FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ivana Morales
July 28, 2020 Email: ivana@evolveprandmarketing.com Phone:973-864-4523
Joint Statement from Goodyear, AZ Police Department and New Life Center
The Goodyear, AZ Police Department and New Life Center stand in solidarity in our vow to work together for the good of every member of the communities we serve.With a shared goal of increased peace in the community and an atmosphere of respect and open communication, and in an effort to continue their positive working relationship and improve the trust and safety between New Life Center and police, Goodyear PD and New Life Center are committed to working to formalize a police response protocol for New Life Center.
At 104 beds, New Life Center has been serving victims of domestic violence, and their children, since 1991 and is one of the largest shelters in the country. In 2019, the Board of Directors approved its new mission of “helping to eliminate domestic and sexual violence through support services, education and expertise.” New Life Center is the only trauma-informed direct service provider in the southwest valley that provides support services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking through emergency shelter, mobile-based advocacy, and children’s programming. New Life Center serves approximately 1,000 victims a year with 60-70% of that being children of victims served. Additionally, most of the victims served by New Life Center are Black.
At times, the Goodyear, AZ Police Department will bring victims of domestic violence and sexual assault directly to the center from a scene so that New Life Center can assist with crisis support and immediate safety while allowing police to return to the investigation and public safety.
Additionally, Goodyear PD has accepted New Life Center’s offer to assist them with engaging the Goodyear community in bringing all groups of people together to engage in constructive conversations that bridge the gap between the police department and the community members it serves.
Goodyear PD Chief Rodriguez is currently working to establish a core group of community leaders to form a Goodyear Community Action Network to discuss community issues, community events and problem solve when needed. Our goal is to improve the quality of life by working together in building strong partnerships to strengthen relationships within our communities in Goodyear.
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