180 Opens Family Justice Center

Facility to provide services to domestic violence victims

FREEHOLD, NJ –  180 Turning Lives Around Family Justice Center marked its grand opening at the Monmouth County Courthouse with a ceremony attended by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, State and local officials and members of the community on Thursday, Oct. 26.

“The Board is proud to help facilitate the opening of this important resource in the heart of Monmouth County by making the space available in the Courthouse,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry. “By placing the Family Justice Center in the Courthouse, domestic violence victims and their families will be in a safe and secure location that is monitored by law enforcement during all hours of operation.”

The Family Justice Center is a collaborative effort between 180 Turning Lives Around and numerous members of the Monmouth County community to provide victims of domestic violence and their families with crisis support, legal assistance and counseling services all in one safe place.

“Family Justice Centers are a proven model that save lives and improve outcomes for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault,” said Anna Diaz-White, 180’s Executive Director. “We are grateful to Impact 100 Jersey Coast and the Monmouth County Freeholders for providing the seed funding and space to coordinate and begin this wonderful, lifesaving collaboration for our county, and to our partner organizations for contributing their staff’s time and talents to this important endeavor.”

The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders unanimously approved an agreement to provide the space for the Center at no cost.

“It is essential for elected officials to work with the community and organizations such as 180 Turning Lives Around to help our residents that need support,” said Freeholder Deputy Director John P. Curley, liaison to the Monmouth County Department of Human Services. “The Family Justice Center is a great example of what can come from these partnerships and we hope that those in need of the services offered here will take advantage of them.”

Seed funding was awarded to 180 Turning Lives Around by a generous grant from Impact 100 Jersey Coast.

“Impact 100 Jersey Coast is proud to support the Family Justice Center initiative.  As a women’s grant making collaborative, we are thrilled that our $145,000 inaugural grant could make this vision a reality.  We seek to fund projects that address unmet needs and reach underserved populations,” said Deirdre Spiropoulos, Co-founder and President of Impact 100, Jersey Coast. “The FJC exemplifies those goals and will be an invaluable support for victims of domestic violence. We are truly impressed by the leadership and collaborative efforts of 180 Turning Lives Around and the many other partnering agencies.”

Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and human trafficking can go to a Family Justice Center and obtain most of the services they need, the same day.  Everyone collaborates in real time, all under one roof.

“These victims deserve efficient, effective and compassionate care, which is exactly what they will receive at the Family Justice Center,” said Freeholder Serena DiMaso, Esq. “I had the opportunity to tour other Family Justice Centers in the state and I knew that it would be a great resource for Monmouth County victims of domestic violence.”

A Family Justice Center is proven to reduce homicides, reduce recidivism, reduce the barriers and fragmentation of service and they reduce trauma and the re-victimization of victims and their children. Family Justice Centers increase victim safety and increase conviction rates.

“We can make a difference in people’s lives with the Family Justice Center, especially in the life of a crime victim. What we will accomplish here will broaden our scope to provide much-needed services to the community. These services will result in increased awareness, accessible and coordinated services and much-needed help for victims of crime who need help navigating the complicated maze of government, law enforcement, social services, health and legal services,” Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said.

“I’m proud to have worked closely with 180 Turning Lives Around to help create Monmouth County’s first ever Family Justice Center –one of only four in New Jersey. As a former rape crisis advocate, I know the work that 180 does is critically important for our communities,” Senator Jennifer Beck said. “The new Monmouth’s Family Justice Center will coordinate resources like counseling, legal services and family support into one location so domestic violence and sexual assault survivors will have easier access to those services. Today would not have been possible without the hard work of our many dedicated 180 volunteers and staff; I am very proud to have played a role in supporting their efforts.”

This will be the fourth Family Justice Center in New Jersey. The others are located in Essex, Morris and Union counties.