The Family Justice Center of Washington County has begun construction on a new facility that will provide comprehensive support and prevention for individuals facing crises. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Family Peace Center in Hillsboro’s Amberglen neighborhood took place on Tuesday, Dec. 2, marking the start of what will be Oregon's first integrated site for those seeking help following violent crises.

The 64,000-square-foot building, acquired in October 2023, will accommodate 18 agencies, enhancing and expanding the services already offered by the Family Justice Center of Washington County. The center will support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse, while also providing resources for child abuse evaluation and treatment.

“After four years of work, getting to this day is a momentous achievement. Our collaborative has taken on a vision for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse, unlike any other,” said Rachel Schutz, executive director of the Family Justice Center, in a press release. “We committed that survivors deserved a holistic, trauma-informed and accessible center to get all their needs met in one place; we committed that our community deserved intervention, prevention, healing, and hope; and we committed that future generations deserved to be free from violence and abuse. Today, construction starts on just such a place.”

The center will feature specialized medical clinics and trauma therapy services, which will be provided by Providence Health & Services and CARES Northwest — Oregon's largest children's advocacy center.

“The expanded space will allow us to triple our trauma therapy services capacity and double our child abuse evaluation availability,” said Jenny Gilmore-Robinson, executive director of CARES Northwest. “This is a huge step forward in bringing hope and healing to more Washington County children.”

Providence will also offer a forensic nursing unit at the center, aiding in sexual and physical assault examinations. The facility will become the new headquarters for the Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC) of Beaverton, ensuring survivors receive specialized medical care and support.

“For the Sexual Assault Resource Center, this moment is deeply meaningful. SARC’s mission goes beyond response — it’s about social change and envisioning a world free from sexual violence. The Family Peace Center will be a place where survivors can access the care and support they deserve — all under one roof, making sure people don’t have to navigate a confusing system alone. Instead, they’ll find a welcoming community of support that wraps around them and helps them heal,” said Brandy Selover, executive director of the Sexual Assault Resource Center.

The new facility will be designed with trauma-informed principles to ensure safety and comfort for visitors. Additionally, the center will include spacious childcare and play areas for children who come to the site.

The Family Peace Center is expected to open its doors in spring 2026.