A luncheon in Ventura celebrated women while raising awareness of the importance of gender equity. The well-attended event was part of Ventura Youth Correctional Facility (VYCF)’s celebration of Women’s History Month. The luncheon was sponsored by Women of Substance, Men of Honor (WOSMOH), which provides programs at VYCF, and Bank of America.
VCYF was honored to have Hilary White join the event.
White is a former DJJ youth who has successfully transitioned to the community, earning an honorable discharge. White now works at WOSMOH. White’s story was inspirational to the youth, who could relate to White’s juvenile justice journey.
Several male youth made presentations on moving beyond cultural vestiges of toxic masculinity. Dr. Deborah Leong, a psychologist at VYCF, led the young men on their toxic masculinity papers.
(Read an earlier story about Dr. Leong.)
Ventura women make VCYF event a success
WOSMOH’s Rosalinda Vint and volunteers from Bank of America worked with the girls on their vision boards.
Organizers treated the youth participants to a catered lunch that included barbecue and cheesecake from Ventura County eateries.
The event raised consciousness and encouraged critical thinking. Its goal was to be a key stepping stone to recovery and restorative justice.
VYCF, located in Camarillo, in Ventura County, is a clinic and program facility that houses and provides diagnostic services for young men and women. The Division of Juvenile Justice facility consists of living units with individual rooms.
By Karette Fussell, Supervising Casework Specialist, VCYF