The 1501 Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to promoting the resiliency and growth of our first responders. Our foundation was formed to bring wellness, injury prevention, flexibility, and stress management tools directly to first responders. Our goal is to provide first responders with tools to help them navigate high-stress situations both physically and mentally through guided yoga and mindfulness. We aim to help them live long and fulfilled lives when in service and long after. We aim to teach self care tools that are personal and attainable to all participants at their individual level.

Yoga has shown promise in helping calm post traumatic stress disorder by allowing the body to process an experience without the necessity of having to talk through the experience. It is a great way to help relive the stress and anxiety of the job. Yoga is also a great way to gain flexibility and is now backed by American Academy of orthopedic surgeons for injury prevention. The NCCIH states that yoga has shown promise in improving general wellness by relieving stress, supporting good health habits, and improving mental/emotional health, sleep, and balance. It has also been shown to relieve low-back pain and neck pain. Yoga can help people manage anxiety or depressive symptoms associated with difficult life situations. According to Bessel Van Dur Kolk, a leading expert in trauma, yoga can have an affect on a variety of physical illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and mental problems such as PTSD, anxiety and despression by impacting heart rate variability.


First responders witness far more death and destruction than most people will ever experience and these exposures have their cost. They can live in a constant state of VUCA (Volatile Uncertainty Complexity and Ambiguity) which has a tremendous affect on our brains by affecting how we see and experience the world. The IAFF reports that 92% of fire fighters view seeking treatment as a sign of weakness. 1 in 5 fire fighters will struggle with behavioral health issues, including depression, at some point in their careers. Fire fighters are three times more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.

Our organization is currently offering 15 classes a week at our local fire department and are aspiring to include the entire Verde Valley. This would include 12 fire stations within the Verde Valley, effectively impacting 180 of first responders.

Yoga and mindfulness don’t complete the puzzle of whole wellness but they can be a major component. When our bodies are in less pain we view life’s circumstances more kindly. With gained mindfulness we can have better attention, make better decisions and keep a kind heart towards our communities that we choose to serve. Self care is an important part of a whole and resilient life. Your donation and support can affect many lives.