CRIME SURVIVORS
PROGRAMS

This program is designed to support victims of crime with new career choices, or further education. It includes job, trade or career choices. It provides clothing, transportation, computer and technology, books and supplies, and support for future success as career leaders and survivors in our communities.

LET’S MEET OFFICER / DEPUTY

These series of books break down many of the questions or fears that children may have towards law enforcement or first responders. They create a fun, educational way for kids to understand the process of investigating crimes and how they can help law enforcement do their jobs.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN COURT

“What’s Happening in the Court” books assist children in understanding the criminal justice system in a fun and informative way and help to take the fear and questions away from the process.

SELF-DEFENSE AND SAFETY CLASS

Chairperson: Patricia Wenskunas
Co Chair: TBD

This committee will account for all financial transactions that take place by the organization, assists with bookkeeping and overseeing the financial viability of programs, events, and services. If you would like to join this committee, please contact us.

One of the most essential services we can provide crime victims and survivors is the ability to represent themselves or loves ones in court or during parole hearings. Crime Survivors assists victims and survivors in paying for travel and legal assistance for these instances.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Crime Survivors hosts monthly support groups for the sole purpose of bringing fellow survivors together to share their stories of moving forward and ensure a sense of community in that none of us are alone in our struggles. These support groups also provide opportunities for victims and survivors to connect with other resources they may need to thrive in the days ahead.

PARENT’S NIGHTS

Provided for parents as well as anyone who may provide supervision and oversight to children, Parent’s Nights bring together experts from many diverse non-profits to educate and inform participants in how to protect children. Topics include, but are not limited to, sexual abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, internet safety, and violence prevention.

LAW ENFORCEMENT
TRAINING / EDUCATION

Patricia Wenskunas travels throughout California to ensure that law enforcement recruits and trainees understand what victims of crime are thinking and feeling in those crucial minutes when first responders arrive on scene. Patricia’s talk is personal as she knows what it’s like to survive a brutal attack and live through the aftermath. Patricia calls on all first responders to provide care and empathy and additional resources for when victims are left to seek support on their own.

If there’s one thing Patricia can do, it’s talk! Patricia speaks from a heart of experience and faith and no one is left unaffected. Patricia will share not only what it was like to have been in her shoes, but from the experience of survivors who contact her to this day.

ADVOCACY

Similar to the training, education and speaking Patricia provides, she does not shy away from speaking truth to justice. Patricia will advocate for the rights of victims, survivors, and others — even if it means alienating people in high positions. Patricia speaks from her heart and from her own experience as a survivor. She is a staunch advocate, throughout the state, for the needs and resources of crime survivors everywhere.

CASE MANAGEMENT

Part of the Crime Survivors budget yearly is to provide for a case manager who can track and follow up with survivors throughout California. This position will provide guidance, resources and referrals to everyone after victimization. Ultimately, the case manager will provide guidance to advocacy, legal support, self-defense, and mental health services to ensure that every victim or survivor ultimately survives and thrives.

MENTORING: SURVIVORS
GIVE BACK PROGRAM

This new program, launched in 2016, will allow former crime victims that have been supported, helped or assisted in the past, and who have experienced hopeful healing, to volunteer in their local communities. It allows these past victims to mentor new crime victims and help them in their personal journey towards recovery and hopeful healing. It helps the mentor to pay it forward and come full circle with their own healing.