April 19, 2022 -- Cobb County District Attorney Flynn D. Broady Jr. hosted county officials, representatives from community organizations, and law enforcement for a two-day strategic planning session on April 12th and April 13th for the future Cobb Family Advocacy Center.  Casey Gwinn, Gael Strack, and Dr. Denise McCain facilitated this first Strategic Planning Event with the Cobb Community.

Casey Gwinn is the President of Alliance for HOPE International and is one of the visionaries of the rapidly expanding Family Justice Center movement. Gael Strack is the CEO of Alliance for HOPE International and ran the first Family Justice Center created in 2002, in San Diego, CA.

District Attorney Broady invited the Alliance team to help the Cobb Family Advocacy Center continue the planning process for a Family Justice Center to help survivors of family violence and their families get the resources and support they need at one location – bringing together police officers, prosecutors, advocates, therapists, civil attorneys, community volunteers, and many others.

Gwinn and Strack led participants through training that will assist in establishing the multi-agency center for victims. Participants discussed the funding and sustainability, community outreach, governance, and data collection necessary for the center’s success. 

Gwinn stated “Without a question, Cobb County is uniquely positioned to move forward in the development of a Family Justice Center. The need is clear, the commitment of key partner agencies to participate in the model is strong, and key leaders all appear to support the emerging vision for a Family Justice Center.”

DA Broady stated, “I am very excited for us to be taking this next step in the planning process.  I am pleased by the support and the understanding of the need for the FAC shown by our county and municipal leaders. We have identified a possible site location. We are hopeful to be able to secure it and make an announcement about it soon.”