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Casa de Esperanza Strengthens Survivor Services Through New Justice & Community Response Manager

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. 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.”

Michelle Downing, Executive Director, Casa de Esperanza

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. 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.”

Tamara Pecsi, Justice & Community Response Manager

Media contact: Michelle Downing, Executive Director, Casa de Esperanza · 530-674-5400 · michelle@casaysc.org

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.

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