Story by:

A nonprofit that helps victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence is moving from Southside to Avondale.

One Place Family Justice Center at 1135 14th Ave. S is relocating to 3613 6th Ave. S. in 2021 in the previous location for Practice Works.

The new Avondale property offers a more than 8,000-square-foot facility with the same coordinated services under one roof, which will include 34 parking spaces. The current Southside space is 5,800 square feet with street parking and a small lot.

The nonprofit has purchased the property for $1.8 million, which was made possible through a lead gift from the Junior League of Birmingham’s (JLB) Community of Lights Campaign, a multi-year campaign launched in 2017 to raise funds for a permanent space for One Place. Additional funds came from grants from Navigate Affordable Housing Partners and the Hugh Kaul Foundation.

“We are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to offer a peaceful, welcoming environment where victims and survivors of violence can receive comprehensive, trauma-informed services,” said Allison Dearing, One Place’s executive director. “Recently renovated, the property was intentionally designed as a place of serenity that supports collaboration. It is a beautiful space where we believe survivors will find hope and healing. We are grateful for the generosity of so many who have helped make this dream a reality.”

Comprehensive domestic and sexual violence services will continue in one location in Avondale. Founding partners of the organization include the YWCA Central Alabama, Birmingham Police Department, Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, and Crisis Center Inc. One Place has two employees who work directly for the organization along with seven agencies providing staff on site. Currently, 12 individuals from multiple disciplines work at One Place.

“The move will enable us to expand our partnerships and accommodate our growing collaboration so that more victims and survivors in the community can access life-saving resources and support. However, there are necessary modifications that will need to be made to the space, and we are working to identify additional funders to support those efforts,” Dearing said.

Balch & Bingham provided pro bono counsel and represented One Place in the transaction.

Click here to read the original story.