By Nicole Kujawski
The Family Justice Center of Erie County seeks funding from state, foundation and federal grants to support its programs before previous funding runs out in June.
The center provides services for victims of domestic and intimate partner(family) violence. They advertise themselves as a one-stop shop for such victims. Agencies from across the county are involved and have workers at the center. Their services include:
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advocacy and counseling
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refugees and immigrants
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legal cases
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law enforcement
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spiritual care provider
“Everything we do revolves around the concerns of survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence. That’s really what we’re all about, and at the end of the day, the question that we all ask is: ‘Were we available, were we able to provide services for the individuals who come here,’” said Paul Gevirtzman, program coordinator of the center.
“Often people just dropped out, not because their situation improved but because it was just a lot of energy and effort to go from one agency to another. Now there’s one place where a person can go and receive access to all the services. That really is the beauty of the Family Justice Center.”
The center is one of 15 in the nation that was part of President Bush’s Family Justice Center Initiative, which granted $1.1 million to each facility for one year of service. It is one of two in the state; the other is in Brooklyn. It has started to raise money to continue service past its one-year anniversary from the United Way, Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo and the Erie County Department of Social Services. It is also looking for donations of new toys, games and books for its Child Waiting Play Room, and prepackaged individual food items for clients of the facility. The center opened its doors March 1, 2006, with its grand opening on May 2, 2006.
“We really try to service everybody,” said Lisa Binsely, of program development. “We realize it’s not just a heterosexual problem. The rates are the same in homosexual relationships as in heterosexual relationships.”
The center is currently holding two training and information days in partnership with the Pride Center of Western New York.
All residents of Erie County are welcome to utilize the services. No referrals are necessary, but calling ahead is recommended. Contact the center directly at 558-SAFE(7233) or via its Web site, www.fjcsafe.org. Due to its location downtown, parking in adjacent lots is validated by the center and Metro tokens are available.
Anyone interested in donating can contact the center directly.
Contact Nicole Kujawski at nicolekuj@yahoo.com for more information.
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 Children brought in with victims can stay in the Child Waiting Play Room, a friendly supervised area for children up to age 14 to wait while their parent utilizes the facility.
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