Jenesse Center, Inc.

Jenesse Center, Inc. has an immediate opening for a Legal Advocate at our Domestic Violence Clinic (DV Clinic), located inside the Inglewood Courthouse.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/jclegaladvocate

Free Food Distribution
Wednesday, July 24th, 2024
9 AM to 1 PM
West Adams Leimert Park Family Source Center
4305 Degnan Blvd, Ste. 105, Los Angeles CA 90008
323 991-5850
Spread the Word!

Check out the full Impact: Vol 4 Newsletter here: https://jenesse.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Vol-4.pdf

We at Jenesse Center acknowledge the hard work and collaboration of our organization and others like us that led to Governor Newsom's approval of $103 million in one-time funding for victims’ services programs. This vital support helps organizations like ours continue to provide critical assistance to survivors during their most traumatic and dangerous times.

However, while this funding is a significant step forward, it is only a temporary solution. Agencies like Jenesse need ongoing, sustainable funding to meet the increasing demand for our services. Last year, the reduction in federal funding severely impacted our ability to support victims of domestic violence. This one-time backfill funding is a much-needed lifeline, but it's not enough.

We echo the powerful message from our partners at VALOR and the California VOCA Advocacy Alliance: "Don’t balance the budget on the backs of survivors!"

We call on our community, supporters, and legislators to push for continued investment in victims' services. Stable funding is essential for providing timely, comprehensive support to those in need, including access to shelter, crisis hotlines, advocacy during medical exams, and safe environments for children during forensic interviews. Furthermore, survivors need support for reintegration into society, such as permanent housing, stable income, and mental health services.

If you need assistance with divorce, paternity, custody, child support, domestic violence, or any related matters, there is free legal help available. ⁠
⁠
📞 Call us at (323) 614-4583 or (323) 299-9496 extensión 222 para español to schedule an appointment for our free in-person legal aid clinic on Tuesday, July 9. ⁠
⁠
We invite you to join a free virtual and in-person informational session about child support services at 10:15 a.m. on the same day. ⁠
⁠
💻 Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/3uIk4gw ⁠
⁠
The Unite For Families Pro Bono Family Law Project is a collaborative effort between Jenesse Center, , and local law schools. ⁠
⁠

We are pleased to share that on Friday, the Supreme Court upheld a crucial federal law that prevents domestic abusers from possessing fi****ms, reinforcing vital protections for vulnerable individuals. This 8-1 decision highlights the importance of safeguarding those at risk of domestic violence.

Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, emphasized that the government can restrict firearm access for individuals deemed dangerous. He stated, "Our tradition of firearm regulation allows the government to disarm individuals who present a credible threat to the physical safety of others." This ruling ensures that survivors of domestic violence and their families continue to receive essential protections.

This decision is a significant step in maintaining safety and justice for survivors. As President Biden noted, "Survivors of domestic violence and their families will still be able to count on critical protections, just as they have for the past three decades."

We at Jenesse applaud this ruling, which reaffirms our commitment to protecting those at risk and upholding their rights. The presence of a firearm in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%, making this decision a critical measure for saving lives.

We continue to work together to create a safer, more supportive community for all. Our collective efforts are vital in ensuring that these protections remain strong and effective. We must stay vigilant and proactive in advocating for the rights and safety of domestic violence survivors.

We’re excited to announce another generous gift from , which entirely funds our mission to foster health equity and prevent domestic violence.

To show how some of our Foundation’s strategic investments are being achieved in each of our focus areas, we would like to highlight three of our amazing grantee partners...

For over 44 years, has been breaking the cycle of domestic violence in Los Angeles County. With the Foundation’s support, they provide critical intervention services, workforce training, and mental health care. This funding allows them to organize cross-sector collaborations that enhance their prevention services, ensuring that survivors and their families receive the support they need. As Tolisha, a survivor, beautifully said, “Jenesse helped me reach for a better life. I will be grateful for the rest of my life.”

In our efforts to align systems with community priorities, has been a beacon of change. Their work in advancing racial justice and health equity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the importance of equitable emergency preparedness and response. “We must focus on repairing inequities so that our most disinvested communities do not bear the brunt of the harm,” said Abigail Hewins, program manager for Public Health Advocates.

Additionally, the contributions from Blue Shield empowers programs like ’ Project SPARC, helping parenting students like Shannon Riley overcome barriers in public assistance and higher education systems. Shannon’s journey from a single mother to a college graduate is a testament to the transformative power of education and support. “I would really like to see a clearer path out of poverty for recipients of CalWORKs,” she shared.

Together, we are creating a brighter future for all Californians. Read more by following the link in our bio.

A big thank you to the Center of NonProfit Managment for allowing us the opportunity to be apart of Cafecito conversations and join other nonprofits in the discussion!

Jenesse extends heartfelt congratulations to our Purple Monarchs President, Schinal Harrington, who graduated from UCLA this spring. She earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Sociology and African American Studies.
“These past years have been an odyssey of resilience and empowerment, marked by profound loss and unwavering determination,” she says. “As a survivor of domestic violence and mother, my empathy and determination to advocate for others has only grown.”
During her undergraduate studies, she held leadership roles in the Bruin Parenting Scholars as well as Jenesse’s Purple Monarchs Survivors Advisory Board.
Schinal will continue studying at UCLA, pursuing a Master of Social Work from Luskin School of Public Affairs. 
Her Jenesse family is so proud. Lots of love Schinal.

Jenesse Purple Monarch Dominique Cater shares her triumphant story of surviving domestic violence and homelessness in the Spring 2024 edition of UCLA’s Blueprint magazine.
Dominique shares how the abusive relationship led to her sleeping in her car while her daughter lived with relatives. Utilizing Jenesse’s shelter, wellness, and work development services helped her get back on her feet.
Today, Dominique and her daughter have their own apartment. Dominique also gives back, supporting other Jenesse clients as a Purple Monarch and working for another nonprofit organization that helps unhoused individuals and families.
Read: https://bit.ly/BlueprintJenesse

Happy Memorial Day

Our Managing Staff Attorney Alyson M. Messenger spoke to the Los Angeles Times about how Jenesse Center and other service organizations will be impacted by massive cuts to the Victims of Crime Fund.

“These cuts are very, very real — it’s not conjecture, it’s happening … We’re talking about over a million in funding that we [at Jenesse] are going to lose.”

Messenger added that “without [shelter space], so many victims will remain trapped in dangerous and abusive relationships.”

Read the entire article: https://lat.ms/4bNP94A

Watch Jenesse Center and Jeneration J's "Raise Your Voice 4 Peace" youth singing competition tonight at 6 p.m. PDT.

WATCH RYV4P 2024 Live at the Avalon Hollywood Jenesse Center and Jeneration J’s 6th Annual Raise Your Voice 4 Peace ( ) youth vocal competition will take place at the Avalon Hollywood on Sunday, May...

"Of all the special joys in life…

A mother's love and tenderness

Is the greatest of them all."

—Unknown

Happy Mother's Day 💜

We were proud to attend this rally at the state capitol to represent the Culturally Responsive Domestic Violence Network (CRDVN) to support survivors.

CA Partnership to End DV - Together, we’re stronger. ( #📷 CA Partnership to End DV )

Jenesse joins other domestic violence intervention programs at city hall to advocate for more funding, particularly in light of huge VOCA cuts.

See our CEO Karen Earl and Policy Advocate Maria Nembhard with Program Director Deana Payne.

Yesterday, Leslie Belt, Compliance Director at Jenesse Center Inc., attended a press conference at City Hall in support of .hutt’s motion to ban businesses from going completely cashless.

Leslie supported this motion with a testimony in which she advocated on behalf of survivors and the critical role cash transactions play for survivors fleeing domestic violence.

Join the virtual Legal Training: Litigating a DVRO in Non-Physical Cases on Thursday, April 5 from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. PST.

The training will be presented by Jenesse Center's Staff Attorney, Lisa Smith Szekely; Private Family Law Attorney, Andrea Caster; and California Women’s Law Center Housing Staff Attorney, Taylor Brewer.
⁠
Attendees will gain important insight into navigating the family court system, protecting and preserving your client’s rights, and the unique legal challenges facing domestic violence survivors when litigating a DVRO without a physical injury component.
⁠
Register here: https://bit.ly/DVROapril2024
⁠

The Jenesse Center, along with more than 400 other service organizations, supports the Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA).

VOCA is the largest federal funding source for victim service providers. Due to budget cuts in recent years, service providers across California have been impacted and will continue until action is taken.

The reductions put survivors' safety and well-being at risk. Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, child abuse, and other crimes deserve consistent, reliable access to healing services.

Last week, Sylvia Castillo, Senior Policy Advisor, and Maria Nembhard, Policy and Community Advocate, represented Jenesse at the convening “Advancing Policy at the Intersection of Gender-based Violence and Housing” hosted by Women’s Foundation California, California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, and the HOME cohort in Oakland.

Sylvia was a panelist and offered insights into Jenesse's innovative housing initiatives, addressing the intersection of gender-based violence and homelessness. Maria also joined in amplifying our mission within this critical dialogue. Proud to contribute to shaping policy agendas that prioritize intersectional solutions.

If you need assistance with divorce, paternity, custody, child support, domestic violence, or any related matters, there is free legal help available. ⁠
⁠
📞 Call us at (323) 299-9496 ext. 154 or (323) 299-9496 extensión 222 para español to schedule an appointment for our free virtual legal aid clinic on Tuesday, April 2. ⁠
⁠
We invite you to join a free virtual informational session about child support services at 10:15 a.m. on the same day. ⁠
⁠
💻 Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/3uIk4gw. ⁠
⁠
The Unite For Families Pro Bono Family Law Project is a collaborative effort between Jenesse Center, Levitt Quinn Family Law Center, and local law schools. ⁠
⁠

Community organizations need the support of our elected officials to serve our communities best. So we are grateful for CA Assemblymember Isaac G. Bryan.

Special thanks to Brandy Williams .butterflyla for hosting a healing garden workshop for clients at our latest Jenesse Parents and Children session. Special thanks to volunteers and .

If you need assistance with divorce, paternity, custody, child support, domestic violence, or any related matters, there is free legal help available. ⁠
⁠
📞 Call us at (323) 299-9496 ext. 154 or (323) 299-9496 extensión 222 para español to schedule an appointment for our free virtual legal aid clinic on Tuesday, April 2. ⁠
⁠
We invite you to join a free virtual informational session about child support services at 10:15 a.m. on the same day. ⁠
⁠
💻 Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/3uIk4gw ⁠
⁠
The Unite For Families Pro Bono Family Law Project is a collaborative effort between Jenesse Center, Levitt Quinn Family Law Center, and local law schools. ⁠
⁠

Jenesse Center celebrates all the women who have continued to make this work possible since 1980. ⁠
⁠
We celebrate women whose sacrifices have changed the lives of families in South Los Angeles and far beyond.⁠
⁠
We salute our four founders for lifting the issue of family wellness in 1980.⁠
⁠
We salute you for bringing other women and supporters to understand issues that were generally not prioritized in 1980.⁠
⁠
We salute the community organizations that adopted rooms at the shelters, held fundraisers, and answered hotlines.⁠
⁠
Jenesse Center salutes women who are now lifting the issues of prevention, workforce development, permanent housing, access to legal services, financial literacy, and access to mental health services.⁠
⁠
WE THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO TO SUPPORT JENESSE CENTER.⁠
⁠
Thank you for envisioning the future with us.⁠
⁠
We see you, and we love you.⁠
⁠

Communities of West Adams, Baldwin Village, and Leimert Park, would you like to participate in the decision-making process regarding the allocation of $870,000 in City funding for your area?⁠
⁠
Support the Mental Health and Food Program proposed by Jenesse Center, Inc.⁠
⁠
Jenesse proposes a continuum of culturally appropriate trauma-informed services, resources, and educational opportunities.
⁠
Cast your vote in person on Sat., Mar. 23, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Fire Station 54, located at 5730 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, 90043.⁠
⁠
Or, you can vote online at repair.lacity.gov until Sun., Apr. 7.⁠
⁠
Eligibility to vote, either in person or online, for proposals from community-based organizations is open to individuals aged 15 years and above who reside, work, study, or act as a parent/guardian to a student in the REPAIR Zone.⁠
⁠

Jenesse Center’s work helping domestic violence survivors file restraining orders is highlighted in the Crosstown Los Angeles and USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism article, “Restraining order violations are rising in Los Angeles. Advocates say that’s a good thing.”

Alyson Messenger, Jenesse’s managing staff attorney, shares how advocacy, including our free legal aid clinic, has helped over the years.

Article: https://bit.ly/crosstownjenesse

Thank you Crosstown LA and USC Annenberg, for including us in this important conversation.

The 99 Store, it has been a pleasure to partner with you. 🙏🏾

The 99 Store: Thank you to our partners University of West Los Angeles, Jenesse Center, and the community of Ladera Heights for supporting yesterday’s event to raise donations for survivors and families impacted by domestic violence. ✨ ( #📷 99 Cents Only )