PRESS RELEASE

 

Michael Burke Selected as First Executive Director

For Shasta Family Justice Center

 

7/16/10

 

            District Attorney Jerry Benito announced today that Michael Burke has been selected as the first executive director for the Shasta Family Justice Center.  A proposed contract will be before the Shasta County Board of Supervisors for approval on July 20, 2010. 

 

            Burke has been a long term Shasta County resident.  He has served as the executive director for Plus One Mentors and has been involved in numerous community activities.  Burke was chosen from a group of very well qualified candidates for the executive director position.  Numerous local agency representatives participated in the interview process, including the District Attorney’s Office, Shasta Women’s Refuge, Legal Services of Northern California, Redding Police Department, Shasta County Department of Health and Human Services and the Shasta County Personnel Department.  “Mike was chosen because of his passion for helping victims, his positive approach to collaborative endeavors, and the existing strong relationships he has with the various agencies participating in this project.  All the agencies involved are excited and eager to begin working with Mike on this project.”  Jerry Benito.

 

            As executive director, Burke will be responsible for continuing the progress already made in establishing the Family Justice Center.  Burke will coordinate the efforts of the numerous agencies involved and be the lead in securing a location for the Shasta Family Justice Center.  If the Board of Supervisors approves the contract, Burke will begin working as executive director on August 1, 2010.

 

            The Shasta Family Justice Center is a place where victims of violent crime can receive the services and help needed all in one location.  The Shasta County District Attorney’s Office began efforts to establish such a center in Shasta County about 3 years ago.  In the fall of 2009, the District Attorney’s Office received a grant to establish a Family Justice Center in Shasta County from The National Family Justice Center Alliance funded by Blue Shield of California Foundation.  Shasta County was one of 6 sites chosen in California for the grant.