DVAC leaders applaud county funding for domestic violence survivor services

The County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors held a budget hearing on June 12, 2025, focusing on funding allocations for various community services. The meeting began with public comments, highlighting the importance of continued financial support for domestic violence survivors and community organizations.

Sarita Coley, CEO of Aki and representative of the Domestic Violence Advocacy Consortium (DVAC), expressed gratitude for the preservation of funding for domestic violence services. She emphasized that this support is crucial for providing emergency shelter, crisis response, and legal advocacy for survivors, particularly those facing immigration challenges. Coley underscored the commitment of DVAC to deliver trauma-informed and culturally responsive services, which are vital for long-term recovery.

Following her remarks, Sharon Lynette from the San Martin Neighborhood Association thanked the Board for their fiscal responsibility and support of local initiatives. She acknowledged the collaborative efforts with various community groups to ensure responsible management of granted funds and emphasized the importance of communication and partnership in addressing community needs.

After public comments, Vice President Renes outlined the process for discussing budget inventory proposals. James Yutikyo was invited to provide comments on the proposals before public input was taken. Supervisors were encouraged to identify any specific inventory items they wished to discuss further.

The meeting concluded with a call for public comments, with a total of ten speakers registered to address the Board. The structured approach aimed to facilitate a smooth discussion of budgetary items, ensuring that all voices were heard while maintaining focus on the agenda.

Overall, the hearing underscored the Board's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and fostering community partnerships, while also emphasizing the need for fiscal prudence in budget management. Further discussions and decisions regarding the budget inventory proposals are expected in subsequent meetings.