckerman via virtual conference call to discuss the current challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, rally community support and communicate immediate and essential needs so SOAZ can continue to serve the community at large.

For people with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics Arizona is often the only place where they have an opportunity to participate in their communities and develop belief in themselves. For athletes, Special Olympics sports provide a gateway to empowerment, competence, acceptance and joy. The lessons learned in Special Olympics also impact their life skills. Sports training enhances focus and gives participants a structure for learning important lessons about perseverance, endurance and setting goals.

Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open – has been a long-time supporter of SOAZ, recently providing a $1 million donation to fund the completion of their new State Competitions Distribution and Training Center.

“Normally this is our very busy time of year. We have our summer games that are usually right around the corner. Unfortunately, this year that’s not happening,” said Heckerman. “We’ve really had to rethink some of the programming we normally deliver and figure out how we can do that in a different way.”

One of the major changes SOAZ is implementing to combat the effects of the pandemic is moving programming to a digital platform with an emphasis on connectivity and movement.

“On April 6 we launched SOAZ connected, where we’re providing content digitally for our athletes. This is meant to make our athletes think to be more healthy and engage in the community,” said Heckerman. “Also, we’ll be conducting health lessons online, fitness videos in real time, e-sports and other health and fitness content.”

Heckerman also mentioned a desire to create a certain amount of normalcy during these trying times by conducting digital versions of popular events.

“The summer games athlete dance is the highlight of any competition that we put on,” said Heckerman. “Through a program called house party, we’ll have a volunteer DJ that we’ll set up and play music and our athletes can just dance and see their friends and still engage in that way and bring our community back together.”

How can the community help SOAZ?

“We have realized through this that a lot of people out there that have time and talent that aren’t necessarily utilized,” said Heckerman. “If someone has a talent in art or the ability to do a fitness video or knowledge in karate they can share with our athletes, we’re looking for something to share that would engage with our athletes and allow them to have fun.” CLICK HERE To Support and Donate to SOAZ.

Special Olympics Arizona

2455 N Citrus Rd, Bldg. 64

Goodyear, AZ 85395

Phone: (602) 230-1200

Check out the new SOAZ website!

To Donate Funds | To Volunteer | To Connect[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/j5W-QSScxms”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1587416286781{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Today, The Thunderbirds checked in with Darlene Newsom, CEO of UMOM, to discuss the current challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, communicate immediate essential needs and spread their messages to the local communities they serve, rally support and secure vital resources so they may continue to help as much as they can.

Since its inception in 1964, UMOM has been an innovative provider of shelter, housing and services for people experiencing homelessness. UMOM provides safe shelter and supportive services for hundreds of families across the Valley by providing access to affordable housing and special Program Centers for its residents.

Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open – has been a long-time supporter of UMOM, providing monetary funds, clothing donations and other basic necessities to combat the effects of homelessness.

“It’s not business as usual,” said Newsom. “We are an essential service declared by the Governor, so we will be here no matter what. This last week, our wait list went up by 30 percent, so we have 180 families on our wait list. I feel it’s our responsibility to be able to serve those families, so we are opening up 20 more rooms here on the main campus for homeless families.”

The effects of the coronavirus pandemic have led to new challenges UMOM most overcome to continue to help the community.

“[Because of the pandemic] many of our clients have been laid off of their jobs in hospitality and food service,” said Newsom. “We know our clients are going to stay longer. Our average length of stay is usually around 85 days. Families [at UMOM] can stay up to 120 days, but we know families will need to be here longer than that.”

How can the community help UMOM?

“We had a big push the last two weeks for supplies, diapers, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, board games, books for our children and we still need some of those items,” said Newsom. “We have items listed on our website, and now we have an Amazon account which is a really good way to donate.”

Visit umom.org/support-our-work/ to support and donate to UMOM and help them accomplish their mission to end homelessness.

UMOM New Day Centers

3333 E. Van Buren St.

Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-275-7852

Website | To Donate Money | To Donate Goods | Amazon Wishlist

For more information about how we are handling COVID-19 and exciting updates about Andre House, visit us on Facebook.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/LLrXMA5ELdU”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1587149954624{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Today’s In the Community Conversation is with Thunderbirds Big Chief Chance Cozby and Amy Schwabenlender, executive director of Human Services Campus. Schwabenlender discussed the current challenges surrounding the COVID-19 crisis, how it has impacted those experiencing homelessness in the Valley and changes Human Services Campus has been forced to make to combat the crisis.

The Human Services Campus (HSC) is a collaborative agency on the Human Services Campus and provides resources to individuals experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County. Located near downtown Phoenix, HSC is comprised of a dynamic team committed to assisting individuals with ending their homelessness. We offer a competitive total compensation package including medical, dental, life, paid holidays, vacation and personal time, and the satisfaction of giving hope and transforming lives.

Schwabenlender first discussed the importance of having a healthcare provider on the Human Services Campus.

“One of the benefits of the Human Services Campus is having a health care provider right here,” said Schwabenlender. “It’s operated by Circle the City and we’ve really leaned on them for medical leadership and their guidance on how to temporarily repurpose our operation to ensure the health and safety of as many people as possible.”

Obviously, the current pandemic has created significant challenges across the entire Phoenix community, but Schwabenlender continues to see the positive amid the crisis.

“One of the silver linings is the original purpose of the campus was to have a collaboration,” said Schwabenlender. “[The purpose was to] work together to end homelessness in Phoenix. Now we have to do that. We don’t have any other choice.”

Schwabenlender explained how the crisis has impacted their operations and how they serve the community at large.

“From a staffing perspective, we’re looking at who is doing what,” said Schwabenlender. “Their jobs are changing all the time. We’re doing things 24/7 now that we haven’t done 24/7 before and we’re really relying on each other more as partners.”

How can you help Human Services Campus?

“Financial support really allows us to be flexible and adapt,” said Schwabenlender. “The supplies, just like every other non-profit in the sector, like soap and hand sanitizer for guests and employees is critical.”

Human Services Campus | 204 S. 12th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85007 | 602.282.0853 | www.hsc-az.org

Amazon Wishlist | Monetary Donation

Donating Goods: It couldn’t be easier. You pull up and our staff will remove the donations from your trunk or the back of your car. Call Ivan Orozco at 602-282-0849 or email volunteer@hsc-az.org for more information.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/Vs1gjO8YKv8″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Today’s check in is with Thunderbirds 2021 Tournament Chairman Scott Jenkins and Marcia Mintz, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley. Marcia discussed the current challenges surrounding the COVID-19 crisis, how Boys and Girls Club is responding to the pandemic and what immediate and essential needs they require to continue helping people in need throughout the Phoenix area.

BGCAZ has been the largest and most trusted childcare provider in the Valley for decades. The organization started in 1963 with one club in Tempe and quickly branched into multiple clubs throughout Arizona, providing a safe, positive, and fun environment for their kids’ out-of-school time.

Whether it is during a summer camp, after-school time, or in one of their other enrichment programs, BGCAZ offers unique experiences in the arts, physical fitness, character development, and leadership training. They also provide proven educational programs and academic support — along with plenty of healthy fun and recreation.

Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open – has been a long-time supporter of BGCAZ, providing monetary funds for operational and capital needs to serve thousands of at-risk children each year.

“When COVID-19 hit in Arizona and all of the schools shut down, we immediately mobilized our staff and our organization and asked how can we best support vulnerable families here in Arizona,” said Mintz. “We made the decision – with authorization from the Governor’s office and health officials –  to open up our clubs to serve the childcare needs of our essential workers including first responders and healthcare workers and anyone who is considered an essential operation in Arizona.”

Mintz explained the change in Boys & Girls Club operations and how school closures have required significant changes to their service models.

“We’ve really had to change how we do business. We consolidated our 27 locations into 11 locations so we can bring staff together and rotate staff to ensure we have the required 1-10 ratio of staff to children. We are also serving two meals and a snack per day,”  said Mintz.

One of the challenges BGCAZ is feeling right now is the change in operating hours and how that strains their operations.

“We’re normally an out of school time operation, but were now being asked to stay open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” said Mintz.  “That puts a very different strain on our budget and our financials and maintaining our staff ratio has had the biggest impact on us.”

How can you help Boys & Girls Club?

“We are always looking for hand sanitizer and supplies. We’ll take snacks for the kids, but they have to be individually wrapped. We’re also looking for meals for staff and of course monetary donations make all the difference in the world,” said Mintz.

Here’s how to help Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley:

Supplies can be dropped off at the Boys & Girls Club Program Services Center. Staff there will be able to receive the donations at a safe distance and sanitize and distribute goods as needed throughout the 11 open locations.

Boys & Girls Club 

4309 E. Belleview St. bldg. 14

Phoenix, Arizona 85008

Visit www.bgcmp.org and look for the option at the top of the screen that says “get involved

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/wmjiBJOOsnU”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The Thunderbirds are reaching out to its many incredible charity partners over the next few weeks to discuss their important work and highlight the new obstacles they are enduring as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. We hope that by sharing their messages to the local communities they serve it will help rally support and secure vital resources needed to continue. They are on the front lines doing everything in their power to brighten the lives of so many facing overwhelming obstacles during these trying times.

To help as much as they can – and by continuing social distancing practices – The Thunderbirds will be connecting remotely with some of these Arizona charities over the next few weeks to identify their unique needs and where The Thunderbirds and the community can help.

Today’s check in is with Thunderbirds Big Chief Chance Cozby and Ash Uss, Advocacy and Partnerships coordinator from Andre House. Ash discussed the current challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Andre House’s immediate essential needs and how the community can rally together and offer support to Andre House and other local charities that are in dire need right now.

Since its inception in 1984, Andre House of Arizona has grown to be one of the Valley’s largest providers of basic needs and transitional services for people experiencing homelessness. Guests of Andre House can come in and receive clothing, laundry, showers, lockers, legal services and find a welcoming, hospitable place for physical, emotional and spiritual healing.

Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open – has been a long-time supporter of Andre House, providing monetary funds, clothing donations and other basic necessities to combat the effects of homelessness.

“This has been a remarkable, stressful and somewhat overwhelming experience for all of us,” Ash said. “We went from having 30 volunteers to having five to seven of us who are here every day of the week still trying to provide 700-800 meals. That being said, it’s incredible to see how people have stepped up with their generosity.”

While restrictions and challenges caused by the pandemic have limited food production and other operations at Andre House, recent financial contributions have enabled them to reach out to local eateries who have helped Andre House maintain their ability to feed those experiencing homelessness.

“Financial contributions have been absolutely critical and have allowed us to develop a unique partnership with small businesses who can help us meet the cooking demands of Andre House and help some local restaurants and other small business with immediate revenue,” said Ash.

Here’s how to help Andre House:

Visit www.andrehouse.org and look for the option at the top of the screen that says “ways to give’”. There is a “donate goods” section and – most importantly – there’s a link to the Amazon wish list, which is the best way to immediately and positively impact Andre House and their guests.

Andre House 213 S. 11th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-255-0580

Website | To Donate Money | To Donate Goods | Amazon Wishlist

For more information about how we are handling COVID-19 and exciting updates about Andre House, visit us on Facebook[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Thunderbirds  – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open – are providing $1 million in emergency funding to assist Arizona charities during this time of great uncertainty.   This money is ready to be granted immediately, with funds being donated to Boys and Girls Clubs of the Valley, St. Mary’s Food Bank and St. Vincent de Paul today.  The Thunderbirds will continue to evaluate the situation and will hand out the remainder of the money over the next few weeks as other priority needs arise.

“Thanks to the tremendous community support every year of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, The Thunderbirds are able to give to so many worthy charities.  We are in unprecedented times.  We felt, as an organization, it was imperative to act quickly and get much needed funds to help those in dire need right now.”

– Chance Cozby, Big Chief of The Thunderbirds

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The Thunderbirds donate $1 Million to Arizona Charities. “Thanks to the tremendous community support every year of #thepeoplesopen, The Thunderbirds are able to give to so many worthy charities. We are in unprecedented times. We felt, as an organization, it was imperative to act quickly and get much needed funds to help those in dire need right now.” – Chance Cozby, Big Chief of The Thunderbirds

A post shared by Waste Management Phoenix Open (@wmphoenixopen) on Mar 20, 2020 at 3:58pm PDT