One Step Beyond, Inc., a Phoenix-based non-profit organization that provides comprehensive programming and services for adults who have intellectual disabilities, officially opened its fifth Phoenix location on Wednesday, April 17. The new 13,601 square foot Southwest Phoenix location will serve 200 individuals who live in Phoenix, Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, Tolleson, … [More]
Local Brewery Works in Partnership with Concert Venue to Honor a Century of Entertainment
PHX Beer Co. is teaming up with The Nile Theater to craft a distinctive can design honoring the iconic music venue's remarkable 100-year legacy that will be available on May 1. This specialty can will be filled with one of PHX Beer Co.’s signature refreshing Lagers. The unique artwork on the canned beverage will pay homage to the rich history of the Nile Theater, infusing … [More]
Nonprofit Retail Partnership Celebrated 10-Year Anniversary of In-Store Fundraiser
Boys & Girls Clubs of The Valley (BGCAZ) and local Ross Stores Associates joined forces for a grand celebration of Ross' 10th annual "Help Local Kids Thrive" in-store fundraiser which raised more than $96,000 to support local Club kids. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley and Ross Stores celebrated Ross' 10th annual "Help Local Kids Thrive" … [More]
Nonprofit CEO Set to Depart after 20 Years of Service
After a long and successful career with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ), Laura Capello, president and chief executive officer, will depart after the end of the fiscal year, effective July 1, 2024. “Laura has been an invaluable leader, guiding our organization with dedication, vision and integrity for two decades,” said Brian Wood, BBBSAZ Board Chair. “Her … [More]
Keeping Pets with Families Is Goal of New Nonprofit Partnership
First-of-its-kind program assists UMOM to keep pets with families at their facilities with supplies, veterinary care and more
Pets are proven to improve the social, emotional, and physical health of their human companions, especially in times of crisis and hardship. When an individual or family is facing the loss of housing, fleeing domestic violence, struggling with chronic illness, job loss, or the death of a loved one, their companion animals are often the only solace and connection they … [More]
Adult Autism Leadership Institute Names Chief Impact Officer
Maureen Casey has been named Chief Impact Officer (CIO) for the First Place Global Leadership Institute, a newly created position supporting the organization’s mission to advance a new generation of housing and community development for adults with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities (A/I/DD). For three years, Casey served as director of The Daniel Jordan … [More]
Statewide Digital Awareness Campaign Addressing Arizona’s Housing Crisis Launches
Home is where it all starts is launching a statewide digital awareness campaign to provide solutions to the state’s housing crisis and make sure every Arizonan has a place to call home. People in Arizona’s healthiest neighborhoods live more than 24 years longer than people in the least healthy neighborhoods. This is largely because it is harder for people in the least … [More]
Nonprofit Launches New ‘Fair Chance’ Program from $500,000 Chase Foundation Grant
Valley of the Sun United Way is forming a new Fair Chance Collaborative to help address the multi-dimensional needs of individuals in the Phoenix metropolitan area who have been involved with the justice system. The Collaborative was catalyzed by a $500,000 investment from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation. The new Collaborative will build off existing efforts and explore … [More]
Wildflower’s Nourishing Impact
Cultivating corporate responsibility from seed to table
In the bustling landscape of corporate ventures, Wildflower emerges as a beacon of responsibility, rooted in a commitment to serve not only great food but also the broader community. Founded in November 1996, Wildflower, a family-owned business, has grown to operate 16 restaurants in the Phoenix metropolitan area and Northern Arizona, with an additional bread manufacturing … [More]
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Employees Support Pinal County Communities
The HERO, SALUTE and SAVVY committees at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino embraced the giving spirit throughout 2023. During 2023, the HERO committee and Business Impact Groups combined organized and/or participated in more than 55 events. Employees personally donated more than $10,000 and volunteered countless hours to support causes and organizations in need. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino … [More]
McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Announces New CEO
The Board of Directors for the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, a Scottsdale-based nonprofit supporting the largest urban land preserve in North America, announced the appointment of Amanda Hofmann-Handy, Ed.D., as the new CEO. Dr. Hofmann-Handy, who took up the organization’s helm on March 4, brings nearly two decades of experience as a growth-oriented nonprofit leader as well … [More]
Board of Visitors Awards $50,000 Grant to Support Staff for Senior Living Organization
FSL (Foundation for Senior Living) was recently awarded a $50,000 grant from The Board of Visitors that will be used to support the expenses of a vitally needed member advocate in their ReCreación adult day health program. “We are thankful to receive support from The Board of Visitors as we work to reach more individuals in need of services,” said Tami Bohannon, president and … [More]
Local Coffee Roaster Continues Fundraising Efforts Across the Valley
Since its establishment in 2008, PRESS Coffee, local specialty coffee roaster, has been dedicated to the community. Not only have they stayed committed to providing quality, sustainable coffee to local Arizonans, but for the past six years, PRESS has continued to give back to the community, raising money for numerous non-profits through grand openings, events and their biggest … [More]
Foundation Focused on Community & Health Advancement Takes Action on Food Insecurity
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement (the Foundation), in partnership with the Arizona Food Bank Network, hosted a Day of Action aimed at addressing food insecurity in Arizona. About 50 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona employees and community members came together on March 6 at St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix, lending their … [More]
Toyota Provides up to $9.3M to Arizona Schools for STEM Programs
Toyota USA Foundation announced grants of up to $9.3 million to prepare Chandler and Tempe students for future careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The collaboration is part of the Driving Possibilities initiative and is a five-year phased rollout of programing in select schools. "Our goal is to increase awareness of future STEM careers while helping … [More]
Credit Union Partners with Foundation, Fostering Growth in Communities
OneAZ Credit Union and the State Forty Eight Foundation announce the launch of a new partnership that aims to uplift and empower small businesses and entrepreneurs across Arizona. As part of this collaboration, OneAZ will serve as the Official 2024 Local Financial Partner of the State Forty Eight Foundation. Additionally, OneAZ President & CEO Brandon Michaels will join the … [More]
RPM Living: A Story of Growth, Values and Corporate Responsibility
Impactful partnerships further efforts to empower and strengthen its communities
In 2002, Jason Berkowitz founded RPM Living in Austin, Texas, managing a mere 10 units. Today, this real estate powerhouse has extended its influence far beyond its origins, making a significant impact in Arizona, emerging as a vital force in the region's growth and well-being. With a portfolio now spanning more than 180,000 units across more than 45 markets, RPM Living has … [More]
Students’ Chronic Absenteeism Is a Growing Issue
Impacts Arizona’s business health and economy
Chronic absenteeism among Arizona students has steadily increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, putting students and our future Arizona leaders at risk. Chronic absenteeism increased from 14% in 2019 to 34% in 2022, according to data from the Arizona Department of Education. When a K-12 student misses 10% or more of the school year, they are considered chronically absent. This … [More]
