FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, November 15, 2011
For more information contact:
Michael Burke, SFJC Executive Director at (530) 243-8868.

THE SHASTA WOMEN’S REFUGE TO ASSUME OVERSIGHT OF THE SHASTA FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER
REDDING, Calif. – The Shasta Women’s Refuge (SWR) will assume oversight of the Shasta Family Justice Center (SFJC) on January 1, 2012.  “The Shasta Women’s Refuge has always been supportive of the Shasta Family Justice Center and we feel that now is the right time to enter into this level of partnership to support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in our community,” said SWR Board Chair Betty Wagar.   The SWR Board of Directors has voted to integrate the SFJC under their 501c3 and combine resources in an effort to best service victims of family violence in our community.  Current SFJC Executive Director, Michael Burke will continue to run the day-to-day operation of the SFJC in partnership with SWR Executive Director, Jean King.

“This is a great collaboration for victims of family violence in our community,” said Shasta County Assistant District Attorney Josh Lowery who also acts as the board chair for the SFJC.  “By having the SWR advocates located inside of the Shasta Family Justice Center, victims of intimate partner violence will be able to experience a one-stop shop for services,” Lowery said.

The SFJC co-locates services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and/or elder abuse.  By housing a multi-disciplinary team of professionals under one roof, the SFJC is reducing the amount of time and the number of places victims have to travel to get the help they need.  This model has proven effective to helping victims break the cycle of abuse and holding offenders accountable for their actions.  The center builds on the success of existing public, private and non-profit organizations agencies in Shasta County.  “Being able to combine resources and ensure the community’s needs are being met is at the core of this decision,” said King.  “Operations at the Center will continue as they have since opening.  This is a successful Center and we are excited to be part of it.  The Shasta Women’s Refuge is committed to the mission of the SFJC and to providing a safe place for all victims of family violence,” King said.

The SFJC does not replace or compete with existing agencies or services, but rather co-locates and coordinates assistance to better serve victims and their families.  “All of the familiar names that our community trusts when it comes to actively addressing family violence are a part of the center.  Partnering with the Shasta Women’s Refuge will ensure the Center’s sustainability and our ability to provide a location where victims can receive wrap-around services in a safe and comfortable environment,” said Burke. “Together we are much stronger and together we can change our community…truly, collaboration is the only way we can make the changes we need to make” Burke said.

In the first year of operation the SFJC received 2,378 visits for service.  Since opening the doors on September 1, 2010, the Center’s impact on the community is significant.  Many victims have shared that having co-located services has helped the break their cycle of abuse.
The SWR has a rich history in our community, providing 32 years of services to victims of intimate partner violence.  Last year, the SWR’s Benton Dr. office received more than 2,500 visits for service and more than 700 women and children victims of family violence were housed at the shelter.  On January 1, 2012, the SWR advocates and legal services staff will move from the SWR’s office on Benton Dr. to the SFJC.  The Benton Dr. location will remain a business office for the SWR management and education staff.  

“This is a significant merger for Shasta County,” said Casey Gwinn, President and Founder of the National Family Justice Center Alliance.  “Being able to put cops and prosecutors in one location with service providers and advocates has proven effective across the nation.”  The SFJC is one of 78 Family Justice Centers in the United States.  “The decision the Shasta Women’s Refuge made to be the lead agency for the Shasta Family Justice Center shows the Refuge’s commitment to survivors of domestic violence.  The partnership between these two organizations will be a model for communities across America on how to hold offenders accountable and help victims break their cycle of abuse,” said Gwinn.