Courtesy photos.
VENTURA — A decade of healing, hope, and resilience was celebrated under the stars on May 29th, as the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation (VCFJC Foundation) set a new fundraising record at its annual Voices of Hope celebration. This year’s theme, Celebrating a Decade of Camp Hope, raised $305,827 to support Camp HOPE along with a generous surprise $75,000 from Ventura County Credit Union to celebrate their 75th anniversary. VCFJC Foundation was one of 10 organizations selected to receive this generous donation. During the celebration three community leaders were honored for their contributions to family justice in Ventura County – Greg Totten, Dr.Graal Diaz and Reins of H.O.P.E. The event brought together over 230 community members, leaders, and supporters for an evening filled with purpose, celebration, and camp-themed fun.
“Every dollar raised helps a young survivor take steps toward healing, confidence, and a brighter future. Thanks to our community, Camp HOPE and the Family Justice Center will continue to offer safe, empowering spaces where hope begins and lives are transformed,” said Dianne McKay, President and Chair of Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation.
The evening featured the premiere of “A Decade of Camp HOPE,” a moving video tribute chronicling the journey of over 300 youth served since the program’s inception in 2015 [View here]. Many in attendance were visibly moved as stories of healing, empowerment, and growth unfolded on screen.
Why Camp HOPE Matters: Camp HOPE uses a science-backed approach to inspire campers with lasting hope through activities focused on providing affirmation, creating pathways to hope, celebrating individuals, being solutions-centered and highlighting empowerment. Camp HOPE has been a sanctuary for young survivors impacted by domestic violence in Ventura County, but the need continues to grow. The Voices of Hope fundraising event helps to bridge this gap, ensuring that every child who needs hope has access to it.
Support from the fundraiser will also benefit the Ventura County Family Justice Center–a collaborative team from more than 40 public agencies, community-based organizations and volunteers dedicated to working together to help reduce trauma, eliminate repeat victimization, mitigate future risks, and make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of survivors and their families. Since 2019, the VCFJC has helped over 13,000 adults and children from throughout Ventura County who have suffered the effects of abuse and victimization.
The Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation – Launched as a 501c3 nonprofit corporation in 2018, the Foundation was formed to provide funding and resources for the Ventura County Family Justice Center and its programs for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, dependent adult abuse, human trafficking, hate crimes, and other violent crimes by providing judicial, social, educational, financial, and advocacy services. Their holistic approach focuses on all aspects of a person through a variety of programs that are focused on a strength-based approach to recovery.
