In 1995 the first chapter of Families & Friends of Murder Victims was founded by Jean O'Hara, Valerie Richards and Rita Edmond- Norris in Pleasant Hill, CA.   A second chapter opened shortly thereafter in Fairfield, CA.  and in  Whitter Ca. in 1997.

On 01-01-96, Rick & Hedie Foss opened the Inland Empire chapter in Upland, CA, thereby spreading the organization into Southern CA. It has been renamed West End Chapter with Agnes Gibboney, Chapter Leader since 2002

JoAnn Benford opened The Oakland in 1997, and is still Chapter Leader.

Dawn Hall, Chapter Leader,opened the Riverside in 2000

Rose Madsen, Chapter Leader & Janet Garcia opened the Colton Chapter in 2001.

Whittier, CA in 1997.  As of today, the Pleasant Hills, Fairfield & Whittier Chapters no longer exist.