OKC begins work on new MAPS 4 Family Justice Center operated by Palomar

Oklahoma City leaders and community members broke ground on the new MAPS 4 Family Justice Center operated by Palomar. 

“Palomar’s ongoing mission is to support the survivors of domestic violence in our community and to make Oklahoma City a place free of violence where everyone feels safe and secure,” said Teresa Rose, chair of the MAPS 4 Citizens Advisory Board. 

The $42 million, 72,884-square-foot building will be built along Hudson Avenue between NW 11th Street and NW 12th Street, just west of the current facility. 

With additional space and services, the new facility will reach more survivors and add new partnerships. The new facility will allow Palomar to expand programming, offering 24-hour support; a child-friendly sanctuary with an outdoor playground; a client shop with fresh food, clothing, diapers, formula and more; educational and spiritual services to empower healing; medical and forensic care; pet-friendly accommodations, like dog kennels and a cat room; a trauma-informed therapy room and group counseling rooms; and a community training center to promote awareness. 

Mayor David Holt expressed his deep passion for the new center, sharing his personal connection to work against domestic violence—both through his legislative work during his time in the Senate and his wife’s early career with the D.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Holt emphasized that the issue of domestic violence is very acute in both OKC and the state. “If we truly want to prevent violence and loss of life in our city, programs like this are essential,” Holt said. “The prevention that stops violence and homicides in our city is not what happens two minutes before the act—it is what happens days, weeks, months, years before the act. That's where Palomar comes in.” 

Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Palomar Kim Garrett Funk and Palomar Board Chair Tricia Everest echoed the mayor’s words. Funk stated the groundbreaking marks a new chapter and a bold step forward for the fight against domestic violence. 

 “Creating a collaborative is difficult, and at times it felt like we were pushing a boulder uphill on ice,” Funk said. “But every time I walk through our doors, I see survivors and children in our sanctuary, and I know without a doubt it's worth it because they are worth it.”  

Funk credited city leadership in recognizing the issue at hand. “When our neighbors hurt, we all hurt, and instead of looking away, the city leaned in,” Funk said. “Thousands of people have helped get us here today, and we're extremely grateful.” 

One in two women and two in five men who come to Palomar in times of need will be sexually assaulted or experience domestic violence. Palomar’s mission is to combat these statistics. Palomar has served 29,000 survivors, 7,000 of them children, providing more than 300,000 essential services to individuals and families. 

Over the past eight years, Palomar has worked alongside 45 partner agencies to provide wraparound services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, human trafficking and children exposed to trauma. “Together, we’ve built a community of care and compassion for crime victims,” Funk said. 

In the future, Funk plans on incorporating local colleges into this work, offering onsite classes to learn about criminal justice, psychology and human behavior. 

“This isn't just a building, it's a message to families that we're committed to your safety and healing. It's a message to children that your future can be brighter than your past,” Funk said. “Palomar is more than a place; it's a movement built by survivors and for survivors.” 

Holt expressed how the project represents the vision of MAPS 4, focusing on human and neighborhood issues. “This shows that our residents want to make a different kind of investment—one that directly improves quality of life in a meaningful and lasting way,” Holt said. 

“Once the Oklahoma City logo was placed on our building, it sent a powerful message: this city is truly committed to breaking the cycle of abuse,” Everest said. “We will continue to be here—to carry that work forward, to identify new gaps in services and to find ways to ensure that everyone who needs help can walk through our doors and find support.” 

The facility is set to open in 2027, with design spearheaded by Alford Hall Monaghan Morris and Crossland Construction as the general contractor.