VENTURA — Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D – Thousand Oaks) announced $1 million secured in the 2021-22 State Budget for the expansion of the Ventura County Family Justice Center (VCFJC) into the city of Oxnard.
“The Family Justice Center is something that everyone in Ventura County can take great pride in. This funding to expand the center into Oxnard means more services and better access to justice for the communities that need this assistance. Thank you to District Attorney Nasarenko for the foresight to grow this important program,” stated Assemblymember Irwin.
The center opened in Ventura two years ago, under the leadership of former Ventura County District Attorney Greg Totten. The center has been serving as a one-stop shop of collaborative resources from more than 40 public agencies, community-based organizations, and volunteers dedicated to working together to help survivors of trauma dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, child abuse, hate crime, human trafficking, and other assaults. More than a third of the people who have received help at the Ventura site are Oxnard residents. Nearly a quarter are Mixteco or only speak Spanish and have limited transportation options.
The satellite office in Oxnard would allow for a closer location, focusing on Mixteco and Spanish speaking community members. The work there would also include essential services such as counseling, support groups, and help with restraining orders.
“We are grateful for Assemblymember Irwin’s strong support of the Family Justice Center and her understanding of the importance of providing culturally sensitive, wraparound services to crime victims, survivors, and their families,” said Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “The Oxnard Family Justice Center location will not simply improve access to services for those unable to travel to Ventura. We believe the site will also help break down barriers that prevent victims from seeking services and reporting crimes.”
“I am excited by our discussions with our local officials and partner agencies regarding this $1 million grant. The Oxnard satellite project has received tremendous support, and we all share a common goal: to bring services to Oxnard families in one safe, convenient, and family-friendly location,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Jump.
Assemblymember Irwin, with the help of Senator Monique Limon allocated the funding through the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal-OES) to help better serve Oxnard residents. Assemblymember Irwin requested this funding after meeting with District Attorney Erik Nasarenko following his January appointment.
The press conference announcing the funding is available via Assemblymember Irwin’s website:http://asmdc.org/irwin and her Facebook Page.
— Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin represents California’s 44th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Moorpark, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, and Santa Rosa Valley.