A place of hope and healing

People experiencing domestic violence or other forms of abuse often feel trapped in a toxic and dangerous situation. They may not have the financial resources to leave, they may be worried about leaving other family members behind or they may be concerned about retaliation by an abuser should they attempt to escape their situation. And often, they simply don’t know where to turn for help.

In Nampa, Idaho, the place to turn in such situations is the Nampa Family Justice Center (NFJC). The center got its start thanks to the efforts of retired Detective Angela Weekes of the Nampa Police Department, who saw a need for services after working several murder investigations related to domestic violence and child abuse. It took a few years and steady determination but the center opened in 2005 and has been helping victims reclaim their lives ever since.

The NFJC is staffed by dedicated advocates working with agencies and community partners to provide confidential and holistic services free of charge to anyone who has experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, stalking or human trafficking. The need for such services is clear. In 2023, the NFJC served about 130 new clients each month and provided about 10,600 services to victims at no cost.The trained advocates at NFJC help victims create safety plans, file protection orders and receive trauma-informed therapy through one-on-one sessions and support groups. It also connects them with other community resources. And since many partner agencies are located on the same site as the center, it makes it easier for survivors to get the assistance they need all in one place.

The center also returns something precious to victims — control over their lives. They can choose the help they need and are free to proceed at a pace that suits them and their healing process.

Breaking the cycle of abuse

Along with wanting to help fund and promote the nonprofit’s vital work in the community, Pacific Crest Services has a personal reason for supporting NFJC. One of its employees, Laura Jewett, is a domestic violence survivor whose life was changed by working with the advocates at the center. This backstory made Pacific Crest Insurance agency owner Erin Webb want to support NFJC, as well as Jewett, by helping her give back to the organization that guided her out of a difficult and dangerous situation.

For the past two years, Jewett has received paid time off to serve as board treasurer on the Family Justice Center Foundation of Idaho (the foundation that supports the NFJC) and attend their monthly meetings during work hours. Jewett also spends several hours a week as a bookkeeper for the nonprofit and volunteers at its various fundraising events.

Reclaiming respect and dignity

On behalf of the agency she owns, Webb and her family have supported NFJC’s fundraisers for the past two years. In March 2024, they donated items and money for the Light in the Window Gala, the nonprofit’s signature fundraising event. With the help of the agency and the community, it was the NFJC’s most successful event yet, raising more than $190,000 for client services.

“The NFJC serves a critical need in our community by protecting and nurturing those in vulnerable and dangerous situations,” said Webb. “As our team knows firsthand, the center helps improve lives.”

“The NFJC serves a critical need in our community by protecting and nurturing those in vulnerable and dangerous situations.”

– Erin Webb, Pacific Crest Insurance Agency Owner

Survivors of abuse deserve to be safe and supported. The NFJC is making a difference in the lives of victims by ensuring they don’t have to suffer alone.  Simply knowing that a safe place is available can be the first step for those experiencing abuse to seek the help they need.

“It takes courage for a victim to come to us for help without knowing what might happen next,” said Crystal Kuhn, the director of philanthropy at NFJC. “But with support from our generous donors and a caring community, victims know we’ll be here for them no matter what.”

“We know how much courage it takes to walk through our doors not knowing what might happen next.”

– Crystal Kuhn, Director of Philanthropy, Nampa Family Justice Center

Promoting safety and self-sufficiency

Your vote can help the Nampa Family Justice Center provide client services such as short-term rentals and emergency housing and necessities like groceries, fuel, transportation and home security devices.

Help Pacific Crest Services win $10,000 for the Nampa Family Justice Center by clicking the vote button. Get them an extra vote by cheering them on in the comments below by August 9, 2024.