Crystal Judson Family Justice Center awarded $65K grant

The Avon Foundation for Women has awarded a $65,000 one-year grant to the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center in Tacoma in support of its Avon Domestic Violence Survivor Empowerment Program, which provides annual funding for 20 full-time coordinator positions in domestic violence agencies across the United States.

The 2013 Avon Domestic Violence Survivor Empowerment Program is part of the Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence initiative, which launched in 2004 to help end the cycle of domestic violence. The Avon Foundation for Women has donated $33 million for domestic and gender violence programs in the United States, including support for awareness, education, direct service and prevention.

“The Avon Foundation for Women is committed to helping end the cycle of domestic violence and is proud to support the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center in its work to help provide domestic violence victims with the resources and tools necessary to become more self-sufficient,” said Avon Foundation for Women President Carol Kurzig. “With the help of these hands-on coordinators, we hope that more women in the greater Pierce County community can end the cycle of abuse, once and for all, and ensure safety for themselves and their families.”

The Avon Domestic Violence Survivor Empowerment Program’s coordinator position at the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center will support victims in the greater Pierce County area by providing domestic violence survivors with the critical resources and economic empowerment tools necessary to develop self-sufficiency and guide them towards breaking the cycle of abuse.

Last year, the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center provided on-site services to 2,300 individual clients and helped over 4,500 people calling their Domestic Violence Helpline.

“We are honored that the Avon Foundation for Women has awarded the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center the Domestic Violence Survivor Empowerment grant,” said Crystal Judson Family Justice Center director Susan Adams. “With these funds, we will be able to provide clients with the support and services needed to help them become both economically and emotionally self-sufficient.”

The Crystal Judson Family Justice Center was created through an interlocal agreement between the City of Tacoma and Pierce County in 2005. The organization serves the needs of domestic violence victims and their children by providing comprehensive services in one central and safe location. The organization is comprised of many community and government partners. Clients have access to civil legal support, protection orders, DSHS assistance, spiritual support, counseling and support groups, military advocacy, victim support in criminal cases, safety planning, housing, transportation and other emergency assistance (including food and financial assistance).

More information is available online at aplaceofhelp.com.

The Crystal Judson Family Justice Center. (COURTESY PHOTO)