I cannot fully express how much VSS went above and beyond to create a safe space for us to express ourselves, process our grief, and nurture our growth through the trauma of our losses. As an event coordinator myself, I recognize the incredible amount of thought, preparation, hard work, and genuine care that went into creating this retreat.

I'm a mom who has lost their child by gun violence and can feel free to talk about the events of losing them freely. Other places if you talk about the violence, people give you a look and it’s uncomfortable.

“VSS is there when the unthinkable happens.  When a police officer knocks on your door and gives you tragic news, VSS helps navigate the court system, which can be very confusing. VSS is compassion, caring, and commitment. Commitment to once justice is done that victims and their families can move forward with their lives.”

"With the help of VSS, you are empowered and encouraged to fight back and be pro-active. Then your conscience can be more at peace because you know you have taken some action to protest crimes inflicted on your loved one. It is sometimes your only consolation."

“The one takeaway for me in working with VSS is that it is a necessary organization. I know they are funded by grants and fundraisers but it’s something we need to make sure as a community that they have the funding needed because what they do for people in need doesn’t happen anywhere else. This is the only place that this happens and VSS helps with so many things.”

Very powerful meditation prompt. I wasn't expecting to be so emotional 2 mins into the practice. I needed that thank you so much. The book, key and flashlight are such wonderful gifts! Thank you all so much for making a safe space and allowing me to join. I'm glad I could make it. I really needed that.

I truly do not know where I would be without VSS. Thank you for seeing us, supporting us, and creating a space where healing feels possible.

“VSS is there for people in their darkest hour. At a time when they need an advocate and friend, VSS steps in to fill that gap and help them begin their journey back to some sense of normalcy.” 

“VSS has been our partner in recovery and healing and a key part in what makes Mukilteo Strong. VSS has been a trusted advocate for the victims that have suffered so much in the community.  I’m so grateful to VSS as our partner in strength.”

This experience gave me healing coping mechanisms and equipped me with tools I can continue using throughout my healing journey. It also encouraged me to reconnect with the things I loved before my partner was murdered, the hobbies and passions I have been desperately trying to find my way back to since his death.

“This thing about closure. There is never really closure in a victim’s life but VSS helps individuals to get closer to that and that’s critical because the cops and the judicial system just move on to another case because they don’t have time. Victims live with this trauma forever so VSS is with them for as long as they need the services. VSS takes the time, more importantly, they really care."

I am forever grateful to Leslie, Amelia, and everyone at VSS for making this retreat possible. I cannot praise the work you do enough. Please continue offering these retreats. There are so many people who experience unimaginable loss without a support system and are left to advocate for themselves while navigating the most traumatic moments of their lives.

I drive all the way up to these events to experience this feeling, never disappoints.