Domestic Violence 'Family Justice Center' Moves Ahead In Lakewood

GOLDEN, CO – Organizers of a JeffCo "Family Justice Center" for crime victims announced the services will begin in Lakewood in "mid-2019."

The "PorchLight" center will be a location for 70 partner agencies to provide services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder, child, and at-risk adult abuse, and human trafficking in Jefferson and Gilpin counties, the Jefferson county District Attorney's Office said in a press release.

Organizers for the non-profit center signed a letter of intent on Oct. 15, securing a 16,543 square foot property at 11100 W. 8th Avenue in Lakewood. On Oct. 30, members of the organization met with members of Lakewood's Daniels Welchester Neighborhood Association to get an update on the plan.

“A major step for us has been developing our mission, vision, and values,” said Center Director Candace Cooledge in a press release. “This will help us convey to victims and the community the importance and need for the FJC.”

Statistics released last year showed more than 1,600 misdemeanor cases and nearly 400 felonies directly linked to family violence in Jefferson and Gilpin counties combined .

According to the DA's office, the U.S. Department of Justice has determined that the Family Justice Center model is a "best practice in the field of domestic violence."

"One of the greatest challenges faced by victims in the aftermath of crime is trying to find a new state of normal. They are often overwhelmed and confused. While many services are currently available for victims in our community, access to those services may require travel to different offices or searching websites," a press release from the DA's office said Friday.

PorchLight currently operates under the District Attorney’s Community Partnership, a 501(c)(3), private, non-profit corporation which allows donors to make tax-exempt donations. Grant funding is also being sought. PorchLight has already raised more than $300,000, organizers said.

"The generous support of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Golden Police Department, the Lakewood Police Department, FirstBank, and grants through the Attorney General’s Office and the Crime Victim Services Advisory Board have provided the funds to propel us forward," Cooledge said in a statement.

"This is a huge undertaking, with hundreds of moving parts." said District Attorney Pete Weir, "The community support has been extraordinary. We look forward to beginning to provide these critical services in mid-2019."

If you or someone you know is in a relationship involving family violence and would like help or information, please contact Lakewood Police’s 24-hour Victim Assistance Unit at 303-987-7191 or victimassistance@lakewoodco.org.

Family Tree’s Women In Crisis program, which supports victims across the metro area offers a “How to Help” guide for family and friends as well as legal services, a safe house and many other resources.

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