COVID-19 Updates:  Since March 2020, CFJ has taken many steps to keep its clients, staff and the public safe in response to the global Covid-19 pandemic. Due to the recent uptick in regional Covid-19 cases and with the continued interest of public health in mind, CFJ will maintain the following schedule through the beginning of the New Year.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE (Closed):  12/24, 12/25, 12/31 and 1/1.  Hotlines are available to assist you. After Christmas Day, CFJ’s team will be working remotely through Monday, Jan. 11. We will not be open for walk-in appointments.

CRISIS SERVICES

WALK-INS:  Thursday, November 26, 2020 – Friday, January 29th, 2021 – There will be no in-person walk-in services available.  Services can only be provided over the phone or via video conferencing.  Individuals requiring immediate assistance can call our domestic violence hotline at 203-384-9559 or sexual violence hotline at 203-333-2233 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.  To complete a counseling intake, please call 203-334-6154 during regular business hours.

REMOTE SERVICES ONLY:  Thursday, December 24, 2020 through Friday, January 8, 2021 – All services will be conducted via phone or video conference only.  There will be no in person service sessions available as our main office will be closed to visitors.  First time callers or individuals requiring immediate assistance can call our domestic violence hotline at 203-384-9559 or sexual violence hotline at 203-333-2233 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.  To complete a counseling intake or for clients already receiving services, you can also call us during normal business hours at 203-334-6154.

NORMAL BUSINESS OPERATIONS RESUME**:  Monday, January 11, 2021 – The main office reopens at 9:00 AM.

WALK-IN HOURS RESUME**:  Monday, February 1, 2021

**In order to keep our staff and community safe, The Center for Family Justice reserves the right to make any changes to this schedule.

  • When our offices are open, client meetings will be held in rooms that have been sanitized between each client visit and have been outfitted with plexi-glass partitions to protect both clients and staff.
  • All visitors to are headquarters are required to wear masks, have their temperatures taken and use hand sanitizer upon entering our building.
  • We respectfully ask our clients to come for their appointments alone whenever possible. Please discuss any challenges this may pose with your advocate in advance of your appointment.
  • Anyone in crisis, who does not have a scheduled appointment, will be directed to call our 24/7 hotlines which remain fully operational and staffed.
  • Our Kathie’s Place safe house  remains open and staffed to protect clients who have left abusive relationships.
  • Our support groups for Domestic and Sexual Violence will continue to meeting virtually. Please email Anne Morcone at [email protected] for information on Domestic Violence Survivors support group and Gail Wiggins at [email protected] for information on our Pathways to Healing support group for sexual violence .
  • Our Court Advocacy Team will continue to operate within parameters established by the state related to criminal and civil court operations, but will conduct client meetings by telephone.
  • Client-focused programs such as our Rise & Thrive Self-Sufficiency Series will be held virtually. Email Marisa Garwacki at [email protected] to learn more.
  • We are asking our on-site attorneys to consult with clients by telephone as much as possible, although some members of our Justice Legal Center incubator will be seeing clients on site.

Community Engagement & Events

  • Our 2021 125th Anniversary Gala will be held virtually on Friday, March 26, 2021. For details or to support the event please contact Lisa Labella at [email protected]

How YOU can help!

It remains imperative we meet the immediate needs of our clients experiencing domestic and sexual violence.  Inevitably, our ability to hold community events that help us raise the funds and collect donations critical to providing these services will be impacted.

You can continue to support the adults and children we serve during this critical time by doing the following:

  • Donations and Drop-Offs: All drop-offs to CFJ must be scheduled in advance so there will be staff on-site to greet our donors. We are accepting donations of items such as toiletries, diapers and non-perishable food items, toys and gift cards weekdays between 9:30 a.m.. and 4:30 p.m. only. Drop-offs must be scheduled in advance by calling our main number at 203-334-6154. Please note: We cannot accept donations outside of our normal business hours.
  • Donating  Gift Cards in small denominations to stores such as Target, Walmart, CVS & Stop & Shop. You may mail gift cards to the attention of Mark Antonini to our headquarters at 753 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport 06604. While our offices are closed, we check the mail daily.
  • Please donate to our Annual Appeal by clicking the Donate Today button on the top right of your screen.
  • Please follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for continued updates.