Our History

Desert Survivors grew out of the vision of Dr. Joseph Patterson, a Tucson psychologist who worked with adults with disabilities living in institutions during the 1970s. He recognized their need for meaningful activities and occupations to provide dignity and purpose in their lives.

IronwoodSonoran Desert plants had been an admired element of early Tucson landscapes, and in the late 1970s, more and more residents were looking for attractive native plants to use in their yards to conserve water.

Dr. Patterson was aware of that trend and recognized that many of his patients could work effectively in a plant nursery. They could provide valuable assistance to nursery operations, while simultaneously deriving income and purpose in their lives.

In 1981, Dr. Patterson established Desert Survivors, Inc. For those with disabilities, the Desert Survivors work community also provided an opportunity to build relationships and the self-esteem that comes with accomplishment. For the community, Desert Survivors provided a rare retail outlet for native plants.

By 1983, the Desert Survivors human services program grew to include early intervention with children and their families. We "partnered" with families to demonstrate how best they could help their children meet their full potential for all learning opportunities.

Since then, our services have evolved with the community's growing needs. We've added a small day-care/preschool for young children of all abilities, as well as more employment opportunities.

Dr. Patterson's original vision continues to inspire us. At Desert Survivors, we believe that every individual, from birth to through old age, has the right to respect, self worth, and dignity. We all have a need and a right to develop meaningful relationships with family and friends--and to be a part of our community.

Desert Survivors provides community-based work and developmental encouragement in homes and group settings for people with a wide range of abilities, toward realizing the full potential for each individual.