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Ann Patterson Dooley Family Safety Center Dedication

Mayor Bill LaFortune, joined by city, county, state, and federal officials, dedicated the new Ann Patterson Dooley Family Safety Center – 3010 South Harvard, Suite 200. The brand-new facility will offer a variety of services for victims of domestic violence in one location.

Mayor LaFortune, in his address to an overflow crowd, remarked on how Tulsa is widely known for its collaborative partnerships. “We know the Ann Patterson Dooley Family Safety Center is a reality today thanks to the collaborative spirit of a great many people,” said Mayor LaFortune.

“Felicia Collins Correia, Executive Director of Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS) and Congressman John Sullivan played integral roles in securing funding from President Bush’s Family Justice Center Initiative. Also, Police Chief Been and Tim Harris of the District Attorney’s Office worked tirelessly to make sure victims of domestic violence get the help they need, in one location,” he added.

Special guest, Diane M. Stuart, Director, Office On Violence Against Women of the U.S. Department of Justice said, “This is absolutely tremendous! Tulsa’s new Family Safety Center will provide domestic violence victims with a safer climate during a time when they need less chaos in their lives. I’m impressed with how you work together. I’m confident you know how to sustain something that’s working well.”

Ms. Stuart presented Gloria Estlin, Family Safety Center Executive Director with a special plaque from President Bush commemorating the dedication and read the following excerpt from his letter: “Tulsa is a shining example of the good works that will change individuals lives. At the new Family Safety Center, victims of domestic violence can find strength and healing in their time of need at a place that will restore their dignity and hope. Laura and I send our best wishes.”

Congressman John Sullivan echoed President Bush’s words and remarked how the center would bring different services together under one umbrella to help turn around peoples’ lives.

According to Tulsa County Commissioner Bob Dick, “From the early days of what was known as the Tulsa Task Force for Battered Women to DVIS, we had the course set. These paths have converged here…our dreams have come true today. It took a collaboration of city, county and state organizations to make things happen and to make life better for the people served.”

City Councilor Randy Sullivan asked the audience to think about the spirit that got us here and the ‘can-do’ attitude of the volunteers. “There were 400 applications for the grant, and Tulsa was only one of 15 programs in the country selected,” he said.

“Because of all the agencies working together, we came together with a whole gift of trying to help the citizens of Tulsa. We need to continue with the spirit of working together to protect families,” Sullivan concluded.

Gloria Estlin said the center was named after Ann Patterson Dooley because she was a dedicated, tireless worker who served on many different organizations, as well as being a past DVIS board chair. She was tragically killed in 2002. The Dooley family graciously consented to using her name to keep alive the vision she had for a center that would offer love and safety to victims of domestic violence, an issue that was close to her heart.

Eight onsite partners include Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS), DVIS Legal Services, RSVP Safety Shepherd Volunteers, Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Tulsa Police Department, Family Violence Unit, Tulsa Metropolitan Ministries (TMM), and the YWCA Intercultural Service Center.

Officials anticipate the Family Safety Center being open to the public in early February. Hours of operation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will follow the Tulsa County Courthouse Holiday Schedule.

For more information about the Ann Patterson Dooley Family Safety Center and its many helpful services, please visit www.fsctulsa.org.

Contact: Gloria Estlin, Family Safety Center Executive Director
Phone Number: 742-7480