Costa Announces $327,000 for Centro La Familia and Latino Survivors of Sexual Violence
FRESNO, CA – Today, Rep. Jim Costa announced that Centro La Familia has been awarded a $327,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. The Sexual Assault Culturally Specific Program grant creates, maintains, and expands sustainable sexual assault services provided by organizations that are uniquely situated to respond to the needs of sexual assault victims from culturally specific populations.
“Disclosing the trauma of sexual abuse can be especially challenging for survivors, and this funding targets resources specifically for Latino survivors, so they have a safe place to get the necessary services to begin the healing process,” said Rep. Jim Costa. “From breaking down language barriers to specializing in helping Latino victims of sexual violence, Centro La Familia offers a place of comfort for Latino survivors, and this grant will allow them to continue serving an often underserved population in our San Joaquin Valley.”
“As our organization has provided sexual assault services over the years we have learned that victims require a complex array of resources and support in order to gain control over their lives. The assistance they need is not as simple as providing antibiotics for a cold or stitches for a cut. We need to provide consistent, culturally sensitive support that will help empower them to overcome the trauma they’ve experienced and rebuild their lives; becoming survivors and not victims” said Margarita Rocha, Executive Director of Centro La Familia Advocacy Services.
Established in 1972, Centro La Familia Advocacy Services (CLFA) is a nonprofit community-based organization dedicated to serving unserved/underserved communities in Fresno County. CLFA’s mission is “to empower low-income people to access life sustaining resources” and through this, become self-sufficient through education, training and social services. Services include Victim Advocacy, Health & Wellness, Family Strengthening, Policy & Leadership Development, and Immigration. All CLFA staff provide services and link clients to available resources such as victim advocacy, mental health, food, housing, health insurance, medical assistance and more.