Desert Survivors

Adult Employment
  • Address: 1020 W Starr Pass Blvd | Tucson, AZ 85713
  • Rating: 4.30 (3 reviews)
  • Insurances: No info provided
  • Ages Served: Adults
  • Care Settings: No info provided

About Desert Survivors

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. Sonoran 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 clients could learn to work effectively with plants. With the assistance of one other person, Dr. Patterson took five individuals from the institution out to the desert and collected seeds. Those seeds were then grown into plants and sold from a store front on Grant road. This was the beginning of Desert Survivors Inc.

Age Ranges Served

  • person iconAdults

Languages

  • English

1020 W Starr Pass Blvd,AZ,85713

Get in Contact

  • (520) 791-9309
  • jim@desertsurvivors.org

Reviews

4.30
29 Reviews
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Reviews

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4.30
(29 Reviews)
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yelp review

When we finally made it here it was a great experience Everyone was extremely friendly knowledgeable and willing to share or find someone there that had...

Steve B.
April 9, 2025
yelp review

I went to Desert Survivors to drop off some empty plant pots and a plant stand that Ill no longer be able to use since Im moving. I arrived and found a...

Jessica B.
September 18, 2024
yelp review

When is a plant more than a plant The answer includes a non profit providing jobs and opportunity for persons with disabilities. And to add to this...

Genevieve M.
April 11, 2024

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