A Safe Place Family Justice Center is Nationally Recognized as Outstanding Community Partner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Maya Edelstein, Clackamas Women’s Services
Phone: (503) 557-5828
Email: mayae@cwsor.org
Portland, Ore., August 9, 2016—Clackamas Women’s Services (CWS) today announces that A Safe Place Family Justice Center — the collaborative, drop-in center where CWS is an onsite partner—has been granted a 2016 Achievement Award and honored as Best in Category by the National Association of Counties in the category of Criminal Justice and Public Safety.
A Safe Place Family Justice Center opened in late 2013 as a result of a collaboration between Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas County, Clackamas Women’s Services, and other community partners. Safe Place provides a safe location where law enforcement officials, legal service providers, victim advocates and community providers can work together, under one roof, supporting victims and their children through a continuum of care. Clackamas Women’s Services is one of the key on-site partners, providing emergency, transitional and long-term support and services, ranging from referral and advocacy services to mental health counseling.
According to Brittany A. Raymond, Public Affairs Coordinator at the National Coalition of Counties, the center’s recognition is due to its exceptional results and unique innovations.
“The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners and Sheriff’s Office was proud to serve as a supporter, convener, and conduit for the creation of A Safe Place Family Justice Center. Clackamas Women’s Services is an important partner in this endeavor,” said Clackamas County Commissioner Martha Schrader. “This national Best in Category award, which only goes to small number of projects across the country, reflects this partnership with CWS.”
Lt. Angela Brandenburg, Director, A Safe Place Family Justice Center for Clackamas County, Clackamas County Commissioner Paul Savas, and Clackamas County Commissioner Martha Schrader accepted the honor in person during an awards ceremony in Long Beach, Calif. on July 24.
“It is truly an honor to receive national recognition for the success of A Safe Place Family Justice Center in supporting survivors,” says A Safe Place Director, Lt. Angela Brandenburg. “This award is a credit to everyone who supported bringing the Family Justice Center model to Clackamas County and who worked through the process of creating lifesaving, survivor-centered operations at A Safe Place.”
To learn more about Clackamas Women’s Services, please visit https://www.cwsor.org/.
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About Clackamas Women’s Services
Clackamas Women’s Services was incorporated in 1985 as Clackamas County’s first shelter for women and children escaping family violence and domestic abuse. CWS’s service delivery framework is built on trauma-informed best practices that promote self-determination. Participants in our programs receive no-cost services by highly-trained staff with advanced expertise. The 24-hour crisis line is 1-888-654-2288. To learn more, please visit https://www.cwsor.org/.