Wells Fargo awards $10,000 to Yolo County Family Justice Center in Woodland
September 8, 2011
By Daily Democrat Writer

Wells Fargo has awarded a $10,000 grant to the new Yolo County Family Justice Center in Woodland to show its support of the multi-disciplinary team who work togetherto provide coordinated services to victims of family violence.

The announcement was made jointly by Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, Supervisor Jim Provenza, and Sheriff Ed Prieto.

"In ninety-six percent of domestic violence murders, the victim does not receive any assistance, support or services," according to Jonathan Raven, chief deputy district attorney. "One such case involves a recent homicide in Yolo County in which 41-year-old Ignacio Favela Mendoza of Yuba City murdered his wife on May 26, 2007."

Raven reported that on Aug. 11, a Yolo County Jury found Mendoza guilty of First degree murder. Mendoza will be sentenced by the Yolo County Superior Court Judge David Rosenberg today in in Department 4 of the Yolo County Superior Court.

"The Yolo County Family Justice Center provides an avenue for victims of domestic violence to find the necessary services that might prevent them from becoming a Yolo County murder victim," Raven reported.

Supervisor Jim Provenza explains that, "In these tough budget times, we are working together in unprecedented ways to coordinate resources to better serve victims of family violence and protect our community."

District Attorney Jeff Reisig agreed, "We can't settle for business as usual, and so we're finding more effective ways to ensure justice is served. Wells Fargo has stepped up to help get this project under way."

The Yolo County Family Justice Center is a collaborative effort of several local non-profit agencies, law enforcement, and local government. The launch of the project has been actively supported by Provenza, Reisig, with the project operating under the umbrella of the Sheriff's Department and a volunteer Board of Directors representing all of the partners.

FJC partners include law enforcement, prosecution, civil legal services, and community-based advocates.

"This collaboration is desperately needed so that victims of family violence can go to one location, rather than navigate, in a time of crisis, multiple stops for assistance," stated Raven. "The model of co-location encourages follow through in the justice system and allows for more successful prosecution and better results for the victims and their families."

The Yolo County Family Justice Center is open now for pilot hours each Wednesday at the offices of the Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Center located at 175 Walnut St., Woodland.