Survivors and advocates urge commissioners to let Family Justice Center seek no-match grant after board previously declined

A string of public commentators told the Alamance County Board of Commissioners on Monday that the Family Justice Center provides vital services to survivors of domestic violence and urged the board to allow the center to apply for a no-match grant the board had earlier declined.

Speakers described personal experiences and services provided by the Family Justice Center, including emergency shelter, referrals, therapy and help securing safety for adults and children. Several speakers said the center was the only domestic-violence service provider in the county and asked commissioners to approve the grant application and to provide county funding to replace any lost grant support.

Commenters named the grant from the Governor's Crime Commission (described in public remarks as a "no-match" grant, meaning it required no county cash match) and said the board's prior decision to decline that particular application left a gap in funding. Theresa Draughn, Jasmine Austin and Ebony Penix each described how services from the Family Justice Center had directly assisted them and their children; speakers said services ranged from safety planning to temporary shelter and child care during crisis.

Advocates repeatedly framed the issue as a matter of safety and life-saving services; one speaker told the board it is "inconceivable" to allow a person accused of domestic violence to sit on a board that votes to deny funding for survivors. Multiple speakers requested that the board either allow the center to apply for the no-match grant or provide matching county funding to replace the lost opportunity.

Board members did not take a public, roll-call vote on a new grant application during the portion of the meeting recorded in the transcript. Commissioners later discussed elements of the county's funding and the Family Justice Center in other remarks but no formal motion approving a new application appears in the record provided.

Ending: Advocates said they expected the county to revisit the funding decision; speakers urged the board to act in forthcoming agenda items or future meetings to ensure the Family Justice Center could continue services.