Month: June 2015

After breaking ground in 2013, the West Contra Costa Family Justice Center held its grand opening this month at 256 24th Street. In the first year at its new location, the center is expected to help an estimated 2,000 survivors of domestic violence, family violence, elder abuse and human trafficking. The center moved from its temporary location at Richmond Police Department’s substation at Hilltop Mall, where it had operated since 2011. Mayor Tom Butt, who spoke at the opening reception, said the center was the first… Read More  

RICHMOND — Menbere Aklilu said she was alone, scared and nine months pregnant when she fled an abusive relationship. Her husband had beat her, verbally abused her and left a trail of cigarette burns on her body. Eventually, Aklilu found a women’s shelter where she gave birth and began piecing her life together. “I allowed myself to be abused one more day because I had nowhere to go or anyone who to contact,” said Aklilu, who was born and raised in Ethiopia and immigrated to the United States 20 years ago. On Thursday, Aklilu, who now owns Salute, a popular Italian restaurant in Richmond, shared her story during the grand opening of the West County Family Justice Center, a one-stop resource center for victims of domestic and sexual violence, elder abuse and human trafficking. Read More

After more than a decade in the making, West Contra Costa County’s first permanent one-stop center to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other abuse held its grand opening Thursday. The West Contra Costa Family Justice Center at 256 24th St. is an all-inclusive resource for victims and their families, providing access to an array of social services and law enforcement assistance. Its newly renovated 7,200-square-foot facility replaces the temporary site at the Richmond Police Department substation at Hilltop Mall, which opened in 2011. While in the past victims would have to travel to various locations around the county to tap various resources, the West County center includes those services in one spot and within walking distance of BART. The… Read More

RICHMOND — Ten years ago, it was a mere dream. On Thursday, the West Contra Costa Family Justice Center will finally open its doors to the public at a grand opening celebration starting 3 p.m. The center, located at 256 24th St. in Richmond, will be a refuge for victims of domestic and sexual violence, a one-stop shop were clients can meet with police, counselors and attorneys, obtain emergency shelter, safe housing and job-placement help. The new center, a 7,200-square-foot facility located inside a former mental health patient intake center, will be within walking distance to the Richmond BART station. “What’s unique about the center is that it’s client-centric,” said Contra Costa Family Justice Center Executive Director Susun Kim. “Without it, the victim has to navigate through 20 to 30 different systems, travel to different locations and navigate different systems all while in crisis. This makes it easier for them to access services and get to safety faster.” Beyond crisis intervention, the center will also offer housing, educational and other services to help clients not only get back on their feet but also thrive, Kim said. Thursday’s festivities are open to the public and begin with guided tours starting at 3 p.m., followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. and an open house at 5 p.m. Contact Karina Ioffee at 510-262-2726 or kioffee@bayareanewsgroup.com. Follow her at Twitter.com/kioffee   Download the pdf flyer from San Jose Mercury News