Our History
The Verde Valley Sanctuary (VVS) began more than three decades ago as a grassroots organization of women who were concerned about domestic violence in our community. The original group of volunteers began taking crisis calls in their homes and transporting victims of abuse to the nearest shelters 50-plus miles away in Flagstaff, Prescott, and Phoenix.
Thanks to generous donations from the community, VVS opened the first domestic violence shelter in the Verde Valley region in 1993 with a leased modular home that slept six. Since then, VVS has strategically expanded and now offers comprehensive services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in both residential and community-based formats.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide safety, services, and comfort to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Our Free Services
- Pet-friendly emergency shelter 24/7/365
- Crisis hotline 24/7/365
- Transitional housing with a match savings program
- Lay legal advocacy
- Community based advocacy
- Youth violence prevention education
- Public outreach and awareness
Our Recent Impact
In fiscal year 2025-26, Verde Valley Sanctuary provided services to more than 1,500 survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including nearly 7,600 bed nights and answering almost 1,300 crisis hotline calls. Since 2020, VVS has housed 150 clients in emergency shelter on average per year and doubled the number of survivors served in transitional housing since 2025.
Our Thrift Stores
Providing 20-25% of VVS’ annual operating budget, Twice Nice Thriftiques in Sedona and Camp Verde help fund the agency’s free services for survivors. The award-winning thrift stores also serve as a way for survivors to obtain clothing needed, shoes, outfits for job interviews and more, all free of cost to them.
Twice Nice Thrift Sedona:
1225 W. State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
Twice Nice Thrift Camp Verde:
527 S. Main St., Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Interested in Donating?
There are several ways to support VVS. Community stakeholders can choose to donate items to our Twice Nice Thriftiques or make financial contributions by Donating today.
To find out more, please reach out to Development and Communications Director Brian Bergner at Brian@verdevalleysanctuary.org or call him at 928-821-9409
Verde Valley Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO) for the Arizona Tax Credit. Federal Tax ID: #86-0741314. QCO code: #20041.
Amanda's Story
A Lifesaving Sanctuary
“Hi, my name is Amanda and my journey with Verde Valley Sanctuary started in February 2024 and ended June 27, 2024. There are moments in life when darkness seems overwhelming, and the light at the end of the tunnel feels impossible to reach. For me, that light was Verde Valley Sanctuary, a domestic violence shelter that became my sanctuary when I needed it most. If it weren’t for this incredible place, I would still be trapped in an abusive relationship, unable to see my worth or imagine a future free from fear. When I first arrived at shelter, I was broken lost, and unsure of what to do next. The staff welcomed me with open arms, showing me a level of love and compassion that I hadn’t experienced in years. They didn’t just offer me a safe place to stay, they offered me hope, guidance, and a second chance at life.”
“Through their unwavering support, I began to believe in myself again. With their encouragement, I was able to earn my high school diploma – a dream I thought was out of reach – and now, I’m on my way to college. They fed me when I didn’t have the means, clothed me when I had nothing, and helped me see the beauty in myself that had been buried under years of pain and self-doubt. And it wasn’t just me who experienced this transformation. I saw the countless other women come through the doors of Verde Valley Sanctuary, each one shown the same love, care and respect that I received. Even my dog, who had been a source of comfort during my darkest days, was welcomed and cared for as if she were family.”
“The Verde Valley Sanctuary is more than just a shelter, it is a lifeline, a beacon of hope for people who have nowhere else to turn. The staff here saved my life, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to rebuild my future. I don’t know where I would be today if there had never been an opening for me at the Sanctuary. All I know is that I am here, thriving, and filled with hope for the future thanks to the love and support I received in my darkest moments. Thank you, Verde Valley Sanctuary for everything!”
Verde Valley Sanctuary Free Services
At the Verde Valley Sanctuary (VVS), we are working hard to make sure that every single person struggling with domestic and sexual violence has access to world-class resources and support. With your help, we are enhancing the lives of those affected by domestic and sexual violence by offering a wide range of programs, including:
24/7/365 Emergency Shelter and Crisis Hotline – Our 32-bed emergency shelter provides a safe haven for our survivors. Unique to shelter services in Arizona is our pet program, allowing survivors the ability to bring their companion into shelter. In addition to staffing our 24-hour crisis hotline, shelter advocates assist survivors with case management, support groups, emotional support and ensure they can move on to safe and stable housing.
Outreach Center - Our Lay Legal and Outreach Services department aids survivors who do not need, or chose not to enter shelter, but need many of the same services provided by VVS. Advocates meet with survivors to offer case management, referrals, housing assistance and educational support groups. Our Lay Legal advocates assist survivors with navigating the often confusing and intimidating civil legal system by providing them with information and resources. They also help survivors with obtaining protection orders, completing and filing critical paperwork and attend court hearings with survivors.
Youth Prevention - VVS is home to one of Arizona’s longest standing violence prevention programs in Youth Empowerment Services, or YES. Our YES specialists provide violence prevention and healthy relationship education to kids in elementary, junior, and high school throughout the school year.
Transitional Housing Program- Desert Rose Court is a six-unit property that ensures survivors have access to the same services VVS provides for up to 24 months. Rent is prorated based on survivor’s income, although income is not a requirement for acceptance into the program. Once placed, survivors are encouraged to save and VVS will match dollar for dollar up to $500.
