Logo courtesy of Casa de Esperanza

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Casa de Esperanza has received a $5,000 grant from Union Pacific Railroad to support services for survivors of domestic violence and other forms of abuse in Yuba, Sutter and Colusa counties.

The funding comes through Union Pacific's Community Ties Giving Program and will support Casa de Esperanza's crisis intervention, care coordination, court assistance, transportation, outreach and prevention programs.

"We are grateful to Union Pacific for investing in services that directly support survivors and families in our community," Casa de Esperanza Executive Director Michelle Downing said. "Community partnerships help us continue providing immediate support when someone is experiencing a crisis while also strengthening our prevention and education efforts. Both are essential to creating safer communities."

Casa de Esperanza provides services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and child abuse. Its programs include a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, safety planning, counseling, advocacy and connections to other community resources.

The organization also provides medical advocacy and emergency response for sexual assault survivors. Other services can help survivors with housing, employment, transportation and other needs.

Part of the Union Pacific funding will support assistance with domestic violence restraining orders and court accompaniment, along with transportation assistance and educational and outreach materials.

The grant will also support Casa de Esperanza's prevention and education programs. Through presentations, workshops, awareness campaigns and community events, the organization works to help people recognize domestic violence and sexual abuse, identify warning signs and find available resources.

Union Pacific awards small- and medium-sized grants through its Community Ties Giving Program. The railroad focuses the program on safety, workforce development, community vitality and environmental sustainability.

"Union Pacific is proud to support organizations doing the hard work on the ground to improve the quality of life for their communities, including those where our employees live and work across our 23-state network," said Liisa Lawson Stark, Union Pacific Railroad vice president of public affairs. "Investments in high-quality nonprofits yield growth, prosperity and well-being of the communities we serve."

Casa de Esperanza's services are available throughout Yuba, Sutter and Colusa counties.

People experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking or abuse can contact Casa de Esperanza's 24-hour crisis hotline at 530-674-2040.