The Center for Family Justice has received a $30,000 grant from Fairfield County’s Community Foundation to help the nonprofit provide crisis and supportive services to victims of domestic and sexual violence and child abuse in the Greater Bridgeport area.
The funds from FCCF’s Fund for Women and Girls will help CFJ address a significant increase in demand for its free, confidential services, which spiked by 25 percent since the Covid-19 pandemic first impacted the region in March 2020.
“The current public health crisis has affected us all, but it’s been especially devastating for victims of abuse,” said Debra A. Greenwood, President & CEO of The Center for Family Justice. “The isolation, economic instability, stress and anxiety the Covid-19 pandemic has caused have been especially detrimental to those living in abusive relationships. We’ve witnessed that firsthand in significantly increased demand for the safe shelter and crisis services we offer.”
“The generous grant we have received from Fairfield County’s Community Foundation will go a long way toward helping us meet the increased demand for services we offer victims who come to us for help,” said Greenwood. “We are grateful to the foundation for its constant support of women and girls impacted by abuse in our communities.”
About FCCF: Fairfield County’s Community Foundation promotes philanthropy as a means to create change in Fairfield County, focusing on innovative and collaborative solutions to critical issues impacting the community. Individuals, families, corporations, and organizations can establish charitable funds or contribute to existing funds. The Community Foundation is in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards and has awarded $180 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. For more information, visit www.fccfoundation.org
About CFJ: Last year, CFJ provided crisis and supportive services to more than 4,100 residents of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull who have experienced domestic or sexual violence and child abuse. As a Family Justice Center, CFJ works to provide its clients with all the comprehensive services they need in one safe place. Those free, confidential services include safe shelter, 24/7 crisis hotlines, counseling, support groups, Pro Bono Legal Services and psychotherapy for children impacted by the trauma of abuse. CFJ also operates the Elizabeth M. Pfriem Camp HOPE America-Bridgeport, a trauma-informed camp and year-long engagement program for youth ages 7-17 who have experienced abuse of a domestic or sexual nature.
