Finding Safety and Strength: How Hope on the Road Helped Carissa
Carissa’s Brave First Step Toward Safety
Just one day out of an abusive relationship, Carissa showed incredible courage.
She didn’t know where to go, but she knew she couldn’t go back.
Carissa felt overwhelmed. She had left behind everything she knew in search of somewhere safe. She was scared and all alone. But in that moment, Carissa made a brave decision:
She called Hope Women’s Center.
How Hope on the Road Responds in Real Time
Through our Hope on the Road program, we bring much-needed support and resources to women right in their communities. We immediately connected Carissa with a Hope on the Road staff member who was nearby.
They met in a quiet, safe place and talked through what she had experienced—and where she could go from here. It wasn’t just about the conversation, but about being seen, heard, and valued.
We offered Carissa some material assistance for her immediate needs. But more than anything, we gave her space to rest and breathe. Slowly, we saw her strength and hope returning.
With help and support, Carissa created a plan and implemented it one step at a time. She felt empowered to take action and make decisions that would change her future.
A few weeks later, we heard from Carissa again.
She told us she was safe—and that for the first time in a long time, she felt hopeful.
She was incredibly grateful. Not just for the help she received, but for the fact that someone had shown up during her moment of crisis. It meant so much to her that someone from Hope cared enough to sit with her, listen to her story, and walk beside her.
Expanding Outreach Across Arizona
There are many women like Carissa who feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges and may not be able to make it to one of our physical centers. That’s why Hope Women’s Center launched Hope on the Road in 2024—a mobile outreach program that meets women where they are: physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Our goal is to reach as many women and teen girls throughout Arizona as possible who are facing difficult life situations. We began with three pop-up sites at partner nonprofits in the West Valley to share about our Every Mother’s Advocate (ĒMA) program and other free services offered at Hope.
By summer 2024, we expanded to include additional pop-up locations in the West Valley as well as across Northern Arizona—in Camp Verde, Sedona, and Cottonwood. By the end of the year, Hope on the Road had grown to 15 sites across Yavapai and Maricopa Counties, with a waitlist of over 20 more!
Growing Impact: 30 Hope on the Road Sites and Counting
At the end of 2024, we asked you to partner with us to double the number of Hope on the Road sites. Thanks to your generous donations—and the collaboration of partner organizations—we met that goal!
So far in 2025, our Hope on the Road staff is now serving at 30 pop-up sites, expanding our reach across Yavapai, Maricopa, and Pinal counties—and we’re still growing!
This is incredible news. It means that more women are being seen, supported, and empowered in communities throughout our state.
Help a Woman Find Hope and Healing
Will you help a woman find hope and healing today?
Your gift makes it possible for our mobile outreach to reach women like Carissa—offering safety, support, and a chance to rebuild.
Donate today and give a woman the resources she needs for a fresh start.
