JFCS of Southern Arizona: Divorce Recovery Program

For over 40 years, Divorce Recovery has been providing support to local Tucsonans going through a divorce or separation. This program was initially an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, and in 2021 it merged with JFCS to consolidate their resources, experience, and services. Divorce Recovery is unique in the fact that it is run by volunteers, most of whom have been through the program themselves, and the only program of its kind to offer these services free of charge to anyone in the community. Established in 1978, Divorce Recovery was overseen by a former University of Arizona professor from the Department of Family Studies. The first training of volunteers began in 1979 and these leaders then co-lead the group. Shortly after that, Divorce Recovery saw the development and initiation of the Children of Divorce (now Children of Divorce and Changing Families) groups for children and parents in 1980. The structure of these groups have evolved over the years, however, the same basic format has continued. Today, Divorce Recovery I Groups are the mainstay of the program. Divorce Recovery II groups and the Children of Divorce and Changing Families have since been added, as well as Education for Life and Financial First Aid.