After 20 years of serving as Sacramento County District Attorney, Jan Scully is retiring and holding a fundraiser for the Family Justice Center to mark the occasion.
Since 1979, the 36-year span of Jan Scully’s career with the County has been devoted to pursuing justice for victims, heading numerous committees and councils, and improving public safety. Her influential work as a DA has earned her awards including the “Women Who Mean Business” award from the Sacramento Business Journal, the “Touching Lives” award from the YWCA, and the “Woman of the Year” award from the California Legislature twice over. Jan Scully’s successor will be District Attorney-Elect Anne Marie Schubert, but despite retirement, she plans to continue her legacy by serving as chair for the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center (FJC).
“There comes a point in your career when you know it’s time to take care of yourself and family,” said Scully. “But my work with the FJC will remain as we push forward with the final stages of opening our doors.”
The Family Justice Center is a place where victims of domestic violence and abuse can get help and access tailored services in one location. More than 80 separate Sacramento agencies provide support services like crisis intervention, safety planning, counseling, child care, or legal and social services but housing complete assistance under one roof will eliminate confusion for victims seeking help. This effort between community organizations, leaders, and volunteers is the largest collaboration for victim aid Sacramento has seen. In 2011 as part of a state-wide initiative, the national Family Justice Center Alliance granted funds to establish a center in Sacramento County. Three years later, Scully says there has been significant progress, but so much more needs to be done.
“The FJC is a holistic approach to empowering victims of domestic violence and we’re in final talks for securing a convenient building central to Sacramento with public transportation access. We have strong partners like the County Board of Supervisors on our side, but the FJC still needs the financial and dedicated support of our community to continuously function,” stated Scully.
“We are extremely proud of the work Jan Scully has done throughout her career and look forward to what she will accomplish in retirement, including the success of the Family Justice Center,” said Board of Supervisor Chair, Jimmie Yee.
The list of partners includes the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department and the County Department of Health and Social Services; community organizations WEAVE, A Community for Peace and My Sister’s House; Sacramento State University; and the Multicultural Advisory Council. To coincide with her retirement this December, Jan Scully will hold the first of the annual FJC fundraisers. All proceeds will go to building a strong, sustainable foundation for the Center.
The fundraiser will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, December 12 at the Sacramento State University Union Ballroom. Tickets are $150 and cover wine tasting, dinner, live music, and special presentations during the evening.
To purchase tickets, contact Toni Roberts, 916-995-1530 by Friday, December 5.
To find out how you can help or get involved in the FJC, visit www.hopethriveshere.org and view the “I’m In!” video.
