Customers can join us in answering the call to end domestic abuse.
Through our TEP Gives program, we’ll make a donation to a local nonprofit group for each customer who signs up for Budget Billing, e-bill or Auto Pay. TEP’s donations in the first quarter of 2022 will go to Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse.
Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse is the only comprehensive domestic abuse service provider in Tucson, and the largest in Southern Arizona.
Emerge takes a multi-pronged approach in helping victims rebuild their lives through a wide array of programs and services that include:
- an emergency shelter
- a 24/7 hotline
- community-based (non-residential) services
- child and family services
- lay legal support and more.
Emerge also engages in conversations with our community about the impact of abuse and the important role of each individual in addressing the root causes of violence in our communities.
TEP’s contributions to the Emerge and other charities are funded from corporate resources that won’t be recovered through our rates.
Wendy Erica Werden, TEP’s Manager of Community Investment and Philanthropy, noted domestic abuse
spans different economic levels, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, and religious beliefs.
“It’s a systemic issue that no one entity can solve alone,” she said. “The additional donations that result from TEP Gives will help support Emerge’s work to end domestic abuse, which has become all the more pronounced throughout this persistent pandemic, given increased financial stress and isolation.”
Ed Sakwa, Emerge’s CEO, said this public health and safety crisis requires a community solution.
“It requires all of us to do the hard work of disrupting the status quo. It requires breaking the silence and changing social norms that all too often perpetuate abusive behaviors,” he said. “Community building and social change are a marathon, not a sprint. But they can be done and we will not stop until they are – because victims deserve no less.”
TEP Gives makes it simple to support our community by signing up for programs that help keep our energy service easy and affordable. Thanks to our customers signing up for these services, TEP contributed nearly $20,000 each in 2021 to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, The Nature Conservancy, Junior Achievement of Southern Arizona and Arizona’s Children’s Association.
New beneficiaries will be selected each quarter to provide customers with opportunities to direct charitable support a wide range of causes. Sign up online through My Account, the TEP Mobile App or by calling Customer Care at 520-623-7711.
Learn more about how you can get involved, and support Emerge by visiting: https://emergecenter.org/
