Tamara Pecsi has joined Casa de Esperanza as justice and community response manager, a new leadership position focused on strengthening services for survivors across Yuba, Sutter and Colusa counties. Photo courtesy of Casa de Esperanza

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Casa de Esperanza has hired Tamara Pecsi as its new justice and community response manager, a position created to strengthen services for survivors of sexual assault, commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking in Yuba, Sutter and Colusa counties.

Pecsi, who recently retired from the Yuba County Sheriff's Office after more than 20 years of public service, will work with victim advocates, law enforcement, healthcare providers, prosecutors and community organizations to improve coordination and expand access to survivor services.

The new position will also focus on developing Casa de Esperanza's response to commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking while helping survivors connect with advocacy, information and community resources. Part of the role includes identifying barriers that prevent survivors from accessing services and supporting collaboration among partner agencies.

Casa de Esperanza Executive Director Michelle Downing said the organization believes strong partnerships are essential to meeting survivors' needs.

"Our community is strongest when we work together," Downing said. "Every organization brings valuable expertise and plays an essential role in supporting survivors. Our vision is not to duplicate services, but to connect them."

Downing said collaboration has become increasingly important as victim service organizations face uncertainty over future state and federal funding.

"By strengthening relationships, improving communication, and working together toward shared goals, we can build an even stronger network of support for survivors across our region," Downing said. "As funding for victim services becomes increasingly uncertain, collaboration is no longer just beneficial, it's essential."

During her career with the sheriff's office, Pecsi worked alongside advocates, healthcare professionals, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies and community organizations, gaining experience with coordinated responses for victims. At Casa de Esperanza, she will serve as a liaison to partner agencies, support multidisciplinary initiatives and help strengthen survivor-centered services.

"I am honored to continue serving this community in a new capacity," Pecsi said. "Throughout my career, I learned that no single organization can meet every need a survivor may have. Meaningful collaboration creates stronger outcomes."

She said she looks forward to building existing partnerships while exploring new opportunities to improve support for survivors throughout the region.

Casa de Esperanza has served Yuba, Sutter and Colusa counties for nearly 50 years, providing emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, legal advocacy, therapy, housing support and other services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse and human trafficking. For more information about programs and services, visit www.casaysc.org or call the Hope Haven Counseling and Support Center at 530-674-5400. Individuals seeking immediate support can contact the organization's 24-hour support line at 530-674-2040.