When tragedies hit, many victims may feel hopeless or may not know how to cope with what just happened.
But a special program in Summit County wants people to know that it is here for anyone who needs that extra help.
The Victim Assistance Program started in 1972, when help was nonexistent for crime and trauma victims. In response to the overwhelming need, Capt. John Cunningham, Stella Long, Richard Kinsinger and Robert Denton came together to form the program. Formalizing services in 1974 under Denton’s leadership, Victim Assistance pioneered services from the crime scene through the criminal justice system, in a collaboration with police, prosecutors and the courts.
More: ‘Be Bob’: Friends, family and colleagues say the Rev. Bob Denton’s legacy will live on
The program has offices in Akron, Stow and Barberton and a space in the detective bureau at the Akron Police Department. The program is open 24 hours, seven days a week and has a hotline.
Leanne Graham, the current president and CEO, says victim advocates meet people where they are at.
“Whenever they are ready, we are here for them,” said Graham.
The Akron Police Department has victim advocates who assist at the scene.
“They help build relationships with us and victims; they help us with a variety of things when it comes to the victims,” said police Lt. Matt Whitmire. “It is great to have well-trained resources at hand to help us get the victims through what they just experienced. Also, per department policy for certain scenarios, we have to bring a Victim Assistance advocate. For almost every violent crime, they are there. These advocates walk with the victims hand-in-hand through all of it.”
The program helps guide people whether someone needs therapy, financial help or even a place to sleep.
Victim shares her story
Kara, a woman who used Victim Assistance, couldn’t believe that there were people who just wanted to listen to her.
“They have been with me the whole way through supporting me mentally, emotionally, and financially,” she said. “I went from having nobody to having so many people willing to help me. I didn’t realize that there was an organization like that.”
She called Victim Assistance’s hotline in June after realizing she wanted to get out of an abusive relationship. She spoke with her caseworker every day and was given the resources she needed to move forward.
“It was kind words that I didn’t know that I needed, the encouragement,” said Kara.
Kara said she lost family members and friends along the way because of her abusive partner.
“I was in a really bad place,” she said. “I just needed support but didn’t have it.”
Over the years, she said she came to a realization that she didn’t want her life to be what it was anymore. So, once she picked up the phone and got in contact with a Victim Assistance advocate, it was a new start.
“After talking to them it was like someone had cracked my shell and was looking in at me,” Kara said. “I felt relief. They have the kindest hearts, they actually care. When you’re going through something, having people that care about you is one of the most important things. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for their help.”
The program went the extra mile by getting her supplies she needed and helping her relocate.
Kara said she is in a better mental state and lives somewhere safe now.
After a tragedy, can Victim Assistance help with funeral costs?
The program has “victim emergency funds” for urgent situations, including victims of gun violence or an unexpected death. The nonprofit agency typically provides a maximum of $4,000 to $5,000 to assist with funeral costs.
“We serve around 5,000 people a year, so we have to reach out to other agencies for expenses,” Graham said. “We have built relationships with organizations around town; we have funeral homes that help us.”
Among the donations Victim Assistance has received recently, someone donated two burial plots to help families in need.
“We take a little from everyone and we pitch in to make it successful, we want families to send their loved ones off in the appropriate manner they desire,” Graham said.
The Ohio Attorney General’s office also offers compensation to individuals or families of crime victims, but it can take some time to see the money. More information is available at ohioattorneygeneral.gov.
More: What to know about the newly announced Gun Violence Response Fund
In addition, Victim Assistance has the Gun Violence Response Fund, which was established in June by the Akron Community Foundation with assistance from the city of Akron and United Way Summit Medina.
The fund was initially established to help victims of the June 2 mass shooting on Kelly Avenue. Mayor Shammas Malik said at the time the goal was to provide financial aid to cover funeral expenses, medical bills and missed work due to injuries.
To reach the Victim Assistance hotline, call or text 330-376-0040. The business line is 330-376-7022 and the website is victimassistanceprogram.org.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Victim Assistance program supports Greater Akron residents in need