Women & Children First, an organization that supports victims of domestic violence, will host a groundbreaking for the Forest of Hope Family Peace Center at 9009 Dailey Drive in Little Rock at 9 a.m. Oct. 10.
“This groundbreaking symbolizes hope and a future free from violence for hundreds of families,” said Angela McGraw, executive director. “The Family Peace Center is a testament to what’s possible when a community unites to uplift and protect its most vulnerable members.”
The center is set to be the most comprehensive domestic violence facility in Arkansas and will bring together more than a dozen agencies under one roof to provide holistic, life-changing services. The location in southwest Little Rock was selected to ensure accessibility and safety.
By expanding Women & Children First’s shelter from 54 to 132 beds and integrating critical resources such as legal aid, counseling and health services, the organization will help foster a world where all victims of domestic violence can rebuild their lives with dignity, safety and support.
The groundbreaking represents the culmination of nearly a decade of planning and collaboration. Since initial discussions in 2015, Women & Children First has worked diligently with community partners to make the new Forest of Hope Family Peace Center a reality.
The project was made possible by support from both public and private entities, including a $7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HOME Investment Partnerships and American Rescue Plan Program through the Arkansas Development Finance Authority and a $4 million challenge grant from the Windgate Foundation.
A unique operational model will help set the Family Peace Center apart. Unlike traditional shelters, where victims must recount their traumatic experiences multiple times to various agencies, the Peace Center will allow survivors to tell their stories a single time. That approach not only reduces the emotional burden on victims but also streamlines access to services.
The comprehensive care model exemplifies the Peace Center’s work to provide a centralized, compassionate response to domestic violence that goes beyond merely increasing capacity.
Nabholz is listed as the project’s general contractor, and Witsell Evans Rasco is the architect.
To learn more about Women & Children First, visit wcfarkansas.org.
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