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With Survivors Always: Honoring Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month — a time to shed light on the realities of domestic violence and to honor the courage, strength, and resilience of survivors. This year’s theme, “With Survivors Always,” reflects our unwavering commitment to stand beside survivors and to walk with them toward safety, healing, and hope. Domestic violence affects individuals and families across all communities. Behind the statistics are real people with real stories — stories of courage, survival, and the ongoing journey toward recovery. “With Survivors Always” is not just a theme, it is our promise. At the Family Justice Center , this promise drives everything we do. This year, our commitment has grown through our latest initiative, the Stay Safe Contra Costa campaign. This community-centered effort is designed to raise awareness about gun violence and its relationship with domestic violence. (Link here.)The Family Justice Centeris dedicated to addressing both the urgent and long-term needs of survivors. Healing is a shared journey — one that requires compassion, collaboration, and sustained support. This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we reaffirm our dedication to survivors and our vision of communities free from violence. We invite everyone to stand with survivors — to listen, to believe, and to act. Whether through wearing purple, raising awareness, or supporting local efforts like Stay Safe Contra Costa, every action strengthens our collective movement toward safety and healing.

First Project Connect in Farsi – Central Center

The Central Family Justice Center proudly hosted its first-ever Project Connect in Farsi, marking an important milestone in expanding our culturally responsive programming. The evening was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication of our staff and the enthusiastic participation of families. A special thank you goes to Zarin, who led this inaugural session with compassion and energy, and to Marisol, whose support helped bring the event to life.  A Warm Beginning The session began at 5:30 PM with Zarin warmly welcoming participants and introducing the mission and services of the Family Justice Center (FJC). Building Community Attendees shared personal stories and experiences, creating meaningful connections and a sense of trust within the group. Empowerment in Action Zarin reminded participants that Project Connect is their project—a space they can shape to meet their needs and interests. This invitation to co-create inspired active dialogue and ideas for the future. Responding to Community Needs During the discussion, participants expressed a strong interest in: A Family-Friendly Gathering To ensure a welcoming atmosphere, the evening included pizza , giving families the chance to relax, share a meal, and continue conversations in a supportive space. Strong Turnout This first Project Connect in Farsi set the stage for an ongoing, participant-led series that will continue to uplift, empower, and strengthen our community.

WINGS: Women INspired to Grow and Succeed

The Contra Costa Family Justice Center proudly hosted this year’s WINGS (Women INspired to Grow and Succeed) program, a powerful initiative designed to support women on their journey toward healing, growth, and empowerment. In 2025, WINGS launched with a virtual conference that drew over 140 participants, highlighting the strong community interest in this unique program. Following the conference, more than 100 individuals expressed interest in joining the six-week virtual cohort. Ultimately, 18 participants began the journey, with eight women successfully completing the program. Throughout the six sessions, participants explored critical topics including: To strengthen community connections, WINGS participants joined Project Connect for a special combined event that featured a hands-on cooking demonstration. The program culminated in a moving in-person graduation ceremony, where participants were honored with certificates and stipends in recognition of their commitment and achievements. WINGS continues to grow each year as a space where women can build skills, strengthen resilience, and find inspiration to pursue their goals.

The Growth of Our Clinician Team and the Expansion of Mental Health Services

We are excited to share that our clinician team at the Family Justice Center is growing! This expansion represents an important step forward in our commitment to provide holistic, trauma-informed support for survivors and their families. For many survivors, the emotional impact of trauma can be just as difficult as the physical or legal challenges they face. Expanding our mental health team ensures that more survivors have timely access to counseling and therapy, giving them a safe space to process their experiences, regain stability, and begin to heal. At the same time, we are expanding our Enhanced Navigation program, which provides wraparound support to families navigating complex challenges. By combining mental health care with enhanced case management, we can better address the full range of needs that survivors and their children face. Our work is rooted in a survivor-centered approach to healing. This means that every step we take — from counseling to navigation support — is guided by the voices, choices, and unique needs of survivors. We believe that healing is not one-size-fits-all, and by listening first, we empower survivors to define what safety, recovery, and hope look like for them and their families. As we continue to evolve, we are especially focused on strengthening services for children. Trauma impacts children differently, and early support can make a lasting difference. By growing our mental health team and enhancing navigation, we are working to ensure that children not only receive the care they need today but also have the foundation to thrive in the future. Our growth is about more than adding services — it is about deepening our capacity to walk alongside survivors and their families with compassion, resilience, and hope.

Stay Safe Contra Costa: A Community Safety Initiative

Stay Safe Contra Costa is a countywide campaign dedicated to preventing violence, supporting survivors, and strengthening safety across our communities. This initiative is a collaboration of the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, Contra Costa Family Justice Center, Richmond Police Department, Bay Area Legal Aid, and STAND! for Families Free of Violence, proudly funded by the California Boartd of State and Community Corrections Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (Byrne SCIP) What is Stay Safe Contra Costa? Stay Safe Contra Costa is more than a campaign—it’s a call to action. By combining prevention, education, and survivor support, the initiative works to reduce violence and create safer, healthier neighborhoods throughout Contra Costa County. How We Create Safer Communities Why This Matters Violence affects individuals, families, and entire communities. Stay Safe Contra Costa provides a unifying framework for residents, service providers, and advocates to work together to address violence at its roots while ensuring survivors are never alone on their journey to safety. Join the Movement Every person in Contra Costa has a role to play in creating safer communities. Whether by attending an event, volunteering, spreading awareness, or sharing resources with someone in need, your actions matter. Visit staysafecontracosta.org to learn more about the campaign, upcoming opportunities, and ways to get involved. Together, we can keep Contra Costa safe.

Camp Family Justice Returns for Its Third Year at Camp Arroyo!

We are thrilled to announce that Camp Family Justice is taking off for its third year at Camp Arroyo in Livermore, CA! This unique, free overnight camping experience is designed specifically for youth ages 9–12 who have been impacted by interpersonal violence (IPV). Camp Family Justice provides campers with a safe and supportive environment where they can heal, have fun, and build friendships. During the three-part camping experience, campers enjoy a variety of activities, including animal shows, arts and crafts, swimming, hiking, and of course, the classic campfire treat: s’mores! All meals are provided, ensuring campers are well-nourished and cared for throughout their adventure. In partnership with our Free Telehealth Program, Camp Family Justice also offers a full on-site medical clinic. Campers have access to 24-hour care from licensed professionals, ensuring that every child feels safe and supported during their stay. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Reflect Kindness Foundation, Vituity Cares Foundation, Chamberlin Foundation, and Canella Foundation for their ongoing support. Their generosity, along with the dedication of our staff and volunteers, makes it possible for campers to return year after year and experience all the joy, growth, and healing that Camp Family Justice offers. Stay tuned for updates and photos from this year’s camp adventure!

Executive Director Bids Farewell After A Great 11 Years

Richmond +510-974-7200 Concord +925-521-6366 Antioch +925-281-0970 Danville 925-486-0100 Solano +707-784-7635 Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Youtube Home About Us Vision, Mission, & Values Message From The Director Who We Are Board of Directors Partners Staff News & Reports Annual Report Strategic Plan In the News Career & Volunteer Opportunities Programs Safety Navigation Lawyers for Family Justice Elder Abuse Prevention Project TeleCARE Healing Mind Power In Action Trauma Recovery Center Mentes Positivas WINGS Community Community Fellowship Family Justice Institute Youth Programs & Resources Strangulation Task Force Project Connect Seeking Support? TeleCare E-Referral Donate (Tax ID #47-4082871) Sign Up for Our Newsletter Calendar BSTC 2025 Leave Page Home About Us Vision, Mission, & Values Message From The Director Who We Are Board of Directors Partners Staff News & Reports Annual Report Strategic Plan In the News Career & Volunteer Opportunities Programs Safety Navigation Lawyers for Family Justice Elder Abuse Prevention Project TeleCARE Healing Mind Power In Action Trauma Recovery Center Mentes Positivas WINGS Community Community Fellowship Family Justice Institute Youth Programs & Resources Strangulation Task Force Project Connect Seeking Support? TeleCare E-Referral Donate (Tax ID #47-4082871) Sign Up for Our Newsletter Calendar BSTC 2025 Leave Page Family Justice Center Looks Ahead Executive Director Bids Farewell After 11 Years Dear Friends and Community Partners,I am writing today to share some important news about an exciting transition ahead for the Family Justice Center. After 11 meaningful years, I will be stepping down from my role as Executive Director later this year. I began my journey with the Family Justice Center in 2014, at a time when we had just one location, a dedicated team of five, and a temporary home within a small Richmond Police Department substation. Today, we have five thriving locations across Contra Costa County and Solano County, a team of 55+ dedicated team members, and a powerful network of 80+ partner organizations. We have built a robust mental health program serving both adults and children, a comprehensive legal services unit, and a hub that not only connects clients with essential services but also strengthens the capacity of our partners across the region. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the founding Executive Director—to shape the vision, build the foundation, and nurture the extraordinary growth of this organization. Now, as we look to the future, the Family Justice Center is entering a new chapter. We are a mature and resilient organization with experienced leadership already in place, and we are well-positioned to welcome a new Executive Director who will carry this work forward with fresh vision and energy. In the coming months, I will be working closely with our Board of Directors to support a smooth and thoughtful transition. The Board has formed a 5-member search committee and has engaged Walker & Associates Consulting, a Black and woman-owned executive search firm promoting equitable community impact. They will be connecting with staff and key partners to gather insights on the qualities and priorities for the Center’s next leader. Our goal is to select a new Executive Director by November this year. While it is bittersweet to move on from a role that has meant so much to me, I do so with immense pride in all that we have built together and with unwavering confidence in the Family Justice Center’s continued success even in these challenging times.Meanwhile as some of you know, my next chapter will involve launching a new initiative close to my heart, the SAFE (Services and Access For Everyone) Center, a support hub for newcomers in our community. I look forward to sharing more in the months ahead and hope you will stay connected as this vision takes shape. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your commitment to our mission. I look forward to working with you through this transition. Looking forward, Susun Kim, Esq.Executive Director

Navigator Swostika By The Nepali Association Of Northern California

As you may or may not know, May is dedicated to mental health awareness. On Sunday May 7, 2023, the Nepali Association of Northern California(NANC) hosted a seminar at the Sonesta Hotel in Emeryville. This event was supported by the Non-Resident Nepali Association and Society of American Nepalese Nurses. The seminar, “Mental Health Wellness,” consisted of an open discussion of experts that included Sergeant Kristopher Tong of the Richmond police department, Roxanne Belloti LCSW, Dr. Shristi Shah Psy.D., and psychologist Dr. Shadhana Bhandary Adhikari. During the event, the NANC recognized Kristopher Tong, Roxanne Bellotti, and Family Justice Center’s Swostika Timalsina for their positive and impactful work in the community. A huge congratulations to everyone recognized for their hard work. Swostika also commented on this achievement by stating “I would like to take a moment to acknowledge all of your support and partnership in serving our community. You all motivate me every single day. Thank you.” Thank you Swostika, and all those involved! Again, congratulations! Also, if you are experiencing any form of interpersonal or domestic violence and wish to be connected with one of our wonderful navigators please click here to find the nearest center to you! We will be able to help connect you to a variety of services from legal consultation, mental health resources, and more!

Family Justice Center Navigator Karina Recognized For Making A Difference

This week was the National Victim’s Rights Week and to celebrate it the District Attorney’s office recognized 7 candidates within Contra Costa County for having an impact within the community for victim’s rights. We were proud to be notified that one of our own navigators, Karina, was among those recognized for the category of making a difference within the community. Since Karina started, she has been a bright light, leading with her huge heart and always giving her best. Karina has taken on many projects and has done so with grace and a huge smile. While working with clients, she is able to make a huge difference to them by listening to their situation and assisting them with any difficulties they’re experiencing by connecting them with a variety of resources. Whoever she works with, she appears to go above and beyond! Held outside near the courthouse in Martinez, victim witness advocates, law enforcement, district attorneys, county employees, and community members were present to see and listen to Karina who gave a passionate and moving remarks at the event. The Family Justice Center is fortunate to have such great team members who are committed to our clients and demonstrate empathy and support for them. Thank you for all your hard work and congratulations Karina! If you are experiencing any form of interpersonal or domestic violence and wish to be connected with one of our wonderful navigators please click here to find the nearest center to you!

Organizations Working Together

Over the weekend, the Family Justice Center partnered with The Black Neighborhood in hosting a pop up farmers market! This was the first of its kind and a very special event for everyone involved. The Family Justice Center has had the pleasure of working with The Black Neighborhood in the past and supporting their food giveaway initiative.  This year LaShara Johnson from the Family Justice Center had the pleasure of spearheading the initiative on behalf of our organization. She wanted to give community members more of a choice in the services that were being provided to them.  The McGlothen Temple Church-God in North Richmond Ca were gracious to let us use their parking lot for this event. North Richmond is an underserved area in the Richmond community and it’s where we felt that a food give away would have the biggest impact. We also brought in Fresh Approach, Urban Tilth and White Pony.   The Black Neighborhood usually gives away food to over 200 people, but because this was our first time in this area we had a goal of 100 people. After providing fresh produce, jackets, resources and canned goods over 150 people we can say that our goal expectations were surpassed! We look forward to continuing these partnerships to keep giving more opportunities. Click on any logo below to learn more about the programs involved:

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