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This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.
Special to WssNews By Jim Bolas, Chief Program Officer, Family Assistance Program
San Bernardino County, CA — The Family Assistance Program proudly announced 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 the *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 and supported 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, are stimulating the agency’s sense of urgency regarding 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 Campaign Features:
- 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 and safety planning and “upstander” workshops at 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 With Family Assistance:
- Access Services: If you or someone you know has been impacted by hate crimes or bullying, reach out 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 expand the impact by volunteering your time or expertise. Opportunities are available to support the various programs, 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.
To learn more or to get involved, please contact Jim Bolas at 917-689-9659 or jim@familyassist.org “
Family Assistance Program empowers all individuals and families, regardless of age or gender, by providing knowledge and skills to live a healthy, safe, fulfilled life.
