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| Last updated on August 13, 2008 |
Trauma strikes without warning, and whether it comes as a motor vehicle crash, fire, sudden death or countless other kinds of incomprehensible events, the results are devastating.
Families and loved ones are left numb with shock and overwhelmed with grief. Nobody should have to be alone at a time like this. VICTIMS,INC. trauma intervention volunteers make a difference.
VICTIMS, INC. provides immediate service with trained volunteers prepared to be with people during the worst moments of their lives; volunteers who stay until the family's own support system is in place.
The mission of VICTIMS, INC. is to complete the circle of services for victims, from the onset of trauma through healing. All services are free.
Description:
TRAUMA INTERVENTION:
VICTIMS, INC. trains Trauma Intervention Volunteers to be on call 24 hours each day to assist victims and families in Strafford and Rockingham Counties. They respond to pages from police, fire and emergency medical personnel. They meet families at hospitals, at scenes and in their homes. They respond to serious injury and fatal crashes, fires, robberies, missing persons, suicides, drownings and other untimely deaths. They offer comfort, compassion, information and referrals.
VICTIMS, INC. arrives on the scene and frees the first responders to continue the work they were trained to do.
VICTIMS, INC. follows up on every trauma call to insure that all victims receive needed and appropriate services and referrals.
NETWORKING:
VICTIMS, INC. works with law enforcement, courts, schools, fire, emergency medical personnel, media, clergy and other non-profit agencies training volunteers and responding to needs.
FATAL CRASHES:
VICTIMS, INC. contacts and offers service to victims of all fatal crashes in New Hampshire.
FATAL CRASH HEARINGS:
VICTIMS, INC. attends motor vehicle hearings with the surviving family members of people killed in crashes.
COURT ADVOCACY:
VICTIMS, INC. accompanies people through the court process, as they attend hearings, trials, sentencings and other legal proceedings.
VICTIMS COMPENSATION:
VICTIMS, INC. assists victims in filing applications for state funded victim compensation.
LEGISLATION:
VICTIMS, INC. notifies victims of pertinent legislative hearings, and accompanies them to Concord for the session.
GRIEVING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (GAPS):
VICTIMS, INC. sponsors GAP, a support group for people needing to share their grief with others who have suffered similar losses. GAP provides a safe arena for people to openly share feelings of anger, despair, helplessness, sadness, emptiness, pain, guilt,shame, etc. Members include parents who have lost children, widows, widowers, adults who have lost parents, relatives and friends. The death may have been anticipated or sudden.
GRIEVING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS (GAPS):
GAPS is a program for students age 6 through 18 who are grieving the death of a loved one. The death of a caring, loving family member can be devastating to young people. Their world seems upside down and their sense of trust can be shaken. Normal fears and anxieties can be exaggerated. One thing is certain; children and teens who have experienced the death of a parent or sibling, will grieve as much as any adult. How that grief is expressed may be critical to later development.
GAPS is a place for grieving students to come together to share their stories and feelings as part of the healing process. Since children grieve best in a knowledgeable, caring environment, it is important that parents and siblings learn about grieving and how to help young people cope. That is why GAPS encourages family involvement.
The facilitators of GAPS are volunteers who are screened by VICTIMS, INC. and trained to work with children and teens. All sessions are planned carefully, and are age-appropriate. Activities are designed to include writing, drawing, painting, puppets and play activities designed to stimulate discussion about the feelings of loss. GAPS meets twice a month for a 90 minute session.
GAPS also sponsors Camp Purple Parachute, a weekend overnight camp for children and teens, ages 6-18, who are grieving the death of someone significant. This is a difficult time and process for adults and children alike. Camp Purple Parachute provides a safe, comfortable, fun experience, where kids can meet their peers. Camp Purple Parachute offers an atmosphere that will encourage and foster trust in others, as well as build self-reliance. Campers are grouped by age and sex, with experienced volunteer and medical staff on hand at all times. There are times for free play, for group fun, and for activities designed to help grieving kids cope.
VICTIMS' MEMORIAL QUILTS:
VICTIMS, INC. unveils Victim Memorial Quilts each year. Families of crash and homicide victims make squares to honor the memories of their loved ones, to assure they will not be forgotten, and to assist their own healing.
VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK:
VICTIMS, INC. commemorates National Victims' Rights week each year with a coordinated state-wide series of programs.
History:
The Joan Ellis Victim Assistance Network, VICTIMS, INC., was created in memory of Joan Ellis. Joan and her unborn daughter, Julianne, were killed. Her two year old daughter, Jacqueline, was injured in the motor vehicle crash caused by a driver who failed to stop for a red light.
The devastation caused by the death of this vibrant young woman led her husband, Jim Ellis, to create a service for victims that did not already exist. With Patricia A. Rainboth as co-founder and Executive Director, the private, non-profit agency opened its first office in Shoreyville Plaza, East Rochester, on October 1, 1991. The second office was opened at The Castles in Brentwood on October 1, 1997.
In the words of Jim Ellis, "The mission of the Joan Ellis Victim Assistance Network is to provide comfort and emotional support for people suddenly mired in a tragic situation. VICTIMS, INC. can be the bridge to a new and better life.
Contact people:
Office fax number: (603) 335-7777 or (603) 895-3339
Address:
 |
107 Highland Street
E. Rochester, NH 03868
(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.Victimsinc.org
Miscellaneous Information
| Name of Executive Director (or equivalent) if not listed above: |
|
Patricia Rainboth
|
| Type of organization |
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Nonprofit 501(c)3
|
| Is your organization a Health and Human Service agency? |
|
No
|
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