Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 08/11/2009

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Terry Menshek - (707) 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Christine Cook

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER RECEIVES A HALF MILLION DONATION
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ESTABLISHES FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER FUND

Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that an anonymous donor in the community has pledged to donate $500,000 over the course of 5 years toward the creation of a Family Justice Center in Sonoma County.  The Family Justice Center will provide comprehensive services to victims of family violence.  The District Attorney made this announcement today before the Board of Supervisors, where Family Justice Stakeholders had gathered for authorization to accept a recently awarded grant from the California Endowment of $300,000.

Sonoma County District Attorney Passalacqua said, “Our Family Justice Center Partners and I are excited about this long term commitment.  It will move this innovative model one step closer to becoming a reality.  We are also pleased to announce that the Community Foundation of Sonoma County is creating the Family Justice Center Fund to oversee this donation and to work with us in seeking matching funds for this collaborative effort to protect the vulnerable members of our community and help them heal.“

YWCA Director Denise Frey stated, “In light of funding by Sacramento being slashed for domestic violence shelters, the Family Justice Center will increase efficiency and streamline services.”  Director Frey emphasized how instrumental this project is for the betterment of victims of crime.

Barbara Hughes, President and CEO of Community Foundation Sonoma County stated:  "The Community Foundation is honored to steward the new Family Justice Center Fund.  We believe that its single point of access to legal and other support services for victims of family violence will greatly fortify those whose voices often go unheard.  The Justice Center's goals align perfectly with our mission to strengthen our communities and its plans to work together with other community-benefit organizations mirror our belief in the power of partnerships."

The Family Justice Center concept is recognized by the Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women as the best practice in family violence prevention and intervention services.  The Family Justice Center in Sonoma County will provide and coordinate comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and elder abuse, wrapping services around a victim while co‑locating critical providers.

The Board of Supervisors voiced its full support for the Family Justice Center project.  Chairman of the Board, Paul Kelly said “I’m thrilled to hear the news and the progress that has been made.”  Supervisor Shirlee Zane stated, “I expect by this time next year we will have the Family Justice Center.”

To make a contribution to the Family Justice Center Fund, contact J Mullineaux, Vice President for Development, Community Foundation Sonoma County, (707) 579-4073, ext. 20 or jmullineaux@sonomacf.org.

For more information on how you can become involved in the Family Justice Center effort, please contact: Hilary Moores at (707)565-1351 or via e-mail: hmoores@sonoma-county.org.