THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — In a major expansion of regional victim advocacy services, the Ventura County District Attorney's Office and California Lutheran University (CLU) have announced a landmark agreement to establish the future East County Family Justice Center on the university’s main campus in Thousand Oaks.
The formal partnership advanced on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, after the Ventura County Board of Supervisors officially voted to approve a lease agreement for an existing university building located at 26 Faculty Street.
The new facility will serve as a centralized hub providing free, trauma-informed support services for victims and survivors of crime across East Ventura County, including Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Oak Park, and surrounding areas.
A One-Stop Support Center for Vulnerable Survivors
The East County Family Justice Center is designed as a secure, drop-in facility where survivors of interpersonal violence and abuse can access comprehensive, multi-agency assistance under a single roof.
The center will provide non-judgmental care for survivors of domestic violence, elder and dependent adult abuse, sexual assault, child molestation, human trafficking, child abuse, and hate crimes. All services will be provided free of charge, with no requirement that a victim report a crime to law enforcement.
Beyond assisting survivors with filing emergency restraining orders and navigating legal proceedings, the center connects individuals with wraparound resources necessary for long-term recovery and safety. Services accessible through the center include:
- Legal & Protective Services: On-site assistance with obtaining domestic violence and civil harassment restraining orders.
- Emergency Stabilization: Access to emergency shelter placements, temporary housing support, and safety planning.
- Essential Resources: Basic necessities—including emergency clothing, grocery vouchers, safe mobile phones, and transit assistance—funded through the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation.
- Integrated Care: Direct connections to municipal social services, medical advocacy, crisis counseling, and community-based support programs.
Public and Educational Partnership Drives Community Safety
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko emphasized that expanding services into East Ventura County ensures survivors in the region can access help closer to home without traveling across the county to main facilities in Ventura.
"The Ventura County Family Justice Center is built on the belief that no survivor should have to navigate trauma alone," District Attorney Erik Nasarenko stated in an official announcement following the Board of Supervisors' vote. "California Lutheran University has been an outstanding community partner for many years, and we are grateful for their commitment to helping bring these vital services closer to the individuals and families who need them most. This new location reflects what is possible when public institutions and educational partners work together to create safer, stronger communities."
California Lutheran University President John A. Nunes echoed the sentiment, highlighting the alignment between the university's mission and public advocacy:
"California Lutheran University is honored to welcome the East County Family Justice Center to our campus, a partnership that reflects our deep commitment to serving the most vulnerable in our community and embodies our mission to advance justice, compassion and healing through meaningful collaboration between the center and our students, faculty and academic programs," President Nunes stated.
Deepening Academic Collaboration and Youth Programming
The on-campus location strengthens a long-standing collaboration between Cal Lutheran and the District Attorney’s Office. In recent years, university students have volunteered with victim services, served as youth counselors at Camp Hope—a specialized summer camp program for children impacted by domestic violence—and participated in academic research initiatives examining victim recovery outcomes.
The new facility at 26 Faculty Street will unlock expanded educational opportunities, including structured student internships, faculty research partnerships, and clinical training. Additionally, the site offers access to adjacent outdoor spaces and athletic facilities on campus, which will be utilized for specialized youth programming aimed at supporting children and families recovering from trauma.
An official grand opening date for the East County Family Justice Center will be announced following the completion of necessary site renovations and facility upgrades at the 26 Faculty Street building.
Sources
Transparency notes
Published: Aug 4, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.
Spot an error or missing context? Email hi@kindjoe.com and we will review and correct if needed.
Sources
What's your take on this story?
Vote before the outcome is known and compare your call with the crowd.
No community take has been linked to this story yet.