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Survivor-services leaders urge Napa County to fund Monarch Justice Center operations; board members signal support
Summary
Monarch Justice Center staff and board members described services and outcomes and asked supervisors to fund operations. Supervisors acknowledged the centers role and asked the CEO to explore adding a budget line for Monarch in next years budget process.
Monarch Justice Center leaders used public comment Feb. 25 to describe the centers coordinated services for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and human trafficking and urged the Board of Supervisors to provide operational funding.
Kim Finney, representing Monarch Justice Center, told the board the center provides a one-stop location that coordinates exams, advocacy, counseling and legal support. Her description followed a detailed account from Monarch Executive Director Michelle Farhat about a recent family the center helped: “When Diana and Missy arrived at the center, they were both visibly shaken and seeking guidance,” Farhat said. Farhat described an intake, a teen space called the Courage Center, an onsite forensic interview and free therapy, and said Missys condition improved after counseling through Monarchs partnerships.
Board members praised the centers services. Supervisor Alessio said the program was "vitally important" and urged the county to consider adding operational support to next years budget; he noted that most California counties fund family justice centers directly while Napa County does not. Supervisor Gallagher also raised the item in her remarks and offered to explore options. Supervisors discussed how the center initially planned to operate as a county-funded family justice center but pivoted to a nonprofit (501(c)(3)) structure and now seeks sustainable local support for operations.
Monarch board member Leslie Richmond described touring the facility and said the centers exam rooms and Courage Center helped her decide to join the board. The center asked the board to consider ongoing funding for operations, not just capital or grants.
The board did not take a formal vote Feb. 25. Supervisors indicated interest in exploring support during the upcoming budget cycle and referenced referrals to the CEOs office and budget staff for consideration of a line item for Monarch.
