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 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.”