Family Justice Center of Erie County

10/20/2026

As we mark the FJC’s 20th Anniversary, we continue to honor the founders whose vision helped create a better, more coordinated response for survivors of domestic violence in our community.
Mary K. Comtois, Program Director of Health Initiatives at United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, was one of those early leaders who helped turn that vision into the Family Justice Center we know today.

“The fact that the FJC is a one-stop shop with expertise in domestic violence is critically important. I am thrilled to see that 20 years of service is being celebrated because once you have awareness, you can do more towards advocacy and action.” — Mary K. Comtois

10/15/2026

We are officially sold out!! We can't wait to see everyone at our A Toast To Hope 20th Anniversary Celebration one week from today!

10/13/2026

🥂 Just 2 DAYS LEFT to get your tickets!

Don't miss your chance to join us for A Toast to Hope, a special evening celebrating 20 years of hope, healing, and community!

For two decades, the Family Justice Center has been a place of safety, support, and new beginnings for thousands of survivors of domestic violence across Western New York.

On October 22, we'll come together to celebrate the people, partnerships, and generosity that have made this life-changing work possible and raise critical funds to ensure that hope continues for those who need it most.

💜 Your ticket is more than a seat at the table. It's an investment in hope.

⏳ Ticket sales close in just TWO DAYS!

🥂 A Toast to Hope
Thursday, October 22 | 6–9 PM
Park Country Club, Williamsville

🎟️ Get your tickets today and be part of something meaningful!
https://onecau.se/fjc20

10/12/2026

💜 DID YOU KNOW?

In the past year, FJC advocates have supported more than 1,500 active cases and answered more than 6,000 calls from individuals seeking help, information and support.

For 20 years, the Family Justice Center has been here for survivors of domestic violence and thanks to the support of our community, we continue to be here when they need us most.

We welcome you to join us at our A Toast to Hope 20th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 22. Tickets are going quick. Purchase yours today!

A link to A Toast to Hope 20th Anniversary Celebration's event page.

10/11/2026

💜 Male allyship is so important. As we count down to the FJC’s 20th Anniversary Celebration, we’re looking back at the vision, collaboration and determination that made the Family Justice Center possible, and some of that is due to men who stood up to help women and families be safe.

Long before our purple doors opened, leaders across Erie County recognized that survivors needed a better, more coordinated way to access help. Lt. David Mann, then head of the Buffalo Police Department’s Special Victims Unit, was among those early leaders working to transform the community’s response to domestic violence.

“More than 120 people came together for the Coordinated Community Response to Family Violence at the Erie County Planning Conference at Buffalo State College. We broke out in groups and participated in a SWOT analysis, which resulted in identification of the need to streamline services. This was the real groundwork for the FJC,” says Lt. David Mann

💜 Join us on Oct. 22 as we celebrate 20 years of hope, healing and community. Purchase tickets here: https://onecau.se/fjc20

10/09/2026

💜 20 YEARS AGO, A VISION BECAME A REALITY.

As the Family Justice Center celebrates its 20th anniversary, we honor the founders and community leaders whose commitment, collaboration and belief in a better way to support survivors helped make the FJC possible.

Hon. Lisa Bloch Rodwin, retired Erie County Family Court Judge and former Chief of the Erie County District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Bureau says, “We did something truly unique, and I am incredibly proud of the work that so many of us did in a very unusual way. In some ways, the FJC is a legacy to the commitment of its founders, who worked to help their neighbors. That’s what the FJC is all about, staying safe and helping the next generation stay safe.”

Twenty years later, that legacy continues every day beyond our purple doors. Please join us at our A Toast to Hope Celebration. Purchase tickets here: https://onecau.se/fjc20

10/08/2026

Catharine and Kelly appeared on Daytime Buffalo today to talk about the FJC’s 20th year in service, domestic violence awareness and our Toast to Hope 20th Year Anniversary Celebration.

Family Justice Center celebrating 20 years of impact with upcoming ...

10/08/2026

Tune into Daytime Buffalo today at 3 pm to hear Catharine and Kelly’s conversation with host Chelsea Lovell. Today’s conversation captures our 20 years of service, domestic violence awareness and the growth of the FJC, and of course our upcoming 20th year celebration! Tune in to News 4 WIVB Buffalo at 3!

10/08/2026

What a powerful night! Kelly spoke about the misconceptions of domestic violence to the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority at the University at Buffalo. Joining her were two survivors and authors, Erickka Willard and Retha Jones, who offered powerful testimonies of faith and healing. We are honored to stand with these women.

10/06/2026

“It took hard work with a lot of love and determination to escape my first marriage because, back then, there was no place like the Family Justice Center. My hope for the FJC as it celebrates the 20th anniversary is that they inspire so much awareness about domestic violence and the services they provide that anyone in my situation knows where to go for hope of a better life.” - Jeri Nolan

Today, Jeri Nolan is happily married, surrounded by a family she loves, and celebrating more than three decades as a successful financial services professional and business owner. But years ago, when she fled an abusive marriage with her two young daughters, there was no Family Justice Center and no single place to turn for help. Instead, it took a village of family, friends, coworkers and community members to help her find safety and begin again. As the FJC celebrates 20 years, Jeri hopes every survivor knows that today, there is a place to turn and a pathway to hope and a better life beyond our purple doors.