MAPS 4 initiative brings new home for Palomar Family Justice Center

Victims and survivors of domestic violence will soon have access to expanded resources and a brand-new facility as Palomar, Oklahoma City’s Family Justice Center, is nearing groundbreaking on their new location.  Approved as part of MAPS 4, Palomar’s new state-of-the-art facility will be located just across the street from their current location at 11^th & Hudson.

Palomar collaborates with a variety of partner and community organizations to provide services to victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, stalking, elder abuse and human trafficking. Their one-stop location approach allows those in need to have one place to access victim-centered, safety-focused and holistic services.

“The completed design was submitted last month and as soon as the city acquires the land we can break ground. We are excited and so ready,” said Kim Garrett-Funk, chief visionary officer and founder of Palomar. “There is urgency to complete the build as soon as possible because we are at capacity in our current facility and unable to offer clients the full range of services they deserve.”

Services that are desperately needed. According to a 2023 study by World Population Review, 49.1 percent of Oklahoma women and 40.7 percent of Oklahoma men either have or are currently experiencing domestic abuse, higher than any other state. The study also noted that Oklahoma ranks third in the U.S. for the number of women killed by men in single-victim, single-offender homicides. 

Palomar’s new building will not only have more space—72,000 square feet to be exact—it will allow the organization to expand vital programming. Additions include 16 new therapy rooms, 24-hour access to forensic/medical services, additional attorney offices, eight new workstations with cribs, a pet visitation room, virtual court room and an outdoor playground.

Garrett-Funk adds that she’s particularly pleased with the thoughtfulness of the building’s design. “It is a trauma informed design— warm, safe and welcoming— and they even took into consideration the psychology of color,” she said. “We will also have new community space available for meetings and events. I know the city and the survivors are going to be so proud of our new space.” 

Proud, but also aware of Palomar—not just the location, but all they do. “It is important in this work to not hide or be ashamed, there has been so much secrecy and privacy related to domestic violence. We need to do a better job as a movement to reminding our community of the prevalence of domestic violence. People we love and care about are struggling and that is why it is so important we exist.”