MARYSVILLE, Calif. — Casa de Esperanza is pleased to announce that Tamara Pecsi has joined the organization as Justice & Community Response Manager, a new leadership role dedicated to strengthening survivor advocacy, fostering community partnerships, and advancing coordinated responses to sexual assault, commercial sexual exploitation, and sex trafficking throughout Yuba, Sutter, and Colusa counties.
The position builds on the strong work already being done by victim advocates, healthcare providers, law enforcement, prosecutors, and community organizations. As Justice & Community Response Manager, Pecsi will help advance Casa’s sexual assault services, lead efforts to build Casa de Esperanza’s response to commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking, and connect survivors to advocacy, information, and community resources — while identifying barriers to accessing services and supporting coordination among partner agencies.
Casa de Esperanza sees its role as a convener and collaborator, believing that meaningful collaboration — not duplication of services — creates a stronger, more coordinated network of care for individuals and families impacted by violence. That role is increasingly important as victim service organizations across California face growing funding challenges and uncertainty surrounding future state and federal resources.
“Our community is strongest when we work together,” said Michelle Downing, Executive Director of Casa de Esperanza. “Every organization brings valuable expertise and plays an essential role in supporting survivors. Our vision is not to duplicate services, but to connect them. 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. As funding for victim services becomes increasingly uncertain, collaboration is no longer just beneficial—it’s essential.”
Pecsi brings more than 20 years of public service and leadership experience following her retirement from the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout her career, she built strong relationships across disciplines and earned a reputation for collaboration, professionalism, and a deep commitment to serving victims. Working alongside advocates, healthcare professionals, prosecutors, law enforcement, and community organizations, she gained firsthand insight into the value of coordinated, trauma-informed responses for survivors.
At Casa de Esperanza, her role is centered on survivor advocacy, partnership development, and community collaboration. Drawing on her decades of public service experience, she will serve as a liaison to community partners, support multidisciplinary initiatives, identify resources and opportunities, and lead efforts to build Casa de Esperanza’s response to commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking while helping strengthen access to coordinated, survivor-centered services.
The role supports survivors by helping connect them with advocacy, information, community resources, and coordinated support, including assistance in navigating healthcare, community services, or the criminal justice system when appropriate and desired.
“I am honored to continue serving this community in a new capacity,” said Pecsi. “Throughout my career, I learned that no single organization can meet every need a survivor may have.
Meaningful collaboration creates stronger outcomes. I look forward to working alongside our community partners, building on the strong foundation that already exists, and exploring new opportunities to strengthen support for survivors.”
About Casa de Esperanza
Dedicated to fostering a resilient and united community, Casa de Esperanza offers compassionate support and safe refuge to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking. Our mission is to empower individuals through crisis intervention, supportive services, comprehensive therapy services, and educational programs.
For nearly 50 years, Casa de Esperanza has served as the designated domestic violence and rape crisis center for Yuba, Sutter, and Colusa counties, providing emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, legal advocacy, therapy, prevention education, housing support, and comprehensive services that empower survivors to heal, rebuild, and thrive.
Individuals seeking support are encouraged to call Casa de Esperanza’s 24-hour Support Line at (530) 674-2040. Community partners interested in learning more about Hope Haven Counseling and Support Center or Casa de Esperanza’s programs and services are encouraged to contact the Hope Haven Counseling and Support Center at (530) 674-5400.