OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The City of Oklahoma City and nonprofit Palomar broke ground on the New Family Justice Center funded by MAPS 4.

“I was saved here,” said Cara Carllson, a domestic abuse surviver who now volunteers at Palomar.

“To be alive and to be here are the biggest achievements I have made,” said Kavita McMaster, another survivor and volunteer.

Survivors, advocates, and partners flooded the new site of the MAPS 4 Family Justice Center just west of 1140 N. Hudson Ave.

MAPS 4 is building the $42 million facility, while Palomar will fundraise for the operations inside.

“This will allow us to double our facility and help more survivors,” said Kim Garrett Funk, the Chief Visionary Officer for Palomar.

For eight years, Palomar has helped 29,000 survivors who are fleeing domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, or criminal violence.

In 2022, Tara Currien was shot by her boyfriend several times in the parking lot of Integris. Palomar helped her escape and heal.

“A lot of times it is so hard for women to come forward. With Palomar you can go in without being judged,” said Currien.

Palomar also helped Cara Carllson. Seven years ago, she showed up outside their doors with only a wagon of belongings.