Victim Assistance Program of Summit County

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Akron, OH
Victim Assistance Program of Summit County

VAP provides free crisis intervention, court advocacy, and education to victims of crime & trauma. Reach out today!

We provide free round-the-clock crisis intervention, advocacy, and education to anyone facing trauma or violence.

08/12/2026

Our Crisis Team came together for a team meeting focused on collaboration, communication, and strengthening the support we provide to our community.

These are the dedicated advocates who answer the hotline in the middle of the night, respond on scene, and provide support when individuals and families need it most. We are incredibly grateful for the compassion and commitment our team members bring to this work every single day.

08/07/2026

VAP had such a great time at National Night Out! Our team attended six locations across Summit County and had the opportunity to connect with hundreds of community members while sharing information about the services and support Victim Assistance Program provides. We are grateful for every conversation, connection, and opportunity to engage with our community.

08/06/2026

Thank you to the 'Huntington-Akron Foundation' for supporting Victim Assistance Program's crisis intervention services. Your investment helps ensure that individuals and families impacted by crisis, violence, and tragedy have immediate access to compassionate support when they need it most.

Through this partnership, our advocates can respond to victims during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, providing emotional support, guidance, and a pathway to additional resources and services.

We are grateful to the 'Huntington-Akron Foundation' for helping us provide free, confidential crisis intervention and support to victims across Summit County.

08/04/2026

Join Us for National Night Out!

Tonight is National Night Out, a nationwide community-building event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. It’s all about making our communities safer, more caring places to live!

🕒 Stop by this evening and visit the Victim Assistance Program team at one of these locations:

📍 Ward 2 – Patterson Park Sports Complex | 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
📍 Ward 3 – Summit Lake Community Center | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Ward 4 – Judge James R. Williams Lawton Street Community Center | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Ward 5 – Joy Park Community Center | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Ward 8 – Northwest Family Recreation Center | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
📍 Cuyahoga Falls – The Natatorium

💬 Learn about the free services we offer to support victims of crime
💙 Meet our team and get to know your local resources
🎁 We’ll have giveaways, information, and more!

Together, we can strengthen community connections and show support for safety, awareness, and healing. We’d love to see you there!

07/31/2026

Thank you to Barberton Community Foundation for your generous support of Victim Assistance Program and our mission to provide free advocacy services to individuals in the Barberton community impacted by crisis, violence, and tragedy.

Because of your investment, Barberton residents and those accessing services through Barberton Municipal Court can receive personalized support tailored to their unique needs. Services include safety planning, court accompaniment, needs assessments, education about the legal system, and guidance on victims' rights.

We are grateful for your partnership and commitment to ensuring that survivors have access to the resources, support, and advocacy they need during some of life's most difficult moments.

07/29/2026

Our team recently had a Direct Service Training led by Barbara Gedeon of Journey of Peace End of Life Doulas. This training provided our staff with valuable insights into supporting individuals and families with compassion, empathy, and dignity during one of life's most challenging moments. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from Barbara's expertise and continue strengthening the quality of care and support we provide to our community.

07/22/2026

Join SVAA’s flagship course, The Essentials of Victim Advocacy, and build the foundation you need to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those experiencing crisis or trauma.

Our upcoming August session is almost here! This comprehensive training is an excellent opportunity to strengthen your advocacy skills, learn from experienced instructors, and connect with others dedicated to supporting victims of crime and trauma.

The in-person, 44-hour training, combined with online post-course modules, will take place August 17–21, 2026. Ohio counselors and social workers who successfully complete the course will earn 30 CE hours approved by the Ohio CSWMFTB.

Registration is now open. Reserve your spot and take the next step in your advocacy journey.

Learn more and register: https://victimassistanceprogram.org/our-services/education/the-essentials/

07/20/2026

Every mile makes a difference!

Victim Assistance Program is proud to be part of the Akron Marathon Charity Program. When you support our campaign, you're raising money to help us provide advocacy and support to victims of crime and trauma throughout our community.

Whether you donate, fundraise, or help spread the word, your support helps ensure that victims have someone to turn to when they need it most.

Visit https://shorturl.at/2bvoF to donate to our fundraising page today, or log into your Race Roster profile to create your own fundraiser.

07/17/2026

Calling all Northeast Ohio Journalists!

Victim Assistance Program is proud to partner with the Summit County Trauma Informed Care Coalition, Rachel Dissell of Signal Cleveland, and Susan Zake of Signal Akron to present Covering Trauma: Preparing Yourself, Protecting Your Community, a free half-day workshop focused on trauma-informed reporting, responsible storytelling, and community impact.

Hear from Dissell, Zake, and VAP's Director of Education, Shelley Blundell, as they share insights on covering trauma with care while protecting both yourself and the communities you serve.

July 22, 2026
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Summit County Public Health Auditorium, Akron, Ohio
Free to attend

The workshop will feature a brief presentation on the impact of trauma on communities and on journalists, a panel discussion featuring journalists who use a trauma informed approach to news coverage, audience Q&A, and interactive breakout sessions on different trauma-aware journalism topics.

Register today: https://scph.link/TIJW or by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer.

We hope you'll join us for this important conversation about informing our community with care, compassion, and responsibility.

07/15/2026

VAP had an amazing time at our All-Staff Retreat! Our staff spent the day fostering connections and celebrating the incredible people who make our mission possible. We're so grateful to have a team that shows up for each other every day.

Address

137 South Main Street, Suite 300
Akron, OH
44308

Telephone

+13303760040

Website

http://www.victimassistanceprogram.org/

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