Shea Hunter Appointed Director Of Napa's Monarch Justice Center

NAPA COUNTY, CA — Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley announced the appointment this week of longtime NEWS Program Director Shea Hunter as director of the Monarch Justice Center, the one-stop family justice center that provides services and resources to Napa County victims of crime.

Hunter is a familiar face among victim-advocate circles in Napa Valley. Her career spans 20 years of providing compassionate assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through her work with NEWS.

“Shea Hunter as Director of Monarch brings a level of professionalism, experience and enthusiasm that is unmatched,” said Kim Phinney, president of the Monarch Justice Center’s Executive Board of Directors. “Her expertise having worked with our partner agency NEWS for over 20 years brings a community-partnership connection that is invaluable to survivors. The Executive Board is excited to welcome Shea into this role of leadership, partnership, and care.”

As Monarch Justice Center’s new director, Hunter will oversee the variety of services provided to people who have experienced or have been impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, child abuse, elder or dependent abuse, or human trafficking.

Monarch’s services include crisis services; counseling; advocacy and case management; legal services; children’s supportive services; elder abuse services; public assistance; medical forensic exams for children; and assistance with finding shelter.

For victims of crimes, finding the time to research and apply for assistance can be daunting especially when dealing with traumatic events, Phinney said.

“Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and elder abuse will require services and support from a broad array of agencies,” Phinney said. “Not all services are provided by or coordinated from within the criminal justice system. Monarch Justice Center is one safe place for victims to receive the care and services they need, in tandem with our multiple partner agencies, under one roof, in one place.”

“It takes an immeasurable amount of courage to ask for help, especially during the most vulnerable and painful times in our lives,” Hunter said. “At Monarch Justice Center, we believe the most important element of healing trauma is human kindness, therefore, we are committed to treating victims of crime with dignity, respect, and compassion.”

Partners of the Monarch Justice Center include the Napa County District Attorney’s Office, NEWS, Aldea, Letting Emotions Out Program, Bay Area Legal Aid, Comprehensive Services for Older Adults, Courage Center, and Napa Police Department. The Monarch Justice Center is located in the City of Napa at 1546 1st St. in the Allen Ewing Building. Visit www.monarchjusticecenter.org for more information.

Haley extended her appreciation for Hunter and Monarch Justice Center’s Executive Board of Directors including Board President Kim Phinney; Vice President Ed Matovcik; Treasurer Jack McGovern; Secretary Sandra Sims; and Board Members Darla Hall, John Holton, Katy Mendenhall, and Ian White.