By Julie Peterson and Bailey DeRoest | Point of View
In our community, domestic violence is not just a statistic — it is a harsh reality that affects thousands of families and individuals throughout Arizona. Each year, Sojourner Center serves at least 2,000 individuals who have experienced domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking.
As 2024 winds down and we look to the new year, we are reminded of the vital role that partnerships play in fostering change. One such partnership is the remarkable collaboration between Sojourner Center, a leading domestic violence shelter in Arizona, and QuikTrip, a highly ranked national chain of convenience stores and an outstanding community partner in Phoenix.
Since opening its first Phoenix location in April 2000, QuikTrip has grown to more than one hundred stores and upwards of 3,200 employees in the Phoenix metro area. In that time, QuikTrip has been steadfastly committed to addressing the critical issues such as homelessness, substance use and crime, that affect the communities where their employees and customers live.
Last year, QuikTrip invested more than nine million dollars in several non-profits across the Valley, including Sojourner Center.
Through generous contributions to Sojourner Center, QuikTrip is helping to combat domestic violence and its devastating intersection with homelessness—one of Phoenix’s most urgent challenges.
Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that often leaves survivors in precarious situations. Many find themselves without a safe place to turn, making homelessness a frequent consequence.
According to statistics compiled by Safe Housing Partnerships, a study of homeless women with children found that 80% had previously experienced domestic violence. Additionally, studies show that as many as 57% of all homeless women report domestic violence as their immediate cause of homelessness.
QuikTrip’s substantial support of Sojourner Center, however, is an answer to these statistics and helps ensure our doors remain open to all survivors of abuse.
Thanks to QuikTrip’s generosity, Sojourner Center will be able to tackle critical facility improvements while continuing to provide services designed to end the cycle of domestic violence. These services empower survivors to reclaim their autonomy and rebuild their lives in a safe environment.
QuikTrip’s commitment to community engagement and social impact sets a powerful precedent for other businesses. By investing in local initiatives, companies can play an instrumental role in addressing systemic issues that affect our communities. QuikTrip’s leadership in this space is a call to action for other organizations to follow suit and contribute to meaningful change.
The impact of this partnership is tangible. We have seen firsthand the transformation of survivors who, with the support of Sojourner Center, have rebuilt their lives. Their journeys underscore the importance of community resources in providing safety and stability to individuals who have experienced trauma. Individuals like Maya.
After her partner’s violent outburst left Maya (named changed to protect survivor) and her children with nothing—he set fire to their belongings, erasing their possessions and cherished memories—Maya found herself at a crossroads. In that moment, she not only lost her material possessions but also her sense of safety and control.
With nowhere else to turn, Maya sought refuge at Sojourner Center’s Emergency Shelter and Supportive Services program, bringing her children and beloved dog with her. The transition was daunting; fear and uncertainty weighed heavily on her. Yet, upon arrival, she was met with compassion and understanding. The shelter staff provided immediate support, offering clothing, hygiene products, and warm meals. For the first time in months, Maya felt a flicker of hope.
But the shelter was more than just a temporary home; it was a place for transformation. Through various programs, Maya began accessing vital services that would help her reclaim her life. She enrolled in life skills classes focused on budgeting, job readiness, and self-care. Each session with her case manager allowed her to rediscover her strengths and envision a future beyond mere survival.
Her case manager encouraged her to set small, achievable goals, igniting a sense of accomplishment that had long been absent from her life. As she made progress, Maya forged friendships with fellow survivors who understood her struggles, creating a supportive community that lifted her spirit.
Today, Maya has secured employment and is diligently saving for permanent housing, ensuring she avoids housing insecurity. Her journey is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative impact of community support from amazing organizations like QuikTrip. Rising from the ashes of her past, Maya is not just surviving; she is thriving and ready to embrace a brighter future for herself and her children.
QuikTrip’s generosity is not just a financial investment; it is a commitment to restoring hope and dignity to individuals and families in need.
Together, Sojourner Center and QuikTrip are not only addressing the immediate needs of survivors but are also working toward a future where domestic violence is no longer tolerated.
We extend our deepest gratitude to QuikTrip for their unwavering support and for setting an example of how businesses can impact social change.
Their dedication to our community demonstrates that together, we can tackle the critical issues of domestic violence and homelessness.
We encourage our entire business community to follow QuikTrip’s lead. By partnering with local nonprofits and investing in our community, we can create a safer, more supportive environment for everyone. Together, we can work toward a future free from violence and homelessness—because every individual deserves the right to live in safety and with dignity.
Editor’s Note: Ms. Peterson and Ms. DeRoest are co-directors at the Sojourner Center in Phoenix
