Changes in Island, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties

Each year, as the new grant cycle begins, Victim Support Services (formerly Families & Friends of Violent Crime Victims) faces new challenges and opportunities to serve victims of crime. Since the bulk of our funding for victims of crime comes from the federal government, we are one of many programs across the State of Washington that will endure large cuts to our budget. As we prepare to enter the Federal Grant year 2013-2014 and adapt to the cuts that we have been notified of, we have looked at many opportunities to fine tune and reduce our expenses while making sure that our focus remains on providing victims of crime with quality services.  As a result we have had to make difficult decisions that have resulted in some structural changes.

When our Whatcom County Victim Services Coordinator resigned recently we chose to not fill the vacant position. Instead we chose to restructure the counties our advocates have already been serving.

Jessica Drain has held the position of Victim Services Coordinator in Skagit and Island Counties for the past 3 years. As part of the restructure she will continue to serve victims in Skagit County and will now cover Whatcom County to continue bringing quality services for victims of crime in that area.

Catherine Hix, who has served victims in Snohomish County as the Victim Services Coordinator for the past 3 years, will now begin serving victims in Island County as well.

Jessica and Catherine are working closely to transition all of the new cases in Island County to Catherine. They are devoted to making sure that the transition goes smoothly to ensure continuity of services.  Here is how you can contact Catherine or Jessica:

Jessica Drain                                                                           Catherine Hix

360.756.1780 (office)                                                        425.252.6081 (office)

360.421.1094  (cell)                                                            425.343.8052 (cell)

jessica@victimsupportservices.org                             Catherine@victimsupportservices.org

24 hour hotline: 1.800.346.7555

Thank you for your ongoing support.  Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.