By Redacción
Redaccion@latinocc.com
The Ventura County Family Justice Center (VCFJC) has received $10,000 in Uber for Business ride credits through the Hope Rides initiative, a national partnership between Alliance for HOPE International and Uber designed to eliminate transportation barriers for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other forms of abuse.
The VCFJC was selected as one of only 15 Family Justice Centers nationwide to receive the funding, which will be used to provide safe and reliable transportation for victims seeking critical, trauma-informed services. Advocates say transportation is often one of the most significant obstacles survivors face when attempting to leave dangerous situations or access legal and social support.
“Reliable transportation should never stand between a survivor and safety,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Brent Nibecker, who oversees the Ventura County Family Justice Center. “This generous award ensures victims can access the trauma-informed services they need, whether it’s assistance in seeking a restraining order, legal support or emergency resources.”
The Hope Rides program is part of a broader effort to remove logistical barriers that prevent survivors from receiving timely help. Through the initiative, Uber is distributing more than $250,000 in ride credits to Family Justice Centers across nine states, supporting access to services such as case management, legal advocacy, housing assistance, medical care and counseling.
Expanding access to trauma-informed care
Since 2022, the Ventura County Family Justice Center has partnered with Uber for Business to provide transportation to and from the center, as well as Uber Eats meals for clients who may be waiting several hours to receive services. Until now, the VCFJC has spent approximately $2,600 annually on Uber services, limiting the number of rides it could offer.
Officials say the $10,000 award will significantly expand the center’s ability to bring survivors safely to its doors, particularly those who lack access to a personal vehicle, public transportation or financial resources.
“This funding allows us to say ‘yes’ more often,” said a VCFJC representative. “For many survivors, a safe ride can be the difference between staying in harm’s way and taking the first step toward protection and stability.”
The Ventura County Family Justice Center operates as a coordinated, one-stop hub where victims can access multiple services in one location, reducing the need to navigate complex systems alone. Services include legal assistance, help obtaining restraining orders, connections to emergency housing, counseling and support from law enforcement and social service agencies.
Benefits beyond one location
The funding will not only benefit current VCFJC clients but also future clients of the Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center in Oxnard and the East County Family Justice Center in Thousand Oaks, which are part of Ventura County’s expanding network of survivor support services.
Alliance for HOPE International, the accrediting body for Family Justice Centers nationwide, selected recipients based on demonstrated need, impact and commitment to survivor-centered care. The organization works to strengthen coordinated community responses to violence while promoting best practices for victim support.
Advocates say programs like Hope Rides are especially critical as survivors face rising costs of living, limited transportation options and increased safety risks when attempting to leave abusive situations.
For more information about services offered by the Ventura County Family Justice Center, visit fjc.venturacounty.gov
