New Life Center has launched a partnership with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central Arizona to bring structured mentorship opportunities to children staying at its Goodyear facility.
The collaboration connects youth and families impacted by domestic abuse with adult mentors through group programming designed to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging during critical periods of healing. With children accounting for approximately 80% of New Life Center’s shelter residents, officials say the initiative targets an urgent need for positive emotional connections.
“We are incredibly grateful to Big Brothers Big Sisters and its volunteers (for bringing) group mentoring to the families in our emergency domestic violence shelter,” said Angela Rose, chief program officer of New Life Center. “We are excited to see the lasting opportunities for youth to build positive connections with adult mentors.”
Under the initiative, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona brings its established mentorship model directly into the shelter environment. BBBSAZ has provided youth guidance in Maricopa and Pinal counties for more than 70 years and currently serves more than 2,000 young people annually, matching volunteers with children ages 6 to 18.
“Children who have experienced significant change and uncertainty deserve consistent adults who believe in them,” said Jared Byrd, vice president of programs at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona. “Through this partnership, we hope to help each young person feel seen, supported, and confident in what is possible for their future.”
The youth mentorship program launches at a time of high demand for shelter and support services across the Phoenix metropolitan area. Arizona recorded 84 domestic violence-related deaths in 2023, according to data from the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.
Goodyear Police Chief Brian Issitt emphasized that wraparound community partnerships are essential to keeping survivors safe beyond crisis intervention.
“Our Goodyear officers are trained to intervene, to protect, to remove people from danger. But we cannot do it alone,” Issitt said. “We take survivors to places that don’t just offer safety for one night, but a path to stability and recovery. New Life Center is one of those partners.”
Meanwhile, local shelter space remains constrained. New Life Center estimates that nearly 88%
Founded in the 1980s, New Life Center operates a 104-bed emergency facility offering trauma-informed advocacy, therapy, legal and medical accompaniment, and community prevention education.
Kate Thoene, chief executive officer of New Life Center, noted that long-term recovery requires addressing all forms of abuse alongside early community outreach.
“Domestic violence isn’t just physical; it’s about power and control,” Thoene said. “When we teach young people how to recognize red flags and communicate with respect, we’re planting the seeds for healthier futures. Healing is a lifelong journey, and our job is to walk with survivors through all stages.”
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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