News

VVS’s Twice Nice Thriftiques

June 12, 2023

When Sedona’s Twice Nice Thriftique store was voted best bargain store of 2022 by Sedona Red Rock News readers, they were also delivering a vote of confidence in a uniquely capable local institution. Twice Nice, together with its sister locations in Cottonwood and Camp Verde, is run by the Verde Valley Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization…

Anne Cunningham, Founder & First VVS Director

June 12, 2023

We have the opportunity to go back in time with one of the founders and first Executive Director of the Verde Valley Sanctuary, Anne Cunningham, serving from 1993 through 1998. She has a master’s in counseling, is a licensed professional counselor, and is a licensed substance abuse counselor. She is a survivor of severe domestic…

Youth Empowerment Services Makes a Difference

May 14, 2023

The Verde Valley Sanctuary (VVS)’s Community-Based Advocacy Department is home to one of Arizona’s longest-standing violence prevention programs, Youth Empowerment Services (YES). YES specialists provide violence prevention and healthy relationship education to students in elementary, junior high, and high school during the school year throughout Sedona and the Verde Valley. The YES Program equips students…

Verde Valley Sanctuary Legacy Society Members JJ & PJ

April 10, 2023

VVS Legacy Society membership is extended to all who make a planned gift for our benefit. Members of the Society have one thing in common: All have committed to support the future of our organization and its mission. They understand the power of funding our operations and endowment and know the assets they leave to…

Meet Cassie, Residential Services Manager

April 10, 2023

Cassandra’s (Cassie) journey at VVS started in April 2019, as a part-time Advocate, rotating through day shifts and overnight shifts. Cassie shares, “I was given the opportunity to become the Lead Advocate around January 2020, which allowed me to take on more duties and responsibilities around the Shelter. I continued in this position from January…

Joan’s Donor & Survivor Story

April 10, 2023

1. How did you first hear about our organization? A friend of mine worked at Verde Valley Sanctuary (VVS), maybe ten years ago. 2. What made you decide to give your first gift? VVS’s mission strikes a chord in my heart as I was once in an abusive relationship, and I am aware of the…

Staff Member Receives Statewide Thrive Award

April 10, 2023

Barry Maketansky is soon to receive the statewide Desert Sunflower Award from the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV). The Desert Sunflower Award recognizes an individual’s nontraditional involvement in the movement to end sexual and/or domestic violence. Barry has helped to champion positive local change by demonstrating exemplary efforts in collaboration, community…

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

March 30, 2023

In the month of April, Verde Valley Sanctuary (VVS) recognizes National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). We take this moment to reflect on the strength and resilience of survivors and victims, the perseverance of advocates, and the dedication of the professionals in many fields who support those who experience sexual violence. The term “sexual violence”…

VVS Celebrates 30 Years

March 23, 2023

Please join us for a special birthday party fundraiser and health and wellness expo! The Verde Valley Sanctuary (VVS) is kicking off its 30th year in business. In 1993, Verde Valley Sanctuary opened its doors to provide support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Today, those individuals are living lives free of violence and…

Verde Valley Teen Maze Teaches Real-World Lessons

January 7, 2023

Verde Valley Teen Maze, a community-driven event to help youth experience the consequences of life choices and provide them with information they need to make good choices, will be held February 28th through March 2nd from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at Clemenceau Building (COCSD Office), 1 N. Willard St. Cottonwood, AZ 86326. Teen Maze…

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