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CAPITAL REGION CARES
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center
Hope and services for victims
Established in 2016 , the Sacramento Regional Family
Justice Center is a one-stop center for victims of domestic violence , elder abuse , human trafficking , sexual assault and child abuse . All services are free and are offered on a walk-in basis .
“ Core to our mission is collaboration ,” says Faith Whitmore , CEO . “ We partner with other nonprofits ; law enforcement ; the medical community ; and public , private and communitybased programs to provide the best services to victims in crisis . Oftentimes , victims are so traumatized , they may not know what they need or where to start . We lay out the possibilities , then help them choose what they need to move from a place of trauma and abuse to one of safety and hope .”
An efficient and effective delivery system of critical services and support , the center provides crisis intervention , case management , safety planning and child therapy , among other
[ PICTURED ]: FAITH WHITMORE , CEO SACRAMENTO REGIONAL FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER
services . Staff attorneys assist with temporary restraining order petitions and court appearances .
Intent on helping to break the cycle of violence , the center offers programs for children who have experienced domestic violence in their homes . Every summer , dozens of young people spend a week at Camp Hope where they can enjoy positive role models and a host of outdoor activities .
Since opening five years ago , the center has served more than 10,000 new and returning clients . “ Our numbers have doubled since the pandemic hit ,” Whitmore says . “ Despite that , I sometimes think we are still the best kept secret in town . We want to let the community know our doors are open , and we ’ re here to help , not just individuals but the community at large . Domestic violence , particularly , impacts public health and community safety . It endangers the lives of our law enforcement officers , and it is an economic drain for the business community as well . Together , we can turn this around .”
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