Peterson: The power of volunteerism — creating impact for both givers and receivers
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Julie Peterson
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Meet Julie Peterson
Sojourner Center Co-Executive Director Julie Peterson holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in counseling with a specialization in trauma, abuse and deprivation. She has more than 15 years of experience in the domestic violence field.
Peterson is a driving force behind the center’s success, playing a pivotal role in expanding services with a focus on reducing barriers through trauma-informed approaches.
She is a proud advocate for survivors, working tirelessly to break the cycle of violence and empower individuals to rebuild their lives.
To explore corporate and individual volunteer opportunities, visit sojournercenter.org/get-involved/volunteer or email volunteer@sojournercenter.org.
By Julie Peterson | Co-Executive Director, Sojourner Center
As a leader in Arizona’s nonprofit sector, I’ve witnessed firsthand how volunteerism transforms both the giver and receiver. At Sojourner Center, Arizona’s largest domestic violence shelter, we've seen this powerful dynamic play out countless times, particularly during the holiday season.
Corporate volunteerism has become vital to nonprofit operations while simultaneously boosting employee engagement and retention. When companies send teams to help at Sojourner Center — whether prepping apartments, organizing donations or deep-cleaning our Child Development Center — they're investing in both community impact and employee satisfaction.
The results are remarkable on both sides. For Sojourner Center, volunteer support enables our staff to focus on their core mission: overcoming the impact of domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking, one life at a time.
Each year, we serve over 1,000 survivors through our 134-bed shelter and 32 transitional apartments. Our volunteers' contributions, totaling over 6,000 hours last year, make this possible.
For corporate partners, volunteering provides unique team-building opportunities that traditional office activities can’t match. When employees work together to organize a holiday gift boutique or upkeep shelter spaces, they develop stronger bonds while experiencing the profound satisfaction of meaningful service. Companies report these experiences reduce burnout, increase job satisfaction and improve employee retention.
The holiday season amplifies these benefits. The center’s Gifting Hope Holiday Boutique program exemplifies the perfect synthesis of corporate engagement and community impact.
Corporate teams organize donation drives and transform our space into a dignified shopping experience where survivors can select gifts for their children. Volunteers gain perspective on their community's needs while making a tangible difference in families’ lives.
Along with year-round volunteer initiatives, this creates a triple win: nonprofits receive crucial support, companies build stronger teams and employees find purpose beyond their daily work. It’s a model of how strategic volunteerism can serve multiple goals simultaneously.
For organizations considering volunteer partnerships, Sojourner Center offers engagement opportunities throughout the year. From maintenance projects to donation organization, staff tailors experiences to match corporate teams’ skills and interests with our community’s needs.
Arizona residents looking for more ways to make a difference for others can amplify their impact through the state’s charitable tax credit program, which provides dollar-for-dollar credits for donations to qualified organizations like Sojourner Center.
Together, we can create lasting impact for both corporate teams and our community.
Editor’s note: Julie Peterson is co-executive director of Sojourner Center, a Phoenix nonprofit that has provided shelter and support services to adults and children affected by violence since 1977. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
