Community Rallies Around Survivors at Voices of Hope Gala, Fueling Expansion of Ventura County Family Justice Centers
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More than 15,000 survivors have turned to the Ventura County Family Justice Center for help since 2019. On May 27, the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation welcomed hundreds of supporters to its annual Voices of Hope Gala, honoring Congresswoman Julia Brownley and Judge White while raising more than $231,000 to support survivors throughout Ventura County.
The evening drew 240 community leaders, elected officials, and supporters who gathered to raise critical funds for the Foundation’s free programs serving individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, human trafficking, and other violent crimes. Proceeds from the gala will help fund Camp HOPE and the Pathways to Hope programs for youth, as well as provide essentials for survivors coming to the Family Justice Centers for help. Two new Family Justice Centers are on track to open in 2027: the Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center in Oxnard and the East County Family Justice Center, both of which will extend critical, trauma-informed services to underserved communities across Ventura County.
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Two honorees were recognized for their contributions to survivors and the systems built to protect them.
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko introduced the awards segment, and Hon. Judge Brian Back delivered a remembrance of Hon. Colleen Toy White before presenting the Champion for Hope award.
"We were proud to recognize Judge White and Congresswoman Brownley, two leaders whose contributions have made healing possible for so many in our county. Their legacy, and this community's generosity, are a reflection of how far we've come. Since the Foundation started, we've raised over $1.3 million to support survivors of violence, abuse, and trauma, and with two new Family Justice Centers on the way, the impact of everyone in this room will be felt for generations to come," said Dianne McKay, President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation. |
In addition to the awards ceremony, the event also featured a cocktail hour, dinner buffet, live auction, and an "Unpacking Hope" interactive table experience led by Foundation Board member, and gala chair, Heather Sumagaysay. Former Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean served as auctioneer.
The "Unpacking Hope" experience put guests in direct contact with the reality many survivors face: leaving means leaving with almost nothing. Each table received a backpack filled with the essential items the Foundation provides to individuals when they first arrive at the Family Justice Center, often after fleeing abuse with only the clothes on their backs. Guests read story cards and passed items around the table, each tagged with a statistic or personal account, connecting the evening's program to the lived experiences of those the Foundation serves. Please consider making a a gift today.
The "Unpacking Hope" experience put guests in direct contact with the reality many survivors face: leaving means leaving with almost nothing. Each table received a backpack filled with the essential items the Foundation provides to individuals when they first arrive at the Family Justice Center, often after fleeing abuse with only the clothes on their backs. Guests read story cards and passed items around the table, each tagged with a statistic or personal account, connecting the evening's program to the lived experiences of those the Foundation serves. Please consider making a a gift today.
WE invite you to scroll our event gallery
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Thank you to this year's sponsors
hope builder
hope heroes
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Bill & Elise
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