A new program to help domestic violence survivors use their voices of experience to assist others through advocacy, education, and empowerment will become a reality, thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon. The “VOICES Committee” will be comprised of a local group of survivors who will educate the public about family violence through community-wide outreach events, meetings, and trainings in order to spark change and increase support for victims and their families.
“Verizon has been a partner with the SFJC (Shasta Family Justice Center) since the beginning,” said SFJC Executive Director Michael Burke. “We are very appreciative to Verizon for their dedication to victims of family violence in Shasta County. Without this type of support the SFJC would not be able to provide a much needed service in our community.”
The Shasta County Voices Committee will meet monthly at the SFJC. The committee is supported by the Shasta Women’s Refuge, National Family Justice Center, Shasta health and human services agencies, the Child Abuse Prevention Coordinating Council, the Inter-Tribal Council of California and other local organizations.
Gary George, director of government and external affairs for Verizon, said, “Enabling former victims of abuse to tell their story of survival and courage while spreading awareness of the issue is a vital part of breaking the cycle of violence. Verizon is proud to partner with the Shasta Family Justice Center to make that a reality.”
For more information on the Voices Committee, please call (530) 243-8868 or visit online at www.shastafjc.org.
-from press release
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