Aid Center On Verge Of Closure

By JOSH POLTILOVE and SHERRI ACKERMAN The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jan 24, 2008

TAMPA - A Tampa center that makes it easier for domestic violence victims to break from abusive relationships is set to close next month after a yearlong struggle for financial support.

The Family Justice Center opened in October 2006 as a one-stop location offering victims counseling, help with filing court injunctions, food stamp applications and emergency housing, among other needs. It's the only center of its kind in Florida.

Nearly 2,300 victims have sought help there since it opened.

Modeled after a U.S. Department of Justice program and initially funded by a $1.1 million startup grant, the center never could attract local dollars, executive director Nikki Daniels said.

She is making a final plea to the community this week, but Daniels said Wednesday she knows it's a long shot. The center needs $360,000 to remain open through September. Without it, the doors close Feb. 8.

'That Center Probably Saved Lives'

"I believe that that center has probably saved lives," said state Rep. Rich Glorioso, R-Plant City, who serves on the center's board. "And I will guarantee you that it saved some people from really being battered. Funding this center is crucial. We may not save some lives in the future if we don't keep it open."

In 2006, Hillsborough County had 9,867 domestic violence reports, according to the most recent figures available from the Federal Department of Law Enforcement. That's the second highest number in the state behind Miami-Dade.

One woman who visited the Family Justice Center last summer said it may have saved her life. Her husband had become increasingly violent, hitting and threatening her. The center helped her break free and get her life back together, she said.

The woman, who declined to be identified because she remains in fear of her husband, received food, counseling and legal advice through the center.

"They helped me move on and start my new life," she said. "The care and concern that they give out to people is amazing."

Organizers spent the bulk of the federal grant created by President Bush on renovating the 23,000-square-foot center inside the former Floriland Mall movie theater at 9309 N. Florida Ave.

Support Has Been Hard To Find

Since its inception, the Tampa center has struggled to gain community support.

Hillsborough County commissioners, led by Brian Blair and Ronda Storms, voted against funding it because the center didn't have a proven track record. Also, it seemed to duplicate services provided by agencies such as state's largest domestic violence shelter, The Spring of Tampa Bay.

"A lot of people don't understand," said Luanne Panacek of The Children's Board of Hillsborough County, which became a major provider of funding for the center with about $500,000 in grants and contracts. "This doesn't compete with The Spring. It complements those services."

Without the center, it will be much harder for those victims to leave bad relationships, said Elvin Martinez Jr., who heads the center's board.

"When you're in an abusive situation like that, you're not allowed to drive a vehicle or the family car or have access to the bank accounts," he said. "Your ability to get around town is very limited. Historically, you'll need services from 15 different agencies and have to go to all of them. Some victims will give up trying to get help because it's simply impossible for them."

A funding request failed to pass through the Legislature in May. A $500,000 state request this year wouldn't come through in time.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691 or jpoltilove@tampatrib.com. Reporter Sherri Ackerman can be reached at (813) 259-7144 or sackerman@tampatrib .com.