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"Sanctuary" |
When Paul and Elle McNear stepped into the 'garden of giving' with the Victim Service Center, they decided that the first contribution they could make would be art: specifically, note cards that featured an original painting by Paul McNear. The couple reinforces that "Note cards are a way of expressing gratitude - they uplift, strengthen bonds, and offer support."
Paul, a gifted Winter Park artist and sculptor, was committed to bring his wife's passion for flowers to paper. She named the work, "Sanctuary," wanting to reflect thoughts and feelings of peacefulness, safety, and a sense of inner renewal.
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Local Winter Park Artist & Sculptor, Paul McNear, creates and donates original painting, "Sanctuary," to the Victim Service Center |
Thanks to both Paul and Elle for this wonderful concept and for giving us the opportunity to use "Sanctuary" as 'notes of gratitude.' And thanks to Paul for donating his original "Sanctuary" painting to the Victim Service Center - please consider this a 'note of gratitude'.
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Stay tuned, in December we will relay how you can order these beautiful note cards and at the same time support the services provided to victims of crime and survivors of sexual assault through your Victim Service Center.
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Donated Ad on
Rydes Pedicab
Downtown Orlando
We would like to thank Mr. Luke McHenry for the generous donation of free advertising space on one of his Pedicabs. Mr. McHenry is the owner of Rydes Pedicab Company and is a true friend of the Victim Service Center. He recognizes the need for information to citizens and patrons of the Orlando downtown area where he has been operating Rydes Pedicab Company for over a year now. Mr. McHenry is a life long Orlando resident and has strong ties to our community. He believes investing in the safety of Orlando's citizens and patrons is not only good business but good citizenship as well. For more information on Rydes Pedicab Company you can contact him at 813-841-8067 or at luke_mchenry@yahoo.com.
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And if you are interested in offering advertising / marketing services to help us get the word out about our crime-victim and sexual assault-survivor services, please contact us at 407.644.2577.
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University of Central Florida Recognizes
the Victim Service Center
at its 'Light Up the Night' Event
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Gina Costa, Executive Director of Victim Service Center, receiving recognition certificate from University of Central Florida's Victim Services Director, Christine Mouton. |
Certificate reads:
Certificate of Appreciation
awarded to
Victim Service Center of Orange County Inc.
Sexual Assault Treatment Center
In recognition of your outstanding partnership with UCF Victim Services
October 3, 2011
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And thanks to UCF for all they do to assist victims of crime - it is indeed a partnership to meet the needs of the clients we serve.
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Victim Service Center
was honored to participate in
UCF's 'Light Up The Night' on October 3rd
'Light Up the Night' is a memorial ceremony held each year
for victims and survivors of violence in our UCF community.
This is a community event remembering those that have fallen, honoring those who have survived, and helping those who will never have to face this fight alone.
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 | | Sarah and Taryn of the Victim Service Center at UCF's Light Up The Night event |
Note to Veterans: If you are a victim of a crime or of sexual assault, please contact the Victim Service Center for assistance. Our Advocates are here to assist you - call 407.644.2577.
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And if you would like the Victim Service Center to be involved in one of your community outreach events or if have a suggestion for us to collaborate with others in our outreach activities, please ask to speak with Zeva Edmondson, Program Director (407.644.2577). |
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The Victim Service Center
A Member of the Victim Services Coalition of Central Florida
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Members of the Victim Service Coalition of Central Florida meeting at the Victim Service Center
Left to Right: Laura Martinez, Ginny Klaus, Antonia Tsutsumi, Holly Smith, Zeva Edmondson, and Patrick VanDyke
Seated Left to Right: Leslie Delgado, and Terrie Colon |
The Victim Service Center is part of the Victim Services Coalition of Central Florida - they coordinate the annual Crime Victim's Rights Week Breakfast each year. We sometimes host the meetings at our facility and, currently, Antonia Tsutsumi, one of our Victim Advocates, is the organization's Secretary.
The mission of the Victim Services Coalition of Central Florida is to promote victims' rights through public education, networking and the cultivation of community awareness events and activities. One of the ways this is accomplished is by providing a forum for public and private communities to work together for the development and implementation of effective programs in education, prevention, and intervention.
The Victim Service Center is proud to be part of the efforts of the Victim Services Coalition of Central Florida. |
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November 7th - 11th
Forensic Nursing Week
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This year, we will celebrate the specialty of Forensic Nursing during the week of November 7th thru the 11th.
What is a Forensic Nurse?
Forensic nurses are registered nurses with additional education and training in injury identification, evaluating the nature and scope of injuries, documenting patterned wounds, and collecting biological evidence to properly maintain the chain of custody.
In cases where collecting evidence is crucial in determining the cause and nature of a crime that results in injury, forensic nurses are the first responders once the victim enters the healthcare system as a patient. They provide compassionate nursing care while prioritizing the collection and preservation of evidence.
They are skillful in collaborating with law enforcement and the states attorney office and providing expert testimony in court.
During the second week of November, those of us working in the specialty will be wearing lilac - the color of Forensic Nursing.
Article by: Judy Bednar, Victim Service Center
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Coordinator
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If you or someone you know is interested in Forensic Nursing, call us at 407.644.2577
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If you would like to know more about our services, please call the Victim Service Center at 407.644.2577 and speak with one of our Advocates or contact us if you need a speaker to talk about this topic or any of our services provided through the Victim Service Center. To learn more or to request a presentation by the Victim Service Center, please contact our Program Director, Zeva Edmondson at Zeva.Edmondson@ocfl.net or 407.644.2577. |
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Welcoming a few of our Volunteers
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Norma Wilkinson
VSC Volunteer |
Norma Wilkinson joins the Victim Service Center as a volunteer, assisting where she can with office duties.
Here are a few of Norma's thoughts:
"I like that staff coordinates a variety of outreach services to specific populations in need of VSC information - there's a focus and its important."
"I was a victim of a home invasion/robbery and I didn't have an Advocate then but I certainly see the value of why these services need to be offered; I wish I had a Victim Advocate to help me during my experience."
"I am surprised at how many cases and the variety of cases there are: sexual assault, domestic abuse, robberies and so on."
"Volunteering here, you certainly get the idea of why it is important to have these services available to our fellow citizens."
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Diana Oakley joins the Victim Service Center as a volunteer.
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Diana Oakley
VSC Volunteer |
Diana is the author of Intended Harm (by Jurney Eve, a pseudonym). In her book, Jurney tells about how she was abducted (at age 17), how she escaped, how she coped with it, and how this tragic event (taking place on April 28, 1991) has changed her forever.
Diana says, "I felt I needed to share my story. Intended Harm is not about my abductor and rapist. It is about me and my journey toward healing. My hope is to reach out to other sexual assault victims and let them know they are not alone. I want them to know there is power in their voice."
Intended Harm, published in 2010, can be purchased online through Xlibirs.com, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, or you can order it at your local book store.
You can also check out Diana's website at: www.intendedharm.com
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If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Victim Service Center (407.644.2577) and talk with Zeva Edmondson about what you would like to do - we just might have a place to do just what your looking for. |
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Board Member Appreciation
Art Eld
"Thank you, Art!"
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Lt. Arthur E. Eld, III
Orlando Police Department
Board of Directors
2009-2011
Outstanding Service
to the
Victim Service Center |
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A
'GET TO KNOW US'
Informational Briefing
Next Briefing Schedule:
Wednesday, November 30th
10 - 11AM
Meeting Location:
Victim Service Center Conference Room
1801 Lee Road, Suite 165
Winter Park, Florida 32789
Are you interested in learning more about the Victim Service Center and the Sexual Assault Treatment Center and the services provided to victims of crime and sexual assault?
Are you interested in learning more about how you or your organization might be able to assist the Victim Service Center?
Come meet with us for this one-hour, monthly scheduled meeting and learn more from our representative team of staff, volunteers, Board Members,and other community stakeholders.
Please RSVP by calling: 407.644.2577 |
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Wish List Items
Assortment of Snacks and Beverages to provide to clients when at our Sexual Assault Treatment Center and Victim Service Center
- Sports Drinks
- Sodas
- Peanut Butter & Cracker Wafers
- Cheese & Cracker Wafers
Hygiene Packages
- Comb or brush
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Dental Floss
- Mouthwash
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Soap
- Razor
- Deodorant
- Gum/Mints
- Cotton Swabs
- Tampons
- Feminine Pads
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Current Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Coordinator / Event Planning
- Are you a Volunteer Coordinator or Event Planner? Come help us plan and coordinate events and help us develop and manage our volunteer program.
Development / Fundraising
- Do you have a fundraising background? Have you helped with an annual giving campaign, capital campaigns, planned giving? Come on...we've got a place for you to help us in these areas.
'Walk in My Shoes' Planning Group Member
- Help us plan for the upcoming sexual assault awareness walk event(s) (scheduled for February 4th - a Saturday). We need help in all areas and would enjoy having you be part of this 'Walk in My Shoes' Planning Group.
Marketing / Administration / IT
- Help the Victim Service Center with its website page content development, list management and maintenance, monthly newsletter, file management, and more...
Host an Event / Fundraiser
- In the community or at your business to raise awareness and resources for the Victim Service Center - contact us to discuss what you would like to do.
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Mark Your Calendar
Every Monday
5:30PM - 6:30PM
Support Group for
Sexual Assault Survivors
The Victim Service Center of Orange County conducts a Support Group for Sexual Assault Survivors. The group meets every Monday at the Victim Service Center, located at 1801 Lee Road, Suite #165, Winter Park, Florida 32789.
The group will be facilitated by our Advocates and will meet from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
If interested in attending please contact us at: 407-644-2577.
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Mark your calendar for...
December 5th, (5:30 - 6:30PM)
Rachel Towery, Sexual Assault Survivor - Come hear her speak - "A Survivor's Story."
A question/answer session will follow. Call to let us know you will be coming.
Light refreshments will be served. |
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Another Mark Your Calendar Item
F. Y. I.
Coming to Orlando in February
3rd Annual
2012 Walk in My Shoes
Orlando leg of walk set for
Saturday, February 4th
(a walk to raise awareness about sexual abuse, advocate for abuse prevention and help survivors find their voice)
Event Activities
and
Start and Finish Lines and Times
To Be Determined
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You are invited to help us plan for this important sexual assault awareness event.
If you are interested in helping us plan for this event we would enjoy having you participate with us.
Contact Jody Swain - 407.644.2577 |
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Receive our Newsletter
Click the above button and follow the prompts to join or update your mailing list information to Victim Service Center. |
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Central Florida
Community Foundation
(DonorEdge Portrait) | |
Learn more about the Victim Service Center - visit our DonorEdge portrait, established by the Community Foundation of Central Florida - helping donors validate the organizations they support.
To search the Central Florida Community Foundation's knowledge base or share it with others, visit (click button):
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Donate Now
A value-added transparency option:
You may use your credit card to donate now.
You have the option to donate now by clicking on the button-link below.
This takes you to our portrait in the Community Foundation of Central Florida's knowledge base where you can safely and securely use your credit card to donate now.
Your donation will be processed through the Foundation and then directed to us.
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Investing in the Victim Service Center
Remember the Victim Service Center when creating your legacy, or as part of your ongoing planned giving efforts.
Feel free to contact your attorney or financial planner to discuss how the Victim Service Center can be incorporated into you will, trust(s), or other facets of your financial and estate plan.
Contact Jody Swain, Development Director, at Jody.Swain@ocfl.net or 407.644.3831 to discuss how you might want to donate to the Victim Service Center. |
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Victim Service Center
Contact Information
Hours: Monday - Friday(8AM-5PM)
Office: 407.644.2577
1801 Lee Road, Suite 165
Winter Park, Florida 32789
24-Hour Sexual Assault Hotline: 407.497.6701
Toll Free: 1.866.757.2046
www.VictimServiceCenter.com
To learn more or request a presentation about our services or want to talk to us about developing a topic to present to your group, please call us to discuss.
407.644.2577
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Are you a victim of a crime and want to offer your insights, encourage others through the lessons you have learned?
Come talk to us about a potential volunteer fit in supporting others and educating the community through a number of different opportunities.
Call us to set up a meeting to discuss.
407.644.2577 |
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