STOCKTON - On Wednesday, October 10, the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office opened the doors of the new San Joaquin County Family Justice Center. This new space is an exciting expansion on what began in 2014. The Center has been a collaborative project of the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office and the outstanding governmental and non-profit service providers of San Joaquin County. In partnership, these agencies have come together under one roof to create a "one-stop shop" for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, along with elder and dependent adult abuse. Through a single set of doors victims will find service providers ready to assist them to find healing and hope. In her remarks, District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar called for members of the community to share this resource which "offers solutions to families in crisis."

The Center provides a streamlined process for victims to access the outstanding service providers within our community without the need to travel to multiple locations or tell their story multiple times. Agency partners including the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office, Victim Witness, Stockton Police Department, San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, Behavioral Health Services, Human Services Agency, Child Abuse Prevention Council, Women's Center Youth and Family Services, County Office of Education, Department of Child Support Services; and others will have resources and representatives available on site to meet victims needs.

The opening day events included comments from District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar and San Joaquin County Family Justice Center Program Manager Suzanne Schultz provided remarks, followed by tours of the new space, which includes a "Hope Wing," success boutique, art corner, and much more. Representatives from multiple city and county agencies and organizations were in attendance. Program Manager Suzanne Schultz emphasized the center "really is about the partnerships" as she brought up members from those partner agencies to be acknowledged -stating that it is with everyone's collaboration that the Center will "make a difference in our community."

She says, "if you have someone you would like to refer to the Center, or you are needing help yourself, please come by or contact us."

The Family Justice Center will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 222 E. Weber Avenue, Stockton, Ca 95202. To contact the Family Justice Center please email FamilyJusticeCenter@sjcda.org or call (209) 468-9440.