September 26, 2023
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.
In 1985, David Voth was hired as the Executive Director of Crime Victim Services and has tirelessly led the agency through a multitude of growth and victim right’s successes over the past 37 years.
“Crime Victim Services reflects the compassion of our community as we help victims recover from crime,” said Voth. “New funding and legal rights provided by voters and elected representatives over the last 37 years also reflects societal values to prevent and protect against crime’s impacts. This is a great place to work and live, and Crime Victim Services will continue to be part of the safety net to keep our great quality of life. It has been a joy to lead this organization and I thank our current and past staff, volunteers, and board of directors for their dedication and support.”
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.
The impact of Voth’s leadership can be felt far and wide. What began, in many instances, as a response to local needs grew into best practice in the field, as well as into law. In the early 2000s, Voth wrote the manual “Quality Victim Advocacy: A Field Guide” as a resource for staff; however, it’s comprehensive and effective look at quality outcome measures for the field grew to be a nationally and internationally recognized standard for victim advocacy and was published as a book in 2010.
In 2017, Mary’s Law was passed in Ohio, granting rights to crime victims across the state. “For 37 years, long before Marsy’s Law was passed by Ohio voters, Voth has been a tireless advocate for crime victims,” said Jessica Ryan with Marsy’s Law for Ohio. Voth received the U.S. Congress Victim Rights Caucus Outstanding Victim Advocate Award. She went on to say, “Victims’ rights would not be what they are in Ohio without his persistent dedication for the cause and for that, we at Marsy’s Law for Ohio, and all Ohioans, will be forever grateful.” Voth is a visionary, and the impact of his leadership can be felt far and wide.
While his professional accomplishments are many, those who know him speak of him as a compassionate, humble, and persistent individual dedicated to making his community a little better than he found it.
“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. “David is leaving a legacy of compassion and persistent advocacy that will never be lost. As we look to the future, I am confident that we will continue our commitment to support and uphold the standard of leadership and dedication that CVS provides in our community. That is why I am so thrilled to announce Amy Wiechart-Bayliff as the next Executive Director.”
Amy Wiechart-Bayliff, incoming Executive Director states, “I am eager for the opportunity to serve this tremendous organization following David’s leadership. His efforts and vision have informed public policy, increased awareness of victim needs, and made Crime Victim Services a pioneer in advocacy for victim’s rights. Crime Victim Services, through our knowledgeable staff, maintains a solid reputation providing trauma-informed support to victims and survivors of crime, abuse, and exploitation. We look forward to Allen and Putnam Counties’ continued support of our exceptional programs. Through dedicated volunteerism, financial generosity and cooperative community partnerships, Crime Victim Services remains strong in fulfilling our impactful mission.”
An open house reception to celebrate Voth’s contributions to the community will be held on Thursday, September 29 from 4:30 – 6:30pm at Art Space Lima, 65 Town Square, Lima, OH 45801. All are invited to attend.
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