MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — The Morris Family Justice Center marked its 10th anniversary Friday, with county officials, law enforcement leaders and community partners recognizing a decade of coordinated support for victims of domestic violence, dating abuse and sexual assault.
The event, held at the Morris County Administration and Records Building, included a proclamation presented by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners honoring the center’s impact and the partnerships that have supported its mission since opening in 2016.
“The Morris Family Justice Center reflects what can be achieved through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to supporting residents in need. For the past decade, this collaboration has ensured survivors have access to critical services in one place, reducing barriers and helping individuals and families move forward,” said Director Shaw.
The center was established to provide a single location where survivors can access services such as counseling, legal assistance, protection services and support for children. It operates under a “one safe place” model, bringing together agencies including the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Superior Court, Legal Services of Northwest Jersey and community organizations.
The program featured remarks from JBWS President and CEO Diane Williams and a presentation on the center’s impact by Maria Lagattuta, director of legal advocacy and community partnerships. A video message from former county official Kathy DeFillippo, who helped lead efforts to establish the center, was also shared.
County officials noted that the center is one of five Family Justice Centers in New Jersey and is operated by JBWS, which is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
In addition to honoring the center, officials highlighted other resources available in Morris County, including the Morris County Sexual Assault Center and the Sheriff’s Hope One mobile outreach program.
“As a crisis response team member responding to calls, no case is ever the same. There is no single face of domestic violence,” Assemblywoman Aura Dunn said. “There were days when this center opened where I walked individuals in from the street, crossing the threshold from trauma toward healing. Thank you all for devoting your lives every day to this work.”
The event drew a wide range of attendees from across Morris County’s law enforcement and human services community, underscoring the collaborative approach that has defined the center’s work over the past decade.
