Your Work Means Something

A Word From Mark

Dear Friends,

Recently, WTLC was honored by the Public Law Center (PLC) as their Community Partner of the Year. This recognition was incredibly humbling, and I am so proud of our Legal Advocacy team for all of their hard work in our community. Working in the non-profit sector, collaborations with partner agencies and community members are critical to ensuring our programs can effectively reach the populations that need our services.

Your choice to dedicate your time and energies to survivors in our community says something important about your spirit, and your commitment to a better and just world.

We often sacrifice our own self-interest to be in support of others, we pour our heart and dedication into a cause that sometimes feels never-ending, and we frequently have to overcome the effects of vicarious trauma. But we do this work to make a difference, and stay motivated and inspired by the survivors we serve and the community that stands beside them.

I am humbled to see the positive impact our staff, board, and you-our supporters- have had on the survivors and community. YOU are the driving force behind the scenes, giving us the opportunity to create spaces for survivors to heal.

With appreciation,

Mark

Read More From Mark

You Are Not Alone

At WTLC, our trauma-informed and compassionate Legal Advocates are here to help survivors navigate the complex and stressful process of representing themselves in court.

Whether you are a trained legal professional, you have experienced your own legal case in court, or you have watched some lawyer shows on TV, one thing everyone can agree on is that the process of dealing with a legal matter is stressful. For everyone involved.

For someone who is personally dealing with a legal case related to the abuse, exploitation, or trauma they have survived, the stress of walking through that process alone can feel overwhelming and unbearable. In many cases, having to come face-to-face in court with the person who harmed them, is itself re-traumatizing and emotionally scarring for a survivor, whether they win or lose their case.

More on how we can provide legal support...

Never Too Late for a New View

Mary’s story is not for the faint of heart. At an early age, Mary was exposed to a myriad of childhood traumas that were sure to leave a lasting impact on a lonesome child that had yet to even learn her ABC’s. From birth, Mary was thrown into an ocean of unfamiliarity and instability. Waves of uncertainty and trepidation would follow, causing a bright and lively teen to slowly fall victim to the shackles of alcoholism and drug addiction.

Mary would succumb to substance misuse, surrounding herself with individuals who physically, verbally, and psychologically abused the already troubled young woman. It was a “madhouse,” in her words. Months turned to years; years turned to decades. But the saying “it’s never too late” could be applied tenfold in Mary’s case. Beneath the trauma, struggle, and abuse, the bright and lively child that once was, was still fighting for a chance to thrive, and rewrite the second half of her story.

Mary Finds a New View on Life

Calling All Future Domestic Violence Advocates!

Have you ever wondered how to become a domestic violence advocate so you can help end violence in your community? Well, it all starts with being certified as a Domestic Violence Counselor.

We are currently taking registration for our upcoming virtual training in September! Completion of this training meets the requirements set by California Evidence Code 1037.1 for designation as a Domestic Violence Counselor.

To be certified, attendance is required at all 40 hours.

WTLC's transitional housing program operates in the critical space between emergency shelter and permanent housing, providing survivors with the time they need to find healing and long-term stability. Our Hope House project will create a dedicated transitional housing space for survivors to live while addressing their recovery needs through supportive services like counseling, legal advocacy, and case management.

Click the video below to see what Hope House will look like when completed!