About Us
VALLEYLIFE provides individuals with disabilities of all ages the opportunity to live a life with choices, independence and dignity. We service a full range of disabilities and by supporting such a broad spectrum of individuals we have an in-depth understanding of how disability affects each person’s life, and what support is needed. This allows us to successfully customize our state-of-the-art, innovative offerings to fit the unique goals of each and every person we serve. Additionally, without focusing on a specific disability, we are able to serve a greater number of people.
Our Vision
To have an environment where individuals with disabilities have access to equal opportunities of living, loving and learning.
Our Mission
To enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities.
Our Values
Respect
Provide a healthy environment and treat each other with respect and dignity.
Integrity
Use integrity as the cornerstone of our business practices.
Honesty
Build and maintain an honest relationship with each of our stakeholders.
Responsibility
Recognize that good stewardship is essential to our future success and a responsibility to our Members and funding sources.
Innovation
Acknowledge and respond to change as an opportunity to innovate and learn.
Impact
Contribute positively to our community and environment.
Diversity
Embrace diversity as an essential component in the way we do business.
Our Story
In 1947, Mrs. Bernice Kussell realized that some of the children in Arizona state hospitals were not being served appropriately. Armed with hope and a belief in a better way of life for these children with developmental disabilities, she opened her home as a residence for her new family. Having outgrown her private residence in 1949, Mrs. Kussell founded Valley of the Sun School, which later became Valley of the Sun School and Habilitation Center and was rebranded as VALLEYLIFE in 2009.
Today, our purpose is to provide care and support services to people with disabilities and to work toward a greater understanding and further integration of individuals with disabilities in our community. Our principal activity is providing programs and services that support the daily living of our members. All our services are managed professionally by a staff of highly skilled employees. Services include residential, adult day programs, vocational training and assistance, and respite and personal care support for individuals in their own home.
VALLEYLIFE is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Our Federal Tax ID # is 86-0135840.
Our Board Members
Steve McKamey Chair
Heather Winters Bull Vice Chair
Amy Coblentz Secretary
Katy White Director
Clifford L. Mattice Director
James Wuensche Director
Our Chief Executives
Cletus Thiebeau President & Chief Executive Officer
Donna Cordova Chief Financial Officer
