Shamine Linton, founder and president of Sharia’s Closet and Robert Ruiz, director of Health Care Quality Management, Aetna Better Health of California.

SAN DIEGO — Aetna Better Health of California, a CVS Health company, has provided Sharia’s Closet with a $25,000 donation to help operate the emergency clothing center at the soon to be opened One Safe Place, the North County Family Justice Center in San Marcos, Calif.

Sharia’s Closet is a non-profit organization that provides clothing and hygiene products to individuals and families in need, including those affected by such experiences as human trafficking and domestic violence. They serve all populations, including refugees and those who are unemployed, injured, disabled or homeless. Sharia’s Closet will provide staff support and collect clothing donations for the One Safe Place “Dress to Thrive Boutique,” offering free clothing for survivors with emergency needs and upcoming job interviews.

One Safe Place is a “one-stop” help center that provides victims of violence and abuse with free supportive services, such as legal help, counseling, food, clothing, advocacy and support and medical assistance. Family Justice Centers have been identified as a best practice in the field of domestic violence intervention. In October, 2003, President George W. Bush announced the creation of the President’s Family Justice Center Initiative, which was modeled after the San Diego Family Justice Center.

“It’s important that people who experience trauma in their lives have somewhere to go in their community to receive the services they need – all in one safe place,” said Kelly Munson, President, Aetna Medicaid. “Partners such as Sharia’s Closet and the North County Family Justice Center offer individuals and families with valuable support as they begin the process of healing.”

“So many people within our community face hardships that leave them without basic necessities, such as clothing and toiletries,” said Shamine Linton, the Founder and President of Sharia’s Closet. “Aetna’s donation will help our team carefully prepare personalized wardrobes to help abuse survivors find jobs and send their children to school with clean and well-fitted clothing, and provide them with a sense of dignity, optimism and empowerment.”

One Safe Place is located where it can have a significant impact on the community. Data collected by the San Diego Domestic Violence Fatality Review found that over a 22-year period, about 42% percent of San Diego’s domestic violence homicides occurred in San Diego’s North County, where the new center is located.

Verne Brizendine, CEO of Aetna Better Health of California, said, “For decades, the San Diego Family Justice Center has been helping victims of abuse end the pattern of violence, and become thriving members of society. We welcome the opportunity and privilege to support Sharia’s Closet at the new One Safe Place, North County Family Justice Center location.”

Under its California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) initiative, the state authorized Enhanced Care Management and 14 Community Support Services, including housing navigation and deposits, to address social drivers of health for people in need. Aetna Better Health of California is proud to provide Enhanced Care Management and was the first Managed Care Plan in California to offer all 14 Community Support Services to qualified Medi-Cal members.