Employee of the Quarter
This month, VSS is shining a spotlight on one of its best and brightest, as Employee of the Quarter! Leslie McPherson, Programs Administrator at VSS, has been selected by her colleagues for her outstanding commitment to victims of crime and their loved ones in our region. Over the past 9 years, her contributions to the field have been immeasurable, helping VSS live up to its…
Read MoreTurning the Page: How Grief and VSS Changed my Life
The salty waters of Bellingham Bay in Western Washington glinted like diamonds in the sunlight as I stood in a circle with roughly 20 strangers. Some of us had tears in our eyes. Some of us didn’t. But we each held a rock with the name of a murdered loved one written on it. It was September 25th, and though we were strangers, we had…
Read MorePet of the Quarter
Written by: Melissa Isenhart, Victim Services CoordinatorWhatcom, Skagit & Island County; Court Facility Dog – All Regions Allegra is a fitting name, as Alegre in Spanish means “happy.” Allegra is a happy go lucky dog who has many joys in life. She loves getting belly rubs, playing outside, chasing critters, chewing on bones, going swimming in any water she can find, chasing her Frisbee, playing…
Read MoreEmployee of the Quarter
VSS is proud to announce that Kaili Brown, Victim Services Coordinator for King County, has been voted in by her peers as Employee of the Quarter for October 1 – December 31, 2021! Kaili has been at Victim Support Services since October of 2020, dedicating her time serving victims of crime by providing crisis intervention, courtroom support, help applying for Crime Victim Compensation benefits, resources,…
Read MoreBefore You Ring in the New Year…
2021 proved to be a trying time for VSS and victim services across the country. However, we here at VSS believe that there is still some time left to try and put a positive spin on a year that challenged us all. We can’t do what we do without your support. Thank you to everyone who has rallied behind us and never gave up hope.…
Read MoreGrief During the Holidays
Written By: MaryKate Lesar, Information and Referral Specialist “Life tossed us up into the air, scattered us, and we all somehow found our way back. And we will do it again. And again.” Alexandra Bracken As the holidays are upon us, it is hard to ignore the “togetherness” that this season represents. The holidays mark the end of a long year, which is oftentimes celebrated…
Read MoreHappy Holidays from VSS!
From the Desk of the Executive Director, Dr. Michaela Weber Dear Friends, As we approach the end of another year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect, share some thoughts, and most importantly, to say THANK YOU to our amazing VSS village of supporters for making it possible for us to carry out the mission of supporting crime victims and their loved ones through…
Read MoreNovember 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Written By: Melissa Isenhart, Victim Services Coordinator, K-9 Unit November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Although great strides have been made to address and prevent violence against women, the reality of violence against women is still very real and prevalent. Women and girls of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities and socioeconomic status are affected. Sadly, one in three women…
Read MoreUpdate to VSS Programs and Services Due to Drastic Budget Cuts
Huge funding cuts have affected victim services agencies across the country that support crime survivors and victims, and Victim Support Services (VSS) is no exception. The funding cut is due to a dwindling balance in the national Crime Victims Fund (CVF), which was established in 1984 as part of the Victims of Crime Act, commonly known as VOCA. Between 2017 and today, the amount of…
Read More