Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse

10/30/2026

As part of our “Every Story Matters. Every Life Leaves a Legacy” video series, this week we share Zahriya Moreno’s story, shared by her mother, Carmen Moreno.

Carmen invites us to remember Zahriya for the person she was: outgoing, compassionate, generous, and deeply devoted to her family and friends. She shares her daughter’s love for life, the strength she carried after losing her brother, Izac, and the lives she helped save through organ donation.

With honesty and love, Carmen reflects on losing Zahriya to domestic abuse and feeling let down by the criminal legal system. She describes the pain of not receiving the communication, advocacy, and accountability she needed. Through her experience, she reminds viewers that families deserve to be heard and supported as they navigate devastating loss.

Her story is also about a mother’s enduring love for both of her children. After Izac’s death in a motorcycle accident, Zahriya helped Carmen find reasons to smile again. Now, Carmen carries both of their memories forward, sharing their stories and advocating so other families do not have to experience the same heartbreak.

Carmen calls on us to take concerns about abuse seriously, speak up, and support one another. Through her advocacy, she fights to keep Zahriya’s name and life from being forgotten and asks our community and systems to respond with care and responsibility.

We invite you to hear Carmen in her own words, remember Zahriya and Izac, and reflect on how we can better support survivors and families whose lives have been changed by violence and loss.

10/30/2026

Men have an important role to play in preventing domestic abuse. That work begins with examining our beliefs, recognizing harmful behaviors, and understanding how our choices impact the people around us.

At Emerge, we offer opportunities for men to take an active role in creating safer relationships and communities:

Men's Education Program: A space for male-identified individuals to explore how power, privilege, and controlling behaviors can influence relationships. Through meaningful conversations and self-reflection, participants examine harmful patterns and what it means to practice accountability and respect.

Generate Change Helpline: Confidential, real-time support for men struggling with conflict in their relationships. Our team helps callers navigate difficult emotions, recognize concerning behaviors, and identify safer, nonviolent choices.

Accountability isn't just about recognizing harm. It's about taking responsibility for making different choices.

Whether you're looking for ongoing opportunities to learn or support navigating a difficult moment, resources are available.

Learn more about our Men’s Education Program: visit https://emergecenter.org/answer-the-call/mep/ to explore the program and opportunities to participate.

The Generate Change: Men’s Helpline is available Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you're a male-identified individual seeking confidential support to make safer choices in your relationship, we're here to support you. Call us at 520-444-3078, option 1, and take the first step toward healthier, safer relationships.

10/22/2026

"I hope they remember what became possible afterward.” — Lauren Easter

This week, our “Every Story Matters. Every Life Leaves a Legacy” video series features Lauren Easter: a mother, wife, educator, legal professional, law student, Emerge volunteer, and survivor of domestic and sexual violence.

Lauren reflects on surviving abuse, the life-threatening violence she experienced when she tried to leave, and rebuilding her life while caring for her young son. She shares how violence affected them both, the challenges she faced navigating the legal system, and how connection and advocacy have shaped her healing.

Her story asks us to look beyond “Why didn’t you just leave?” and recognize that survivors and their children need compassion, practical support, and room to heal at their own pace.

We invite you to hear Lauren in her own words, reflect on how each of us can better support survivors, and hold onto her message: abuse does not define someone’s future, and every survivor deserves a life free from violence.

10/15/2026

Healing takes many forms, and sometimes it walks on four paws. 🐶🐾

This Saturday, Footsteps for Healing 2026 will bring together survivors, advocates, families, and community partners for a morning of remembrance, healing, love, and connection.

And we don't want our four-legged friends to miss out! Whether they're walking alongside us, offering a little extra comfort, or simply bringing smiles to those around them, our furry companions have a special way of reminding us of the love, joy, and connection that can be found in community.

So grab your walking shoes, bring your favorite furry friend, and join us as we take meaningful steps toward healing, together!

🐾 Friendly reminder: All pets must remain leashed at all times during the event to help ensure a safe and welcoming experience for everyone.

Two feet or four paws, there's a place for you at Footsteps for Healing! 💜

10/14/2026

Some lives leave a legacy that continues to inspire love, compassion, and change long after they are gone.

Rosaura Barbosa was just 18 years old when her life was taken by domestic violence, but her life was so much more than how it ended. She was a young woman with a bright smile, a generous heart, and dreams for her future. Her kindness and compassion touched the lives of many, and her legacy continues through the love and advocacy of her parents, April and Joe Barbosa, founders of Rosaura's Legacy.

This week, as part of our “Every Story Matters. Every Life Leaves a Legacy” series, we invite you to hear Rosaura’s story through her parents’ voices.

April and Joe share memories of their daughter, the grief they continue to carry, and how they are honoring her life through advocacy, survivor support, and creating space for grieving fathers. They also share an important message about the dangers that can arise when ending a relationship, even when there has been no previous physical violence.

Alongside the video, April and Joe have shared written reflections offering a deeper look into their experiences, the importance of safety, and making room for grief: https://conta.cc/4yp5Gab

This Saturday, October 17, April and Joe will join us as special speakers at Footsteps for Healing 2026, where shirts they created in Rosaura’s honor will be displayed as part of the Clothesline Project. Register for free: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/footstepsforhealing26/

We invite you to bear witness. Listen to their story, honor Rosaura’s life, and reflect on how we can collectively support survivors, families, and a future free from violence.

As you listen, honor what you need. These stories address domestic abuse, death, loss, and grief. Some details may be difficult to hear or read.

10/12/2026

Join us this Saturday at Reid Park for Footsteps for Healing 2026, a community walk to honor survivors, remember loved ones lost to violence, and spread hope throughout our community.

Each step we take is an opportunity to honor survivor stories, strengthen our connections, and affirm our collective commitment to healing, accountability, and a future free from violence.

And there's so much to look forward to! This year's event will feature:

💜 Special performances by Esperanza Dance Project and Desert Voices.
💜 Fun activities for kids, including games and face painting.
💜 Prize raffles throughout the events!

Whether you're walking in honor of someone you love, showing your support for survivors, or joining us with family and friends, there's a place for you at Footsteps for Healing 2026.

Bring your loved ones, invite your friends, and join us for a morning of remembrance, connection, and community.

A special thanks to our corporate partners, Tucson Water, Sunset Embroidery and Screen Print, 975 The Vibe, KiiM FM, and KHIT 107.5, for walking alongside us and helping bring our community together in support of survivors, families and healing.

Presented By: Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault, Indivisible Tohono, Goodwill Industries of Southern Arizona, Tucson Juneteenth Festival, Consulado de México en Tucson, the City of Tucson Community Safety program, and Mayor Regina Romero.

Register today and join us as we walk toward healing, together.
https://emergecenter.org/events-and.../footstepsforhealing/

10/10/2026

10/10/2026

Stop by Sam’s Club and come say hi! We are collecting starting-over supplies to support DV survivors. Any houseware and toiletries items are welcome as well as toys and other items for children and teens. Hope to see you here!

10/09/2026

Tomorrow, Saturday, October 10, we’re heading to Sam’s Club, and we are inviting our community to come together to help collect essential supplies for survivors and families participating in Emerge's programs!

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, stop by and donate NEW starting-over supplies, including kitchenware, clothing, toys, household essentials, Halloween costumes, and more!

Domestic abuse is a community issue, and this collective drive is one way each of us can show up. Together, we can help ensure survivors and families have access to everyday essentials as they move toward safety, healing, and new beginnings.

We hope to see you tomorrow, Tucson!

10/03/2026

What does starting over look like?

Sometimes, it looks like pots and pans for a new kitchen. Clothing for a family who had to leave belongings behind. A toy that brings comfort to a child. Or even a Halloween costume that allows a young person to simply experience the joy of being a kid.

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, you can help provide some of those everyday moments by joining us for Stuff the Bus on Saturday, October 10 at Sam’s Club.

We’re collecting NEW and unexpired starting-over supplies, including kitchenware, clothing, toys, household items, Halloween costumes, and more.

Leaving an abusive relationship can mean rebuilding many parts of life. Survivors bring the strength. Our community can help make sure they don't have to rebuild alone.

Can’t join us in person or want to see what items are most needed? Visit the link below to view our full wish list or support our Virtual Stuff the Bus and have items sent directly to Emerge.

View the wish list or shop virtually: https://emergecenter.org/events-and-news/stuffthebus/