In the heart of Phoenix, Genesis City offers a place where hope is rekindled, dreams are nurtured, and young lives are transformed.
Since its inception in 1991, this youth services charity has been a sanctuary for over 7,000 of Maricopa County’s most disadvantaged teenagers, offering them a second chance to reclaim their promise and potential.
At the core of the nonprofit is Genesis Academy, an alternative high school established in 1997. This institution serves high-risk, under-credited and out-of-school youth, providing a rigorous academic experience tailored to individual needs.
With a student body that is 99% minority and 95% from low to very low-income backgrounds, Genesis Academy stands as a testament to the power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty.
Genesis City’s holistic approach goes beyond academics. Students receive life coaching, goal setting, and individualized life planning. They participate in character education, civic engagement programs, and community service, with a requirement of 35 hours of service prior to graduation. This not only fosters a sense of responsibility but also connects them deeply with their community.
The organization’s commitment to comprehensive support includes job readiness training, college and career readiness programs, and assistance with financial aid and scholarships. Students also have access to fine arts, theater, physical fitness, nutrition education, and wellness programs.
For many, Genesis City provides essential services like food and clothing assistance, social service referrals, and support for mental health challenges, including depression and PTSD.
Its impact is profound. Approximately 68% of Genesis Academy graduates are the first in their families to earn a high school diploma, and 70% continue on to post-secondary education. These achievements are not just statistics; they represent real lives changed, futures rewritten, and communities strengthened.
Genesis City’s success is also reflected in its recognition within the educational landscape. Genesis Academy ranks among the top 30% of public schools in Arizona for overall test scores, demonstrating the effectiveness of its tailored academic programs.
In a world where many young people face insurmountable challenges, Genesis City stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with the right support, every individual has the potential to thrive. It’s not just a school or a program – it’s a community where dreams are reignited, and lives are transformed.
In the words of one Genesis Academy alum, “This school really changed my life for the better, and I am thankful every day for it.”
In April, Shana Tompa and Elenia Sotelo stepped shared the heart-warming mission of Genesis City with members of 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun – Scottsdale. Their words touched something deep, and the response was powerful.
Inspired by their story, the members came together and chose Genesis City to receive their collective gift of $17,350—a gift rooted in compassion, connection, and hope.
“A resounding ‘thank you’ for the generosity of so many women who seek to find ways to help in our community,” said Shana Tompa, director of development for Genesis City. “These unexpected funds will close funding gaps as we meet youth exactly where they are – with compassion, structure, and unwavering belief.
“Critical support programming allows us to love and support our youth through the hardest seasons of their young lives, and these funds will help us continue transforming lives – one student, one story, one future at a time. Thank you for your generosity and belief in our young people… they are our future.”
Since its first gathering in 2015, 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun has given more than $1.4 million to local nonprofits – proof of what happens when women come together with open hearts and a shared purpose.
Women are invited to the group’s next giving circle on Aug. 6 at the HomeSmart Corporate Office. Register at 100wwcvalleyofthesun.org.
To learn more about Genesis City and how to support is mission: genesiscity.org.