Islanders enjoying the first Lenten Luncheon of the season Wednesday heard about plans to build a facility to counsel Island victims of domestic violence.
During a luncheon discussion at Trinity United Methodist Church titled "Justice for the Victims of Domestic Abuse," guest speaker Mary Travers Murphy, executive director of the Family Justice Center, and domestic violence victim advocate Connie Foster said plans are in the works to build a counseling center on church property.
Travers Murphy said a year ago last December she met with Islanders who advocated for the Island's own satellite office similar to FJC satellites in other towns. Advocates for the satellite location include clergy of the Grand Island Ministerium, who organize the Lenten Luncheons.
A meeting in the summer was followed by a well-attended meeting at the Buffalo Launch Club.
"We want this to happen on Grand Island," Travers Murphy said. "What we're looking for now is a space, and the team thought that maybe rather than renovating an existing space, it might be less expensive or the same amount to build a structure."
Two possible locations for a satellite are near church properties, at St. Stephen R.C. Church on Baseline Road or Island Presbyterian Church on Huth Road.
Travers Murphy noted an estimated cost of $130,000 for the project, similar to the costs of other satellites.
Foster said she would counsel victims of domestic violence on the Island at an establish facility. "I'm very excited that the community wants this," she said.
An open community meeting will be held Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. in St. Stephen R.C. Church to present information about this project.
Schedule
•The Grand Island Ministerium will hold Lenten Luncheons at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road. Lunch begins each week at noon, with a different church on Grand Island providing the meal. Then, at 12:30 p.m., there is a half-hour presentation. This year, the theme is "Justice for All God's People." The cost of the meal is $5 per person. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Trinity United Methodist Church at 773-3322.
- Wednesday, Feb. 28 - "Justice Among People with Various Cultures" with Rev. Dr. Sung Ho Lee, Trinity United Methodist Church.
- Wednesday, March 7 - "Justice and the Opioid Crisis" with Rev. Earle King, St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church.
- Wednesday, March 14 - "Justice for Creation" with Rev. Kris Bjerke-Ulliman, St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church.
- Wednesday, March 21 - "Justice for Immigrants" with Rev. Carla Kline, Island Presbyterian Church.
