ABOUT DRAGON PHOENIX FOUNDATION
Making Wellness More Accessible
Dragon Phoenix Foundation is an independent nonprofit working to make Tai Chi, Qigong, and supportive movement programs more accessible to seniors and veterans facing financial barriers.
We believe limited income should not prevent someone from finding opportunities for movement, learning, and connection.
Our work begins with tuition assistance and teaching partnerships. Our long-term vision includes free community classes, instructor training, and opportunities that reach beyond a single school or location.
WHY WE BEGAN
When Cost Stands Between People and Practice
The idea for Dragon Phoenix Foundation grew from conversations with seniors and veterans who wanted to participate in classes but faced financial barriers.
Some seniors shared that living on a fixed income meant limiting their attendance or being unable to join at all. Veterans also reached out seeking assistance with access to instruction.
These conversations revealed a need for a practical way to connect people with established teaching programs while reducing the cost of participation.
Dragon Phoenix Foundation was created to help meet that need. We’re starting with the teaching resources already available through Dragon Phoenix, while building an independent organization that can support other qualified instructors and community partners as it grows.
Our goal is to make consistent, thoughtful instruction accessible to more people—and to help those opportunities grow throughout the community.
INDEPENDENT ORGANIZATIONS • SHARED COMMUNITY PURPOSE
How We Work Together
Dragon Phoenix Foundation administers financial assistance, reviews eligibility, raises funds, and develops community partnerships.
Teaching partners provide classes and instruction. Dragon Phoenix is our initial teaching partner, offering an established school and online learning platform that allow our first programs to begin.
For the initial online assistance program and invitation-only in-person pilot, Dragon Phoenix contributes the waived tuition. The foundation does not reimburse the school for that support.
Dragon Phoenix Foundation and Dragon Phoenix are separate organizations with independent finances and responsibilities. Donations made through this website go to the foundation.
As funding and partnerships grow, we intend to work with additional qualified instructors and organizations to offer community classes and support instructor training.
The People Behind the Foundation
Dragon Phoenix Foundation is guided by a volunteer board working to expand access to supportive movement programs for seniors and veterans.
Susan Francis - President
Kellie Monacell - Treasurer
Avi Schneier - Board Member
Bonner Dison - Secretary
Roger Miller - Board Member
Aaron Dison - Board Member
Our board oversees the foundation’s programs, finances, and partnerships. Susan Francis coordinates the initial application review process, with assistance from designated board members and volunteers.