Sojourner Family Peace Center (SFPC) announced it has acquired a site located at 619 West Walnut Street which will serve as a single, accessible location for a majority of the agency’s programs and services. This announcement signifies an integral milestone toward providing coordinated, comprehensive services to area women, children and men – a journey that started a year ago when Sojourner Truth House and Task Force on Family Violence merged.
“Our goal has always been to provide a continuum of care and support for those who have been hurt by domestic violence,” said Carmen Pitre, co-executive director of SFPC. “The reality is that domestic violence in Milwaukee continues to reach startling levels. This one-stop shop will be instrumental in making protective and healing services more accessible for survivors, while also strengthening preventive services and programs.”SFPC programs and services are currently housed in 10 separate locations through out the city. One local site will streamline and enhance the support process for victims to obtain necessary services while preventing revictimization.
“The Family Peace Center will fundamentally change the way this community responds to family violence and addresses victims’ needs in a holistic and dignified way,” said Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm. “By combining the skills and resources of advocates, public safety professionals and clinicians, SFPC will serve as a model for intelligently and compassionately solving the problems that currently lead to an overburdened criminal justice system. I am proud to commit professional resources of the district attorney’s office to this groundbreaking collaboration.”
SFPC will demolish the existing building at 619 W. Walnut Street, previously owned by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge. The new center will be designed to offer a majority of the services needed by individuals and families seeking to end abusive situations and will assist them in healing and rebuilding their lives. A key element of SFPC’s plan is to include space for co-location of services and programs provided by other key providers: police and prosecutors; medical and mental health care providers; employment, parenting and housing resources, and others.
“Breaking the cycle of domestic violence is a top priority for the city,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “The creation of the Family Peace Center is a milestone for those of us who are committed to the simple idea that every family, every survivor deserves to live in safety and peace and have convenient access to necessary services to ensure healing and self-sufficiency. Congratulations to Sojourner Family Peace Center for its continued leadership and innovation. The City of Milwaukee is proud to be a partner in this important initiative.”
For more information, call 414-643-1777 or e-mail esmith@sojournertruthhouse.org. To seek help from an abusive situation, call the 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 414-933-2722. About Sojourner Family Peace Center: Sojourner Family Peace Center’s mission is to create peaceful communities in which domestic respect and a life free from violence is the right of every woman, man and child. This agency provides education, advocacy and resources to keep people safe. It operates a 42-bed shelter that has provided safety and support services to thousands of women and children.
Other programs include a 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline, Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates in the Milwaukee District Attorney’s Office, Belle Resource Center for Women and Children, Courthouse Advocacy, Legal Emergency Assistance, Children’s Advocacy, Ending Violence through Education and BA-Beyond Abuse, for men and women seeking alternatives to abusive behavior.
Sojourner Family Peace Center is committed to creating communities where people live peacefully. It is expected to touch the lives of more than 35,000 people in 2010.
