Family Justice Center
Bringing Hope, Healing, and Support Together Under One Roof
Since opening our doors in June 2024, the Waycross Family Justice Center (WFJC) has become a vital resource for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other forms of interpersonal violence. Built on the power of community collaboration, the Center is transforming the way survivors access the services, resources, and support they deserve.
With 10 participating agencies working together, the Waycross Family Justice Center provides a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to serving survivors and their families. By bringing community partners and essential services together under one roof, we are breaking down barriers and creating a more accessible, compassionate, and survivor-centered experience for those seeking help.
Proudly serving Bacon, Brantley, Charlton, Coffee, Pierce, and Ware counties, the Waycross Family Justice Center represents a significant step forward in how our communities respond to interpersonal violence. Through a streamlined, confidential intake process, survivors can connect with multiple services while reducing the need to travel between agencies or repeatedly share their traumatic experiences. The Waycross Family Justice Center is more than a building. It is a place where collaboration creates opportunities, compassion inspires healing, and survivors are reminded that they do not have to face their circumstances alone.
Together, we are creating pathways to safety, healing, and hope.
What is a
Family Justice Center?
A Family Justice Center is a victim-centered service hub that provides comprehensive support for individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse. It operates as a one-stop shop where victims can access a range of services, including legal aid, counseling, and resources, all in one location.
The Center fosters a collaborative community atmosphere, bringing together governmental and non-profit organizations to coordinate services effectively. This public-private partnership enhances the support available to victims, ensuring they receive the help they need without having to navigate multiple systems.
By utilizing a proven best-practice model, Family Justice Centers aim to reduce homicides, increase victim safety, and empower individuals to reclaim their lives. Ultimately, these centers strive to hold offenders accountable while making the healing process easier for victims.
Why do we need a
Family Justice Center?
Support for Victims: It provides a comprehensive approach to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Streamlined Services: By centralizing services through a single intake process, victims experience less strain and are able to access the help they need without navigating multiple locations.
Crisis Reduction: It aims to reduce repeated calls to 911 from the same household and helps break cycles of domestic violence, particularly for children.
Access to Resources: The Center facilitates access to vital services such as shelter, food, temporary protective orders (TPO), clothing, compensation, medical care, counseling, support groups, employment assistance, housing, and childcare.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Michelle Girtman, Magnolia House Executive Director
Major Danny Hampton, Waycross Police Department
Captain Paul Crawford, Waycross Police Department
Sheriff Carl James, Ware County Sheriff Department
Major Neil Skerratt, Ware County Sheriff Department
James Sweat, Social Service Supervisor, Ware County DFCS
Jessica Luegering, Staff Attorney, Georgia Legal Services
Derek Jones, Community Advocate
Joseph Johnson, Ware County Solicitor
Cathy Cason, Director Ware County DFCS
Laura Shiver, Managing Attorney, Georgia Legal Services
Sandee Jump, RN, BSN, Program Manager, SEHD
Terry Anderson, Community Advocate
Lucille Husbands, Magnolia House Fiscal/HR/Admin Manager
PARTICIPATING AGENCIES
Department of Family and Children Services
Department of Public Health/Southeast Health District
Division of Child Support Services
Georgia Legal Services
Magnolia House
SEGA Counseling Services
The Haven
Unison Behavioral Health
Ware County Sheriff’s Office
Waycross Police Department
COUNTIES SERVED
Bacon County
Brantley County
Charlton County
Coffee County
Pierce County
Ware County
If you're interested in learning more about Waycross Family Justice Center
and how you can help, please contact:
Heather Flowers
Waycross Family Justice Center Site Coordinator
2201 Riverside Avenue, Waycross, GA 31501
(912) 490-8989
