This post is one of a series of 13, highlighting Flagstaff-focused non-profit organizations that The Framing Department is partnered with! By mentioning our “13 Years of Giving” program, $13 from each framing order our customers place are donated to these amazing organizations driving positive change in our community.
Victim Witness Services for Coconino County
24/7 crisis response and our office hours are: Monday-Thursday 8am- 5pm and Friday 8am-4pm
When was the organization established? How long has it been active in Flagstaff?
Victim Witness was established in 1984, making 2014 our 30th birthday!
What does the organization do? What is your main goal/purpose?
Mission: Victim/Witness Services offers compassionate support and resources to victims, witnesses and survivors of crime and crisis through effective response and community outreach.
Some examples of our services include:
- 24/7 crisis response to victims, witnesses and survivors of crime and crisis
- Criminal Justice Court advocacy, education and support
- Administer the Victims Compensation Program
- Assist offenders in preventing future crime
- Run a Domestic Violence Support Group for adults and children
- Educate and do outreach
- Administer Arizona Constitutional Victims Rights
- Offer shelter to Pets Too!
- Can give our clients “call-to-protect” phones
How do people get involved (can people volunteer, give donations, etc)?
Our Crisis Response Program is staffed by volunteers, if folks are interested they should email: pbrown@coconino.az.gov
If folks are interested in donating, coming to an event, speaking with the executive director or any VWS staff: mferellwomochil@coconino.az.gov or visit our website: www.vwscoconino.org we are also on Facebook!
How can the community help your organization?
Victim Witness Services would like to raise funds for our emergency financial assistance program where we pay for: emergency bed nights, food, safety needs, clothes, gas to travel to court, court documents, process service, suicide clean-up, diapers and other emergency financial needs for victims.
Traumatic experiences can be dehumanizing, shocking or terrifying, singular or multiple compounding events over time, and often include betrayal of a trusted person and a loss of safety. In addition to the psychological and emotional cost of crisis, those incidents can be suddenly very expensive.
Our caseload is broken down as such: 50-60% domestic violence, 11% child abuse and 11% sexual assault. These crimes often are very disruptive because they occur within the family. A woman and her children fleeing domestic violence might find themselves-literally- on the street at 2:00am with no money and nowhere to go. Further, in a domestic violence situation, we are often working on a very short time line in between incarceration and release of the perpetrator. We could pay for locks, lock features for windows, outdoor lighting and extra sets of keys that can be hidden outside for a safer escape.
We serve nearly 1,000 victims each year. Before we can begin our work, we have to be able to meet the most basic of human needs. In order for the Flagstaff Justice System to function, Victims and Witnesses needed to be offered holistic and trauma informed care.
We are also looking for funds to support the purchase of a new car for the agency. We transport clients to court and for case management needs, and our car is pretty beat up!
Do you have any special events coming up?
On Sunday April 27th, Victim Witness Services will host the Striking Out Sexual Assault event at Starlite Lanes in Flagstaff, AZ for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. From 9am-12pm there will be bowling, food and drinks, a raffle and plenty of music and fun. If you are a local business or a group of individuals that would like to be involved with this fundraising event please view our event packet (www.vwscoconino.org), then contact Josh at Victim Witness Services, jengland@coconino.az.gov
The 15th Annual Taste of Flagstaff will take place on Monday, July 21, 2014!
A Taste of Flagstaff is the annual Victim/Witness Services fundraising and awareness event held in July. Flagstaff’s finest restaurants prepare an incredible feast for guests who also enjoy silent and live auctions, raffles and live entertainment. Proceeds from the event provide financial support for Victim Witness Services so that victims of crime can continue to receive advocacy, support, and education on their statutory and constitutional rights! Contact jengland@coconino.az.gov if you would like to attend.
What is your favorite part about doing business in Flagstaff and serving our community?
We step in community members lives during their darkest of days. We hold their hands while their lives have been disrupted by chaos, pain and suffering. Then- we get to walk with them while they transcend a horrible situation and find themselves stronger and more beautiful than before. Being able to witness the transcendence process is beautiful!
How can people get in touch with you?
https://www.facebook.com/VictimWitnessServices
April 9, 2014 is “Arizona Gives Day”
Please consider Victim Witness Services as your agency of choice!
Click Here to donate: http://www.razoo.com/story/Victim-Witness-Services-For-Coconino-County