New Orleans Family Justice Center

The New Orleans Family Justice Center (NOFJC) operates a comprehensive services center for victims of domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking and stalking. We collaborate with law enforcement, prosecutors, civil legal service providers and victims' advocates to provide a continuum of services under one roof so that victims receive the complex array of services in one location and avoid the trauma and challenges of negotiating multiple systems and barriers to gain safety and security.

Our current services and programs include the following:

1. Crescent House: Crescent House was established in 1979 as a safe shelter to provide refuge for those leaving abusive and violent relationships. All services are provided free of charge. The shelter is located in a completely confidential location to provide the maximum amount of safety to victims who are in immediate danger or who are fearful of their abuser finding them. Over the past 43 years, Crescent House has served as a haven for thousands of women and their children. Since 2012, Crescent House has been under the leadership of the NOFJA.

2. Counseling: Our trauma-informed team of counselors provides free individual and group therapy for survivors at all stages of healing. Counseling services are offered in English and Spanish. We also have many additional groups to provide a safe space for survivors to process trauma and work toward holistic mental and emotional health.

3. Advocacy and Case Management: Our case managers and advocates help survivors understand their options, navigate systems, create safety plans, learn their rights and get connected to services for support and healing.

4. Legal Services: We provide a variety of free and low-cost legal services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. We have legal advocates and attorneys on staff who assist with a legal issues and court appearances. We also provide support to survivors who are reporting to law enforcement and continue to offer our support throughout criminal and civil justice processes.

5. Healing Activities: When we encounter emotional stress or trauma, our bodies keep score. Our Center uses a holistic approach to treat the whole person with regard to mind, body and spirit. We offer a weekly schedule of free healing activities for survivors with childcare available including art and music therapy, cardio and strength building, dance, LGBTQ affinity programming, yoga, massage, mindful motion, acupuncture, and reiki.

6. Youth and Teen Programs: We offer several programs and services for youth and teens that address their specific developmental needs and interests. We begin by partnering with local elementary, middle, and high schools to provide students with the Safe Dates and Care-ageous Kids curriculum. This evidence-based, interactive curriculum helps prevent sexual assault and dating violence by teaching young people about critical topics in healthy relationships including communication, consent, and bystander intervention. We also provide a range of training and workshops with youth in schools and on college campuses on topics including sexual assault, dating violence, consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention. Our on-site Playland provides children with a safe environment in which to play while a parent or caregiver receives support services at our office. We also provide counseling services directly to children ages six and up who have been exposed to domestic violence or have been victims of domestic and/or sexual abuse to enable children to process trauma and build healthful skills and resiliency.
During the summer, we offer Camp HOPE Louisiana and continue to provide mentoring and extracurricular activities to campers throughout the year that follows. Camp HOPE is America's first camping and mentoring initiative in the United States to focus on children and teens exposed to domestic violence.

7. HOPE Clinic Forensic Exams and Primary Care: The Family Justice Center's HOPE Clinic provides primary care, forensic exams, and behavioral health services. We specialize in providing trauma-informed healthcare in a manner that enables patients to feel informed, comfortable and in control of the process. Our forensic and healthcare services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am-4:00 pm.

We primarily serve survivors including women and their children living in the New Orleans Metropolitan Area. In 2022, we served 3,093 active clients. Of these clients, were 711 children and 2,282 adults. 67% identified as people of color.

Our organization is led by a board of 13 members including Executive Director, Mary Claire Landry, who work alongside 58 full-time employees, two part-time employees, and 30 volunteers...

Testimonials

Dear NOFJC,

About five years ago, I was a client. I spent six weeks at Crescent House, and got connected with counselling, legal, and transitional housing services. I arrived at Crescent House barefoot...