^{Lisa Masters with her sons Brandon & Andrew}

This month’s tip comes courtesy of Lisa Masters, the founder & CEO of Autism Life and Living

In the world of nonprofits, the mission is the guiding star that drives every action and decision. For many leaders, it can be easy to get lost in the day-to-day operations and lose sight of why that mission matters so deeply. As a nonprofit leader myself, I’ve learned that the most powerful way to truly understand and serve those we aim to help is to live the mission.

For me, this lesson came from personal experience. As a single mother of two young men with autism, I intimately understood the challenges and gaps in services that families like mine face every day. This insight fueled my passion to found Autism Life and Living, a nonprofit dedicated to serving individuals with similar needs.

But simply believing in the mission isn’t enough. To make a real impact, nonprofit leaders must immerse themselves in the lives of those they serve. This means actively participating in programs, events and engagements that bring them closer to the community they work so tirelessly to support. By experiencing a mission moment, leaders gain invaluable insights into the diverse needs and experiences of their beneficiaries. They witness firsthand the transformative power of their programs and services, and the positive difference they make in people’s lives.

Immerse yourself in the experiences of those you serve, engage with them directly, and let their stories guide your work. Only then can we truly fulfill the promise of our missions and create lasting change in the world.

Autism Life and Living empowers young adults with autism by providing programs that promote inclusion, independence, socialization and well-being. For more information, visit autismlifeandliving.org.

The post Pro Tip of The Month: Live the Mission appeared first on .

“The fellow board of trustees and I are proud to welcome Dr. Joshua Basha, Michael Casey, Lauren Ferrigni and Diego (Jim) Valenzuela as the newest trustees,” said Dave Sherf, chair of the board of trustees at Western Spirit. “Their diverse expertise and passion for the arts will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of Western Spirit. Each new member brings a deep commitment to furthering our mission by fostering a dynamic and engaging environment that not only showcases the vibrant stories of the past but also shapes the cultural landscape for future generations.”

The four new board of trustee members are:

• Dr. Joshua Basha: An Arizona native, Dr. Basha has been immersed in Western art since a very young age. In addition to being a dentist anesthesiologist, he has a background in management, retail operations, customer service and community engagement.
• Mike Casey: A director at Hirtle Callaghan, Casey brings over 30 years of experience in wealth management. Casey formerly served as the chairman of the Herberger Theater Company in Phoenix and president of the Scottsdale Rotary Club. He’s been involved with many nonprofits, including The Phoenix Symphony and the Children’s Museum of Phoenix.
• Lauren Ferrigni: Ferrigni has served in leadership roles with many organizations aimed at improving Valley communities. She previously served on the board of directors of the Phoenix Public Library Foundation, the executive board of the Maricopa County Bar Association Environmental & Natural Resources Section, and as chair of the executive council of the State Bar of Arizona Environmental & Natural Resources Section.
• Jim Valenzuela: A Tucson native and founder & CEO of V’s Barbershop Holdings, Valenzuela has a rich history in business leadership. He was also the founding executive director and executive vice president of MedPro, then the largest multi-specialty physician organization in Arizona. He brings valuable experience in branding, business strategy and financial management to the board.

Western Spirit showcases the art, culture and rich history spanning 19 states in the American West, Western Canada and Mexico. It is committed to fostering community engagement and promoting the cultural richness of the West.

For more behind this Frontdoor, visit scottsdalemuseumwest.org.

The post Western Spirit Names 4 to Board of Trustees appeared first on .

Poor vision can impact a child’s development and learning, but kids rarely complain about vision problems. Often, they believe everyone sees the world the way they do. That’s because children’s vision problems are frequently silent, without any signs.

Fortunately, an early childhood vision screening is an easy ways to check on your child’s vision. Just ask your pediatrician or healthcare provider at your well-child visit. If necessary, you’ll be referred to an eye doctor for a more complete exam.

Treatment to help correct your child’s vision is usually very easy. Most insurance plans that cover young children include vision services. If you’re covered by AHCCCS (Arizona’s Medicaid program), all children’s vision services — including screenings, eye exams and treatment — are free.

Eyes On Learning is dedicated to making sure that children with vision problems are identified early and receive an eye exam and follow-up treatment to achieve better vision health. For information, tools and resources, visit eyesonlearning.org.

The post Pro Tip of the Month: Children’s Vision Matters appeared first on .

“We’re excited about our 2024 board of directors, a fantastic team bringing diverse expertise and insight to our vital work,” said IWF Arizona board president JoAnn Holland. “Personally, it’s an honor for me to extend a warm welcome to this powerhouse of committed leaders. I’m genuinely looking forward to collaborating with each of them throughout the year ahead.”

IWF Arizona’s board members hold a one-year term, which will conclude at the end of 2024. The board members are:

• JoAnn Holland of Central Phoenix Women | East Valley Women | North Valley Women | Women of Scottsdale (president)
• Carey Chambers of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust (vice president and treasurer)
• Gaby Cardenas of Colibri Collective (secretary)
• Heather Rausch of Foxfire Events (communications chair | membership co-chair)
• Mary Mitchell of Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine (membership co-chair)
• Adelaida Severson of Bushtex, Inc. (program chair)
• Lauren Chazal of Headlands Research (mentorship chair)
• Megan Ackaert of Wells Fargo (at large)
• Latasha Causey of Phoenix Raceway (at large)
• Shannon Clancy of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (at large)
• Lisa Hartsock of Valleywise Health (at large)

The new board members will also support IWF Arizona’s new mentorship program: Women Opening Doors to Women, an initiative designed to empower young women on their professional journeys. Set to begin in the fall of 2025, through connections and guidance from IWF Arizona and Global members, the program aims to foster a supportive environment, paving the way for future leaders. 

The International Women’s Forum Arizona was started in 1982 and now includes over 100 prominent Valley-based leaders in various fields like business, the arts, government, academia, STEM and many nonprofit executives.

For more behind this Frontdoor, visit iwfaz.org.

The post International Women’s Forum of Arizona Announces 2024 Board Members appeared first on .

During February — American Heart Month — the American Heart Association is urging the community to join the Nation of Lifesavers initiative and learn CPR. Each year, more than 350,000 people die of cardiac arrest in the U.S., including 23,000 children. With the public’s help, we can bring that number to zero.

The Association has set a goal of doubling the survival of cardiac arrest by 2030, but we can’t do it alone. We want every family and home to have someone who knows CPR and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This will ensure that in the time of cardiac emergency, anyone, anywhere, is prepared to provide CPR.

In Greater Phoenix, families can make a difference and transition from bystander to lifesaver by:

• Taking an online CPR course
• Learning and practicing Hands-Only CPR with a CPR Anytime® Training Kit
• Watching a 60-second Hands-Only CPR instructional video

CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. For more information on CPR resources and how to join the Nation of Lifesavers, visit heart.org/nation.

American Heart Association Greater Phoenix Division’s mission is to be a relentless force for a world of
longer, healthier lives. For more behind this Frontdoor, visit heart.org/en/affiliates/arizona.

The post Pro Tip of the Month: Learn the Lifesaving Skill of CPR appeared first on .

Shipe, who has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 15 years, most recently served as the director of major gifts and donor engagement for Valley of the Sun United Way.  Before assuming her new role at Keep Phoenix Beautiful, she served as a member of its board of directors. 

“I’m so grateful for my years at Valley of the Sun United Way that prepared me for this challenge, and I’m thrilled to be working with the KPB team, in partnership with the City of Phoenix Public Works Department, to continue the great work of this organization,” said Shipe. 

For more behind this Frontdoor, visit keepphxbeautiful.org

The post Keep Phoenix Beautiful Names New President & CEO appeared first on .

Bridgeo joins the organization with over 20 years of nonprofit experience, having held many positions for the Salvation Army and, most recently, as the area director for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley. She succeeds Amy Pfeifer, the Boys Hope Girls Hope Arizona executive director since 2015.

“It is an absolute privilege to be joining the Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona team,” Bridgeo said. “I am excited for this new opportunity to partner with a tremendous network of people who have invested in the lives and education of BHGH scholars. Amy has provided solid leadership to pave the way for a wonderful transition, and I look forward to building upon that success as a catalyst for continued growth and expansion of the organization.”

Boys Hope Girls Hope Arizona has been serving Arizona youth since 1989, with the mission to nurture and guide motivated young people in need to become well-educated, career-ready men and women for others.

For more behind this Frontdoor, visit bhghaz.org.

The post Boys Hope Girls Hope Arizona Names New Executive Director appeared first on .

As a member of your community, you have an amazing opportunity to learn about where you live. You may be surprised to learn about the history, development and offerings all around you! Here are three ways to learn more:

• Visit the Chamber of Commerce: Leverage the resources available through the local chamber by visiting their office, reviewing their website or joining. You may be pleasantly surprised by all the things happening and find a few you might be interested in participating in.
• Volunteer at a Local Nonprofit: Each community has multiple nonprofits that likely need volunteers. Find hundreds of volunteer opportunities posted on VolunteerMatch.org, JustServe.org or a specific nonprofit’s website. You will be serving your community and find yourself an important part of improving the lives of others.
• Visit Recreation Centers: Visit a local rec center to learn about various classes offered, signature events planned or to mingle with other community members. You’ll enjoy meeting new people while learning a new skill or engaging in wellness activities.

As a faith-based organization, Midwest Food Bank strives to provide industry-leading food relief to those in need while feeding them spiritually. For more behind this Frontdoor, visit midwestfoodbank.org.

The post Pro Tip of the Month: Learn About Where You Live appeared first on .

Ryan House

In her new role, Bernick will focus on fostering donor engagement and stewardship. She will supervise strategic funding initiatives and Ryan House’s Individual Giving program, as well as assist with annual signature events.

Bernick, an Arizona native, holds a degree from the University of Arizona in General Studies in arts, media and entertainment with a focus on social behavior and human understanding, economy and industry and global and intercultural understanding.

“Brenna’s enthusiasm and passion for our mission combined with her experience in development makes her the perfect fit for this position,” said Ryan House executive director Tracy Leonard-Warner. “We are so excited to have her as part of our team.”

Ryan House’s mission is to enrich the quality of life and create cherished memories for children and their families, provide a much-needed break from 24/7 caregiving, as they navigate life-limiting or end-of-life journeys.

For more behind this Frontdoor, visit ryanhouse.org

The post Ryan House Names New Development Director appeared first on .

This month’s tip comes courtesy of Michelle Reyes, the donor & volunteer relations manager of Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center.

Volunteering not only aids those in need but also offers numerous advantages to volunteers. Among the various benefits of volunteering, I believe the top three are:

• Personal Fulfillment: Volunteering provides a profound sense of personal satisfaction. It’s a chance to contribute to a cause you care about deeply and witness the real impact you make on the lives of others.
• Skill Development: When you volunteer, you can acquire new skills that are valuable both in your personal life and professional career.
• Social Connections: You’ll meet individuals who share your interests and values, often
  leading to professional relationships and enduring friendships.

Giving some of your time and energy can lead to a heartwarming journey of personal growth, connection and fulfillment. You’ll be astounded at the rewards you’ll reap when you help those in need within our community.

Founded in 1988, the Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center provides food for neighbors experiencing food insecurity as well as resources and guidance. For more behind this Frontdoor, visit FoothillsFoodBank.com.

The post Pro Tip of the Month: Reap the Rewards appeared first on .