Survival, Inc., north Mississippi’s oldest Homicide Survivors Advocacy Group, invites you and your congregation to support survivors of violent crime during National Crime Victim’s Rights Week; April 21^st through 27^th  2013. Being a victim of crime is frightening and unsettling for the millions of Americans who experience it each year. Because of the dedicated efforts of advocates, law makers, and crime victims, an extensive range of services and resources are available to help victims heal and obtain justice. Since faith-based organizations are the hub of many people’s lives in north Mississippi, we know that your awareness and assistance can make the difference for individuals, families and communities.

Since violent crime is so prevalent, you and your congregation may encounter a victim of crime at anytime. The more familiar you are with Crime Victims’ Rights and the needs of Victims and Survivors, the better prepared you will be to help someone in their time of need.

As a part of National Crime Victims Rights Week, we request that you to devote all or a part of your sermon on Sunday, April 21, 2013 to the issue of victims of violent crime. What can your congregation do to help survivors of violent crime both inside your congregation & in the community as a whole? Please follow these links to view:

• Two sample sermons that tie the issue of crime to the life of the congregation. We know that each congregation is different and is facing unique issues, and we hope that the sample sermons help to guide your thinking to the issues at-hand in your community.
• Survival’s Services Brochure
• Understanding Crime Victims’ Rights Brochure with a schedule of events for Crime Victims Rights’ Week
• Recent News Article in the Daily Journal about Survival and Crime Victims Rights

Please help us to spread the word about Victims Rights on April 21, 2013 and know that Survival, Inc. is dedicated to assisting you and members of your congregation cope with the aftermath of violent crime.

If you will join us on April 21, 2013, please call Mary Katherine Spencer at Survival, Inc. (662) 869-7088 and let us know.

Thank you!

This project is supported by a National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Community Awareness Project sub-grant awarded by the National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators under a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.