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About | Above the Ashes

About Above the Ashes

Above the Ashes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by the Bearden Family Foundation (BFF) to support Police Officers, Firefighters, EMS personnel, and Educators during life-altering crises — including illness, injury, or loss of housing. We provide fast, practical assistance to help families stabilize, recover, and rebuild when the unexpected strikes

Meet the Founders

Cory and Tisha Bearden are the founders of Above the Ashes and the Bearden Family Foundation.

Cory Bearden

Cory Bearden

Co-Founder · Retired Fire Lieutenant & Paramedic

A retired Fire Lieutenant and Paramedic who served over 25 years in the fire service, retiring from one of the busiest districts of Arlington, TX.

Throughout his career, he witnessed how quickly a personal crisis — illness, injury, or loss of housing — can overwhelm even the most prepared families of first responders. These experiences inspired the creation of Above the Ashes and the Bearden Family Foundation: a mission rooted in compassion and dedicated to helping Police Officers, Firefighters, EMS personnel, and Educators rise above life’s toughest and most unexpected challenges.

Tisha Bearden

Tisha Bearden

Co-Founder · Public-School Educator

Tisha Bearden has been a dedicated public-school educator for over 23 years, with firsthand experience supporting fellow educators and their families through life-changing events.

She understands the unique pressures educators face when life shifts without warning — and works tirelessly to ensure help arrives when it matters most. Her compassion and commitment play a vital role in the mission of Above the Ashes, providing timely support to those who serve our communities in classrooms and beyond.

Our Mission

Above the Ashes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by the Bearden Family Foundation to provide immediate, short-term financial assistance to Police Officers, Firefighters, EMS personnel, Educators, and their families when life takes an unexpected turn. Whether it's a sudden illness, an on- or off-duty injury, or the loss of personal housing due to a natural disaster or fire, these everyday heroes often find themselves in urgent need. Above the Ashes steps in with immediate, short-term financial assistance to help stabilize families during these unexpected crises — ensuring that support arrives when it’s needed most

Firefighters

Stabilization support during recovery.

Police Officers

Assistance for families facing hardship.

EMS Personnel

Help when caregivers need care.

Educators

Relief for teachers and families in crisis.

What We Do

We deliver rapid, practical short-term financial support for urgent needs such as:

Our goal is simple: to help families stabilize quickly so they can begin to rebuild without the added burden of financial stress.

How We’re Funded

Community Support

  • Individual Donations from people who believe in our mission.
  • Corporate Donations & Sponsorships (CSR, matching gifts, in-kind support).
  • Fundraising Events & Campaigns that mobilize local communities.

Institutional Grants

  • Private Foundations (family foundations, corporate foundations funded by a single source).
  • Public/Community Foundations (e.g., community foundations, United Way).
  • Government Grants at the local, state, or federal level for aligned programs.

Above the Ashes is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Corporate sponsors support us directly or through their corporate foundations (which are typically classified as private foundations).

Contact Information

Organization
Above The Ashes
City / State / ZIP
Trophy Club, TX 76262
Phone
817-538-2735

Above The Ashes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 39-4714770

When our heroes fall, we rise with them.

Join us in lifting first responders and educators Above the Ashes.

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