Dear Friends and Supporters,

As we reflect on the past year and look boldly toward the future, 2024 is not just a milestone—it is a turning point for Monarch Justice Center. This moment demands urgency, focus, and renewed commitment.

Our early years—what I often refer to as Act 1—were defined by vision and determination. With your partnership, we built something extraordinary from the ground up: a safe haven where survivors of violence could find compassion, justice, and healing. Together, we proved that when community systems unite, meaningful change is not only possible—it’s powerful.

Today, we step into Act 2. Our new center has tripled our physical capacity and deepened our ability to collaborate across local, state, and federal levels. But this growth comes at a time when the stakes have never been higher. Violence is rising. Systems are strained. And without urgent action, life-saving services may slip beyond reach for those who need them most.

This moment is a call to action. To meet the complexity of survivors’ needs, we must evolve—beyond the limits of a charitable model—into a recognized, essential part of Napa County’s public health and public safety infrastructure.

For the first time since the Justice Center was envisioned in 2016, we are formally requesting structured county support. This is more than a funding request—it’s a call for true partnership. Our goal is to forge a sustainable model that integrates public, private, state, and federal resources to ensure no survivor is left without access, support, or safety.

And yet, even in urgency, I am hopeful. Every day, I see the strength of survivors who return to Monarch because they trust us. I see the commitment of our partners who stand shoulder to shoulder in this work. And I see donors like you—who continue to believe in a more just and compassionate world.

The path ahead will demand courage, creativity, and collective resolve. But if our founding chapter taught us anything, it’s this: when we act together, we transform lives.

With deep gratitude and steadfast hope,

Michele Farhat
Executive Director
Monarch Justice Center

2024 Impact Report

Monarch in Action: Family Impact Story

Under One Roof: A Safe Place After Tragedy 
Following a tragic double homicide in fall 2024, three families—many with children—found refuge and coordinated support at Monarch. The Courage Center offered a calming space for children, while trained forensic interviewers provided trauma-informed care. A multidisciplinary team of law enforcement, advocates, legal aid, and housing partners responded immediately, making swift decisions to secure safety, shelter, and food.
One child, learning of a parent’s death at Monarch rather than a police station, received compassion in a warm, supportive environment. The family returned the next day—not for services, but because they felt safe.

Our Mission & Vision

Monarch eases the systemic burdens placed on survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, elder abuse, sexual assault, and child abuse.
We envision a Napa County free from violence—where survivors have equal access to justice and lifesaving resources through community collaboration.

2024 Highlights

• Relocated from downtown (3,400 sq ft) to north Napa with nearly 10,000 sq ft of space; Expanded capacity to host the Victim Witness Program manager and team; District Attorney Investigators added onsite; Increased workspace available for partner agencies
• 56% Increase in Cases at the on-site Courage Center
• Participated in several Human Trafficking stings providing victim support emergency phones, go bags and gift cards for escaping victims
• Continued leadership of 4 Countywide Task Forces (Human Trafficking TF, Elder Abuse TF, Sexual Assault TF, Domestic Violence TF, addressing violence across age groups and systems)
• One-Roof Model supports over a dozen agencies delivering coordinated services

Best-Practice Model in Action

The Family Justice Center model is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice as a national best practice for:

• Reducing homicides
• Increasing victim safety and offender accountability
• Streamlining services
• Reducing trauma for survivors and their children

Partner Agencies

We proudly collaborate with:

• Bay Area Legal Aid | Legal services
• Community Resources for Children
• The Courage Center | Accredited Child Advocacy Services
• Immigration Institute of the Bay Area | Immigration services
• Molly’s Angels | Senior services
• Napa Co. Adult Protective Services
• Napa County District Attorney’s office
• Napa Co. Office of Education (NCOE)
• Napa Co. Public Guardian/Conservator
• Napa Co. HHS Self-Sufficiency Div
• Napa Co. Victim-Witness Services
• Napa Police Department
• NEWS | Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services
• SANE/SART | Forensic Exams & Anti-Trafficking Response
• Trauma Recovery Center | Mental Health Services

A mom’s call for help was answered by Monarch

After surviving a violent attack by her brother-in-law, a mother and her two young children—ages seven and four—were forced to live in their car, unable to return home. Despite seeking help from multiple agencies, they were repeatedly turned away or placed on long waitlists because they were technically considered “housed” with having a car. Monarch Justice Center was their last hope. With emergency funds, we got them into a safe hotel room, coordinated with the county to secure a a two-week hotel voucher—and ultimately being given shelter with the Rainbow House, bridging the gap no one else could.

Voices of Support

“Each collaborative effort at Monarch not only amplifies our mission but restores hope for victims.”
— Kari Cordero, Executive Director, SANE/SART 

Board Leadership

Monarch is led by a dedicated, trauma-informed Board of Directors committed to building safe, resilient communities.

Kim Phinney, President | Ed Matovcik, Vice President
John Holton, Treasurer | Leslie Richmond, Secretary
Katy Mendenhall, Darla Hall, Shea Hunter, Jay Kouba, Members At Large: Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley and City of Napa Detective William Hernandez

Community Engagement & Recognition

• Supported by The Gasser Foundation, Soroptimist of St. Helena, and Napa Valley Community Foundation; Kiwanis Napa, Sunrise Rotary, Kiwanis St. Helena
• City of St. Helena grant for awareness and outreach
• California Highway Patrol
• Women in California Leadership – Majority Leader Assemblymember Cecilia Aquilar-Curry
• Napa County Supervisor Liz Alessio’s Annual Hoedown introduced Monarch to new donors
• California State Senator Bill Dodd’s Holiday Event named Monarch a beneficiary of critical year-end funds

Get Involved

• Donate: Your contributions create pathways to safety and healing
• Save the Date: November 7, 2025, annual fundraiser at Louis Martini Winery
• Learn More: contact michele@monarchjusticecenter.org                www.monarchjusticecenter.org

Thank You

To our Napa community, donors, partners, and survivors—you are the heart of Monarch. We are building a safer, more compassionate Napa community together.