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 copse of 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, sexual assault and other forms of family trauma. We’re not just opening a facility, we’re opening a new chapter of hope and resilience for our community.”
Michael Smith, President and CEO of Greater Valdosta United Way, offered his continued support. The United Way previously sponsored the cost of both the training rooms and the kitchen.
Smith confirmed the organization’s effort to bring 211 to the area. The 211 network was established in 2000 to help access local resources and services and responds to more than 21 million requests for aid each year.
The service is provided by more than 200 local organizations including United Ways, Goodwill, Community Action Partnerships, and local crisis centers.
Waycross Police Chief Tommy Cox, who serves as Chair of the Family Justice Center Advisory Committee, welcomed supporters to the ceremony and introduced the morning’s program Photo By EJ POND
State Senator Russ Goodman said in his brief comments, “I’ve always believed God judges our society by how we treat the most vulnerable among us. I have to believe the Almighty is looking down on us today and he is well pleased.”
Among the highlights of the morning was Cliff Knowlton, Market President of PrimeSouth Bank, tearing up the bank’s one million dollar promissory note and presenting it to Girtman.
“This is a $2.3 million project and down to the lamps, it’s paid for,” exclaimed Girtman, holding the ripped pieces high.
The presentation of a $50,000 check by Dan Neely, CEO of Memorial Satilla Health, was another standout moment.
The Family Justice Center houses on sight agencies to alleviate victim stresses such as repeating their story multiple times, travel between agencies and the need for immediate sanctuary.
The agencies housed in the FJC include the Department of Family and Children’s Services, the Division of Child Support Services, Georgia Legal Services, Magnolia House, Southeast Health District, the Department of Public Health, Unison Behavioral Services, Ware County Sheriff’s Office and Waycross Police Department.
According to Burchett, the FJC is designed to be a “hub of comprehensive services under one roof where individuals and families will find the support they need to heal, to rebuild and to thrive from legal assistance to counseling to emergency shelter and advocacy.
“As we cut this ribbon today we are reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that every individual and family has access to the resources and support they need to overcome adversity and to rebuild a better future for themselves.”
