PXG Issues $1 Million Matching Challenge Benefitting Team Rubicon for California Wildfire Relief Efforts.

Donations to Team Rubicon will be Matched Dollar-for-Dollar by PXG with Support from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation

PXG, the global golf equipment and apparel brand, has announced a significant commitment to match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $1 million for Team Rubicon to aid in the ongoing efforts to combat the devastating impact of recent wildfires in California. This initiative underscores PXG’s ongoing commitment to supporting the communities it serves, especially during times of crisis.

Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization, mobilizes military veterans, first responders, and civilian volunteers to assist global communities before, during, and after disasters and crises. In response to the catastrophic wildfires that have threatened lives and properties across California, Team Rubicon has been on the front lines, providing critical assistance and resources.

Volunteers, Team Rubicon calls them Greyshirts, are easing the burden of first responders with survivor education and supplies distribution. Greyshirts also performed just-in-time mitigation to reduce the risk of future wildfires in Southern California. Team Rubicon is set to continue with assistance for the community for the months and even years ahead.

“Seeing the destruction caused by the wildfires has left us heartbroken,” said Bob Parsons, Founder of PXG and The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “As a company deeply rooted in California’s golfing community, we feel a strong responsibility to support our neighbors during this challenging time. By matching donations to Team Rubicon, we hope to amplify the impact of this relief effort and encourage others to join us in bringing assistance to those affected by these unprecedented wildfires.”

Renee Parsons, CMO of PXG and co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, added, “We have witnessed firsthand the incredible work that Team Rubicon does, not only during natural disasters like these wildfires but also as part of hurricane relief efforts and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their dedication to rebuilding lives and communities is inspiring, and we are honored to support their efforts in this time of need.”

The matching fund will help Team Rubicon expand its operations in California, providing the necessary resources for on-the-ground support, recovery efforts, and rebuilding initiatives. The funds will be utilized for logistics, supplies, and volunteer operations to ensure that those affected receive the aid they most urgently need.

“PXG and The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation continue to invest in our mission, allowing us to assist more communities,” said Team Rubicon CEO Art delaCruz. “Los Angeles is where we are based, and we are committed to our neighbors along with those impacted by disaster across the nation. This is just the beginning of our work in Southern California, we are ready for the long haul.”

PXG encourages people to step-up to contribute to the relief efforts in whatever way they can, as every dollar donated will be matched up to $1 million. Together, we can help restore hope and rebuild lives in the wake of this disaster.

To make a donation or to learn more about Team Rubicon, visit www.teamrubiconusa.org.

For more information about PXG, visit www.pxg.com.

Semper Fi & America’s Fund Raises $28.8 Million for Veterans and Military Families with The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and PXG.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and PXG have matched $10 million in donations to The Fund, providing continued support to service members, veterans, and military families.

For the 13th year, Semper Fi & America’s Fund (The Fund) partnered with The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation (The Foundation) and PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf) for the Double Down for Veterans Match Campaign. In just two months, the campaign raised $28.8 million, including a $10 million donation match from The Foundation and PXG. All proceeds from the campaign will go directly towards supporting service members, veterans, and military families across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

“For many of our service members, the effects of their injuries last a lifetime. The continued support from our donors and organizations like The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and PXG allow us to be there for our veterans and military families as long as they need us,” said Karen Guenther, President, CEO, and Founder of Semper Fi & America’s Fund. “It has been a true honor to work with Bob and Renee over the past 13 years to provide lifetime support to our military families.”

Since 2012, the Double Down for Veterans Match Campaign has raised $249 million to benefit the veteran community, thanks to the generous support of our donors and the matching contributions from The Foundation and PXG.

“When service members return home, support from their community is crucial,” said Bob Parsons, U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War Veteran. “Through our partnership with Semper Fi & America’s Fund, we aim to remind veterans and their families that they are never alone—and that the support they need continues long after service.”

The Fund, which began in 2004, was started by military spouses who stepped in to provide assistance to injured service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Since then, The Fund has provided more than $500 million in grants, programs, and services, assisting over 33,000 combat-wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families.

“Mental, physical, and spiritual well-being are all essential for those on the road to recovery,” said Renee Parsons, Co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and Chief Marketing Officer of PXG. “What makes Semper Fi & America’s Fund so unique is its holistic approach to healing, ensuring that service members have access to all the resources they need for a lifetime.”

500,000 Arizona Students Get Vision Screening Thanks to New Law.

Eyes On Learning helped develop the policy and secured significant philanthropic investments for its implementation that started this school year.

With the 2024-25 school year now underway, approximately 500,000 students in Arizona public and charter schools are receiving vision screenings thanks to a new state law and investments from local philanthropic organizations to support a successful rollout. Vision screenings are a critical step in identifying problems that can impede children’s healthy development and educational progress.

While some schools have offered vision screenings in the past, the new law provides rules and guidelines for all public and charter schools to conduct vision screenings for children at school entry (pre-K or kindergarten), in third grade, and again in seventh grade. Schools may also choose to screen children in other or all grades, so the total number of students who will receive screenings this year may be even greater than estimated.

Eyes On Learning, a public-private coalition of partners dedicated to improving the vision health of Arizona’s children, developed recommendations that contributed to the passage of the legislation in 2019 and has been instrumental in bringing significant philanthropic investments and federal funding for its implementation.

“Starting this school year with vision screening as a priority is the culmination of many years of partnership and collaboration,” said Karen Woodhouse, director of Eyes On Learning. “Schools now have the training and tools they need, and hundreds of thousands of kids are being screened to support their best vision health and learning success.”

Why Vision Screening Matters
Vision screening is a critical first step in supporting children’s vision health. For those children who are identified as having a problem, the next step is being referred to an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam and follow-up treatment if needed (often glasses).

More than 25 percent of the school-age population in Arizona may have an undetected or untreated vision problem that negatively impacts their ability to learn, and rates of nearsightedness (myopia) in children have spiked since the pandemic.

“Vision health is especially vital in the early grades, when children develop the literacy skills required to be proficient readers, and for success in school in the long run,” Woodhouse said.

While the law requires public and charter schools to provide vision screenings on a regular basis, it is important for parents and caregivers to connect with their child’s pediatrician or primary care provider to include vision screening as part of their regular medical check-ups.

Tools and Training for Schools
As outlined by the law, screenings include visual acuity (near vision and far vision), color deficiency, and depth perception. These screenings require an array of tools and equipment.

Eyes On Learning and the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), which oversees the statewide implementation of the program, began working together after passage of the law to develop the Arizona Vision Kit, which includes everything a school needs to conduct valid, effective vision screenings for students. BHHS Legacy Foundation, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, and Vitalyst Health Foundation supported the implementation effort with significant financial investments to provide the kits to schools for free and cover the cost of specialized devices to screen children age 6 and younger. Over 800 kits have been distributed to public and charter schools in Arizona.

“Many schools don’t have budgets to purchase the equipment,” said Roy Pringle, chief operating officer at Vitalyst Health Foundation, “so Eyes On Learning made sure that the necessary resources would be available for schools.”

In anticipation of the statewide rollout of the new law, Eyes On Learning and ADHS also worked together to reimagine the vision screener certification process. Vision screenings are typically conducted by a school nurse, but any school representative, community partner, or volunteer can now be certified via a new online training program offered by ADHS at no cost to schools. More than 500 school nurses have been certified in the last year. Certification is valid for four years.

“The rollout of vision screenings this year has been wonderful,” said Nadine Miller, RN, director of health services at Mesa Public Schools. “We are excited that our students are being screened and referred to an eye doctor if they need an eye exam. The system is really improved, and that’s good for our students, our staff, and our schools.”

Pilot Program to Streamline the System
To align with the first year of implementation of the new vision screening law, Eyes On Learning also launched a new pilot program that promises to further streamline the vision screening process in Arizona and increase access to follow-up vision care.

EyeSpy 20/20 is a web-based vision screening program that uses game design elements to conduct accurate, validated vision screenings of children’s distance and near visual acuity, depth perception, and color vision for a fraction of the cost of a traditional eye screening. Developed by VisionQuest 20/20, an Arizona-based nonprofit, EyeSpy 20/20 can be utilized on virtually any device, including smartphones, tablets or computers, without the need for expensive screening equipment.

The pilot program will implement EyeSpy 20/20 in approximately 200 schools across Arizona over the next two years, with the long-term goal to offer it to all schools in Arizona at no cost.

“The process is designed to be easy for everyone,” said Jim O’Neil, MD, pediatric ophthalmologist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and co-founder of VisionQuest 20/20. “Kids just sit down in front of a screen for a few minutes and play a matching game. The results are valid, and schools are able to share this information with families and eye doctors if a child needs follow-up vision care.”

Many philanthropic organizations have provided substantial grant funding for the EyeSpy 20/20 pilot program, including the Arizona Community Foundation, BHHS Legacy Foundation, Burton Family Foundation, The Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, and Vitalyst Health Foundation.

About the Vision Screening Law
Eyes On Learning coalesced the support of many children’s vision, education, and other partner organizations to develop and support the passage of a new state law in 2019, ARS §36-899.10, that requires Arizona public and charter schools to provide vision screening to all students when they first enter school (pre-K or kindergarten), in third grade, and again in seventh grade. Partners included the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Arizona Department of Education, Arizona Department of Health Services, Arizona Lions Clubs, Arizona Optometric Association, VisionQuest 20/20, and Vitalyst Health Foundation, as well as school nurses, school administrators, school boards, and many other philanthropic and community partners. The law is overseen by the Arizona Department of Health Services Sensory Screening Program.

“This coordinated effort to care for our children’s vision health holds so much promise and is going to be life-changing,” said Steve Zabilski, president and CEO of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. “The numerous public, private, and philanthropic organizations that have come together to make this happen is awe-inspiring—it is an absolutely moving example of what is possible when hard work and a concerted focus on improving a social issue unite.”

About Eyes On Learning
Eyes On Learning is a coalition of state, local, and national organizations dedicated to making sure that Arizona children with vision problems are identified early and receive eye exams and follow-up treatment to achieve their best vision health. Launched in 2016, Eyes On Learning is an initiative of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. Learn more at EyesOnLearning.org.

Philanthropic Partners Supporting School-Based Vision Screening for Children
• Arizona Community Foundation
• BHHS Legacy Foundation
• Burton Family Foundation
• The Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation
• The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation
• Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust
• Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
• Vitalyst Health Foundation

American Entrepreneur & Philanthropist Bob Parsons Announces $1.5 Million Gift to Headstrong to provide free mental healthcare to service members and veterans struggling with trauma and PTSD.

Business icon and New York Times Bestselling Author Bob Parsons announced a $1.5 million donation to The Headstrong Project during the organization’s annual gala on November 7 in New York City. The GoDaddy and PXG founder and U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran made the surprise pledge during his acceptance of the Moral Courage Award presented by retired Marine Corps General Jim Mattis, 26^th Secretary of Defense. Long-time Headstrong supporter Jake Gyllenhaal also spoke during the evening’s ceremony, which raised funds for free mental healthcare for service members, veterans and their families.

“Bob demonstrated outstanding bravery and selflessness as a young Marine Corps combat veteran, and his willingness to serve others and do what is right only grew as he made his name in business and philanthropy,” said Dan Kaepernik, CEO of The Headstrong Project. “The Headstrong Project is deeply grateful for Bob’s standout generosity, which will help fellow service members and veterans follow in his footsteps of triumphing over trauma.”

The Moral Courage Award recognizes Parsons for his extraordinary efforts to share his own experience recovering from PTSD to help reduce the stigma of struggling with mental health challenges and seeking support. Parsons served as an infantry rifleman during the Vietnam War, receiving the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry for his actions.

Over the years, three of Parsons’ entrepreneurial ventures – Parsons Technology, which he started in 1984, GoDaddy, the world’s largest domain name registrar, and now PXG – have all been recognized by Inc Magazine as being among America’s fastest growing privately-held companies. Along with PXG, Parsons currently owns and operates a dozen other companies including The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation which he and his wife, Renee, founded to support marginalized populations, including wounded veterans and military families.

“I believe that one of the most courageous things a person can do is to ask for help. I also know it’s easier said than done,” said Bob Parsons, United States Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran and co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “To our nation’s active-duty military and veterans—you are not alone. The Headstrong Project is at the ready with top-notch mental health providers who understand the challenges of military service. So, be brave. Ask for their help—for yourself and for your family—so you can win your battle with PTSD and finally come home.”

Veteran founded, The Headstrong Project is a leading national mental health network for America’s military connected members and families. The organization delivers cost-free, bureaucracy-free and stigma-free evidence-based treatment with industry leading outcomes. Since 2012, Headstrong has provided more than 200,000 clinical sessions, with treatment options now available in all 50 states.

“20 years ago, my battalion lost 33 Marines, and over half our battalion was wounded in the Second Battle of Fallujah,” said Headstrong Project Co-founder and Chairman Emeritus Zach Iscol. “When we returned home, we began to lose more Marines to suicide than we had to enemy action. We founded The Headstrong Project to provide our service members and veterans with the world-class, barrier-free, and cost-free mental healthcare they need to recover from their hidden wounds and lead full and meaningful lives.”

Service members and veterans who complete Headstrong’s confidential intake form are contacted within one business day and placed in their first session with a trauma specialist within 13 days. By 2029, the organization will provide an additional quarter million clinical sessions. The Annual NYC Gala was presented by Carlisle Companies Incorporated.

Images from the evening can be found here. Photo credit: The Headstrong Project.

A Tradition of Giving: The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and PXG Double Down for Veterans for the 13th Year.

Semper Fi & America’s Fund and The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation announce a dollar-for-dollar match benefitting service members, veterans, and military families with a goal of raising $20 million

For the 13th consecutive year, Semper Fi & America’s Fund (The Fund) will partner with The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation (The Foundation) and PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf) for the Double Down for Veterans Match Campaign to support our service members, veterans, and military families. Through the end of the year, The Foundation, with support from PXG, will match donations made to The Fund dollar-for-dollar up to $10 million.

This year also marks a milestone for The Fund, celebrating its 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, The Fund has provided $500 million in financial grants, programs, and services, assisting more than 33,000 combat-wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families.

For many of our service members, the effects of their injuries last a lifetime. One service member, Eddie Wright, lost both of his hands when he was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade in Iraq in 2004. While Eddie was in the hospital, The Fund immediately stepped in to provide bedside support and then continued financial and emotional support during his recovery. Since his injuries 20 years ago, The Fund has remained by Eddie’s side, providing support both emotionally and financially.

“It has been a privilege to serve our service members, veterans, and military families over the past 20 years,” said Karen Guenther, President, CEO, and Founder of Semper Fi & America’s Fund. “I am so thankful to Bob and Renee Parsons for their continued support of our Nation’s heroes through the Double Down for Veterans Match Campaign. Their generosity has greatly impacted the lives of so many veterans and military families, especially as the need for ongoing support remains crucial.”

When a service member, veteran, or military family is connected to The Fund, that connection lasts a lifetime. The Fund will always be there to step in when support is needed, especially as many service members return home with lifelong injuries– physical, mental, or emotional. With over 2,000 service members seeking first-time support each year, the continued need for our mission is as vital today as it was in 2004.

“As a U.S. Marine, I know the fight doesn’t end when you return home. Veterans continue to confront challenges—both seen and unseen—as do their loved ones,” said Bob Parsons, U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War Veteran. “This is where The Fund steps in, providing personalized support during these moments of need, and helping veterans and their families thrive. This isn’t charity—it’s about doing what’s right for those who’ve given everything.”

The Double Down for Veterans Match Campaign began in 2012 and, with generous giving from our donors combined with over $100 million in matching gifts from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, we have raised over $220 million. These donations have helped The Fund to faithfully support our Nation’s heroes for two decades.

“Bob and I are committed to supporting our veterans and military families,” said Renee Parsons, Co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and Chief Marketing Officer of PXG. “The Fund’s lifetime assistance ensures that these families receive the ongoing care and support they need. We are proud to continue our partnership for another year, delivering the exceptional care they deserve.”

All donations can be made at www.thefund.org/donate.

St. Joseph the Worker Receives $500,000 Grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.

Multi-year grant will support the expansion of SJW’s Workforce Villages Program, empowering individuals facing housing insecurity to become self-sufficient

St. Joseph the Worker (SJW), a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals facing barriers to employment and housing insecurity, proudly announces it has been honored with a $500,000 multi-year grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. The grant will support SJW’s Workforce Villages Program and fuel its expansion to the East Valley, empowering clients with the stability and resources they need to rebuild their lives and become self-sufficient.

The Workforce Villages Program is a 90-day transitional housing initiative designed to assist employed individuals who are experiencing housing insecurity.

During the program, clients receive free housing and attend classes in personal finance, meal planning and budgeting (to keep meals under $5), professional success skills workshops, and weekly meetings with SJW housing specialists. Clients are required to save 70-80% of their net income in their own personal bank accounts, providing a solid foundation to secure permanent housing after the program.

SJW’s data reveals that 64% of job seekers at its East Valley office are experiencing housing insecurity. Thanks to the generous support of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, SJW is expanding its Workforce Villages Program to better meet the needs of the community. This expansion will provide more individuals in the area with stable housing and essential support services, helping them move closer to self-sufficiency.

“Bob and I are proud to support the Workforce Villages Program at St. Joseph the Worker,” said Renee Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “We understand that housing and employment go hand in hand on a person’s journey toward rebuilding their lives, becoming independent and thriving long-term.”

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation grant will also ensure the success of SJW’s Workforce Housing and Training Program (WHaT). This funding offers more individuals the chance to secure stable employment with real earnings growth and meaningful career advancement while also filling vital roles for local businesses.

Launched earlier this year, SJW’s WHaT Program bridges the gap between job seekers, career opportunities and long-term housing stability. This comprehensive initiative begins with an immersive week of classroom training, led by an SJW Preferred Business Partner. Participants experiencing housing insecurity can enter the Workforce Villages’ 90-day program, attend training through WHaT, and secure employment with an SJW Preferred Business Partner. The WHaT program gives participants a pathway to a living wage over six to nine months following completion.

“Growing up poor as a church mouse in inner-city Baltimore, I watched my parents struggle to keep their heads above water,” said Bob Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Many people never get the chance to learn the types of life skills and financial discipline offered by St. Joseph the Worker. This crucial training can help people find stability, make sound financial decisions and lead more fulfilling lives.”

One of the many individuals positively impacted by SJW’s Workforce Villages Program is Wesley, a testament to resilience and determination. After enduring four months of living in his car, despite maintaining steady employment, Wesley entered the program in February 2024. His journey was marked by a turbulent adolescence, including a traumatic near-death experience and undiagnosed mental health struggles that led to substance abuse. Despite achieving remarkable milestones—graduating from high school and college—these challenges resulted in an extended period of homelessness.

Living in his car took a significant toll on Wesley, and finding a safe place to sleep and maintain basic hygiene before work was an ongoing challenge. Though he remained sober and worked diligently, he needed a stable environment to continue his progress. SJW’s Workforce Villages Program provided him with the opportunity and support to save money and establish a clear path forward.

During his 90 days in the program, Wesley saved 80% of his income and participated in SJW’s Personal Finance 101, Meal Budgeting and Planning and Professional Success Skills classes, all while rediscovering his sense of purpose. By April 2024, Wesley successfully moved into his own apartment. Soon after, he achieved another significant milestone—publishing his first children’s book, Bobby the Old Orange Ball. Written during his most difficult days, the book, inspired by his time playing with his niece and nephew, teaches that joy can be found in life’s simplest moments.

“Wesley’s story is a powerful example of hope, tenacity and the transformative impact of second chances,” said Carrie Masters, CEO of St. Joseph the Worker. “Having experienced homelessness as a child myself, I understand firsthand how transformative stable housing and support can be. As a nonprofit, securing funding is essential for maintaining and expanding our services. The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation grant will enable us to help even more individuals like Wesley regain their footing and pursue their dreams.”

Mount Sinai Expands Psychedelic Research Center With New Facility in Upper Manhattan.

$5 million gift from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation expands capacity for therapy, research, and training on psychedelic-assisted therapy

Mount Sinai Health System yesterday celebrated the opening of an expansion of its psychedelic psychotherapy research center into a new location and announced a foundational $5 million gift from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. The center has been renamed The Parsons Research Center for Psychedelic Healing.

The new location is designed to support the Center’s capacity to facilitate a growing number of rigorous clinical trials that focus on well-known compounds like MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and potentially others in the future. These chemical compounds have garnered significant attention in academic medicine for their potential to alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other stress-related conditions.

The Foundation’s gift, which comes at a pivotal time for the field, will expand the Center’s capacity for therapy, research, and therapist training, including a primary focus on veterans.

Located at 600 West 112^th Street, on the southwest corner of Broadway, the new space will house six treatment rooms and a group therapy room, with features to enable therapy supervision, teaching, and research. Large floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light and a view of the surrounding tree-lined streets.

“Since its initial launch in 2021, our psychedelic psychotherapy research center has made progress towards our understanding of the therapeutic potential for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy,” said Rachel Yehuda, PhD, Director of The Parsons Research Center for Psychedelic Healing. “The recent decision by the Food and Drug Administration to withhold approval for MDMA-assisted therapy has cast some uncertainty as to how and when psychedelic therapy will be broadly available, but has also made clear that there is a critical need to advance rigorous psychedelic research. Our team remains steadfast in our commitment to this work and to ensure the incredible momentum that has been generated by academic researchers does not falter.”

Dr. Yehuda went on to say, “This is an existential moment for the field of psychedelic research in mental health, and rather than backing away from investment, as some are doing, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation is shining a light on what has become a darker path forward. Thanks to their vision and commitment and the continued generosity of our donors, we will meet the needs of the moment.”

“My own battle with PTSD lasted for decades after I returned from the Vietnam War. It was psychedelic-assisted therapy that finally brought me home after all those years,” said Bob Parsons, United States Marine Corps Vietnam war veteran and co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Despite the FDA’s recent decision on MDMA, we’re digging in and funding more research because I have all the evidence I need—I know it works.”

The expansion of the Center reflects Mount Sinai’s commitment to providing institutional resources, strong scientific vision, and the established track record necessary to push forward with groundbreaking clinical trials. The gift from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation reflects an understanding by the Foundation that the moment demands serious and careful research and a deep commitment to uncovering effective treatments for veterans, who disproportionately experience conditions like PTSD that have been resistant to conventional therapies.

“The space was designed to embrace the importance of setting in therapeutic outcomes. From the moment our patients enter the beautifully designed Center, they will feel that they are in a place of safety and healing, which is paramount to maximizing the impact of the therapy sessions,” said Amy Lehrner, PhD, Clinical Director of The Parsons Research Center for Psychedelic Healing. “The views of nature, natural light, and complementary design will communicate serenity and warmth, setting a new standard for applying this nascent science. While solutions for traumatized people have been few and far between until now, with the advances we have made through this new space and the highly trained practitioners within, we now see renewed hope and healing.”

The Center is currently developing protocols for several studies, including pivotal group therapy studies, which required the creation of a large group space. The Center’s expanded capacity allows for multiple simultaneous dosing sessions and group integration sessions, essential for advancing this critical work.

Mount Sinai investigators affiliated with the Center will also be conducting research on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and psilocybin for patients with major depression and for the treatment of intergenerational trauma, as well as MDMA-assisted therapy for patients with eating disorders. Almost all trials will examine the mechanism of action of psychedelics using the latest developments in neuroimaging, molecular neuroscience, and natural language processing. These initiatives underscore the Center’s role as a leader in developing innovative and effective treatments for mental health conditions. The Center also plans to continue to expand its focus on training and education of mental health clinicians in the use of psychedelic-assisted therapies. The Center has provided training and education free of charge to 250 clinicians thanks to a prior $5 million gift from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation in 2021.

“We are hopeful that the cutting-edge research and training being done at Mount Sinai will go on to transform the lives of veterans, and others, suffering from debilitating mental health conditions,” said Renee Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Bob and I know firsthand the detrimental impacts of PTSD—not only on the individual but their entire family. We remain committed to battling the stigma surrounding mental health and shining a light on promising treatments like psychedelic-assisted therapy.”

“New treatment options are desperately needed for the millions of people, both civilians and veterans, who suffer from mood and anxiety disorders like PTSD and major depression,” said Dennis S. Charney, the Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of Icahn Mount Sinai and President for Academic Affairs for the Mount Sinai Health System. “Mount Sinai researchers lead on the frontier of biomedicine, applying scientific rigor while also challenging clinical and scientific dogma to emerge as true innovators. Under Dr. Yehuda’s leadership and through the unwavering support of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, this new space enables us to propel our efforts with the speed, safety, and quality that will have a meaningful impact on the field of psychedelic psychotherapy and the patients we serve.”

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Awards $300,000 Grant to Armed Services YMCA Camp Pendleton to Support Active-Duty Military Families with Childcare Costs.

The Armed Services YMCA Camp Pendleton (ASYMCA) is proud to announce that it has received a generous grant of $300,000 from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. This grant will be instrumental in providing a childcare subsidy to active-duty service members and their families stationed at Camp Pendleton.

“This generous gift from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will have a lasting impact on the military community we serve,” said Samantha Holt, Executive Director of the Armed Services YMCA Camp Pendleton. “We are deeply grateful for their commitment to our mission and for recognizing the importance of supporting our service members and their families.”

The funding will be used to provide vouchers for up to a 12-month period to help Marines, Sailors and their families stationed at Camp Pendleton and surrounding areas cover the costs of childcare at licensed facilities or vetted in-home care. This is the second year in a row the Parsons have directly subsidized childcare costs for military families. The vouchers will also help alleviate the 148-child waitlist at Fisher Children’s Center, the childcare center located on Camp Pendleton and operated by the Armed Services YMCA.

Blue Star Families’ annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey in 2023 showed 68 percent of military families needed childcare in order to work and 35 percent cannot find childcare that works for their employment needs. The study also reported that the average childcare cost for active-duty spouses to work outside the home is $758 per month.

Bob Parsons, a Marine Corps Vietnam War Veteran, knows firsthand the challenges military families face. He said, “Military families make incredible sacrifices in service to our nation. Finding care for their children simply shouldn’t be a burden. Our goal is to lighten the load and in turn help strengthen the family.”

The Armed Services YMCA enhances the lives of military members and their families in spirit, mind, and body through programs tailored to the unique challenges of military life. With this donation, the organization will have the opportunity to reach more families through ASYMCA’s childcare programs and other centers servicing the area.

“We understand it can be challenging to find affordable, reliable and quality childcare,” said Renee Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “The intent of our gift is to remove those barriers for military families and give them the peace of mind that their child is well cared for while they are at work.”

The grant will support ASYMCA’s programs offering quality childcare and early education programs that ease the burden on military parents and their spouses. ASYMCA childcare programs are specifically aimed at meeting the special needs of a military child and are important for the community. These programs have been instrumental in helping military children excel. For more information about the Armed Services YMCA Camp Pendleton and how to support the mission, please visit https://camppendleton.asymca.org.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Awards $500,000 to Elevate Phoenix.

The funding will help expand the nonprofit’s programming to reach more underserved K-12 youth

As students across Arizona head back to school, young people in urban Phoenix are getting additional resources and support to help them succeed. Elevate Phoenix is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a two-year, $500,000 grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. Elevate Phoenix is dedicated to creating generational change for K-12 students both at home and in their communities by giving hope and teaching them skills in-school that inspire at-risk or underserved kids to become leaders.

More than 18,000 Arizona students drop out of school each year and many of today’s urban youth do not have the positive influence from a parent, teacher, relative, or mentor. That lack of guidance and connection can fuel school dropout rates, teen pregnancy and higher incarceration rates. Pairing students with teacher-mentors creates a built-in support system 24/7/365, helping them discover their worth and pursue their passions.

“Bob and I believe that, with the right champion by their side, every child can achieve their full potential,” said Renee Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Elevate Phoenix mentors build supportive relationships with youth, discourage unhealthy behaviors and prepare them for a bright future and long-term success.”

Today, Elevate Phoenix partners with Arizona’s largest high school district, Phoenix Union, which has more than 30,000 students enrolled. This infusion of funds from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will bolster Elevate Phoenix’s general operating budget, allowing it to expand and reach even more students throughout the school year. This includes the possibility of a new school in the Fall of 2025.

“Education is the key to success,” said Bob Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “But not all kids have it easy in school. Elevate Phoenix is making sure that those who are struggling have an entire team on their side to help them succeed.”

Using a holistic approach designed to meet each child’s individual needs, Elevate Phoenix uses full-time, salaried teacher-mentors, year-round programming, cross-age mentoring and a long-term relational approach. Above all, Elevate Phoenix works to foster meaningful relationships, always keeping education as the main focal point. The program has been incredibly successful, boasting a 98 percent high school graduation rate and 90 percent college retention rate!

“We are incredibly grateful to The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. They saw the vision and potential impact of Elevate Phoenix from its beginnings and have come alongside us synergistically to embolden positive change in Phoenix’s urban youth. We oftentimes affably refer to our supporters as “Hope Holders” so how serendipitous that they “Deal in Hope”, says Dalila A. Gamper, Executive Director of Elevate Phoenix.

FosterEd Arizona Receives $250,000 Grant to Ensure Youth Receive Support While Transitioning Effective Practices into Statewide Operations .

Generous gift from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will allow for continued services and support transition from FosterEd program to Arizona’s Department of Child Safety

Young people in Arizona’s foster care system will continue to receive critical educational services and support throughout the final year of the National Center for Youth Law’s FosterEd Arizona initiative, and well into the future, thanks to a generous $250,000 grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.

The funding will allow the FosterEd Arizona team to continue directly serving students for a final year while completing a planned transition to ensure these vitally needed services, which have proven transformational for students across the state, continue under the state’s Department of Child Safety (DCS). 

“Youth in Arizona’s foster system are the real recipients of this grant funding,” said Michelle François, senior director of the National Center for Youth Law’s Compassionate Education Systems Initiative. “This gift rounds out a six-year partnership with The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and ensures that these students aren’t left behind and that they continue to have access to many of the same or similar supports that have proven life-changing for so many young people over the past decade of our FosterEd Initiative. We are beyond grateful and appreciative of the Foundation’s support.”

FosterEd Arizona, which was launched in Pima County in 2014 as Arizona’s demonstration site, ensures that AZ students in foster care are supported by an educational champion and an inter-agency education team. Through the program, the FosterEd team partners with each student in a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive way, providing consistent engagement and long-term support to help each student reach their educational goals.

Thanks to key investments from the State of Arizona and private partners like The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, the program expanded in 2018 to also include Maricopa and Yavapai counties, helping it reach 80% of students in foster care in the state.

“Foster youth face many challenges, both in and out of the classroom,” said Bob Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “FosterEd Arizona’s work ensures that education remains a top priority, providing stability for the child and hope for their future.” 

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, which has granted $1.25 million to FosterEd Arizona over the past six years, has been vital in helping the program expand and improve. The funding has supported investments in research, evaluation, and the publication of five large-scale statewide reports. It has also provided training and technical assistance for professionals in schools, DCS offices and communities throughout the state. 

“FosterEd Arizona is providing foster children with an Education Champion,” said Renee Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Those champions ensure that children who might otherwise fall through the cracks have the necessary support they need, while advocating on their behalf and encouraging them to succeed.” 

FosterEd’s approach — which has proven successful in other states like Indiana — is to develop programs in high-need areas, proving their viability and effectiveness for a period of eight to 10 years, and then pass that investment to state governments for long-term sustainability.

This latest round of grant funding from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will ensure all youth are supported throughout the ongoing transition as FosterEd Arizona completes its transition to DCS by summer 2025. It will also assist in the development of training and technical assistance modules so that professionals across the state are well-equipped with the best practices and policies to support youth in foster care.

“Every student should feel valued and prepared to succeed,” said François, with the National Center for Youth Law. “This amazing commitment from such a supportive community partner will help ensure Arizona’s students in care get the support they need and deserve.”