Our Story
The Community Justice Center of New Hanover County offers a comprehensive, coordinated network of law enforcement, nonprofit organizations, and social service providers under one roof. We serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse, child abuse, and at-risk youth. Our goal is to minimize the burden on victims by reducing the number of times they must re-tell their story and travel for services.​
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The CJC opened its doors in November 2024 on the fourth and fifth floors of The Harrelson Center. The CJC was formed in partnership between the New Hanover County District Attorney's Office and The Harrelson Center, and is funded by a generous grant from the New Hanover Community Endowment.
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The CJC is led by Benjamin David, CEO & Chief Legal Counsel. Ben served as District Attorney for New Hanover and Pender Counties for 20 years before founding the CJC. Read more about Ben's vision for the CJC here.
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Our Team
Ben David, CEO & Chief Legal Counsel
Suann Bechtel, Court Coordinator
Lauren Beatty, Front Desk Coordinator
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​Visit the Partners page for a list of our partner agencies. ​
If you are interested in volunteering with the CJC, please click here to complete an online application.
Our Board of Directors
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Mike Ashcraft, Senior Pastor, Port City Community Church
J. H. Corpening II, Chief District Court Judge
Rachel Jones, Medical Doctor, Glen Meade OB GYN
William Losch, President, Live Oak Bank
Romondo McEachern, Business Development Officer, Live Oak Bank
Quintin McGee, Superior Court Judge
Don McLamb, Emergency Room Physician (Ret.)
Michael McWhorter, CEO, Mojotone
Jessica Oester, RN, Doctoral Candidate Nursing
Linda Sayed, Attorney, Family Law Specialist
LaChawn Smith, Educational Consultant, RTI International
Aswani Volety, Chancellor, UNC Wilmington
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