BIRMINGHAM – Forty social service, support and law
enforcement agencies will present “One Heart in the Park” on Sunday, April 7,
as an uplifting day to stand in solidarity with the community's victims of
crime.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Lloyd Peeples, FBI Special
Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall,
Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Police Chief Anthony Purcell, Birmingham Police Chief Patrick D. Smith, and
VOCAL (Victims of Crime and Leniency) Director Janette Grantham will join a
host of social service organizations that will be at the community festival to
provide information about resources and support for crime victims and their
families. The community festival is part of National Crime Victims' Rights Week
2019. The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the UAB Green, 1501
University Blvd., Birmingham. Admission is free.
The event will offer complimentary refreshments, a
children’s play area, live entertainment by Lipsey Switch, local fire and law
enforcement equipment and booths where participating agencies will offer
services and support. The festival is made possible through the support of the
Department of Justice Office of Victims of Crime, the National Center for
Victims of Crime and the Junior League of Birmingham.
“One Heart in the Park” grew out of a desire to connect
crime victims and members of the community with agencies and advocates that can
provide assistance and services. “This occasion will emphasize how the crime
victims’ field can better ensure that every crime victim has access to services
and support, and how professionals, organizations, and communities can work in
tandem to reach all victims,” said Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Victim
Assistance Coordinator Wanda Miller.
Increasing the public’s awareness of the array of services
for crime victims, survivors and their families can be a critical service to
the community by promoting healthy coping skills and support measures for those
affected by crime, Miller said.
There will be a space in the park dedicated to honoring
crime victims by presenting their photographs or personal statements. Those
attending the event who have loved ones who were victims of crime are
encouraged to bring a photograph for display, and anyone who has been a victim
of crime is encouraged to bring a statement of his or her victimization. The
display will enable crime victims to express the effects and challenges of
being victimized, and put a face to their stories. Supplies and assistance will
be available to anyone wanting to participate in the display.
According to the “Crime in Alabama” report compiled by the
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, there were 25,188 Violent Crimes reported in
Alabama in 2016, a 13 percent increase over 2015. On average, there were 69
violent crimes reported per day in 2016.
Allison Dearing, executive director of One Place Metro
Alabama Family Justice Center, emphasized the critical importance of a
community offering supportive services for victims and survivors. “We are
fortunate to have so many agencies in the Greater Birmingham area who seek to
provide counseling, support groups, financial assistance, advocacy, and other
needed services to individuals and their families who have been impacted by
crime. If timely connections are made to appropriate resources, we know that
these services have the potential to impact victims of crime in a positive way,
especially in the first days and weeks following victimization.”
EVENT: One Heart in the Park
DATE:
Sunday, April 7, 2019
TIME: 2
PM – 4 PM
LOCATION: UAB
Green, 1501 University Blvd, Birmingham, Alabama
COST:
FREE
AGE:
All Ages
CONTACT: WANDA
MILLER - 205-731-2814 JCSO 205-296-3837 Cell
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment