The Justin Center In Mansfield, Louisiana Opens For Families In Crisis

A new place has opened in DeSoto Parish to help victims who are facing trauma in their lives. The Justin Center is now open for business in Mansfield. This is a one stop shop for families and children who are dealing with a crisis in their lives.

I was planning to write this to let the public know about this amazing place, but I want you know how special this day was for me. The DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office will run the center which is named for Justin Bloxom, the 12-year-old boy who was tragically murdered in DeSoto Parish in 2010. Justin's Mom Amy is my friend. She is also my boss. I have watched her live and relive this tragedy over and over again for 16 years.

Her dream has always been to know we will never forget Justin. That happened today. To see all the attention to detail and the special touches throughout this building was simply stunning.

This complex was the brain child of DeSoto Parish Captain Angela Bandy and Sheriff Jayson Richardson. It is in the former home of the DeSoto Parish School Board. This facility is a collaborative effort that will include folks from several local agencies. You really need to stop by and see how incredible this place is.

What Agencies Are Involved with The Justin Center

The Gingerbread House has space in the facility along with CASA through the Volunteers for Youth Justice, Shreveport Bar Foundation, Faith and Fostering, Families in Need of Services, and many others.

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What's Ahead for Victims in DeSoto Parish

Officials describe the Justin Center as more than a building—it is a shared commitment to collaboration, compassion, and service. They emphasize that its success will not be measured by the facility itself, but by the positive impact it has on the lives of children and families across DeSoto Parish. Sheriff Jayson Richardson says he wants the Justin Center to become a cornerstone for advocacy, support, and community partnership.

Justin Bloxom's Mom, Amy told the crowd gathering for the ribbon cutting that there is not a day that goes by that she doesn't think about Justin. She thanked Captain Bandy and Sheriff Richardson for remembering Justin and honoring him in this way.