News

Fittingly, April is both Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The center provided services to 300 primary and secondary victims in the month of January, a 25% increase, and 259 in February, a 38% increase.

The family advocacy center, a nonprofit organization, provides services to primary and secondary victims of abuse in Yuma County and parts of Imperial County.

Primary victims are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, child abuse, both physical and sexual, and human sex trafficking. Secondary victims are those who witness and/or are directly impacted by the abuse of the primary victim.

Amberly’s Place will be raising awareness of child abuse and sexual assault prevention within the community by participating in several events this month. The center will be placing pinwheel gardens throughout Yuma County and participating in walks and proclamation events “to help shine a light on these issues as they affect members of our community daily,” noted Tori Bourguignon, executive director.

Bourguignon thanked those who sponsored and attended Amberly’s Dream Gala on Feb. 10 at the Quechan Resort and Casino.

“It was truly a night of celebration. We are grateful for the continued support of our community and appreciate all who attended, donated and purchased auction items that made the evening a spectacular event,” she said.

The Yuma location at 1580 S. 4th Ave., will support Amberly’s Place, while the location at 11231 E. Commercial Center Loop in the Foothills will support the 4th Avenue Gym Athletic Foundation.

All month, generous customers have been rounding up and making donations at more than 2,700 Jersey Mike’s locations throughout the nation during the fundraising campaign for local charities.

On Day of Giving, it’s the company’s turn to give; the more it sells, the more it donates.

This year, Jersey Mike’s hopes to surpass last year’s record-breaking $21 million fundraising total. Proceeds support more than 200 local charities across the country striving to fulfill their missions and make a difference.

Since 2011, Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving has raised more than $88 million for local charities.

This year’s drawing for 10 “paradise” vacation packages will take place on June 1, with an early-bird drawing taking place before the big drawing. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win.

A ticket is also good for entry to Waylon’s Water Park on the day of the drawing. One ticket per person will allow entry between 9-11 a.m. Once a person has entered, they will receive a bracelet so they may enjoy the water park and features all day. Entry will be on a first-come, first-served basis with a maximum capacity of 1,000 individuals.

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.amberlysplace.com.

The family advocacy center is a nonprofit organization that provides services to victims of abuse in Yuma County and parts of Imperial County. In 2023, the center served 3,309 primary and secondary victims of abuse.

Primary victims are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, child abuse, both physical and sexual, and human sex trafficking. Secondary victims are those who witness and/or are directly impacted by the abuse of the primary victim.

“That means well over 3,000 people got some assistance at a time of their life that was pretty dark,” noted Executive Director Tori Bourguignon at the chamber event. “It also means that there’s a lot of that going on in our community. We saw a 25% jump in the total number of cases, and that’s unprecedented for us. That was the most victims that we’ve served in the history of Amberly’s Place.”

Bourguignon also expressed appreciation for the support that the center receives. “We want you to know how much we are grateful for all the support that we get in our community. We would not have the advocacy center that we have or be able to provide the services that we provide to our community if not for the steadfast support of the people in this room today and people across our community, who day in and day out, year after year, continue to support our organization and the work that we do,” she said.

“Week in Paradise is our largest fundraiser of the year. It is successful year over year because of our communities so thank you for buying those $10 tickets,” she added.

PRIZE PACKAGES

The following vacation prize packages are being offered this year:

HAWAIIAN GETAWAY

7-day/6-night trip to Oahu, Hawaii, for 2 with hotel and airfare included, $500 travel money sponsored by Brian Butcher of Edward Jones; hairstyles for 2 by The Sassy Seale Hair Salon.

DISNEYLAND GETAWAY

4-day/3-night stay with hotel for 4 and 2-day “Park Hopper” tickets for 4 (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park on the same day), $400 travel money sponsored by Yuma Insurance.

DEEP SEA EXCURSION

Primary victims are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, child abuse, both physical and sexual, and human sex trafficking.

Secondary victims are those who witness and/or are directly impacted by the abuse of the primary victim.

“It is important to understand that abuse and trauma impact not only the primary victims in the case but also those closest to the victim. These secondary victims also receive crisis intervention and all the services necessary to stabilize the support system for the victims,” noted Tori Bourguignon, executive director.

“Healing and recovery are often predicated on addressing the emergent and ongoing needs of both primary and secondary victims,” she noted.

Amberly’s Place provided services to 304 primary and secondary victims in October.

In September, Amberly’s Place provided services to 349 primary and secondary victims. This is the second consecutive month that the center has assisted more than 300 victims.

The department is allowed to use the border security funds for personnel and fringe benefit costs, travel for education and other intelligence training equipment.

“This event is a crucial initiative aimed at raising awareness about domestic violence and fostering a supportive community dedicated to its prevention,” noted Trevor Umphress, director of development. “Domestic violence affects countless lives, and together, we can make a difference, together we can stop the cycle of abuse.”