The loss of a family member, intimate partner, or close friend under any circumstances is difficult. The violent and unexpected death of a loved one leaves the survivors with deep emotional wounds. Being involved in the criminal justice system presents additional challenges for survivors and can prolong healing. A FOSCI representative will go to the survivor’s residence; or other safe location to build a trusting relationship and discuss the benefits of working with FOSCI to assist them with the grieving process and to explain what lies ahead with respect to the criminal case, if required. We hope that the homicide survivor will feel less alone knowing FOSCI is there, and comforted by the knowledge that there are many people who genuinely care about them and their well-being.

FOSCI help Homicide Survivors stay connected with FOSCI 24-7.  There is web based event information (www.fosci.org); the ability to email us at info@fosci.org anytime;  social media outlets (facebook.com/fosci, twitter.com/fosci, or instagram.com/foscijax) to express feelings and comments with other Homicide Survivors; and a walk-in facility during normal working hours,10 AM to 3 PM, 2212 Myrtle Avenue, Jax, FL 32209, phone 904-424-8755 for business meetings, grief counseling sessions and workshops. 

At FOSCI we believe knowledge is power.  Therefore, educational seminars and workshops are at the forefront of prevention services for homicide survivors, both adults and youth.  With the support of community leaders, crime prevention strategies are the key focus in each class.

Also, FOSCI has scheduled prayer meetings at their facility to express encouraging faith based intervention to homicide survivors.  Local pastors and church staff members are active participates in these meetings.

FOSCI provides Grief counseling, a form of therapy that aims to help people cope with the physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and cognitive responses to loss of a loved one due to homicide and violence. FOSCI provides support to families and friends of those who have died by homicide and violence through scheduled grief counseling meetings and guidance on supporting grieving children and teens. To schedule a grief counseling appointment at FOSCI just call (904)424-8755.

FOSCI has a support group designed to help understand victims’ rights.  Following the first shock and trauma of murder, families must deal with several organizations that are working on solving the crime. Most families have never before dealt with the police, the medical examiner’s office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the courts. This can be frustrating if families do not understand how these organizations work. FOSCI has the resources to help individuals and families work with the criminal justice system..

FOSCI sponsors free events to allow trusted friends, family, and those who are also grieving to support survivors, just as survivors support them. FOSCI business partners donate outreach materials for various types of referral services, food, funding, workshop materials, school supplies, administrative services and more to ensure all efforts to support homicide survivors through the grieving and recovery processes are as successful as possible. 
Because FOSCI is a not for profit organization all donations matter. Homicide survivors and concerned citizens are welcome to donate to help others by visiting our online donation center at the FOSCI Go Fund Me Donation Site at http://gofundme.com/familiesofslainchildreninc or press any of the donate buttons on fosci.org web site. Any size donation is appreciated.