The Guilford County Family Justice Center has been around for a decade and on Friday, June 6, many stakeholders and others got together to celebrate the achievements of one of the county’s most successful and awarded operations.
Ten years ago, Guilford County made the major commitment to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, child abuse and stalking. And on Friday morning, leaders from across the region gathered at the Grandover Resort and Spa in Greensboro to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Guilford County Family Justice Center – a program that’s become a model for other communities across North Carolina and the country.
The 10th Anniversary Breakfast, which was held from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., featured remarks by elected officials, survivor testimonies, and the presentation of a new annual award named after the beloved Greensboro police sergeant who played a key role in the center’s early years.
The Justice Center, which operates with the support of 17 partner agencies, was launched to provide coordinated services for victims of abuse – all under one roof. That model – centered on collaboration among government, law enforcement, nonprofits, and advocacy groups – has been so effective that it’s now being replicated in other places around the country.
There are now offices in both Greensboro and High Point.
According to Family Justice Center Director Catherine Johnson, the past decade has been defined by partnerships, perseverance and purpose.
“We are proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Guilford County Family Justice Center,” Johnson said ahead of the event. “This milestone reflects thousands of lives saved through the power of collaboration with our 17 partner agencies.”
The event drew a crowd of supporters, including Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Skip Alston, At-Large Commissioner Kay Cashion and Greensboro Mayor Pro Tem Marikay Abuzuaiter – as well as longtime community volunteers and staff who’ve worked at the center since its founding.
During the program, attendees heard emotional stories from survivors whose lives were changed by the work of the center. The breakfast also gave community members a good chance to reflect on the Justice Center’s growth and to reaffirm their support for its mission.
One of the most poignant moments of the morning came with the presentation of the inaugural Sgt. Dale Nix Partner of the Year Award.
The award honors the legacy of the late Sgt. Dale Nix, who led the Greensboro Police Department’s Family Victims Unit at the center for more than six years. He was shot and killed in a gas station parking lot in December of 2023.
Nix was widely respected by his colleagues for his leadership and mentorship. During his time at the center, he helped support thousands of abuse victims and made a lasting impact on law enforcement professionals across the country.
“This award reflects many of the heroic traits Sgt. Nix demonstrated daily in his leadership role at the Family Justice Center,” Johnson said. “Our team and his family wanted to find a meaningful way to honor Sgt. Nix by amplifying core values that make collaboration successful.”
The first recipient of the award is Paige Gilliard, director of the Custody Advocacy Program at the Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina. Gilliard has been an integral part of the Justice Center’s work since the beginning and has shown an unwavering dedication to children affected by violence and trauma.
Her contributions include helping launch and support Camp HOPE, a weeklong summer camp and mentoring program that serves children who’ve experienced abuse.
Since the program’s inception in 2016, Gilliard has volunteered every year, trying to ensure that each child who attends feels safe, valued and supported. Camp HOPE has been highly praised by the kids who have experienced it.
“For the last decade, Paige Gilliard has been a key partner of the Family Justice Center, staying committed to Camp HOPE and the children we serve,” Johnson said. “Her dedication to children, her leadership, and her unwavering heart for service continue to uplift families impacted by violence and abuse, just as Sgt. Nix would have wanted.”
The Family Justice Center in Guilford County was one of the first of its kind in North Carolina. Its success has inspired the creation of similar centers throughout the state and beyond.
By bringing multiple agencies together into a single secure and supportive county department, the Justice Center makes it easier for victims to access the services they need without being forced to navigate a maze of government offices or repeat their stories over and over again – to medics, then to police, then to court workers.
The center connects the victims of abuse and assault with legal assistance, counseling, protective services and more, all while coordinating closely with law enforcement and community-based groups.
The collaborative model not only improves outcomes for survivors but it also strengthens the system’s ability to hold perpetrators accountable.
With 17 partner agencies, Guilford County’s Justice Center has shown that real progress in the fight against abuse can happen if institutions work together instead of in isolation.
While the anniversary celebration was an opportunity to reflect on a decade of success, center staff made it clear that there is still a lot more that needs to be done. The need for services remains high, and community involvement continues to be critical.
“We invite the community to join us in honoring this important achievement and to continue supporting our mission and partners through engagement, advocacy, volunteerism and donations,” Johnson said.
Residents who would like to contribute to the work of the center or learn more about Camp HOPE can do so by visiting guilfordcountync.gov/fjc.
