On the Boards: Northern Lights Family Justice Center

The Billings community will soon be home to the Northern Lights Family Justice Center, a first-of-its-kind for Montana. The non-profit center, currently housed in the YWCA, co-locates several organizations under one roof to provide safety planning, support, and coordination for people experiencing unhealthy or unsafe relationships, violence, and/or abuse.  

The justice center model is designed to reduce the number of places people must go to receive support from social service agencies, the courts, law enforcement, legal services and shelter providers — all within one secure facility. 

Through our pro bono program, Cushing Terrell supported this vital center by providing a feasibility study, conceptual renderings, and conceptual floor plans for renovation of the former YWCA Gateway House, across the street from the current YWCA. Cushing Terrell became involved in the early stages of this project, during an initial strategic planning session and through a Governance and Facility Work Group

The interior materials and finishes are utilized to support trauma-informed design. Large glazing door and window systems aid in visual sightlines, create barriers for safety and security, and allow maximum daylight into the core of the building space. The subtle color palette supports new branding of the Northern Lights Family Justice Center and offers a calming interior environment. The proposed materials are durable, easily maintained, and consistent throughout the building for easy upkeep for facility management.  

The center hopes to expand into the former Gateway House once funds are secured for the building’s remodel. The conceptual design will help the community visualize what the remodeled facility would look like and how the design can support its crucial mission.