Victim Assistance Program

Community Open House
2019-04-11 16:00 - 18:00 UTC | Victim Assistance Program, 137 South Main St., Suite 300, Akron, OH, 44308, United States
Please join us at our new location as we celebrate the progress made by those before us & look to a future of crime victim services that is even more inclusive, accessible, and trauma-informed.

New Building Tours
Dedication of the Dr. Bob Denton Training Facility
Presentation of the Rev. Dr. Robert Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award
Light Refreshments

*Program will begin at 5 pm
Recommended Parking:

Summit County Parking Deck 200 S High St. Akron, OH 44308
CitiCenter Parking Deck 132 S High St. Akron, OH 44308

K.N.A.F.F. Picnic
2019-08-02 11:00 - 14:00 UTC | FOP Lodge #7, 2610 Ley Drive, Akron, OH, 44319, United States
Join us for the 2019 K.N.A.F.F. (Kids Need a Firm Foundation) Picnic! Children ages 17 and under, accompanied by an adult, are invited to come spend a fun, free afternoon with law enforcement that includes games, fishing, exciting prizes, great food, and more!
Hosted by:
Victim Assistance Program, Akron Police Department & Fraternal Order of Police, Akron Lodge 7

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Change 4 Change Fundraiser
2019-10-30 16:30 - 19:00 UTC | Angie’s Italian Restaurant, 343 4th Street NW, Barberton, OH, 44203, United States

Your Life is Your Mission: Finding Hope and Healing Beyond a Crisis
2020-06-09 08:00 - 08:45 UTC
Join Heart to Heart Communications virtually on June 9, 2020 for their Quarterly Connections Breakfast to hear our President & CEO, Leanne Graham, discuss Your Life is Your Mission: Finding Hope and Healing Beyond a Crisis.
Leanne Graham, MA has been involved in victim advocacy since 2002, starting her career as a crisis responder serving children who witnessed violence. She continued to serve victims in various direct service, administrative and managerial roles. Since 2013 Leanne has served as the President and CEO of Victim Assistance Program, a non-profit agency providing 24/7/365 on-scene response to crime scenes and traumatic incidents. She is a certified International Crisis Response Team trainer with the NOVA, a National Credentialed Advocate with Advanced Standing and serves as the Chair of the Summit County Emergency Management Agency’s Behavioral Health Committee. She is an active member of the National, Ohio and, Summit County Crisis Response Teams. She is also a volunteer with two local CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams).

When
Tuesday, June 9, 2020 from 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM EDT
Registration closes on June 7, 2020
Cost $10

Where
This is an online event. Information on how to join the event will be emailed to you upon registration.

Register Today

Cell Phone Donation Drive
2021-01-01 - 2021-12-31
Do you have old cell phones taking up space in the junk drawer? You’re in luck! We are collecting old, broken, or damaged wireless devices. All of the items are professionally wiped or recycled and all proceeds will support victims of crime and trauma. Drop off your devices at our collection boxes at our 5 locations or coordinate bulk drop-off by calling 330.376.7022 ext. 212!

Giordano's Dine to Donate
2021-07-27 | Giordano’s Pizza, 4370 Belden Village Street NW, Canton, OH, 44718, United States
Do you love pizza and giving back to your community? If you visit Giordano’s in Belden Village on July 27, 2021 and present this flyer to your waiter, you can support Victim Assistance Program, while enjoying your meal! 15% of all meal proceeds will help Victim Assistance Program support victims of crime and trauma in Summit County.
Download and present the below flyer to help support VAP!
Download the 2021 VAP Dine to Donate Flyer

#GivingTuesday
2021-11-30
We will be participating in the annual online campaign #Giving Tuesday! On Tuesday, November 30, 2021, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate and encourage giving.

We’ll be having a fundraiser throughout the day to celebrate the cause. #GivingTuesday is a great way for people to engage the community and become part of a larger, worldwide movement that promotes generosity, while also benefiting organizations like Victim Assistance Program, and others through the world.

Stay tuned!

Angel Tree Ceremony
2021-12-06 17:30 - 19:30 UTC | Akron Public Library, 60 South High Street, Akron, OH, 44308, United States
Victim Assistance Program’s Annual Angel Tree Ceremony will be held on Monday, December 6, 2021 at 5:00 PM. Join us as community members, friends, and family members of homicide victims come together to honor the memory of over 1,000 victims lost in Summit County due to violence over the last 25 years.
The event will also be live streamed on Victim Assistance Program’s Facebook page – facebook.com/victimassistanceprogram – and a recording of the program will be available on the agency’s YouTube channel and website. If you are joining us virtually, you can follow along with the event by visiting victimassistanceprogram.org/angel-tree and downloading the event program, which will be posted on December 6, 2021.
Prior to the event, family members and friends are encouraged to contribute a photo of their loved one for the memorial video and Wall of Remembrance by calling Victim Assistance Program at 330.376.7022 ext. 218 or emailing their photo with their loved one’s information to outreach@victimassistanceprogram.org.
The Angel Trees and the Wall of Remembrance will be displayed at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 South High Street in Akron, throughout the month of December. Family members and friends are encouraged to visit the display to view their loved ones’ angel ornaments, which will be placed on the trees with care, by Victim Assistance Program advocates.

SVAA's The Essentials of Victim Advocacy
2022-01-04 - 2022-01-07 | Denton Training Room, 137 South Main St. Suite 300, Akron, OH, 44308, United States
The Essentials of Victim Advocacy (January 4 – 7, 2022, 8:00AM – 6:00PM EST)
Location
Denton Training Facility
137 S. Main Street, Suite 301
Akron, Ohio 44308
The Essentials of Victim Advocacy is the only nationally approved comprehensive online and in-person training of its kind offered in the state of Ohio, for assisting individuals in becoming a comprehensive National Credentialed Advocate.
Participants who complete the 44-hour hybrid learning course will become equipped to use National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) crisis intervention model to assist individuals impacted by victimization or traumatic events. In addition, participants will increase their knowledge about the judicial system, victims’ rights as well as resources available for both victims and the advocate providing the service.
This hybrid learning course requires both in-person and online participation and is offered six times per year: January | March (Virtual) | June | August | September | October (Virtual)
COURSE DETAILS
– Cost: $425
– 5-day, 40-hour, hybrid learning model
– SVAA expert training team
– Small group practice sessions
– Individual coaching and feedback
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The Essentials is open to all those in the helping profession who may have the need to assist someone who has experienced trauma. Law enforcement, social workers, counselors, attorneys, medical personnel, first responders, clergy, students and of course victim advocates should attend. This training is required for all individuals who intern with Victim Assistance Program.
WHAT TOPICS WILL BE COVERED?
History of the Victims’ Rights Movement
Crisis & Trauma: Physiological and Psychological effects
Individualized Crisis Intervention
Children Who Witness Violence
Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Child Abuse, Elder Abuse, Identity Theft, Missing Persons, Stalking
Unexpected Deaths: Homicide, Suicide, DUI, Sudden Death
Crime Scene Response
Judicial System: Court Advocacy and Victims’ Rights
Victim Compensation
VINE-Victim Information and Notification Everyday
Protection Orders
Vicarious Trauma, Burn Out, Self Care

Artisan Coffee VAP Fundraiser
2022-01-19 16:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Artisan Coffee, 662 Canton Rd, Akron, OH, 44312, United States
Artisan Coffee in Ellet is holding a VAP fundraiser! All customers who mention VAP on 1/19/2022 from 4-8pm will have 30% of their purchase donated to support our services!

Mardi Gras Gala
2022-03-05 18:00 - 23:00 UTC
For the last 50 years, donations made to Victim Assistance Program have directly impacted victims of crime and trauma in Summit County. With the increase in violence in our community over the last year, our service utilization has increased exponentially. The strong support of generous donors like you allows us to continue important services such as 24-hour crisis intervention, advocacy, and education to thousands of victims and the professionals who serve our community.
On Saturday, March 5, 2022, guests will once again enjoy our Mardi Gras Gala from the comfort of their home! Join us virtually, as we reminisce about the celebratory times at The Tangier while creating new and lasting memories! Guests can enjoy a charcuterie platter paired with wine, while helping us reach our fundraising goal of $115,000! With your support, our Bourbon Street extravaganza will remain the same lively event as always. Let the good times roll!
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
“Let the good times roll!”

How You Can Help
Click here to learn about all the ways you can support Victim Assistance Program’s Mardi Gras Gala!

Bernard I. Rosen Community Service Award
Summit County Executive, Ilene Shapiro
This year, we are honoring Summit County Executive, Ilene Shapiro as our Bernard I. Rosen Award recipient. She exemplifies all that Bernie stood for and all that VAP strives to uphold in our work. We hope you will join us in gathering for an evening of celebration and reflection, and to recognize and honor one of our most dedicated community members.

SVAA's The Essentials of Victim Advocacy
2022-03-14 - 2022-03-18
The Essentials of Victim Advocacy
March 14 – 18, 2022
8:00AM – 4:00PM EST
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM
The Essentials of Victim Advocacy is the only nationally approved comprehensive online and in-person training of its kind offered in the state of Ohio, for assisting individuals in becoming a comprehensive National Credentialed Advocate.
Participants who complete the 44-hour hybrid learning course will become equipped to use National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) crisis intervention model to assist individuals impacted by victimization or traumatic events. In addition, participants will increase their knowledge about the judicial system, victims’ rights as well as resources available for both victims and the advocate providing the service.
This hybrid learning course requires both in-person and online participation and is offered six times per year: January | March (Virtual) | June | August | September | October (Virtual)
COURSE DETAILS
– Cost: $425
– 5-day, 40-hour, hybrid learning model
– SVAA expert training team
– Small group practice sessions
– Individual coaching and feedback
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The Essentials is open to all those in the helping profession who may have the need to assist someone who has experienced trauma. Law enforcement, social workers, counselors, attorneys, medical personnel, first responders, clergy, students and of course victim advocates should attend. This training is required for all individuals who intern with Victim Assistance Program.
WHAT TOPICS WILL BE COVERED?
History of the Victims’ Rights Movement
Crisis & Trauma: Physiological and Psychological effects
Individualized Crisis Intervention
Children Who Witness Violence
Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Child Abuse, Elder Abuse, Identity Theft, Missing Persons, Stalking
Unexpected Deaths: Homicide, Suicide, DUI, Sudden Death
Crime Scene Response
Judicial System: Court Advocacy and Victims’ Rights
Victim Compensation
VINE-Victim Information and Notification Everyday
Protection Orders
Vicarious Trauma, Burn Out, Self Care

Outreach Dinner: Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Resource Center
2022-03-23 06:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Resource Center, 258 W MARKET STREET, AKRON, OH, 44303, United States
LGBTQ+ Outreach Dinner
Sponsored by Victim Assistance Program
at the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Center of
Akron Aids Collaborative

Change for Change
2022-04-22 16:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Block 7 Bar & Grill, 524 West Tuscarawas Ave, Barberton, OH, 44203, United States
Join Victim Assistance Program as Mayor William B. Judge sponsors with proceeds benefiting VAP to help provide 24-hour Crisis Intervention and Advocacy Services to victims of trauma and crime.

National Crime Victims' Rights Week
2022-04-24 - 2022-04-30
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
April 24 – 30, 2022
For the past four decades, victim services across the country have witnessed the creation of victim rights legislation. For every new piece of legislation, there is hope that one day the laws of our criminal justice system will provide balanced, equal rights to victims and defendants alike.
Every year in April, the Office of Victims of Crime helps lead communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW). The weeklong initiative promotes victims’ rights and honors crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.
Rev. Dr. Robert Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award
The Rev. Dr. Robert Denton Outstanding Service award is given to an individual or a group of individuals who assist victims in the criminal justice, legislative, medical, mental health or social work arenas. 2014 was the first year we honored Dr. Denton by naming our annual HERO award in his honor.
The 2018 Recipient is Pamela Hinton, retired Vice Principal out of Barberton, Ohio and an avid supporter of victims’ right. Ms. Hinton was the victim of a violent attack at the hands of students after attempting to break up a fight. Victim Assistance Program is pleased and honored to award Pamela Hinton with the Rev. Dr. Denton Outstanding Service Award.
Past Recipients
The 2014 Rev. Dr. Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award was presented to Captain Sylvia Trundle, Akron Police Department.
The 2015 Rev. Dr. Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award was presented to Dana Zedak, Director of Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties.
The 2016 Rev. Dr. Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award was presented to Judge Carol Dezso, Summit County Domestic Relations Court.
The 2017 Rev. Dr. Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award was presented to Emilia Sykes, Ohio State Representative.
The 2018 Rev. Dr. Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award was presented to Pamela Hinton, retired Barberton Vice-Principal.
The 2019 Rev. Dr. Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award was presented to Chief Fred Jackson, Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department.
The 2020 Rev. Dr. Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award was presented to Terri Heckman, President & CEO of Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center.
The 2021 Rev. Dr. Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award was presented to Judge Ron Cable, Akron Municipal Court.

Minority Health Fair
2022-04-27 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Metro Transit Center, 631 South Broadway Street, Akron, OH, United States
Summit County Public Health’s Office of Minority Health is hosting a tabling event for Minority Health Month.
MINORITY HEALTH MONTH – APRIL
In 1989, the Ohio Commission on Minority Health developed the concept of a high-visibility campaign designed to focus on heath awareness and disease prevention. This 30-day campaign consists of numerous activities designed to bring participation of minorities or providers of health services to minority populations. In 2000, Minority Health Month became a national celebration.

Dream's Academy Presents Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick
2022-04-29 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | City of Joy, 610 W Exchange Street, Akron, OH, 44302, United States
Former mayor of Detroit, @therealkwamekilpatrick , is coming to Akron to share his epic story of rising to the top, losing everything, incarceration, and being given another chance to do things right!
Keep your eyes and ears open for details coming soon!

AMHA Jobs Plus - Meet the Partner Cookout
2022-05-11 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)

GASP - Summit Mall - National Missing Childs Day
2022-05-21 11:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Summit Mall, 3265 West Market Street, Fairlawn, Ohio, 44333
NATIONAL MISSING CHILDREN’S DAY 2022

Saturday, May 21, 2022
Summit Mall
3265 W. Market St.
Akron, OH 44333

Free & Open to the public
Free “take home” ID kits
DNA Kits
Child safety Information
Free Gift bags from local agencies!

For More Information Call 330.247.1402

ASIA Inc. International Community event
2022-06-10 - 2022-06-11

CANAPI - Community Connections Carnival
2022-06-10

Juneteenth Community Talk Back: Empowering a Community
2022-06-18 10:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
The Society will host its annual Juneteenth Community Talk Back with a theme of Empowering a Community Through the Principles of Kwanzaa.

About this event

Join us at the John Brown House for a morning panel discussion, soul food cooking demonstration, a special exhibition and an open house.
GinaKaye Maddox, John Brown Institute Task Force chair, will moderate the panel discussion. Community Talk Back programming was founded at the Society by Reva Golden, Education and Community Outreach Coordinator.

Torchbearers 2022 Community Volunteer Fair
2022-07-01 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Kenmore’s Alliance First Friday

Shelter Care's 8th Anniversary of S.O.S. Drop-In Center
2022-07-13 15:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Street Outreach Services, 39 West Cuyahoga Falls Ave, Akron, Ohio, 44310

Community Action Customized Training (Private Event)
2022-07-15 09:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
VAP will be providing Outreach and Custom Training with our friends and professional partners at Community Action Akron Summit.

Howe Meadow Countryside Food and Farm - Farmers Market
2022-07-16 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Join us to support your favorite vendors and meet all the new folks!
We have an amazing line up of local farms, food producers, artists, and makers this season! Over 65 northeast Ohio businesses, live music every week, cooking demos and tastings of what’s in season, and activities for all ages!
Howe Meadow is located in the scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park at 4040 Riverview Rd, and it’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday!
For your convenience, you can preorder and arrive anytime to pick up your order at each of your favorite vendor booths, and never miss out on your seasonal produce

Family Black Pride: Stone Soul Picnic
2022-07-16 14:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Chestnut Ridge Park, 1926 19th Street SW, Akron, Ohio, 44314
The Akron AIDS Collaborative presents the Stone Soul Picnic!
This July 16th from 2-6pm at Chestnut Ridge Park all are welcome to come and celebrate Family Black Pride! Visit the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Center (home of the Akron AIDS Collaborative) for more info!
https://www.facebook.com/rustinlgbtqcenter

Akron Children’s Hospital Health and Wellness Day
2022-07-23 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill Street, Akron, OH, 44308, United States
Akron Children’s Hospital is hosting a Health and Wellness Day on Saturday, July 23 at the John S. Knight Center. The event includesinteractive activities, health and wellness screenings for children and adolescents, various giveaways including school supplies and personal care items. Health and wellness screenings include: • Asthma Screening • Blood Pressure Screening • Immunizations • Sports Physicals • Well Child Checks (Yearly Physicals) • Vision Screening

Akron African-American Culture Association
2022-07-23 10:00 - 2022-07-24 21:00 (America/New_York) | Lock 3
Celebrating our 40™ ANNUAL AKRON AFRICAN-AMERICAN CULTURE FESTIVAL in the middle of downtown Akron Ohio Lock 3, July 23-24, 2022 is a favorite among artist and visitors alike.
Our well-attended festival fills the main street with fine selection of art, crafts, food, music and other entertainment, Saturday and Sunday. You are invited to a part of this annual special event.
THE YOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL will feature visual artists’ booths where children can participate in creative activities making their own masterpieces.
There will also be performing-based activities including puppet making, storytelling, music, and theater interactive activities. The Youth Expressions Talent Show will be open for ages 5-18. We want to encourage you to be a part of the Youth Arts Festival.
For more information, please write to us at:
AAACA
P O BOx 22213
Akron Ohio 44320
Akronafricanfest.aol.com

Mental Health Matters - Maternal Mental Health SCPH
2022-07-29 11:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Lock 3
Mom Mental Health Day Flier
Come learn About maternal Depression and Family Mental Health Resources. Guest Speaker Ivy Watts will share her mental health story and how to be simply you. Funded by the Ohio Commission on Minority Health and Akron Community Foundation.
