VALLEYLIFE
VALLEYLIFE (formerly Valley of the Sun School & Habilitation Center) was founded in 1949. Valley is a 501(c)(3) corporation, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.

HISTORY
In 1947, Mrs. Bernice Kussell opened her residence for children with disabilities. Mrs. Kussell then founded Valley of the Sun School, which later became Valley of the Sun School and Habilitation Center in 1949. VALLEYLIFE is operating as a non-profit and private organization and is one of the first of its kind in Arizona. Today a staff of over 400 employees delivers services to over 450 disabled members representing diverse ethnic backgrounds and ranging in age from 1 to 79. VALLEYLIFE members’ diagnoses range from mild to profound retardation, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer’s, autism, serious mental illness, mobility/hearing/vision impairments and traumatic brain injury.

MISSION STATEMENT
To enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities by providing diversified programs that promote the highest standards.

VALUES
• Provide a great environment and treat each other with respect and dignity.
• Embrace diversity as an essential component in the way we do business.
• Use integrity as the cornerstone of personal conduct.
• Acknowledge and respond to change as an opportunity to innovate and learn.
• Contribute positively to our communities and our environment.
• Recognize that efficiency is essential to our future success.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Teaching each member new skills to enhance their current skill level in all aspects of life. We strive to maximize each member’s potential by offering opportunities to learn, live and work that increase independence, improve socialization, and quality of life.

PROGRAMS
• Residential Services: Offered in 24 group homes located in the metropolitan Phoenix area.
• Adult Day Services: Ten locations serving over 155 adults with developmental disabilities wanting to improve their independent living, social, and recreational skills.
• Vocational Services: Provides vocational training to over 200 individuals every day in a variety of settings. Assist our members to secure and maintain employment. Vocational Services provide: janitorial, food service production, clerical, housekeeping, teacher’s assistant, sorting, packaging and document & print services. Client list: Williams Express, Arizona Lottery, APS, Sound Packaging, Backflow Prevention Devices, Conair and Shower Sleeve/Cast Cover, UDA.
• Home and Community Based Services (HCBS): Individualized in-home support for individuals with disabilities.

FUNDING
With an overall operating budget of $14 million annually, VALLEYLIFE spends 93 cents of every donated dollar going directly to programs serving our members. Approximately 84 percent of funding is from the State of Arizona, Department of Developmental Disabilities, three percent from Magellan Health Services, two percent from Valley of the Sun United Way, and 11 percent from commercial, fund development, and other sources.

BOARD MEMBERS
Peter C. Connolly, Director-Chair
Katy White, Director-Vice Chair
Karen Neilson, Director-Secretary
Duane Anderson, Director-Treasurer
Dr. Phillip Nelson, Director
Dr. Stephen Noll, Director
Cindy Hallman, Director
Steve McKamey, Director
Cletus A. Thiebeau, President/CEO
Linda Miller, CFO