Grant sought for LillyBrooke FJC

SANDPOINT — Bonner County is seeking another grant to sustain the LillyBrooke Family Justice Center, a unique facility which offers care and comfort to victims of domestic violence and child abuse.

Bonner County commissioners unanimously approved a request Tuesday for $155,000 in funding from the Idaho Council on Domestic Violence & Victim Assistance to cover LillyBrooke's costs.

"We do that primarily through the use of grant funds that we receive from the Idaho Council on Domestic Violence & Victim Assistance," Deputy Prosecutor Bill Wilson told commissioners.

Wilson said Lillybrooke's program has been well received locally and at the statewide level. Commission Chairman Dan McDonald noted that the facility has also generated a tremendous amount of goodwill with citizens in the community.

Wilson agreed.

"The community support for this program has been awesome. We just had an anonymous $30,000 private donation to LillyBrooke. Anonymous — someone who didn't even want the recognition that we would give them in a meeting like this," said Wilson. "That shows how much support there is for this program."

The bulk of the grant funding, if it's awarded, will be directed toward direct services to victims of violence and abuse, according to Peggy Frye, director of LillyBrooke and a forensic interviewer at the center.

The request is patterned after a similar grant awarded last year. The funding covers rent, utilities at LillyBrooke, Idaho Network of Children's Advocacy Centers membership dues, therapy services and salary for one investigator's position. The funding request also covers another advocate position at LillyBrooke and specialized team training.

In observance of Child Abuse Awareness Month in April, LillyBrooke is planning kids' fun day on Friday, April 30. LillyBrooke is seeking monetary sponsors for the event, in addition to donated prizes.

Frye said they have a photographer lined up for a silly photo booth and a commitment for a small petting zoo by Red's Big Barn in Coeur d'Alene. There will also be games, prizes and a bounce house.

"We will also do guided tours of LillyBrooke for the public," Frye said after Tuesday's meeting.

Frye said further details about the event will be released as they're firmed up.

Frye said members of law enforcement and fire departments will also be on hand for the event.

Dave Van Natter told commissioners he's aware of LillyBrooke's work in the community and hopes it can continue.

"We're grateful that you're working with these kids and these families in trying to get justice done," Van Natter said. "It's a great place to do that."

Info: lillybrookefjc.org

Keith Kinnaird can be reached at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and followed on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.