The New Life Center provides shelter to those experiencing domestic violence. It is now located here in Goodyear but started in 1991 with an old dormitory in Litchfield Park. Support was provided by local churches, service clubs, and Wigwam Resort.
In April of 2001 it moved to a new, safe facility in Goodyear, and now provides services to more than 1,100 adults and children each year.The property has 24 casitas for the residents, a playground, activity center, dining hall, and offices for support services. It is one of the largest stand-alone domestic violence shelters in the country. Recently it became one of the few shelters that permits residents to bring their pets with them. Before that, many families stayed in unsafe conditions rather than leaving a pet behind.
A small group of PebbleCreek (PC) residents started volunteering at New Life Center in 2010. They called their club “Caring Friends” and later added “rsvp” (respectfully serving valuable people). Ed and Barbara Lavin’s home became the meeting place, while they organized teams for the “Cook for Kids” program. Soon, more PC residents joined the effort and became dedicated to helping the residents in many ways, including collecting diapers, serving meals, providing Christmas gifts, and refurbishing residents’ casitas.
Today at the New Life Center volunteers have a variety of options available.
Donation in kind: on the second and fourth Fridays of the month, you can drop off donations at a PebbleCreek home. The list of items needed and details of where to drop off are posted on the e-group every month.
Desserts: Volunteers can sign up to deliver a dessert to the shelter on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesdays. The residents, especially the children, look forward to these special treats!
Hope’s Closet Thrift Store: This is owned and managed by New Life Center and is one of its regular sources of income. When residents leave the shelter for a new home, they shop for free to select household goods. Volunteers are needed to sort donations, price items, and help customers, especially on Saturdays.
Kitchen support: assist kitchen staff to serve dinner to residents.
Set up a one-time or monthly donation at www.newlifectr.org.
Come to a special meeting on Thursday, Jan. 11 in the Palm Room at Eagle’s Nest from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Fara Walling, the Community Engagement Manager, will share details about becoming a volunteer at New Life Center.
Contact PC resident Becky Rodes at [email protected] with any questions.