At Gamers Guild, we believe a game store should be more than a place to crack packs, roll dice, and move minis. It should be a community that uplifts others; both inside and outside the world of gaming. Our mission has always centered on inclusivity and access for those historically left out of those spaces, including women, minorities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
As we enter Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re proud to extend that mission by partnering with the Sojourner Center, a local organization dedicated to providing safety, healing, and hope for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
Since 1977, Sojourner Center has been a cornerstone of compassion in Phoenix, growing from a small shelter into a comprehensive support network that offers safe housing, advocacy, and holistic care to help survivors rebuild their lives. We’re honored to stand beside them in this important work and to use our platform to help amplify their mission.
The first Sojourner Center house opened with 16 beds, thanks in part to Grace Stuckey, who personally carried the mortgage early on so the fledgling organization could operate without crippling debt. Over the years, it expanded its shelter capacity, added transitional housing, legal advocacy, child development, pet services, and outreach programming. In 2017, Sojourner became an affiliate subsidiary of Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), bringing in stronger infrastructure and shared support while retaining its nonprofit identity.
When we talk about “helping survivors,” it’s not vague, it’s very concrete. Sojourner provides:
- Emergency Shelter: Safe housing with 24/7 staff for immediate crisis needs.
- Transitional Housing: Apartments with support services to bridge crisis and independence.
- Community Outreach & Mobile Advocacy: Bringing safety planning, legal referrals, and counseling to survivors.
- Child Development Center: Licensed childcare and education on campus.
- Pet Companion Services: Pet-safe rooms, veterinary care, and daycare for animals.
- Legal & Advocacy Services: Court accompaniment, protective orders, and system navigation.
All of this is delivered through a trauma-informed care lens, serving over 2,000 survivors annually.
It’s easy to see a shelter and think “place to sleep,” but it’s far more than that. For many people, Sojourner is the only immediate lifeline when someone flees violence, betrayal, or control. It’s where physical safety becomes possible again, and where the seeds of autonomy, dignity, and renewal can take root.
Members of our community who support us with monthly membership subscriptions have already helped contribute to this substantial effort. If you're not a monthly member or want to extend your giving, there are lots of ways you can help.
Until the end of the year our cash registers will have QR codes near them that can be scanned in order to give an independent donation. Our Forks and Boards side will also have donation requests when you close your bill inside the restaurant. Not all support is monetary though!
We'll have donation drives periodically, such as our Threads of Kindness Cosplay Swap that will give you the opportunity to join your community for fun as well as for a cause.
Gifts of time and unused supplies are critical as well. Right now the Sojourner Center is looking for bedding for twin beds, towels, hygiene items, baby items, diapers and Pull-Ups, as well as children's clothes. They also need people willing to help cook meals, facilitate classes, and work in their child development center. If you're interested in becoming more involved, check out the Sojourner Center website at SojournerCenter.org.
