50th Years of Emerge: A Legacy of Love, Safety, and Liberation
For half a century, Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse has stood as an example of hope, resilience, and transformation for survivors of violence in our community. What began as a grassroots movement in August 1975 with the Tucson Center for Women and Children has evolved into a comprehensive, survivor-centered organization dedicated to fostering healing, safety, and liberation for all. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we reflect on our journey, honor the voices of survivors, and reaffirm our commitment to a future free from violence.
Grounded in Love, Built for Liberation
At the heart of Emerge is a deep and unwavering love for survivors—love that sees, believes, and uplifts. This love is the foundation of our work, guiding us to offer programs and services that not only provide immediate safety but also pave the way for long-term healing and liberation. Over the years, our organization has expanded to meet the diverse needs of survivors, recognizing that safety is not just about fleeing violence but about building a future rooted in dignity, autonomy, and joy.
Innovation and Responsibility: Evolving to Meet Survivors' Needs
In the past five decades, Emerge has continuously adapted to the complex realities survivors face. Our services have expanded beyond emergency shelter to include community-based support, lay legal advocacy, support groups, housing assistance, and a 24/7 multilingual hotline.
Emerge has led several groundbreaking initiatives to address systemic barriers to survivor safety and support. In 2013, we launched the Men’s Education Program, which engages men in conversations about accountability and change, challenging harmful beliefs that perpetuate violence. In 2021, Emerge staff participated in the first-of-its-kind Licensed Legal Advocates Pilot Program, increasing access to trauma-informed legal advice. More recently, in 2024, we launched the Generate Change: Men’s Feedback Helpline to provide confidential, real-time support for men struggling with conflict in their relationships. Additionally, Emerge led the revitalization of Pima County’s coordinated response to domestic violence, partnering with Pima County and other agencies to create a more effective and survivor-centered system. By centering survivors’ lived experiences, we have innovated our approach to ensure that healing is not just possible but sustainable.
Most recently, Emerge celebrated the opening of our newly rebuilt emergency shelter in January 2025. This $8.5 million renovation prioritizes the unique trauma and safety needs of survivors, offering 25 studio-style casitas (living units), a playground, a basketball court, and a community building where participants can access essential services, such as support groups for both adults and children. Designed with survivors’ well-being in mind, this shelter represents our ongoing commitment to ensuring survivors have a place to heal and rebuild their lives with dignity.
Healing Through Safety, Repair, and Joy
Safety is a fundamental human right; at Emerge, safety means more than just physical safety. It means fostering an environment where survivors feel heard, seen, and empowered. It means holding those who cause harm accountable while creating opportunities for genuine repair. And it means embracing joy as a radical act—because every survivor deserves to experience a life filled with possibility, love, and celebration.
Looking Ahead: A Future Rooted in Love & Liberation
As we mark this milestone anniversary, we do so with a deep commitment to the future. The work of ending domestic abuse is not just about providing services—it is about transforming our communities so that violence is no longer a reality. It is about fostering a culture where love, safety, and liberation are not the exception, but the norm.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the survivors who have trusted us with their stories, the advocates who have dedicated their lives to this work, and the community members, donors, and partners who have made our mission possible. Your support fuels our movement, and together, we will continue to envision a Pima County where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, free from violence.
Be Part of the Movement
We invite our greater community to join us in our mission by volunteering, donating, and attending upcoming events. Every action in our shared commitment to disrupting violence in our community helps foster a community where healing and safety are at the forefront of this public health issue. We can create a stronger, safer, and more supportive community for survivors.
We’re calling on 350 community members at each giving level to donate, engage in peer-to-peer fundraising, and encourage their friends, families, and colleagues to support Emerge. Together, we can ensure that every survivor has the support they need to heal and thrive. Every contribution makes an impact. Whether you can give $5, $25, $100, or more, it all adds up to a safer community for survivors.
How you can give:
No matter your capacity to give, every dollar makes a difference. Choose a level that works for you:
- $5 x 50 people = $250
- $10 x 50 people = $500
- $25 x 50 people = $1,250
- $50 x 50 people = $5,000
- $100 x 50 people = $5,000
- $250 x 50 people = $12,500
- $1,000 x 50 people = $50,000
- Or any amount you can give.
How to Get Involved:
- Donate: Every dollar counts!
- Fundraise: Set up a peer-to-peer fundraiser and invite your network to give.
Together, we can raise over $113,250 to support survivors and create pathways to safety and healing.
Your Gift Ensures Survivors Have Access To:
- 24-hour multilingual hotline support for survivors seeking safety
- Emergency shelter for individuals and families fleeing violence
- Lay legal services to help survivors navigate the legal system
- Housing stabilization assistance to support survivors with securing safe
housing and becoming independent - Community education & prevention programs to address the root causes of
violence in our community
Contact us to find out more about how you can help Emerge celebrate 50 years of service while supporting survivors in our community: events@emergecenter.org
So far, we have raised $25,000 towards our $113,250 goal, which is 22% of the total!
For 50 years, Emerge has been a leader in providing safety and healing for survivors of domestic abuse. Now, we’re inviting 50 corporate partners to join our mission and help raise $100K for our critical programs. With your support, we can continue offering essential services to nearly 6,000 people each year, including emotional support, safety planning, lay legal advocacy, shelter, housing stabilization, and men’s education programs.
This milestone anniversary is a time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the critical work ahead. Domestic abuse continues to affect thousands in our community, and as we mark 50 years of impact, we need corporate partners now more than ever to sustain and expand crucial services—ensuring a future where safety and healing are always within reach.
Join the Movement – Become One of 50 Investors
To commemorate this milestone, we are calling on 50 corporate partners to invest in safety and healing by helping us raise $100,000 in support of survivors between now and December. As a partner, your investment ensures that every survivor has access to safety, resources, and healing year-round. Thanks to Tucson Electric
Power’s corporate partnership, we are launching this campaign with $25,000 already committed! At our 50th Anniversary Celebration in September, we will recognize and celebrate our partners by announcing the total funds raised to date.
Your Impact & Partner Recognition
Corporate partners who join this initiative will receive:
- Recognition on our website, social media, and e-newsletter
- Special acknowledgment at our 50th Anniversary Celebration in September
- Opportunities to showcase your commitment to survivors
Why Support Emerge?
- 50 Years of Proven Impact: Five decades of unwavering support for survivors
- Collaborative Partnership: Align your brand with a mission-driven organization dedicated to healing and safety.
- Meaningful Change: Your investment directly contributes to creating a future free from abuse.
Together, we can build a safer, more compassionate community. To learn more or to commit your support, contact Karina Valle at KarinaV@emergecenter.org.
Corporate Partners
Together, we have raised $35,000 towards our $100,000 target, which is 35% of the goal!
When our community comes together, we create change. That’s why we’re inviting 50 businesses, churches, and groups to help raise $50,000 in honor of our 50th anniversary.
Be Part of the Movement
From now through December 2025, your organization can make a difference by:
- Organizing fundraisers (such as benefit events, pledge campaigns, or matching gifts)
- Hosting donation drives (focused on monetary contributions)
Together, We Can Create Safety and Healing
Your support ensures survivors have continued access to our full continuum of services, including safety planning, lay legal advocacy, housing stabilization assistance, support groups, emergency shelter, hotline, and more.
Exclusive Recognition for Participants
- Social media shoutouts
- Listing on our website
- Invitation to our 50th Anniversary Celebration in September
How to Get Started
- Sign up to participate by visiting: https://emergecenter.org/give/communityfundraisers/
- Spread the word! Encourage other businesses and groups to join the movement.
50 For $50K Community Fundraisers/Partners
Corporate Partners
Community Partners
