Tucson’s Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse celebrated its 50th anniversary on Sunday as it navigates new leadership and financial uncertainty amid federal policy changes affecting domestic violence nonprofits nationwide.

Hundreds of community members and local leaders attended the celebration, which highlighted Emerge’s history and ongoing mission to support survivors of domestic violence

According to reporting by The 19th, a nonprofit newsroom focused on gender and policy, domestic violence prevention organizations across the United States have faced mounting obstacles under the Trump administration, including restrictions on which communities they can serve and heightened scrutiny of federal grants.

Leaders of these nonprofits have had to make difficult decisions about accepting federal funding while remaining true to their missions of supporting vulnerable populations. Many organizations, like Emerge, have turned to community-based strategies and local fundraising to offset funding shortfalls, emphasizing the importance of volunteer engagement and grassroots support to sustain essential services for survivors.

Emerge CEO Anna Harper, who has been with the organization for 15 years and assumed the top role in December, reflected on the challenges she has faced since stepping into the position.

“I was not afforded the opportunity to transition into this role in a way a new CEO usually would,” Harper said in an interview with Tucson Spotlight.

One of her first decisions was whether to apply for federal grants after new Trump administration requirements restricted funding for organizations that work with vulnerable communities.

“Is it safe to take this money or not?” Harper said. “We made a decision to prioritize survivors and prioritize our approaches.”

Harper said making these difficult decisions has brought the team closer together and helped them develop more community-focused approaches to supporting survivors across the city.

Emerge’s budget was $9 million during the last fiscal year, with 75% coming from federal funding, Harper said. The current budget is $7.3 million, leaving a $2 million shortfall. The nonprofit is organizing fundraising efforts to address the gap but can continue operating near its original capacity while keeping survivors at the forefront of its work.

Reflecting on the past few turbulent months, Harper admitted she never imagined becoming the CEO of any organization. She had been doing advocacy work for 26 years and planned to continue but was offered the role.

When challenges intensified, she asked herself why she accepted the position in the first place.

“I realized it had to be me, I am the only person crazy enough to refuse to go along with what’s going on. It is not what's good and right for survivors,” Harper said. “The discussion I had with the board is, allow me the opportunity to try. I am committed to our mission, the leadership team is committed to our mission.”

Harper said what matters most now is staying true to her and her team’s values.

She also wants survivors to know that Emerge will remain available and accessible, ensuring that, in one way or another, the organization will continue supporting them.

Former Emerge CEO Ed Mercurio-Sawka spoke in a video played at Emerge's 50th anniversary event about his decision to choose Harper as the next CEO.

“When I made the very difficult decision to leave my 16-year home and Emerge, there wasn't a nanosecond of doubt by me, the staff or the board that Anna should be the next CEO,” Mercurio-Sawka said. “She had already been the heart and soul of this organization for a decade and a half, and so her stepping into that CEO role was unquestionably the best thing, not only for Emerge but for the community.”

His words set the stage for a look back at Emerge’s journey over the past 50 years, as attendees were taken on a journey through its history, starting with its formation in 1975 and continuing through the present.

“Anna said something that just solidified how we felt. It was last spring, and you know, there were some horrors going on, and she said, ‘We are not changing our language. We are not changing our core values. We will always have diversity, equity and inclusion,’” emcee Susan Classen said during the event.

Harper concluded the evening with a speech reflecting on Emerge’s beginnings, its progress and her hopes for its continued growth.

“What began in the 1970s as a radical act of community care, the creation of a safe place for women and children fleeing violence, has grown into a comprehensive center that walks alongside thousands of individuals and families each year,” Harper said.

She also touched on the current issues facing the nation, saying Emerge will continue to function as it is, helping vulnerable members of the community regardless of the circumstances.

“I believe in it with all my heart, and now more than ever, we root. We root ourselves deeply in our values, love, safety, joy, innovation, responsibility and repair and liberation, and as the newest CEO of Emerge,” Harper said. “For the last 28 years, I have been preparing for this, not just in my professional journey, but in my personal commitment to this vision.”

Harper had previously pointed to the role of community involvement in sustaining Emerge’s mission.

“There are opportunities for corporations, individuals, and community organizations to donate or show up,” Harper said. “We need the community support in that way, if they can help us make connections to people who may not know our work.”

Despite the challenges, Emerge is still hosting events and seminars for community members interested in supporting domestic violence survivors or raising awareness. Last month, Emerge co-hosted a conference about the risk of domestic violence strangulation in partnership with the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault.

While the future is uncertain, after 50 years in Tucson, Harper does not see Emerge going anywhere or changing its model anytime soon.

“We have to hold on to what guides us, which is our values, and what we know survivors need,” Harper said.

Emma LaPointe is a journalism, political science and German Studies major at the University of Arizona and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at emma.m.lapointe@gmail.com.

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