The Center for Family Justice’s free and confidential services for victims of domestic violence and sexual violence are now available at the town’s Birdseye Complex.
The CFJ and town of Stratford announced the opening of a satellite office here on April 22, during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. There is a need in Stratford, and it is better to have the services closer to the people in need, explained CFJ board director Wanda Toth during the office-opening event, rather than have them go to the Bridgeport offices.
“Some [victims] may not have transportation,” Toth said.
CFJ provided counseling and other services to Stratford residents 582 times between July 2012 and June 2013, out of its Bridgeport offices, according to CFJ President Deb Greenwood.
Greenwood and Stratford police Chief Patrick Ridenhour described a typical situation where a daughter is a victim of domestic or sexual violence, the family is traumatized, and they do not know what to do.
Police would mention that services are available through Stratford Community Services or the Department of Child and Family Services.
Now, with CFJ offering counseling services, legal services and law enforcement services under one roof, people are less likely to slip away, as they sometimes did in the past when walking between buildings, said Greenwood. They are less likely to slip through the cracks.
Mayor John Harkins welcomed the board and staff of CFJ and said, “We are very happy to have you here.”
Ridenhour said, “Anything we can do to support victims, I am here.”
“It’s about partnerships,” said the chief. “We have to bring people to justice.”
The partnership between CFJ and the town works well, said Stratford Community Services administrator Tammy Trojanowski. “CFJ is there for the crisis,” she said. “When the situation is stabilized, we’re here. It’s a smooth transition.”
The CFJ will have staff at Birdseye on Mondays from 2 to 6 p.m., and Stratford counselors are in the office Monday through Thursday until 8 p.m. and on Fridays until 4:30 p.m.
“It is best if they call ahead,” Trojanowski said of people in need, “but if they walk in we’ll figure it out.”
Attending the opening of the Center for Family Justice’s satellite office at the town of Stratford’s Birdseye Complex on April 22 were CFJ board Chair Andrea Goodman, CFJ board director Carly Yearsley, CFJ board director Wanda Toth, Mayor John Harkins, CFJ President Deb Greenwood, Stratford Community Services administrator Tammy Trojanowski, Chief of Police Patrick Ridenhour, CFJ case manager Sasha Collins, CFJ counselor Holly Benedetto, CFJ intern Candey Aponte, CFJ case manager Ashley Bolaski, and Stratford Dept. of Health Assistant Director Greta Broneill. Greg Reilly photo.