ChildhoodMatters

03/06/2026

Not every child is ready to talk.
Some need to draw. Some need to paint. Some need to color. Some need to create.
That’s why our art therapy room is filled with tools that support expression in all its forms.

Community Contributions:
Thank you for the diversity dolls center piece, for the bowl of hope, for the collaborative art canvas, ambassador for the letter of encouragement activity.

02/06/2026

Not all treasures are made of gold…because sometimes the greatest treasures are the ones that help us heal.

02/06/2026

At Childhood Matters, every child, teen, and youth is welcomed with compassion and acceptance. We are proud to create spaces where every young person knows they are loved for exactly who they are.

29/05/2026

29/05/2026

At our recent Zones of Wellness event, Julian was our youngest volunteer, and one of our hardest workers!

Thank you, Julian, for showing us that you’re never too young to make a difference!

28/05/2026

Honored to attend the Voices of Hope Gala last night, an incredible evening supporting the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation and their vital work providing victim support services and Camp HOPE for children impacted by trauma.

27/05/2026

We are so grateful for our partnerships with schools and wellness counselors who trust and support us to bring mental health support and wellness education to youth in our community.

26/05/2026

Please join us in welcoming our newest Board Director, Rachael Watkins, to Childhood Matters!

Rachael recently retired as the Director of Victim & Family Justice Services with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, where she dedicated more than 22 years to victim advocacy and survivor support. Beginning as a volunteer victim advocate in 2003, Rachael advanced through supervisory and leadership roles while supporting victims of homicide, domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, human trafficking, mass violence, and other serious crimes.

Throughout her career, Rachael has been a powerful force for compassionate, trauma-informed care in our community. She played an instrumental role in the strategic planning, development, and successful launch of Ventura County’s first Family Justice Center, helping create safe and supportive spaces for survivors and families in need.

Rachael also led a team of 30 victim services professionals across the Ventura County Family Justice Center, the Crime Victims’ Assistance Unit, and the Safe Harbor Centers. Her dedication to collaboration and community partnerships has built lasting impact throughout Ventura County.

We are deeply honored to have Rachael join the Childhood Matters family. Her leadership, experience, and heart for advocacy will help strengthen our mission.

Welcome to the team, Rachael!

25/05/2026

For many families, Memorial Day carries stories of love, sacrifice, and loss. Today, we honor those memories and send support to every child and family grieving in quiet and visible ways. 🌺