Originally published on April 19, 2018
For immediate release:
VIP expanding SA/DV services to include Pike County residents
HARRISBURG—The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape has awarded a subcontract to the Victims’ Intervention Program (VIP) to expand its services to include Pike County effective July 1, 2018.
PCAR initiated a competitive application process for the Act 44/Title XX provision of services in Pike County in early 2018. An evaluation of applications was conducted by PCAR’s Independent Review Committee which was comprised of five individuals representing diverse interests, cultures and backgrounds.
VIP’s proposal stood out from the other applicants.
“The Victims’ Intervention Program, under the current leadership of Michele Minor Wolf, has provided outstanding service to Wayne County residents for more than 30 years,” PCAR Chief Operating Officer Joyce Lukima said. “VIP’s high-standards for victim services, efficient fiscal management of resources and capacity to expand their community footprint to Pike County left a strong impression on the review committee.”
VIP will extend the following services to Pike County:
- 24-hour crisis hotline
- Accompaniment to medical facilities, police investigations and court proceedings
- Crisis counseling
- Individual advocacy
- Information and referral
- Systems advocacy
- Prevention education
- Professional training
The center is well versed in addressing the needs of a rural community.
“While we are located in the county seat of Wayne County, we are very aware of the barriers to accessing services in rural areas,” Wolf said. “Over the years, we have developed many programs and projects to reduce those barriers to accessing services. Many of our services are now provided in the community, rather than our offices. If folks can’t get to us, we go to them.”
About PCAR:
PCAR works to end sexual violence and advocates for the rights and needs of sexual assault victims. We partner with a network of 50 rape crisis centers to bring help, hope, and healing to people in all of the Commonwealth’s 67 counties. Last year, rape crisis centers provided services to approximately 30,000 victims. Each year, rape crisis centers teach over 300,000 Pennsylvanians how to stop sexual violence in their communities. Over 50,000 professionals are trained by rape crisis centers to enhance the Commonwealth’s systemic responses to victims.
About VIP:
The Mission of Victims' Intervention Program is "Educate~Empower~Envision". VIP works to educate the community on the issues of domestic and sexual violence, we empower victims and survivors to make the best choices for their individual situations and we invite the community to envision a world free from violence.
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