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about us

Homicide Survivors, Inc. is on a mission to help meet the crisis and long term needs of families of murder victims through support, advocacy, and assistance.

Hope & Healing

At Homicide Survivors Inc., we believe that a compassionate and trauma-informed response to survivors is essential to creating a safe space to grieve, heal, and transform. Grief is a lifelong journey; we are here to provide you with the tools and resources necessary to move forward.

  • We honor and respect your unique way of grieving
  • Join community of Survivors who "Get It"
  • We meet you where you are in your grief journey
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Founder

In Memory of Gail Leland

After Gail Leland’s 14-year-old son, Richard, was murdered in 1981, she recognized the need for support for parents of murdered children. She founded the charter chapter of Parents of Murdered Children (POMC) in Tucson, Arizona, on February 19, 1982, which later became Homicide Survivors, Inc.

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Meet Our Team

Dennisse Ley

Executive Director
Born in Mexico to two parents that always encouraged her to help others, Dennisse became involved in community & social justice groups at a young age. Dennisse feels honored to work for HSI & hopes to grow & formalize our program to serve families & friends of murder victims better.
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Ashley Schlegel

Victim Advocate
Ashley began her journey with HSI as an intern in 2023 while pursuing her bachelor's degree in criminal justice at the University of Arizona. She is now honored to return to HSI and provide comprehensive victim advocacy while also managing our social media outreach. She is instrumental in raising awareness about our services and connecting with the community, ensuring survivors can access the resources they need.

Narda Rivera

Victim Advocate
After almost 20 years of working as an advocate, Narda continues to be called to support survivors of violence. As a survivor, she understands the intersections & impacts that violence has on our communities. Narda is committed to organizing & working towards making systemic changes that will create a stronger, safer, & equitable world for all.

Sylvia Alvarez

Victim Advocate
In 2015, Sylvia turned to HSI for emotional support after her son, Michael, was killed in a drunk driving crash on Valentine’s day. In September of 2017 she joined HSI as a Victim Advocate & finds helping survivors rewarding & comforting & healing for her during her ongoing grief.

Holy Jackson

Victim Advocate
In 2018 Holly utilized her educational background in criminal justice and psychology as an intern at HSI to better advocate for survivors of homicide. She feels honored to return to HSI as an Advocate to provide guidance, support, and validation for survivors as they navigate life after the murder of their loved one.

Joselin Diaz

Victim Advocate
Joselin started as an HSI intern in 2018 while completing her bachelor's degree in criminal justice at the University of Arizona. She feels grateful to return as a victim advocate and aims to serve the community by bringing a light of hope, guidance and validation to Survivors.

Lisa Spilsbury

Bookkeeper
Lisa was raised in Tucson, and after traveling a bit, settled back to the town she loves. As a bookkeeper working behind the scenes, she finds it deeply gratifying to be helping the helpers. She is looking forward to growing and learning as the program grows.

Board of directors

Our Directors bring a wealth of knowledge and experiences united by their passion for our mission. We’re grateful to have a group of innovative and committed leaders guiding our organization..

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National Day of Remembrance
Survivor Picnic

Join us on Saturday, September 21st to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance with a survivor picnic to honor loved ones lost to violence in our community.  The event will include food, drinks, and a craft activity for you to take home.

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Arizona Gives Day is April 4th!

Every year, families in our community are shattered by the loss of a loved one to homicide. Please consider joining us this Arizona Gives Day and donating to our cause. Your contribution will ensure we continue to provide services to Survivors, such as advocacy, support and assistance.

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