January 3, 2022
Lima, OH: Crime Victim Services is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its founding in 1980. While the Covid-19 crisis caused a delay in the celebration, the organization is excited to share with the community its growth and commitment throughout the last 40+ years.
What began as a single victim offender reconciliation program in 1980 is now Crime Victim Services, a robust nonprofit agency leading the way in prevention, advocacy, and outreach to help victims prevail over the trauma of their victimization through safety, healing, justice, and restitution. Home to ten distinct programs which serve specific populations and community needs, the agency has served more than 58,000 victims and survivors since its founding.
“Crime Victim Services reflects the compassion of our community as we help victims recover from crime,” said David Voth, Executive Director. “New funding and legal rights provided by voters and elected representatives over the last 40 years also reflects societal values to prevent and protect against crime’s impacts. This is a great place to work and live, and we commit to being part of the safety net to keep our great quality of life locally.”
Crime Victim Services now has three offices in two counties, 191 staff and volunteers, and dozens of community partners supporting victims of violence and crime, upholding victim's rights, advocating for abused and neglected children and vulnerable adults, and prioritizing accessible services.
“As the Board President of this outstanding organization, I want to say Thank you and Congratulations to the wonderful leadership of the Executive Director, David Voth and the many caring and dedicated men and women who support the mission and vision of Crime Victim Services,” said Andrea King. “Over the past 40 years I have observed the growth of the organization and its commitment to serve the counties of Allen and Putnam and their surrounding counties. I look forward to seeing more great things in the future as Crime Victim Services advocates, protects, and provides for rights of victims in the community. I am pleased to serve as the Board President with a commitment to support and uphold the standard of leadership and dedication that CVS provides.”
As Crime Victim Services looks back at the last 40 years, community members are invited to reflect on and celebrate all that has been realized and achieved. A history book has been published and is available at the Lima Public Library for checkout.
In celebration of the growth and vision of the agency, a new logo and branding was introduced in 2021. “We’re very excited to launch our new branding which better represents the whole of the agency and our vision for the future. We exist to help our community thrive and it was important to us that the language and images we used to describe our purpose, not only reflected that vision, but was engaging and welcoming to our community,” said Erin Ostling Burkholder, director of outreach and prevention.
More information about Crime Victim Services can be found on their website and social media channels.
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