Jefferson County Government: Grand Opening Of PorchLight, A Family Justice Center

Press release from the Jefferson County Government:

February 23, 2021

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting CeremonyWednesday, February 24, 2021 I 9:00 a.m.Virtual to the public, In-person by invitation only11100 W. 8th Avenue  I  Lakewood, CO 80215

Porchlight is a collaboration of over 70 partner agencies working together, many under one roof, to provide services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, crimes against children, elder and at-risk individual abuse, and human trafficking in Jefferson and Gilpin counties. PorchLight will provide an entryway into a network of services for victims of violence. Visitors to the center will have access to comprehensive legal, medical, law enforcement, emotional, and community support services to assist in their healing, all in one place. 

“The center is designed to be a welcoming, safe environment for victims and survivors of violence,” says PorchLight Executive Director Candace Cooledge, “We consider those who come to us for services to be our “guests” as part of a process to help restore their confidence and sense of self.” 

Many of PorchLight’s partner agencies will provide services on-site, including:

“We are proud to announce the opening of PorchLight,” says former District Attorney and board member Pete Weir. “This is an extraordinary collaboration of our partner agencies and the community, bringing desperately needed services to Jefferson and Gilpin counties.” 

Family justice centers are designed to decrease violence, enhance public safety, and unite communities. 

The Family Justice Center model is recognized as a best practice in the field of domestic violence by the U.S. Department of Justice. One of the greatest challenges faced by victims in the aftermath of crime is trying to find a new state of normal. While many services are currently available for victims in our community, access to those services may require travel to different offices or searching websites. 

PorchLight will begin providing in-person services to victims of violence on Thursday, February 25, 2021. Referrals to the center can be made by law enforcement or community agencies. 

The grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony will be available on Zoom and Facebook Live, in compliance with COVID-19 requirements. Because Zoom has a 500 people limit, please register in advance. 

PorchLight, A Family Justice Center | Facebook 

Webinar Registration - Zoom 

For more information or to learn how you can help, visit the PorchLight website at www.porchlightfjc.org or call the center at 303-271-6100.

This press release was produced by the Jefferson County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.