ANDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. — Anyone who needs help in Anderson County now has a new place they can go to — the Anderson County Family Justice Center.
Officials announced that the center would open July 1, with a grand opening celebration scheduled for July 9. People can stop by at the center Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. without an appointment.
The center helps victims of elder abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and child abuse — giving a helping hand so people can heal and find support. It is meant to meet some basic needs for people looking for support.
Spanish Version: Centro de Justicia Familiar del Condado de Anderson ayuda a víctimas de diversas maneras
For example, officials said the center will provide a safe place where people can speak with advocates or counselors without worrying about involvement from abusers or other people. They will also be able to speak with police officers or prosecutors in a secure setting.
Safety planning services are also offered, along with assistance in helping people find emergency shelter. Staff can refer people to other agencies that provide support services, and will also be able to help people find transportation if they need it.
Anyone looking for help with orders of protection of writing resumés will also be able to find support at the center.
Most of all, officials said the center can provide victims with a safe space where they can start healing from any trauma they experienced.
By offering a centralized location where people can find support services for a variety of issues, officials said they hope to give people a chance to become thriving survivors.
The project is funded by an agreement with the Tennessee officials, according to the center. It will be located at 301 Broadway Avenue, Unit 1A in Oak Ridge. They can be reached at (865) 298-3129 or by emailing them at info@fjcanderson.org.
A 100-foot large mural was also recently completed on the building, illustrating the history of Oak Ridge.
There are a total of 13 Family Justice Centers in Tennessee, with four funded in July 2019. The grand opening celebration in Anderson County will be held on July 9 at 10 a.m. outside the new location.