FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Coalition for Family Harmony Marks 50 Years of Service to Survivors
A milestone anniversary commemorating the lives changed and communities uplifted across Ventura County
“Celebrate 50 Years — Give $50”
Special anniversary campaign invites community to honor the Coalition’s past and invest in its future.
A milestone anniversary commemorating the lives changed and communities uplifted across Ventura County
“Celebrate 50 Years — Give $50”
Special anniversary campaign invites community to honor the Coalition’s past and invest in its future.
Ventura County, Calif. — October 1, 2025 — This October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Coalition for Family Harmony marks its 50th anniversary—a milestone in its long-standing commitment to serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout Ventura County.
The organization traces its roots back to 1975, when it was founded as a crisis phone hotline by Roz McGrath, a pioneering social justice advocate known for her tireless work defending human rights and supporting underserved communities. What began as a
grassroots effort from McGrath’s vision and activism has since grown into a robust, multilingual agency offering comprehensive services including shelter, legal advocacy, trauma counseling, prevention education, and 24/7 crisis intervention.
“Reaching 50 years is not only a moment to reflect on our growth—it’s a moment to honor the survivors, advocates, staff, and community members who have shaped our journey,” said Caroline Prijatel-Sutton, Executive Director of the Coalition for Family Harmony. “Roz McGrath’s legacy of courage and compassion continues to guide our work every single day.”
Today, the Coalition’s programs reach thousands of individuals each year, with services grounded in trauma-informed care and tailored to meet the needs of survivors from all walks of life, regardless of gender identity, immigration status, or socioeconomic
background. The agency’s annual budget now exceeds $4 million—a far cry from its humble beginnings.
In honor of this historic anniversary, the Coalition will host a series of events and campaigns throughout October to elevate awareness, celebrate progress, and renew its mission: to support survivors, prevent violence, and build safer futures. As part of the commemoration, the organization invites community members to join its “$50 for 50 Years” campaign—a special fundraising initiative encouraging supporters to donate $50 in honor of the Coalition’s five decades of service, helping ensure that lifesaving programs continue for the next 50 years.
To join the Coalition in its 50th anniversary efforts, learn more about its services, or contribute to the $50 for 50 Years campaign, please visit www.thecoalition.org.
About the Coalition for Family Harmony
Founded in 1975 by Roz McGrath as a domestic violence crisis hotline, the Coalition for Family Harmony has grown into Ventura County’s leading provider of survivor services. The organization offers emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and prevention programs aimed at breaking the cycle of violence and fostering safety, healing, and justice for individuals and families across the region.
Contact:
Cybele Parsignault cybele@thecoalition.org 323-854-5751
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