ASHES & EMBERSFOUNDATION
Bridging the gap in support — supporting first responder families as a whole.
We support the entire first responder family — not only during crisis, but throughout every season of the journey.
Serving firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, emergency nurses, and the families who stand beside them, we bridge the gap where traditional resources fall short — with immediate assistance during injury, illness, crisis, or loss, programs that strengthen families, and initiatives that inspire the next generation of those called to serve.
The people who answer the call — and those beside them.
Built for the hard times — here for the whole journey.
Ashes & Embers began with a simple purpose: bridge the gap in support when hard times hit — whether they hit the frontline or at home.
But supporting a first responder family means more than showing up in crisis. It means strengthening the people and relationships behind the response, creating resources for every season of this life, and investing in the generation coming up behind them.
That's why our mission comes to life through three pillars.
- Medical-related financial assistance
- Travel & lodging for treatment
- Meal assistance during recovery
- Mental health resources & referrals
- Support for spouses & children
- The Ember Box program
- Family First Dinners
- Spouse & caregiver support
- Community & connection
- Youth academy partnerships
- Explorer programs
- Scholarships
- Grants that remove barriers
The Ember Box
The Ember Box was created because every first responder serves alongside someone who loves and supports them — but those supporters are rarely given the tools to prepare for the journey ahead.
Each Ember Box is gifted to a newly graduated first responder to give to their chosen support person. Inside are carefully selected books, trusted resources, and practical tools designed to strengthen families, encourage healthy conversations, and offer guidance through the unique realities of life in the emergency response community.
By sponsoring an Ember Box or making a donation, you're doing more than funding a box — you're investing in stronger first responder families from day one, so the people standing behind those who serve never have to stand alone.
Family First Dinners
Family First Dinners invite first responders and the people who stand beside them — spouse, partner, child, parent, sibling, or friend — to gather around the table for an evening of connection, conversation, and community. It takes a village, and we are in this together.
Hosted in partnership with local departments, these dinners create space to build relationships, share resources, hear from guest speakers, and connect families with the support available through Ashes & Embers. Most of all, they're our way of saying: we see you, we're grateful for you, and we're on this journey together.
How YOU can support frontline families.
Your support lets us respond with care, timeliness, and compassion — especially in the moments that fall between the cracks. Choose how you'll stand watch.
Rapid Response
Make an immediate impact for a family facing injury, illness, or crisis right now.
Give OnceOverwatch
Join the community of donors who stand watch year-round, so we can respond before a crisis becomes overwhelming.
Stand WatchJoin us at our next event.
1st Annual Golf Tournament
More than a fundraiser — our 1st Annual Golf Tournament is the first major step toward building a permanent support organization for first responder families in Northern Nevada. Play, sponsor, or cheer us on.
Let's build this together.
Questions, partnerships, or ready to help? We'd love to hear from you.
[email protected] @ashesandembersfoundationHave a question or want to help?
Send us a note and we'll get back to you.