Message from our CEO
June 11, 2026
The Haven was founded by women in recovery and built through grassroots support. Today, more than ever, we need the community that built The Haven to help sustain it.
The Haven has launched a unique foster care partnership with the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA). Through the program, at risk dogs have found a temporary home at The Haven. The partnership is a wonderful collaboration that benefits everybody involved.
Studies have shown that animals can help people to cope with and recover from various mental health conditions, including substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders. Interacting with animals reduces feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety, and makes people feel happier and calmer. Petting and socializing with a dog increases endorphins, serotonin, and oxytocin, which are all responsible for making you feel happy. Furthermore, caring for an animal helps with feelings of purpose and responsibility. Dogs can also spark enjoyable childhood memories and bring joy to both clients and staff.
HSSA and The Haven work together to find the right animals for this unique partnership. The Haven’s residential treatment facility is a busy environment, so in the best case the pets are crate trained, compatible with other HSSA dogs, and are ok with people coming and going. This can be difficult to find since HSSA may not have enough information about the dog, but the Foster Care team works with the Behavioral Team to pick ideal candidates.
So far, The Haven has fostered three dogs. Howl stayed at The Haven for two months while recovering from a severe case of Valley Fever. Button stayed for two weeks while recovering from a dental cleaning and oral surgery and Bruno for six days as a part of the Almost Home program which is made for adoptable animals in the shelter that begin to show health and/or behavioral decline. Button got adopted by a Haven staff member and Bruno has been adopted as well.
HSSA hopes to expand programs like this with other local non-profit organizations in the future given the positive feedback. The Haven is thrilled about the partnership and our dog fostering team is eagerly waiting for the next resident puppy to arrive.
“Being part of the Humane Society foster program is a highly rewarding opportunity, not just for myself and my community, but for the fosters and their forever families.”
– Jamie Whitson
“It is a very proud and exciting moment to witness a foster dog walking into the arms of his/her forever family. Not to mention the excitement of welcoming a new foster into my life.”
– Keena Crumpley
The Haven was founded by women in recovery and built through grassroots support. Today, more than ever, we need the community that built The Haven to help sustain it.
Our members are hosting a bake sale to raise funds for The Haven on Saturday, June 13 from 7:30-10:30am.
Our virtual IOP groups meet Monday through Thursday from 6:00–9:00 PM, making it easier to balance recovery with work, parenting, and other daytime commitments.
Our 17th annual Chrysalis Luncheon celebrated Nati Cano and the 20th anniversary of the Native Ways Program.
Our IOP provides comprehensive addiction recovery while allowing you to maintain daily responsibilities.
We are excited to launch our Champions for Recovery campaign on September 18.