San Bernardino County, CA — The Family Assistance Program is proud to announce its expanded commitment to addressing hate crimes and bullying through its *Stop the Hate*campaign and the development of a county-wide Human Rights Coalition. These initiatives aim to create safer and more inclusive communities by preventing and addressing acts of hate while empowering individuals through education, advocacy, and direct services. As part of our *Stop the Hate* campaign, Family Assistance Program focuses on combating anti- BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQIA+ violence, bullying, and hate crimes against all protected classes among youth and young adults. This campaign combines direct services, prevention strategies, and intervention to ensure that everyone—regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or other characteristics—feels safe andsupported in their communities. Recent incidents, including the tragic murder of businesswoman Laura Ann Carleton in Cedar Glen and the racist language at a previous San Bernardino City Council Meeting, highlight the urgency of these efforts. The campaign’s initiatives include peer-based therapeutic support, professional counseling, anti-bullying workshops in schools, and the creation of a rapid response network to support hate crime survivors. Key Features of Our Campaign:
• Direct Services: Tailored care plans, therapy, system navigation and wellness activities for LGBTQIA+ and marginalized youth and young adult community members.
• Prevention: Peer mentoring programs, partnerships with Gay-Straight Alliances and school programs, and a youth-driven awareness campaign.
- Intervention: Training for schools, housing programs, and community organizations, alongside policy reviews to enhance equity and inclusion.
In tandem with these efforts, the Family Assistance Program is forming a Human Rights Coalition, which will serve as a central body uniting agencies, organizations, and advocates to protect and empower individuals experiencing discrimination or bias-based violence. Through collaboration, the coalition aims to increase hate crime reporting, provide comprehensive support to survivors, and educate the public on human rights and available resources.
Opportunities to Get Involved:
We invite community members to join us in making a difference. You can:
• Access Services: If you or someone you know has been impacted by hate crimes or bullying, reach out to us for support. Visit [Family Assistance Program’s Stop the Hate webpage](https://familyassist.org/stop-the-hate-anti-violence-project/ ) for more information.
• Volunteer: Help us expand our impact by volunteering your time or expertise. Opportunities are available to mentor youth, assist with events, and participate in coalition efforts.
• Join the Human Rights Coalition: Lend your voice and expertise to shape the coalition’s agenda, including policy advocacy, community outreach, and education initiatives. Together, we can ensure a future where every individual is respected, valued, and safe. To learn more or to get involved, please contact Jim Bolas at 917-689-9659 or jim@familyassist.org.
About Family Assistance Program
Since 1985, Family Assistance Program, formally known as High Desert Domestic Violence Program has been providing shelter and advocacy services to victims of domestic violence (DV). As community needs have been identified, the agency has grown to accommodate and assist the population. In addition to domestic violence services, the agency now offers services and housing to victims of human trafficking, at-risk, runaway and homeless youths, and justice-involved populations throughout San Bernardino County.
For more information or to access these or any of our supports contact Family Assistance Program at:
Phone: (760) 843-0701
Email: info@familyassist.org
Web: www.FamilyAssist.org
