About Us
Since 1977, Sojourner Center has been a safe haven in Arizona. Today, we offer 134 shelter beds and 32 transitional housing apartments providing a refuge for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. We serve over 1,000 survivors each year with a comprehensive range of services to support them in healing from abuse, finding safe housing and becoming self-sufficient.
Overcoming the impact of domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking, one life at a time.
Our Values
Our Philosophy of Care
Using Trauma-Informed Care, the Strengths-Based Practice and the Empowerment Approach lays a strong foundation for providing services that aim to transform lives and work towards a world free of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Sojourner Center is committed to prevention of unlawful discrimination and harassment in its workplace, policies, procedures and all of its employment practices and holds all employees, managers, supervisors, volunteers, vendors and clients accountable for the prevention of discrimination in the Sojourner Center work environment. Sojourner Center maintains compliance with Title VII, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Equal Pay Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Sojourner Center adheres to the principle of equal opportunity throughout all of its employment practices. Sojourner Center prohibits discrimination and harassment of any employee or applicant for employment, vendor, client or volunteer based upon race; color; national origin or ethnic origin; age; religion; disability; sex; sexual orientation; gender; gender identity and expression including transgender identity; genetics; veterans status or retaliation against any protected status or protected categories under federal, state or local law. Sojourner Center prohibits retaliation based upon protected activity such as filing a complaint and/or grievance of discrimination or being a witness to a complaint and/or grievance of discrimination.
Unlawful Discrimination is the unfair or unequal treatment of an individual or group based on certain characteristics that are specifically protected by law and by Sojourner Center policy. Unlawful discrimination occurs when employment practices or Sojourner Center procedures are based upon protected characteristics and categories of race; color; national origin or ethnic origin; age; religion; disability; sex; sexual orientation; gender; gender identity and expression including transgender identity; genetics; veterans status or when retaliation occurs against any protected characteristics or category under federal state or local law.
Our Approach
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is a participant service framework that acknowledges, understands and sensitively responds to the impacts of trauma on individuals, while providing physical and emotional safety, rebuilding confidence and promoting a sense of control. TIC aims to prevent re-traumatization and believes in the recovery and healing of individuals impacted by trauma. At Sojourner Center, we prioritize TIC at all levels of service, from daily interactions with residents to ongoing staff trainings and policy incorporation, recognizing the significant traumatic impacts of violence on those we serve.
The Strengths-Based Practice acknowledges the inherent strengths and capabilities of each individual, shifting from a deficit-focused approach to one that recognizes their potential and resilience. At Sojourner Center, we incorporate strengths-based perspective throughout our programs, working with adults and children to identify their strengths and develop individualized goal and safety plans. We recognize the resiliency of those who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, and by adopting this perspective, we view them as survivors rather than victims, empowering them to overcome violence and thrive.
The Empowerment Approach promotes individuals to build their strength, courage and autonomy in taking control of their lives and asserting their personal rights, including dignity, decision-making and safety. It focuses on utilizing one’s strengths and resources to be agents of change for a better future. At Sojourner Center, we empower residents by providing opportunities for decision-making, goal-setting, skills-building and self-expression in a safe and supportive environment throughout their program, as they heal from trauma and prepare for their next chapter in life.
