Amani receives funding to develop a multicultural family justice center

Allen County, Ind.-- Amani Family Services has received a $50,000 grant from St. Joseph Community Health Foundation to help develop a multicultural family justice center in 2021-2022. Amani’s board of directors approved the creation of the family justice center earlier this year, as part of its 2021-2024 Strategic Plan. This new strategic direction solidifies Amani's dedication to providing its best care to immigrants and refugees who are survivors of crime. Amani will join over 100 family justice centers and multi-agency models across the United States.

Ewelina Connolly, CEO of Amani Family Services says, "It is our hope to strengthen collaboration with our community: families and partner agencies alike, to create an invaluable and innovative resource, and to effectively address barriers and challenges our clients experience when interacting with many systems on their journey to justice and healing."

Through the financial support of St. Joe Foundation and ongoing support from other local foundations, Amani was able to collaborate with Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic to provide onsite, pro bono legal services, including consultation, representation of clients and education on immigration topics.

In 2020, Amani served a record of over 2,000 clients. Amani helped 254 victims navigate the justice system. Services included language interpretation, safety planning and mental health therapy. Most of the victims (76%) survived domestic violence; other crimes included assault, mass violence, survivors of homicide victims, burglary, vehicle hit and run, robbery, sexual assault, and identity theft.

Funders and supporters Amani is developing its family justice center with in-kind guidance from the national Office for Victims of Crime. Amani gratefully acknowledges Alliance for HOPE International for their resources. The development of the family justice center is funded in part by St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, The James Foundation, The Parrott Charitable Foundation, The Journal Gazette Foundation, Charles Kuhne Foundation and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. For a list of other funders that support the agency’s operations, visit the website www.amanifamilyservices.org/our-supporters

About Amani Family Services. Amani Family Services partners with immigrant and refugee families and the community, to promote safety, encourage personal growth, and foster a spirit of belonging. Amani is the local host of Welcoming Fort Wayne and provides clinical services including substance use support, family preservation, victim care, and family violence prevention to immigrant and refugee families living in Allen County. Visit www.amanifamilyservices.org for more updates.