Newsroom

By Molly Harbarger

Last year, Clackamas County commissioners committed $100,000 to a Family Justice Center in Oregon City to serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.

The project was meant to be fast-tracked, and public safety and social services agencies began preparing for all the remodeling, relocating and redistributing staff involved. However, all the actions were potential until last week, when the four commissioners authorized county staff to proceed with getting the center up and running by Oct. 1 in the Sheriff's Office's Shaver Building at 256 Warner Milne Road in Oregon City.

"If we don't at least give this thing a nudge, we'll continue to be stalled," said Commissioner Paul Savas.

From haysfreepress.com

Sky lanterns were released in honor of Hays County crime victims at the National Crime Victims' Rights Week event held at the Hays County government center on April 25.

National Crime Victims' Rights Week ran from April 21 through April 27.

Thursday night's event at the government center started with a proclamation reading that reaffirmed the commitment of many cities in Hays County "to respect and enforce victims' rights, address their needs and expressed an appreciation to those who have advocated for all crime victims," officials said.

A short video from the Office for Victims of Crime outlined this year's theme of "New Challenges – New Solutions." San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) Commander Penny Dunn also gave a speech on what the Friends of the Family Justice Center – a team of professionals who provide coordinated services to victims of family violence and victims of violent crimes – offers Hays County residents.

By George L. Winship

For the second year in a row, it was my privilege and honor to participate in the Pizza and Pumps fundraiser for the Shasta Women's Refuge and the Family Justice Center hosted by Charlew and Cathy Byerly, owners of Mary's Pizza Shack in Anderson.

It was all done to raise awareness and prevent sexual assaults, explained Jean King, executive director of the tandem agencies now joined into one entity.

Last year, due to heavy rain, the event was held indoors at the Shasta Outlets shopping center and did not attract as much attention as organizers had hoped.

This year, clear and sunny skies helped bring out crowds who listened to music – Redding vocalist Mike Vasquez sang a medley of Country favorites while a Blues and Folk band, Completely Different People, entertained later in the afternoon – watched a Celebrity Pizza Making Contest, took part in a family Walk A While in Her Shoes event, ate pizza and competed in a karaoke contest.

By Samantha Maziarz Christmann

Stephanie Young was one of the first women to live at Haven House, a domestic violence shelter serving Erie County.

More than 30 years later, she strutted her stuff in an impeccable white suit, working the runway Sunday at a fashion show to benefit the shelter.

About 350 people filled the Hearthstone Manor in Depew to support both the cause and the show's models – many of whom are survivors of domestic violence themselves.

By Bob Blake

SOUTH BEND -- The artwork is simple yet poignant. Words and phrases carefully constructed to form faces. In many, there are tears.

Created by elementary pupils in the after-school programs at La Casa de Amistad and the Charles Martin Youth Center, the artwork debuted this week at the new location of the Family Justice Center of St. Joseph County on North Niles Avenue.

"It meant a lot to do this. A lot of people are suffering all over the world," Vanessa Bautista, 10, said. "I did this so they can look forward to life because things do get better."

The art show served two purposes -- observing National Crime Victims' Rights Week as well as functioning as a quasi open house for the Family Justice Center.