Coalition for Family Harmony

24-hour Advocates

By Katrina McDowell on Sep 10, 2024 in Giving

Coalition for Family Harmony is the only dual-domestic violence and sexual assault community-based organization in Ventura County, Calif., providing comprehensive intervention, prevention, and education on intimate partner violence and sexual assault.

Since 1976, the Coalition for Family Harmony has provided an array of survivor-centered, trauma-informed programs aimed at healing the emotional and physical pain following violence and encouraging generational change for its youth.

“We ask for funding to support the operations of our 24-hour emergency intimate partner violence and sexual assault services teams,” said Noel Stalcup, director of operations for Coalition for Family Harmony.

Its 24-hour intimate partner violence team operates out of two emergency shelters, one for clients from the public and one specifically for clients from indigenous cultures in Mexico. Its shelter programs offer immediate access to emergency shelter, rental assistance, individual therapy for families, transportation, food and clothing, temporary restraining orders and employment advocacy. The newest feature of its domestic violence program is the mobile healthcare clinic. The Coalition partners with a local medical doctor to provide regular medical care to those affected by domestic violence living in shelters across Ventura County.

The Coalition for Family Harmony is also home to Ventura County’s only rape crisis program. Advocates respond 24 hours a day, providing in-person crisis support to those affected by sexual assault during a forensic exam and law enforcement interviews. Advocates provide survivor-centered, trauma-informed care throughout the healing stages, including linkages to its sexual assault individual and group therapy and play therapy for youth.

The Coalition hopes to increase domestic violence shelter capacity by collaborating with the Ventura County Family Justice Center. With goals to include expansion for bilingual clients, sustain legal programs restraining order service and increase legal assistance, strengthen partnerships and increase the number of volunteers for the 24-hour rape crisis response calendar.

Unfortunately, the Coalition for Family Harmony is facing budget reductions that directly impact its core emergency shelter and rape crisis programs.

“Last year, our emergency program served 5,535 survivors and their children in Ventura County with life-saving services. With the proposed reductions, we will not have the capacity to serve our community and the survivors who rely on our services,” said Stalcup.

Funding from Yardi helps the Coalition for Family Harmony support emergency domestic violence and sexual assault programs. Funding helps them keep two part-time advocates shifts filled for its 24-hour calendar for rape crisis response and emergency shelter for clients and their families to escape violence at home.

“We thank Yardi for their continued support and look forward to the possibility of receiving a donation for Yardi’s annual non-profit giving campaign,” expressed Stalcup.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Coalition for Family Harmony has various volunteer opportunities. Those interested in volunteering must be trained and ready to represent the Coalition at numerous events, interfacing with the community and spreading the word about its essential services. For more information, please fill out the volunteer application form to help make a difference in the lives of their clients.

“With your support, we can make a significant difference in the lives of survivors and work towards creating a safer and more supportive Ventura County community,” expressed Stalcup.

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