BUFFALO, N.Y., July 1 2026 – The Family Justice Center of Erie County, Inc. (FJC) is proud to announce the appointment of six distinguished community leaders to its Board of Directors. With expertise across law, public service, finance, healthcare, higher education, transportation, and international affairs, these new board members will help further the organization’s mission to provide life-saving services and support to individuals experiencing relationship and familial abuse.
The newly appointed board members are:
- Beth Atwood, Litigation Paralegal, Addelman Cross & Baldwin, PC
- Rachael Homewood, Senior Political and Economic Advisor, Consulate General of Canada in New York
- Andrea Ruta Kozlowski, Executive Vice President, Senior Director, Total Rewards, M&T Bank
- Rachel Maloney, General Manager, Bus, Paratransit and Mobility Services, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA)
- Lisa Morrison-Fronckowiak, Chief Diversity Officer, Buffalo State University
- Deborah Valente, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
“These remarkable leaders each bring unique professional expertise, deep compassion, and a strong commitment to improve the lives of individuals in our community experiencing relationship and familial abuse,” said Catharine Miles-Kania, CEO of the Family Justice Center of Erie County, Inc. “As we mark the 20th anniversary of the FJC, the collective experience of our new board members allows us to strengthen our work to support survivors and advance our coordinated responses to domestic violence throughout Erie County.”
Established in 2006, the FJC celebrates 20 years of service in Erie County this year. It provides free, confidential services to individuals impacted by domestic violence, including advocacy, forensic medical services, and connections to community resources under one roof. The organization works collaboratively with law enforcement, prosecutors, healthcare providers, courts, and community agencies to create a coordinated and compassionate response for survivors and their families.
“For twenty years, the FJC has offered a pathway to hope for survivors of domestic violence. At this significant time in our agency’s history, this addition of these outstanding board members with diverse expertise and deep commitment to our mission expands our ability to provide life-changing services to survivors of abuse across Erie County,” said Kevin J. Kimball, President of the FJC Board of Directors and Director, Information Technology Client Field Services, Kaleida Health.
For more information, please visit www.fjcsafe.org.
ABOUT THE FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER OF ERIE COUNTY: Established in 2006, the Family Justice Center of Erie County, Inc. (FJC) provides life-saving services and support to individuals experiencing relationship and familial abuse. Located in downtown Buffalo, the FJC is a nonprofit organization that provides free and confidential services for survivors of domestic violence at one central location. The FJC partners with law enforcement, courts, legal, and community organizations throughout the WNY region to break larger cycles of relationship abuse.