Rally for Critical Funding for Survivors of Violence and Crime

Thanks to our colleagues California Partnership to End Domestic Violence and VALOR US for your leadership and your work on behalf of Survivors across the state.

STAND! joined more than 250 colleagues, volunteers and survivors for the 2026 Policy Advocacy Day at the State Capitol in Sacramento. And our voices were heard! On Friday, May 8th, it was announced that both the Assembly and the Senate budget plans now include vital funding in their budget requests.

We thank the offices of Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías, Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson, and Senator Tim Grayson for listening to survivor stories highlighting the critical need to backfill $100million of VOCA funding to ensure that safety and healing services are available to all Californians seeking freedom from violence.

We also thank trailblazers Senator Susan Rubio, Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, and the California Legislative Women's Caucus for your early support for the provision of these funds that will help survivors to leave violence, remain safely housed, and receive the healing support they need to thrive.

March is Mental Health Awareness Month: Let's Take a Break

Unsure where to start? Help is just a phone call away:

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Dial 988

LGBTQ National Hotline (888) 843-4564

Native American Hotline (800) 799-7233

La Casa de las Madres (877) 503-1850

Friends Line (65+) (888) 670-3360

With the incredible pace of breaking news, daily stressors while navigating multiple challenges of parenting, school, or work-rest becomes a form of resistance and self preservation. Taking a break for even a few brief moments of reflection, mindfulness, or connection can help restore a sense of calm and stability for our mental health and protect against burnout. This practice is even more important for survivors of intimate partner violence.

We know that survivors have an even greater risk of mental health challenges. According to the international not-for-profit organization ActionAid, an estimated 50-80% of survivors develop severe mental conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. (WHO Foundation, 2026).

If you are in an unhealthy relationship we hope that you will talk with someone you trust who will offer support and compassion.

STAND! is here to listen.

Call our 24/7 confidential crisis line:

1-888-215-5555

crisisline@standffov.org

It was a Happy Mother's Day Thanks to our In-kind Donors!

Thanks to Starbucks Oak Grove in Concord for mugs & tumblers, and to Handmade Especially for You for knitted scarves & hats. Anonymous donors also provided toiletries, socks, journals, cosmetics, gift cards and more. We filled 20 beautiful gift bags that brought joy to all of the moms and kiddos staying at our shelter on Mothers' Day. Thank you all so much!

Families will have loads of fun playing games, snuggling up in warm blankets, and eating homemade soup...thanks to donations provided by the congregation from Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church (LOPC). These beautiful humans have been supporting STAND! clients and programs for more than 30 years. Deep gratitude to the pastoral team and congregation at large. Thanks to you all!

Pictured (l-r) are Melissa Caine-Huckabay, STAND!; Steve Crocker and Michelle Browning from LOPC.

STAND! Appreciates Hazy Barbecue in Danville

Thanks so much to the Hazy Barbecue staff for hosting the April 30th Dine N' Donate event! We thank everyone who came by to support our mission, to learn more about STAND!, and of course...to enjoy their truly delicious food.

Thank you to our current 2025-26 Sponsors

Interested in becoming a STAND! 2026-27 Sponsor?

Sponsorships provide funding directly to programs and services that fulfill our mission

to eliminate intimate partner violence and to break the cycle of intergenerational violence. Sponsors are recognized at every event and celebration...all year long!

Become a Sponsor Today!

Crisis & Support available 24/7

888-215-5555

STAND! For Families Free of Violence

925-676-2845 | www.standffov.org