Pierce County and the City of Tacoma are joining forces this month to raise dollars for the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center’s victim service fund.
County Executive John W. Ladenburg and City Manager Eric Anderson encourage employees to participate by paying $5 to wear jeans or other casual attire on Fridays the rest of this month. For $5 an employee can go casual on either April 11, 18 or 25; for $10, two of the three dates; for $15, all three.
Employees may donate an additional $5 for a ticket to a barbecue at noon Friday, April 25 at the FJC, 718 Court E. (half block below Tacoma Avenue).
All proceeds would benefit the victim service fund, which provides financial assistance to victims of domestic violence. The assistance includes lock changes, utility fees, emergency housing, relocation costs, food and auto fuel.
“The benefits go beyond supporting the victim services fund,” said FJC Director Susan Adams. “It also provides an opportunity to raise awareness among the thousands of county and city employees about domestic violence awareness and the services we offer.”
Saturday, April 26 has been declared Domestic Violence Awareness Day by Executive Ladenburg and the Pierce County Council and Mayor Bill Baarsma and the Tacoma City Council. That day is dedicated to the memory of Crystal Judson, who was shot to death by her husband, Tacoma Police Chief David Brame on April 26, 2003.
Resolutions adopted by the county and city note that domestic violence affects people from all socioeconomic, education and religious backgrounds and that the Family Justice Center was established to support victims with free services that include victim advocacy, safety planning, electronic filing for temporary protective orders, criminal and civil legal services, housing, emergency assistance and chaplaincy services.
Employees and others (recipients of Pierce County news and information e-mail) interested in participating can contact Patti Bunney at 798-4326 to get more information and to coordinate donations.