Programs & Outreach

Detroit Firefighters Take Care of Detroit.

From the annual backpack giveaway to senior feeding and fellowship, support for families impacted by fire, Project 100 mentorship, and active and retiree fellowship for Phoenix members and their families — Phoenix shows up where it counts.

Community Outreach

The work of the Phoenix in Detroit.

From the annual backpack giveaway to senior feeding and fellowship, support for families impacted by fire, Project 100 mentorship, active and retiree fellowship for Phoenix members and their families — Phoenix shows up where it counts.

Annual Backpack Giveaway
Each August, Phoenix supports students and families through a backpack giveaway before students return to school in September.
Senior Feeding & Fellowship
Phoenix supports Detroit seniors through annual senior feeding and fellowship efforts, with additional support as resources and programming allow.
Families Impacted by Fire
Phoenix collects clothing, essentials, and support items to assist families impacted by fire.
Project 100 Mentorship
Phoenix's recruitment and candidate-preparation initiative — mentorship, readiness, and community visibility for individuals pursuing the Detroit Fire Department pathway.
Retiree Fellowship
Phoenix honors retired Detroit firefighters through ongoing fellowship, outreach, and connection — including the monthly Retirees Breakfast at Historic Engine 11.
Developing Initiative
Active Member & Family Fellowship
Phoenix is developing new fellowship opportunities for active Detroit Fire Department members across all divisions — Fire Operations, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Marshal, Fire Investigation, Training, Communications, Community Relations, and Apparatus — and their families. Retiree members are also dues-paying members and have their own dedicated fellowship circle.

Program availability, schedules, and reach depend on volunteer capacity, partner relationships, and seasonal planning. Phoenix will do its best to connect, provide, or refer based on available resources and program capacity as programming grows.

The Sivad Johnson Scholarship

Investing in Detroit's future.

Phoenix awards the Sivad Johnson Scholarship to a Detroit student pursuing higher education — honoring a member's legacy by opening the door wider for the next generation.

Phoenix scholarship check presentation in front of the Presidents wall at Historic Engine 11.

Phoenix scholarship presentation in front of the Presidents wall at Historic Engine 11, connecting Phoenix legacy with the next generation.

The scholarship is part of Phoenix's broader commitment to mentorship and pathway-building — alongside Project 100 — and is awarded annually to a student whose work and intention reflect Phoenix values.

Recent Recipients
Maria T. Brown
2025 Recipient
Faith Moore
2024 Recipient

Recipients are recognized with permission. Application windows, eligibility, and award details are published as the next cycle is finalized.

Official Scholarship Flyer

Honoring sacrifice. Igniting futures.

The Sivad Johnson Scholarship honors sacrifice by investing in the next generation connected to Detroit fire service families.

Application essay topic and submission window are announced when the scholarship period opens. Contact Phoenix for details.

Sivad Johnson Scholarship Program flyer — Honoring Sacrifice, Igniting Futures. Two $500 scholarships awarded annually to qualifying dependents of Detroit Firefighters sponsored by a Phoenix member.

Tap or click the flyer to open the full-size version.

Also From Phoenix

Phoenix also hosts fellowship and tailgating activities, and Historic Engine 11 is available for community gatherings, weddings, and private events. Venue rental details live on the Rent Historic Engine 11 page.

Rent Historic Engine 11
Initiative · Project 100

Preparation & mentorship for the path to the DFD.

Project 100 is a Phoenix-led preparation and mentorship initiative for individuals interested in pursuing the Detroit Fire Department pathway. It is not a Detroit Fire Department program, an academy, or a guarantee of employment.

Project 100 official logo — Phoenix maltese cross with rising flame.
What Project 100 IS
  • Recruitment outreach to Detroit candidates interested in the fire service
  • Mentorship from active Detroit firefighters and Phoenix members
  • Preparation support — physical readiness, study sessions, fellowship
  • Community visibility for the path into the Detroit Fire Department
What Project 100 IS NOT
  • An official Detroit Fire Department program or academy
  • A guarantee of hiring, employment, or placement
  • A substitute for DFD testing, training, or hiring processes
  • Authorized to make hiring decisions on behalf of the DFD

Hiring, testing, training, and employment decisions for the Detroit Fire Department remain solely with the Detroit Fire Department. Phoenix does not guarantee placement, hiring, or outcomes. Project 100 exists to prepare and support candidates in their personal pursuit of the DFD pathway.

Ways You Can Help

Stand with the Phoenix in Detroit.

Programs grow when supporters step in — through service, sponsorship, mentorship, and partnership.

Volunteer

Give your time to community days, outreach events, mentorship, and seasonal programs.

General Phoenix Volunteer 2027 Conference Volunteer
Sponsor a Program

Underwrite Phoenix programs, including senior feeding and fellowship, the annual backpack giveaway, support for families impacted by fire, retiree fellowship, active member and family fellowship, and future firefighter mentorship.

Sponsorship Inquiry
Partner With Phoenix

Organizations, schools, businesses, and faith communities are invited to partner on outreach and service in Detroit.

Contact Phoenix