Two thriving nonprofits become even stronger as one

STOCKTON – Family and Youth Services (FAYS) and the Women’s Center of San Joaquin County have merged to become a new organization, Women’s Center – Youth & Family Services. The merger is the first of its kind in San Joaquin County in more than a decade.

The new agency will draw on almost 80 years of combined experience providing services and shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and homeless and runaway youth. Women’s Center-YFS will have a combined budget of $3.1 million, and a staff of more than 75 providing services at 8 program sites.

Women's Center–YFS Executive Director Joelle Gomez was recently interviewed by Zenet Negron, with Socially Now. In this interview Joelle and Zenet discuss the services of the Women's Center–YFS, needs for the holidays, and how the community can help.

The Women's Center–YFS employees, board members, friends and family gathered at Heritage Oak winery on June 4, 2010 to honor Lodi office founders and volunteers. This year the Lodi office, which was founded and is still staffed by volunteers, celebrated two decades of service to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in north San Joaquin County. The video above celebrates the history of the Women's Center in Lodi, and honors the dedicated volunteers whose tireless efforts have helped to change so many lives. Video by Barbara Daly / Daly Video Services.