The Isaiah Torres Memorial Fund

04/11/2026

02/23/2026

THREE YEARS TODAY! Today marks a powerful milestone—three years since I sat in that courtroom, consumed by emotions, witnessing Mauricio receive a sentence of Life without the Possibility of Parole + 20 years at his third trial sentencing. I remember the anxious days spent waiting, the tension in the air as the jury deliberated. I had to be there; I had to hear it firsthand. It's hard to believe that three years have passed since that day, a day that changed everything. Despite the life sentence, I felt an ache deep within me, knowing that no punishment could ever truly be enough. Isaiah's story was far from over—he was not just a name in a murder trial; his voice demanded to be heard!

In the aftermath, The Isaiah Torres Memorial Scholarship was launched at NWACC, a testament to his legacy, and it has been endowed! This scholarship stands as a beacon of hope, the only fully fundraised scholarship in NWACC’s history! Isaiah's name will echo through the halls of NWACC forever, empowering future Child Advocates long after I am gone. We've already awarded two scholarships, with another on the way this Fall! Over the past three years, I've been privileged to connect with incredible individuals dedicated to child advocacy and protection—people who have opened my eyes and taught me invaluable lessons. I may be just a nurse, but I am determined to drive change for children. I hear you now, Isaiah, and I promise I will never stop.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has backed me on this journey and in making this scholarship a reality over the past three years. To my family—your unwavering support, from early news broadcasts to fundraisers, means everything. To my friends, both near and far—your encouragement fuels my passion! Special thanks to all the donors, doughnut buyers, post sharers, listeners, and shirt purchasers—this scholarship thrives because of your incredible generosity and kindness. I’m also grateful for the new friends I've discovered along this path and the knowledge I've gained about Child Maltreatment, its processes, and available resources. Isaiah has woven a beautiful tapestry of connection among us, and I am honored to help carry his story forward. Thank you for having the courage to engage with this difficult topic. Isaiah lived through such hard realities every day, and it’s our duty to keep the conversation alive. Let’s continue to educate, advocate, and change the narrative so that NO CHILD HAS TO ENDURE ABUSE! From the depths of my heart, thank you all! Let’s keep pushing forward and amplify Isaiah’s voice! Next steps, more fundraising, community education, and rallying for legislative changes!

01/30/2026

Dear Isaiah,

I don’t know how it’s possible to miss someone I've never met, but you are profoundly missed by me and so many others. My heart aches as I recall the relentless pain you had to endure throughout your short life—a life ended too soon, a life that should have been filled with love, laughter, and joy. Instead, you faced a world where your quiet cries for help went unheard, your innocence stripped away by the very hands that were supposed to protect you. I want to apologize for all the ways you fell through the cracks, for the system that failed you when you needed it most. I would have loved to love you as a son.

Tears cascade down my face as I write this, with an overwhelming flood of emotions: sadness, anger, bitterness, and, against all odds, gratitude and hope. I am grateful to God for the opportunity to honor you, Isaiah, through a scholarship that will ensure your name never fades from our hearts. You are more than just a memory; you are a symbol of resilience, a call to action, and inspirational change in unimaginable ways.

As I envision you looking down upon us, I hope you see the love that has blossomed from your tragic story. You are the common thread that binds us together, a spark igniting passion in others. People across our community are rallying, going back to school, eagerly diving into child advocacy, driven by the desire to change lives. I wish we could’ve changed yours, but we are going to change countless others in abusive situations. You have brought people together in the most beautiful and powerful ways!

Even though you are now free from pain and suffering, you reside among us in our hearts, in every conversation about change, in every future law that will prevent this from happening again. Your voice, though silent in this world, is loud and clear. Loud and clear and unforgettable. We hear you, Isaiah. You have become my guide, my motivation to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.

We will not stand idly by. We are committed to changing homeschooling laws, advocating for better protections, and ensuring that no child ever faces what you went through again. You are our beacon of hope, and we carry your spirit with us into every battle.

I wish you could have felt the love and protection you so deeply deserved. Your short life has the power to change the future for many children, and we will ensure that your legacy is one of strength and hope. You are forever in our hearts, Isaiah. We are your voice now, and we will shout your story to the world, honoring you every step of the way. I will never ever stop.

With all my love,

Amy Gourley

12/22/2025

Meet Isaiah, a six-year-old boy whose vibrant spirit was stifled by darkness. He loved the color orange, believing it could brighten the world around him, just as he longed for the warmth of laughter and safety. But in his reality, every day was shadowed by fear, pain, and silence.

Isaiah's dreams of adventure and heroism were overshadowed by the heavy weight of secrets and trauma, suffering in silence while wishing someone would truly see him. He faced unimaginable horrors, feeling alone in a world that failed to protect him, his cries unheard.

This is a reminder that behind every smile, there may be a child yearning for help. It is crucial for us to learn the signs of child abuse—to recognize the hidden pain and reach out when we suspect something is wrong. It starts with being aware, asking questions, and believing children when they share their experiences.

Isaiah's story is a call to action for all of us. We must honor his memory by standing up for vulnerable children everywhere, ensuring they feel safe, loved, and heard. Let his final plea resonate within you: Be vigilant, educate yourself, reach out, and let no child feel alone in their suffering.

Together, we can change the narrative and be a beacon of hope for those who need it most. Let us pledge to be the heroes Isaiah dreamed of, so that no more little hearts like his have to endure such darkness.

Remember Isaiah. Remember to ask, "Are you okay?" and take action. Together, we can create a world where every child is safe🩵

12/02/2025

Myth vs. Fact about Child Abuse

1. Myth: Child abuse only happens in poor families.
- Fact: Child abuse occurs in families of all socioeconomic backgrounds. It is a widespread issue that transcends economic status, education, and lifestyle.

2. Myth: Children who are abused will always show visible signs of physical injury.
- Fact: Many children may not exhibit physical signs of abuse, especially in cases of emotional abuse or neglect. Psychological and emotional effects can be just as harmful and often go unnoticed.

3. Myth: Only certain types of people become abusers.
- Fact: Abusers can come from any background, age group, or profession. Many might appear to be perfectly normal people in the community, making it difficult to identify them.

4. Myth: Most child abuse cases are reported by strangers.
- Fact: The majority of child abuse cases are perpetrated by someone the child knows, including family members, friends, or caregivers.

5. Myth: If a child doesn’t talk about the abuse, it didn’t happen.
- Fact: Many children may be too scared, ashamed, or confused to speak about their abuse. Silence does not negate the reality of their experiences.

6. Myth: Child abuse is a one-time event.
- Fact: Abuse can be a chronic problem that continues over time, causing lasting emotional and psychological damage to the victim.

7. Myth: Reporting suspected abuse will destroy a family.
- Fact: Reporting suspected abuse is essential for the safety of the child. Child welfare services aim to support families and help prevent further abuse, not break them apart unnecessarily.

8. Myth: Children often lie about being abused.
- Fact: While some children may fabricate stories, allegations of abuse should always be taken seriously. False allegations are statistically low compared to the vast number of true cases.

9. Myth: It’s normal for children to act out if they’ve been abused.
- Fact: While some children may exhibit behavioral changes, acting out can signal abuse or trauma. It's essential to investigate and respond to any concerning behavior properly.

10. Myth: Child abuse only affects the child.
- Fact: The effects of child abuse can extend into adulthood, impacting mental health, relationships, and parenting. It can also affect the community and society at large.

08/31/2025

🌟 Empower Your Kids with Body Safety Awareness! 🌟

🚨 Did you know that teaching your children about body safety can help protect them from harm? It's crucial for kids to understand their rights over their own bodies and to recognize safe vs. unsafe situations.

💬 Start the conversation today! Here are some key points to make it engaging:
- My Body, My Rules: Encourage them to assertively say "NO" if someone makes them uncomfortable.
- Trusted Adults: Help them identify adults they can confide in if they feel uneasy.
- Safe Touch vs. Unsafe Touch: Teach them to know the difference and to speak up.
- Name It Right: Teach children to call body parts by their real names. Using proper terminology helps them communicate clearly and assertively.

💪 By educating our children about body safety, we empower them to protect themselves and create a safer environment. Let’s equip the next generation with the knowledge they need to stay safe!

🛡️ Share this post to spread awareness and make body safety a priority for every child!

07/17/2025

The appeal for Mauricio Torres, a man convicted of abusing and killing of son a decade ago, has been delayed again, according to court documents.

07/03/2025

Happy Heavenly 17th Birthday, Isaiah!

07/03/2025

I can’t believe you would be 17 today if you weren’t taken from this Earth by your abusive parents. I remember doing this balloon release in 2023 for your 15th birthday, and I can’t believe two years have gone by since that day! I would’ve given anything to know you or to have protected you. I hope you are looking down from Heaven and see a community that loves, honors, and misses you. I hope you see how your short life has changed and impacted others and will continue to do so! I hope you see how you’ve changed mine forever. And one day, I hope you are one of the people that usher me into Heaven. What an honor that will be for me!

In 2024, alarming statistics remind us of the urgent need to act: Arkansas reported an astonishing rate of 1 in 5 children experiencing some form of abuse or neglect. These are more than just numbers; behind each statistic is a face, a name, a life filled with potential. A life like Isaiah’s. Who could Isaiah have been?

Things have to change. We need more support for DCFS. We need better homeschooling laws. We need more education in our school systems. Isaiah needs us to be his voice so his story is always remembered and other children don’t suffer what he had to endure. We have to be that change for children! We love you, Isaiah, and we will never stop! Happy 17th Birthday in Heaven!

06/09/2025

My name is Isaiah Torres, and I was just six years old when my life was ended at the hands of my parents. I loved the color orange, how it brightened everything around me, like the sun on a warm day. Toy Story was my favorite because Woody and Buzz were my heroes, always looking out for one another on epic adventures—something I wished for too.

But my life was different. Instead of playing outside or enjoying my favorite foods, there were days when the sun felt far away and laughter was something I could barely recall. I carried heavy secrets, and at night in a dog crate, I felt cold and alone.

I endured pain and fear, marked by the scars of a harsh reality. There were moments filled with slaps, punching, teeth pulling, chemical burning, overwhelming dread, whipped with a fireplace poker, leaving me yearning for safety. I wanted to share my pain, to find solace in someone who would listen.

In my school picture, I put on a brave smile, trying to show the world I was okay, even when I wasn't. I longed to join other children in play, to tell jokes and dance, but the darkness inside often overshadowed those dreams.

I wished for a hero to rescue me, to wipe away my fears and let me know I was safe. As a little boy, I hoped to be seen and heard, to remind others of the importance of kindness and inquiry—“Are you okay?”

Though I'm no longer here, I want my story to resonate with those who can make a difference. Let my voice inspire change, so no child endures the pain I faced. Please consider donating to The Isaiah Torres Memorial Scholarship Fund in my name. This fund supports students at NorthWest Arkansas Community College pursuing child advocacy roles, ensuring my legacy of helping children in our community lives on. 💙



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06/07/2025