Family Justice Center
We are excited to announce that Waycross Family Justice Center is now open and operational! This innovative center is serving as a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary hub, bringing together essential services for victims of interpersonal violence all under one roof.
The Waycross Family Justice Center extends its services to all six counties within the Waycross Judicial Circuit, marking a significant achievement for victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse in our area.
This initiative leverages our community’s strong partnerships and fosters collaboration and innovation. Once the Family Justice Center is fully operational, victims will have swift and confidential access to a comprehensive array of services, all provided by our community partners in a single, convenient location. The Center streamlines the service process through a centralized intake system, minimizing the need for victims to recount their experiences multiple times and reducing the number of locations they must visit to receive support.
What is a
Family Justice Center?
A Family Justice Center is a victim-centered service hub that provides comprehensive support for individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse. It operates as a one-stop shop where victims can access a range of services, including legal aid, counseling, and resources, all in one location.
The Center fosters a collaborative community atmosphere, bringing together governmental and non-profit organizations to coordinate services effectively. This public-private partnership enhances the support available to victims, ensuring they receive the help they need without having to navigate multiple systems.
By utilizing a proven best-practice model, Family Justice Centers aim to reduce homicides, increase victim safety, and empower individuals to reclaim their lives. Ultimately, these centers strive to hold offenders accountable while making the healing process easier for victims.
Why do we need a
Family Justice Center?
Support for Victims: It provides a comprehensive approach to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Streamlined Services: By centralizing services through a single intake process, victims experience less strain and are able to access the help they need without navigating multiple locations.
Crisis Reduction: It aims to reduce repeated calls to 911 from the same household and helps break cycles of domestic violence, particularly for children.
Access to Resources: The Center facilitates access to vital services such as shelter, food, temporary protective orders (TPO), clothing, compensation, medical care, counseling, support groups, employment assistance, housing, and childcare.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Michelle Girtman, Magnolia House Executive Director
Major Danny Hampton, Waycross Police Department
Captain Paul Crawford, Waycross Police Department
Sheriff Carl James, Ware County Sheriff Department
Chief Deputy Travis McNease, Ware County Sheriff Department
James Sweat, Social Service Supervisor, Ware County DFCS
Jessica Luegering, Staff Attorney, Georgia Legal Services
Derek Jones, Chief Operating Officer, SEHC
Joseph Johnson, Ware County Solicitor
Cathy Cason, Director Ware County DFCS
Laura Shiver, Managing Attorney, Georgia Legal Services
Sandee Jump, RN, BSN, Program Manager, SEHD
Heather Minshew, Victim Advocate
Terry Anderson, Community Advocate
Lucille Husbands, Magnolia House Fiscal/HR/Admin Manager
PARTICIPATING AGENCIES
Department of Family and Children Services
Department of Public Health/Southeast Health District
Division of Child Support Services
Magnolia House
Unison Behavioral Health
Ware County Sheriff’s Office
Waycross Police Department
COUNTIES SERVED
Bacon County
Brantley County
Charlton County
Coffee County
Pierce County
Ware County
If you're interested in learning more about Waycross Family Justice Center
and how you can help, please contact:
Heather Flowers
Waycross Family Justice Center Site Coordinator
2201 Riverside Avenue, Waycross, GA 31501
(912) 490-8989
