District Attorney unveils new Family Justice Center
District Attorney Sonya F. Allen unveiled "Hope Lives Here" mural and introduces The RedBud Blossom Family Justice Center
(April 9, 2025—Marietta, GA) District Attorney Sonya F. Allen unveiled the completed mural at the renamed RedBud Blossom Family Justice Center on April 9, 2025, as part of National Crime Victims Rights Week, observed April 6-12.
The community, along with partner organizations, came together to paint on March 29. The main mural is 14 feet by 10 feet and includes two hallways. The message "Hope Lives Here" will welcome and comfort those entering the center seeking help and justice.
“We chose a name that does more than label a building—we chose a name that speaks to the heart of our mission: to create a space that is warm, welcoming, and unwavering in its commitment to justice and compassion,” said Allen. “Thank you to everyone who helped make this vision a reality, especially Marsy’s Law of Georgia and Paint Love. May this center be a place where healing begins, where stories are honored, and where lives can blossom—just like the redbud in spring.”
The symbolism of the name and logo
The redbud tree is one of the first to bloom after winter. Even in the harshest conditions, it brings forth vibrant blossoms—bright, delicate, and full of life. It is a symbol of renewal, of hope, and of the resilience that lives in all of us—even when we are at our most vulnerable. This name reflects what we stand for. Just like the redbud blooms boldly after the cold, the families and individuals we serve are not defined by what they’ve endured but by their courage to seek healing, safety, and justice. The word blossom speaks to growth and transformation. It reminds us that the path to healing is not always easy—but it is always possible. The staff at the Red Bud Blossom Family Justice Center are ready to walk that path alongside every survivor, every child, and every family who comes through our doors.
The hummingbird represents adaptability and resilience. Their ability to fly in any direction, including backward and upside down, symbolizes adaptability and the ability to overcome challenges. Hummingbirds are known for their long-distance migrations, teaching us to persevere and focus on the journey, not just the destination.
The RedBud Blossom Cobb County Family Justice Center is located at 277 Fairground St. SE, Mariett,a GA 30060. It is opened its doors in January 2024 and has served more than 230 individual clients from 14 counties across Georgia and two neighboring states.
Background
The Redbud Blossom Family Justice Center opened its doors to the community in January 2024. It is modeled after the Family Justice Center Alliance and is designed to address barriers faced by victims seeking critical services following domestic abuse or violent crime. The model coordinates criminal justice, state agencies and nonprofit resources in one location to meet a victim's needs.
Marsy's Law for Georgia is a victims' rights advocacy group named after Marsalee "Marsy" Nicholas of California, who was stalked and murdered by her ex-boyfriend. Her brother Henry founded the national nonprofit Marsy's Law after the family was surprised and confronted by her accused killer following his release on bail. Marsy's Law, also known as the Georgia Crime Victim Bill of Rights, was amended into the Georgia State Constitution in 2019.
Paint Love is an art nonprofit that provides impactful, trauma-informed, extraordinary art programming to youth facing poverty and trauma. Paint Love partners with education and nonprofit organizations to engage youth through artist-led projects to empower conversations.