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A Special Message from the Executive Director's Desk |
For many of us a new year symbolizes hope and new beginnings. We create resolutions to get fit, read more books, or improve our finances with the hope that this year will be better than the last. For some, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged us to be more intentional about our friendships and relationships as the distance from each other creates a desire to draw near. Many more of us hope for a long life, lasting relationships, good health, and happiness. Unfortunately, for some of us, hope is not real. Some see no way out of the confusion, abuse and fear that encompasses their everyday life.
You see, someone who is hopeless and alone usually cannot help themselves out of their situations. They have a great sense of loss, helplessness and even shame about what they have had to do to survive. This is why we must stand alongside survivors and walk with them back to a place of hope. The FJC and its partners are committed to that walk. We understand what it means to have just enough light for the step that you are on and are dedicated to walking alongside those survivors in dark places. For me, creating a place of safety and compassion is one of the most important gifts we can give to another person. It creates an opportunity and promise to grow again. As the new Executive Director of the Family Justice Center Sonoma County, I am looking forward to walking this path together and continuing to build a community where every person can experience the renewing of hope.
Be Encouraged,
Marsha Lucien
Click HERE to read more about Marsha
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From Survivor to Advocate: Elizabeth's Story
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Elizabeth became a victim of human trafficking at the age of 15 after running away from an abusive home where she experienced years of physical and emotional abuse and neglect. When she found a long-desired father figure who offered her love and attention, she thought her life was finally changing in a positive way. Little did she understand about human trafficking, manipulation and the abuse used to maintain control over her. Elizabeth found herself stuck in a vicious cycle of drug addiction that made it nearly impossible to seek help and leave. Today, Elizabeth is a survivor of human trafficking who shares her story of healing and how she copes with the lingering effects of her experience. She advocates for victims and survivors and explains how others can support human trafficking victims.
How did you finally leave your abuser and human trafficking?
I was caught with drugs and was arrested. I made a phone call and heard my three month old crying in the background. That is when it hit me. My son. I realized I was continuing the cycle. I knew I needed to get out. My son needed me. I did everything possible to get sober and to get out to be with him. Thanks to my son, I got my life back.
From your perspective, how bad is the human trafficking problem in Sonoma County?
Human Trafficking is happening in every city. It is definitely happening in Sonoma County, and what makes it bad and scary is that its being done behind closed doors. Victims are not being sold at corners. They are being kept hidden and no one can spot it. Sonoma County residents are still having a hard time believing that it is happening in our back yard because they do not see it.
What are the early signs to look for in teens?
If you notice your child, family member, student or teen: ditching school, failing classes, staying up all night and wanting to sleep in all day, you should check in with them. Oftentimes those are signs that require interventions and guidance. Tattoos that imply possession (i.e. “wifey,” “property of” “belongs to” etc.). Drugs. You should be vigilant and ask questions if you notice teens with nice things all of a sudden like expensive clothing, electronics, jewelry, etc.
How are you healing and coping from the lingering effects?
I started a human trafficking survivor group, I’m on the Human Trafficking Task Force, I’m constantly doing outreach and trying to advocate for other victims. Giving back to my community provides healing and helps me cope. I am also working with my partner to open up a safe house for Human Trafficking victims here in Sonoma County called Redemption House of the Bay Area.
What could we do as a community to help prevent and reduce human trafficking?
Get educated in regards to Human Trafficking. Go to a panel, watch a documentary, ask questions. If you see something, you can step up and report it. Donate to local agencies that work with human trafficking survivors, like Verity, The Family Justice Center or Redemption House. Go out and be part of street outreach that Verity and Redemption House does. Volunteer to bring home cooked meals to a local support group. There are a lot of ways to get involved and be the change our community needs.
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Everyone Deserves
Their Springtime
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Video above: Two local survivors, Elizabeth Quiroz and Lisa Diaz McQuaid share their stories of human trafficking and their path to hope in this video above produced by Verity. |
Elizabeth shares booking photos from when she was a victim of human trafficking and a recent photo. "Simply breaking away was not enough. I was determined to use my experience with traffickers and the criminal justice system to help other victims of sex trafficking." said Quiroz. |
Elizabeth and Lisa laugh together during a photo shoot. |
"We can move on with our lives and never speak of what God has brought us out of, or we can go back into the burning building and save as many souls as we can and bring them to freedom with us. This is the path I choose today!!" - Elizabeth Quiroz
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The County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors proclaimed January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The picture above is from Jan 2020. |
LEFT:
This oil painting on canvas was submitted to the Office for Victims of Crime by Andrew Johnstone, Nancy O'Malley, and Regina Evans from the Alameda County District Attorney's Office.
According to the artist, the woman in this image is “all of us” in the anti-trafficking movement, particularly survivors evolving from darkness to a life filled with joy and beauty.
Springtime is a time of growth, newness, and rebirth. Springtime follows a dark winter. For 20 years, the anti-trafficking movement has worked to transform despair to hope, invisible to visible, and despondency into openness, enthusiasm and hope. She, like the movement, have been transformed.
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FJCSC Services Available During Covid
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FJCSC continues to offer free and confidential virtual services
Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm.
To initiate services, call 707-565-8255.
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Intake & Navigation for new and returning clients
- Risk assessment & Safety planning
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Advocacy services for victims & survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, human trafficking, and child abuse.
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Assistance with filing electronic civil and domestic violence restraining orders
- Case Management
- U-visa and T-visa immigration support
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Safe shelter and housing assistance (coordinated entry and short term housing options)
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Food access and resource support for homeless clients and clients in need
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Victim compensation application assistance
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Criminal justice updates and Criminal Protection Orders on in-custody cases for victims
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Additional resource assistance for clients in need (diaper pantry, child and baby needs, etc.)
- Virtual Support Groups
- Virtual Reiki and energy work
- Virtual Art Sessions
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After-hours support over the phone
- YWCA domestic violence 24/7 hotline: (707) 546-1234
- Verity sexual assault 24 hour crisis hotline: (707) 545-7273
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"Hope Is Not Cancelled" Virtual Fundraiser
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Senator Mike McGuire cohosting the virtual fundraiser while doing his fund-a-need dance. |
Co-host and FJCSC Foundation Board Member Lisa Wittke Schaffner thanking our sponsors and donors during the "Hope is Not Cancelled Fundraiser. |
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The Family Justice Center Sonoma County Foundation hosted its first ever virtual fundraiser, "Hope is Not Cancelled" on December 11, 2020 and raised over $60,000!
Senator Mike McGuire and Lisa Wittke Schaffner co-hosted the event which featured survivor videos, a video on FJC's Camp HOPE program, a virtual tour and a fund-a-need. In addition, a silent auction which opened earlier that week and closed the night of the event included fabulous staycations, great wine and other unique finds.
Thanks to our co-hosts, sponsors listed below, our Foundation Board members, FJCSC staff, and donors who came together during these times to give and reassure our clients and community that while many things are cancelled, hope is not cancelled and the FJCSC continues to provide services and support for victims and survivors in need.
The FJCSC Board President, Caroline Fowler stated "this was our first virtual event, but we hope to be able to have more fundraisers either virtually or in-person in 2021."
To become a sponsor or donate an item for a future FJCSC fundraiser please email fabiola.espinosa@sonoma-county.org.
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Your donations are needed now more than ever during this crisis. Thank you for supporting our programs and services. |
100% of proceeds go towards services and resources for FJC clients.
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Like to shop? Click n Donate
Check out our Amazon wish lists
Click on one of the links below to check out our Amazon Wish lists.
All items listed benefit FJC clients. Thank you.
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Need help? You are not alone.
Call the FJCSC during business hours at (707) 565-8255 or call a 24/7 hotline below:
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24-Hour Crisis Lines
If you need to talk to someone immediately and confidentially, call one of these hotlines:
YWCA Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline:
707-546-1234
Verity Sexual Assault Support Line:
707-545-7273
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
1−800−799−7233
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Follow Us on Social Media! |
Follow us social media to get the latest updates, events, and ways that you can help us serve victims and survivors of family violence in Sonoma County! |
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2755 Mendocino Avenue, Suite 100
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 565-8255
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
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