New Life Center Fills Gaps for Domestic Violence Victims in Arizona

As one of Arizona’s largest domestic and sexual assault shelters, New Life Center, was founded in 1991 after members of a woman-led civic organization became aware of the alarming rates of domestic and sexual violence across Arizona, and the lack of services for victims. Since then, New Life Center has grown to support thousands of victims and offers a number of vital programs to men, women, and children throughout the state. I had the honor of visiting one of their locations recently, and wanted to highlight some of the incredible work New Life Center is doing.

I first learned about New Life Center’s emergency shelter, which provides 104 beds to individuals and families who have faced domestic or sexual abuse or human trafficking. They serve over 30,000 meals each year, which shows how huge of an impact they are making! What struck me about the shelter is that there is an emphasis on community and helping each other rise up from traumatic situations. Rooms are made to feel inviting and safe, families stay together, and kids have their own playground and splash pad on site. The shelter uses a trauma-informed care model to provide basic needs to victims, and then slowly assists them in creating new, independent lives. The shelter is working day in and day out to provide a safe, secure home for victims to focus on healing.

New Life Center has a team of highly professional, experienced, and trained employees who can help victims receive vital services such as free group and individual therapy, child care, trauma treatment, case management and legal services, transportation help and more. I came to understand that the goal is to provide tailored support for each person, and it usually looks different from one individual to the next. The staff are all clearly passionate about helping victims of abuse in a personalized, case-by-case way. They are also making a large impact with other care providers, training nearly 400 criminal justice professionals in sexual assault investigations and responses. 

Another area I would love to highlight is the more recent addition of a dedicated location right in Downtown Phoenix to house Sunshine Healing Services. This is a truly groundbreaking center that focuses on whole-body healing for victims of sexual violence, whether the trauma happened recently or years ago. I was struck by the inviting and calm feel of the center during my visit. Filled with natural light, comfy seating, an adorable kids hangout space, warm artwork, and much more, Sunshine Healing Services is a place that individuals who are seeking help will feel welcome and comfortable. Here, victims can receive counseling, childcare, and healing classes such as drum circles, yoga, art therapy, animal therapy and more!

Not only does Sunshine Healing cover basic needs like clothing, toiletries, feminine products, kids backpacks and more, but they also provide self care items such as face masks, beauty products, and little things to feel pampered. We have recently partnered with New Life Center to provide our empowerment journals to any individuals who pass through the shelter and Sunshine Healing’s doors. We are so excited to be able to provide a small gift to those in their journey of healing, while educating them on the signs of domestic abuse in relationships.

Throughout October, New Life Center is hosting a variety of educational programs and events in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I encourage anyone who is experiencing any form of domestic or sexual abuse in their lives to attend an event to be introduced to some of the incredible services and programs that New Life Center and Sunshine Healing Services provides to our community. Help is readily available and their team is passionate about combating violence and creating positive change. I also encourage you to share this information with anyone in your lives who may benefit. You never know what spark is needed to change someone’s life!