The farewell Rescuers show – Art Brooks

What began as a project to spotlight people making a difference in our community grew far beyond initial expectations. When Art Brooks sat behind a mic for the first Rescuers show in 2020, COVID had just closed down workplaces across the country. It was not an auspicious time to start a new projec…

Women Deserve Better - Marc Burmich

Unplanned pregnancies create a wealth of challenges. For the woman who is expecting. For the father, regardless of the circumstances. For the family, and for the community. Choices Pregnancy Centers of Greater Phoenix was founded with the vision of serving the physical, emotional, social, and spir…

Connecting students & veterans – Michelle DiMuro

It’s an intergenerational project that connects our country’s veterans and high school students who together build relationships and immortalize priceless memories. Michelle DiMuro leads Imprints of Honor, whose mission is to recognize veterans, preserve America’s heritage, and develop students as…

Teaching next gen investigators – Kelly Crockett

When an individual goes missing or is the victim of a violent crime, the entire family suffers. And when that case lingers without resolution, the pain can impact generations. Kelly Crockett is an instructor of Forensic Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott. Her passion is co…

Partnering for healthy communities – Jeri Royce

Advance Community specializes in care, love and concern for people – beginning with the Latino community in Phoenix more than 50 years ago, and now serving in seven countries in Mexico, Latin and South America. Committed to transforming lives in communities both locally and globally, the organizat…

Hope for every woman - Elizabeth Ayers-Cluff

It haunted her. When Elizabeth Ayers-Cluff was diagnosed with her first round of breast cancer, she was grateful for her circle of friends who provided her with support and hope. They walked with her through treatment, remission, and the countless challenges, and treatments, including nine failed r…

A community of belonging - Jackie Parks

There are many services for the unhoused in the Valley. But Pastor Jackie Parks saw the need in her own community, and couldn't wait for someone else to reach out. She and the members of her church created Community House to provide community, dignity, and hope for neighbors in need. What makes th…

Growing gardens & community - Rodney Smith

 Rodney Smith is the Community Outreach Manager for TigerMountain Foundation, an organization formed to help build flourishing neighborhood gardens ... and so much more. It helps build genuine self-value and competency in participants that enables people to rise above poverty. The program uses gar…

A Place to Thrive – Vera Martinez

Vera Marinez’s sister had Down’s Syndrome. In 1963, the family left Pennsylvania for the drier climate of Arizona. There were no services for her sister, so her mother – Mary Lees – made that her passion. She began several programs, including bringing Special Olympics to the state, and started the …

Healthcare for the homeless – Kim Despres

What began with a shoebox and a vision is now a healthcare operation that completes more than 63,000 medical appointments every year by meeting those facing homelessness where they are. Circle the City was founded by Sister Adele O’Sullivan in 2010, when she began caring for people on the street. …