Yolo Crisis Nursery welcomes Family Justice Center
September 21, 2011
By Becky Heard and Heather Jeppeson

The news is fantastic. Yolo County is, once again, on the cutting edge when it comes to supporting and protecting our families. That’s because the Yolo Family Justice Center is open and thriving.

Those dealing with family violence can have many of their needs addressed at the same time, under the same roof. Law enforcement agencies and nonprofit service providers are able to work together, like never before, because our community remains steadfast to the vision of safe, loving homes for all residents.

Working closely with the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center, the Yolo Crisis Nursery is deeply thankful for this new resource and anticipates increased referrals as a result.

Consider the case of Marsha, the mother of a 3-year-old boy and twin girls, just 12 months old. When she first came to the Crisis Nursery, she was overwhelmed. Marsha realized her husband’s assaults would only intensify, or worse, be inflicted on her little ones. Leaving was the only choice, but she had few opportunities for a safe exit.

At first, the nursery provided overnight care so Marsha could sleep and regain her wits. Once she did, nursery staffers referred Marsha to CalWorks. She began classes and took workshops in résumé building and interviewing skills. A child care subsidy was obtained and her son started preschool.

Marsha gained the courage to access the Family Law Center and get legal support. And most importantly, the now-single mother and her children began to receive counseling services with SADVC.

Finally, they could heal. And move forward.

Months later, Marsha wrote a letter of thanks to the Yolo Crisis Nursery: “You guys were so great when I was going through some really tough stuff. I’m so thankful for your support at that time. I was a mess and needed help so badly.

“It helped so much to be able to trust that my children were safe with you. I now work at a restaurant full time, the girls are going to the same preschool you helped my son get into, and I have a new boyfriend. We are doing OK.”

It doesn’t matter how those in need find services. Sometimes, they discover YCN first. Other times, they are referred by a sister agency. All that matters is that those who need help receive it. Thanks to the Yolo Family Justice Center, more families will be safe. More families will survive.

For information about the Family Justice Center, call (530) 662-1133. Should you need nursery services, please contact (530) 758-6680.

— Becky Heard and Heather Jeppeson are co-presidents of Friends of the Yolo Crisis Nursery. Learn more about the Friends by calling (530) 386-2647 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it