WAYCROSS — The Waycross Family Justice Center is open and ready to serve the six counties of the Ware County judicial circuit which include Bacon, Brantley, Charlton, Coffee, Pierce and Ware.
The ribbon cutting ceremony, held Thursday, August 1, was attended by a large number of community members, non profits, law enforcement and elected officials. While many onlookers sat under a tent, another large group sought the shade of a nearby trees.
The late morning heat index soared to 108 while guests fanned themselves and bottles of icy water were passed around.
The ceremony was opened by Waycross Police Department Chief Tommy Cox, who serves as Chair of the FJC Advisory Committee.
“The Family Justice Center is proof the wellbeing of victims of abuse is our highest priority,” said Cox. “The goal should always be alleviating their burdens and not contributing to them.”
Executive Director of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Jay Neal spoke after Cox.
“These three pilot sites, I believe, are innovative and groundbreaking for the state of Georgia,” Neal said, “and I am convinced this is truly the beginning of a new way of victim services in the state.”
The Waycross location is one of three in the state. The others are in Cobb County and the City of Macon. The Waycross FJC is the most rural.
Representative James Burchett was emotional as he recalled the heart wrenching stories he has been told by his wife, who is a counselor.
“This is a very profound day for our community,” said Burchett. “This center will offer a holistic approach to the complex and multifaceted needs of those impacted by domestic violence, child abuse,
The official ribbon cutting was a special moment for Waycross as one of only three Family Justice Center’s in Georgia. Dignitaries from across south Georgia were on hand for the Thursday, August 1 ceremony at the new facility.
