Cultivating A
Community Of
Healing & Connection

Applejack’s Ranch was founded in Arizona in 2020 as a survivor-led, prevention-focused organization rooted in the belief that healing is personal, relational, and self-directed. AJR is 100 percent survivor led, Arizona based and founded, and committed to meeting individuals exactly where they are. We believe lasting change happens through transformational relationships built on trust, consistency, and respect, particularly for youth and individuals with lived experience. Our work centers dignity, choice, and relationship, while supporting individuals impacted by, or at risk of, trafficking, exploitation, abuse, and complex trauma.

Today, AJR operates out of our Resource Center based in Cottonwood, Arizona, serving youth, families, and individuals across the Verde Valley and surrounding rural communities. While we maintain a presence in Maricopa County and the greater Phoenix area, AJR places a strong emphasis on rural communities, which are often overlooked in trafficking prevention efforts, under-resourced in funding and education, and significantly underreported despite demonstrated risk factors. Geographic isolation, limited access to services, and reduced visibility frequently allow exploitation and abuse to go unnoticed and underreported. At the same time, rural communities possess profound strengths, including deep relational ties, strong community identity, and resilience. Our work builds upon these strengths by partnering locally, fostering trust, and supporting community-led prevention and response.

AJR was founded by Arizona resident AJ Arias, who convened the original founding board and partnered with co-founder and Executive Director Savannah Dotson, who has worked in the field of trafficking prevention for over a decade. Together, they shaped a heart-centered mission grounded in lived experience and the understanding that healing happens in community.

In 2023, AJR received its first federal grant, allowing the organization to expand programming and deepen its impact. Through initiatives such as our Fostering Resiliency programming, including REACH, Parent Pathways, our Youth Program, and Training and Technical Assistance services, along with our survivor assistance FLEX Fund and First Fellowship, AJR supports individuals as they navigate healing and growth on their own terms. Our work focuses on building transformational relationships within families, schools, and communities, with the goal of interrupting cycles of harm and supporting long-term resilience.

Looking ahead, AJR is working toward the development of The CORE Home and the future Applejack’s Ranch in Arizona. These spaces will build upon the foundation already established by offering the same prevention, education, and support services, alongside expanded resources, crisis support, organic and grounding experiences, and a safe, connected community environment. While these permanent spaces are in development, AJR continues to operate fully out of our Cottonwood Resource Center, strengthening partnerships and expanding access to compassionate, wraparound support across the state.

If you or someone you know is seeking support, resources, or would like to learn more about our work, please visit our services and resources page or use the contact information below to reach us.

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