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.​
​
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.
​
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 here.
​
Our Team
Ben David, CEO & Chief Legal Counsel
Suann Bechtel, Court Coordinator
Sam Dill, Front Desk / Intake Navigator
Meredith Lemons, Front Desk / Intake Navigator
​
Please 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
Virginia W. Adams, Ph.D, RN
Mike Ashcraft, Senior Pastor, Port City Community Church
J. H. Corpening II, Chief District Court Judge
Peyton Y. Earey, Nonprofit Leader
James H. Faison III, District Court Judge
William Losch, President, Live Oak Bank
Michael McWhorter, CEO, Mojotone
LaChawn Smith, Educational Consultant, RTI International
Lillian James Smith, Philanthropist
Linda Rawley Thompson, Chief Diversity & Equity Officer, New Hanover County
Aswani Volety, Chancellor, UNC Wilmington
Laurie Whalin, President, Novant Health NHRMC Coastal Region​​