Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg Tours the Family Justice Center with members of the Latino Health Steering Committee

Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg toured the Family Justice Center (FJC) with members of the Latino Health Steering Committee yesterday February 1, 2010. The tour was lead by FJC’s Director, Hannah Sassoon, and Montgomery County’s Deputy Sheriff, Darren Popkin.

The mission of the Montgomery County Family Justice Center is to promote safety, well-being, and healing for victims of family violence.

The center's resources for victims include:

• Intervention, prevention and individual safety plans.
• Assistance with navigating the court system.
• Counseling for victims and their children.
• Onsite child-care services.
• Help with obtaining shelter, food and housing.

Councilmember Trachtenberg spearheaded the establishment of the Family Justice Center, which opened in April, 2009.

After the tour, the Latino Health Steering Committee held its monthly meeting at the FJC’s Conference Center. Councilmember Trachtenberg gave a brief opening statement. In her statement, Councilmember Trachtenberg pointed out the great services that the FJC provides to victims of domestic violence in one location. She especially emphasized the services that the Center provides to Latino and foreign-born women without regard to immigrant status. The FJC is staffed by bilingual personnel. Additionally, Councilmember Trachtenberg spoke of the second Savings Plan for Fiscal Year 2010 recommended by County Executive, Isiah Leggett, and the upcoming budget for Fiscal Year 2011.

Following Councilmember Trachtenberg’s statement, Uma S. Ahluwalia, Director of Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services, also spoke of the budget for Fiscal Year 2011.

Wil Gutierrez from the Office of Councilmember Trachtenberg was also in attendance at this event.