In 1947, Mrs. Bernice Kussell realized that some of the children in the Arizona State Hospital 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 the private residence in 1949, Mrs. Kussell founded Valley of the Sun School, which later became Valley of the Sun School and Habilitation Center and now VALLEYLIFE. We exist to provide care and support services to individuals with disabilities in our community and to change the public attitudes toward disability. Our principal activity is providing programs and services to support a wide range of daily living for individuals with disabilities. All of our services are managed professionally. These services include shared living homes, adult day services, training and assistance for those looking for work, and respite and personal care support. VALLEYLIFE is a 501(c)3.

Our Vision
A society in which every individual with a disability can enjoy their rights and the removal of the barriers (financial, social, political) which hinder them.

Our values
Valuing the Individual
Taking the time to listen to each person and to understand what matters to them

Honesty
Generating trust with each of our stakeholders by clearly stating what we can and cannot do and by delivering on our promises

Creativity
Developing imaginative new programs, moving into new fields, and seeing new ways of working to serve individuals with disabilities more effectively

Our Leadership Team

VALLEYLIFE’s Leadership Team has more than 100 years of experience among them. Four individuals in the leadership team have devoted their careers to the field of habilitation and our President/CEO has more than 20 years of experience in management and finance.