March Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Training Coordinator, MaryKate Lesar, for being voted in by her peers as Employee of the Month for March!

MaryKate has been with VSS since February 1, 2021. She works under the special training grant VSS was awarded back in January.  Under this grant, MaryKate coordinates and plans all training series that we host for Crime Victim Service Center partners across Washington State.  Trainings include topics such as vicarious trauma, hate crimes, working with co-victims of homicide, self-care, cultural awareness and more.  Not only does she meet with experts in the field that present these topics, there is a lot of behind the scenes planning and executing of these trainings that most do not see and it takes a lot of work.  Plus, MaryKate makes one amazing moderator!

Here’s what some of her colleagues said about her:

“MaryKate hosted a great first training series and it was a success because of her =)”

Way to go, MaryKate! Thank you for your dedication to Victim Support Services and helping bring more education opportunities to those that provide services to individuals hurt or harmed by crime so clients can receive the most innovative services possible.  We appreciate you!

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Speak with a trained advocate who can provide assistance with needs resulting from victimization.  Call by clicking below! 

Testimonials

"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.”

David Rose

Anchor, Q13 News and Host, Washington’s Most Wanted

“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.”

Jennifer Gregerson

Mayor, City of Mukilteo

“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.”

Jon Nehring

Mayor, City of Marysville

“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.” 

Myrle Carner

Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound

“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."

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