Our Story
From park pop-ups to a thriving community resource, the story of how neighbors came together to help neighbors.
It Started with a Simple Truth
“It takes a village to raise a child—especially in today’s economy.”
Verde Villages founder Cassidy Phoenix grew up in Sedona and the Verde Valley. When her son was born she was living in Massachusetts, and that’s where she first walked into a place called It Takes a Village.
Housed in a donated church in the hilltowns, it was a community resource hub where families brought what their kids had outgrown and took what they needed. When Cassidy and her mom walked in for the first time, they left with giant trash bags full of everything. A bassinet, clothing, toys, things she didn’t even know she needed. “We felt like we robbed the place,” she says, “but they were just begging us to take more.”
She knew two things walking out those doors. She was moving back to Arizona, and she was bringing this with her.
The disconnect was obvious: families who needed help, and families who had items to share. What was missing was simply a way to connect them.
That’s how Verde Villages began.
Growing from Pop-Ups to a Permanent Home
Verde Villages started with backpack of her son’s outgrown baby clothes, and a lot of awkward conversations at playgrounds. Cassidy would approach families, explain her idea, and slowly, one connection at a time, it took hold.
Those early park pop-ups quickly grew beyond what a backpack could hold. Donations poured in. Families kept showing up. Eventually the community needed a permanent home, and Verde Villages moved into its storefront at 901 S 12th Street in Cottonwood.
Today Verde Villages is 100% volunteer-run, powered by a growing team of dedicated community members and a board of directors who give their time because they believe every family in the Verde Valley deserves support. One person had the idea. This village made it real.
Because it turns out people didn’t just need baby clothes. They needed each other. And Verde Villages gave them a place to find both.
More Than a Free Store
Walk into our Community Closet and you’ll feel at home. There’s free coffee and tea, a play area for kids, and organized racks that feel like a boutique. Our volunteers are genuinely happy to see you.
We don’t require proof of income and we don’t ask any family to justify their need. First-time visitors fill out a short intake form and sign a quick agreement, then get a tour, a bag, and the whole place to browse. Everything is 100% free and first come first served because every family deserves an equal shot at what’s available.
Verde Villages runs on a principle as old as humanity itself. When we share resources and support one another, everyone benefits. The family here for baby clothes today might be the one donating a stroller next year. The volunteer sorting donations this Saturday might be the one who needs help tomorrow.
That cycle is the whole point. And we want every family in the Verde Valley to be part of it.
Helped People Help People
What Drives Us
Verde Villages exists to provide practical, emotional, and social support to families throughout the Verde Valley. We do this by:
Sharing Resources
Operating a free Community Closet where any family can access baby, kid, and maternity items without cost or judgment.
Building Connections
Creating spaces—both physical and digital—where parents connect with each other, share experiences, and build supportive relationships.
Reducing Waste
Helping quality items serve multiple families throughout their useful life, reducing consumption and teaching children the value of sharing.
Changing Perspectives
Demonstrating that strong communities are built on mutual support, not rugged individualism. We’re proving that accepting help isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.
Serving Everyone
Welcoming all families regardless of income, background, or circumstance. Community support shouldn’t come with barriers.
This Is Just the Beginning
Verde Villages started with a simple idea: what if we took care of each other? What if we built a community where sharing resources was normal, where asking for help wasn't shameful, and where everyone contributed what they could?
We've proven it works. Families throughout the Verde Valley are thriving because neighbors decided to help neighbors. Children are learning that sharing makes everyone stronger. Volunteers are discovering the joy of serving their community.
But we're not done growing.
We envision a future where:
- • Every family in the Verde Valley knows they have support when they need it
- • Resource sharing is so normalized that no one thinks twice about it
- • Our model inspires communities across Arizona and beyond
- • The phrase "It takes a village" isn't just a saying—it's how we actually live
With your support—whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word—we're building that future together.