Victim Assistance Program of Summit County

09/11/2026

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost, the heroes who answered the call, and the resilience shown in the aftermath of September 11, 2001.

On this day of remembrance, we honor the victims, survivors, first responders, and all those whose lives were forever changed. Their courage, sacrifice, and strength continue to inspire us and remind us of the importance of compassion, service, and community.

As we reflect on the events of 9/11, we also recognize the lasting impact of trauma and the importance of supporting those who have experienced loss and tragedy. We will never forget.

09/10/2026

We're proud to recognize our Advocate Sponsors, whose commitment to our mission helps strengthen support for victims across Summit County.

We are grateful to the businesses, organizations, and individuals who have chosen to stand with Victim Assistance Program and invest in healing for victims. Your generosity makes a meaningful difference, and we are honored to have you as part of the Gather for Good Friends Breakfast.

Tickets are still on sale: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-gather-for-good-friends-breakfast! We hope you'll join us for this inspiring morning as we celebrate the impact of victim advocacy and the power of community support.

Akron Children's, Better Business Bureau of Akron, Crum & Company, CPA's,DeSalvo, Edward Jones - Paul Frey & Jessie Boling, Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC, , Oriana House & Rigel Recovery Services, Pearce Insurance - Employee Benefits, Roetzel & Andress,

09/08/2026

Today is , a day dedicated to raising awareness about the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline and the importance of accessible mental health support for everyone.

On 9/8, we're taking a moment to remind our community that help is available. Whether you're experiencing a crisis, supporting a loved one, or simply need someone to talk to, reaching out for support is a sign of strength. No concern is too big or too small.

If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 to connect with trained counselors 24/7.

At Victim Assistance Program, we understand that trauma, grief, victimization, and mental health challenges can often intersect. Our team provides free, 24/7 support, advocacy, crisis intervention, and resources for individuals and families impacted by crime and trauma. You don't have to face difficult situations alone.

Because every reason to reach out is a valid one, and every person deserves support.

09/06/2026

In observance of Labor Day, all Victim Assistance Program offices will be closed on Monday, September 7.

While our offices will be closed, support is always available. Our 24/7 Crisis Hotline can be reached at 330-376-0040, and by visiting www.victimassistanceprogram.org.

09/06/2026

A big thank you to our Empowerment Sponsors for supporting our 2026 Gather for Good Friends Breakfast!

We are deeply grateful to Akron Community Foundation, AtNetPlus, Cohen & Co, Summit County Executive's Office Department of Job and Family Services, and Summit County Children Services for their generous support. Their commitment to our mission helps ensure that victims have access to advocacy, support, and resources when they need them most.

Thank you for standing with Victim Assistance Program and helping create pathways from hardship to healing.

There's still time to join us! Tickets are on sale now, and we invite you to be part of this inspiring morning. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-gather-for-good-friends-breakfast

09/03/2026

We are honored to recognize our Catalyst Sponsors, the County of Summit ADM Board, Elliot Kolkovich, Summit County Prosecutor, Huntington Bank, and C. Massouh Printing Services whose generous support is helping make our 2026 Gather for Good Friends Breakfast possible. Their commitment to strengthening our community plays an important role in ensuring victims have access to advocacy, support, and resources when they need them most.

Through their partnership, Victim Assistance Program can continue supporting thousands of individuals and families impacted by crime and trauma annually.

Thank you to our Catalyst sponsors for ensuring no victim has to navigate their journey from hardship to healing alone.

There's still time to join us! Tickets are on sale now, and we invite you to be part of this inspiring morning. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-gather-for-good-friends-breakfast

09/02/2026

At Victim Assistance Program, we are committed to supporting our advocates just as they support our clients. Through Advocate Lab, advocates have dedicated, structured time to strengthen case consultation, enhance case management skills, receive feedback, and engage in collaborative problem-solving with supervisors and colleagues. By investing in our advocates' growth and development, we continue to enhance the quality of services and support provided to victims and survivors throughout Summit County.

08/28/2026

Trauma can impact a survivor's ability to complete complex processes and work with multiple organizations related to their victimization for a resolution. Want to learn how collaborative responses have improved victim services and trauma recovery for survivors? Want to learn successful strategies for multi-organization collaboration to better serve survivors of intimate partner violence? Then don't miss out on our 11th Annual Responding to the Needs of Victims Conference!

We are excited to welcome Director of Education Shelley Blundell and Essentials Coordinator Dana Zedak from Summit County's own Victim Assistance Program to lead a workshop on how to use cross-organizational collaboration to provide responses that minimize re-traumatization and better support survivors of crime.

Tickets are still available, but they're running low. So don't wait! Register now at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/11th-annual-responding-to-the-needs-of-victims-conference-tickets-1992929047429

08/28/2026

Thank you Elliot Kolkovich, Summit County Prosecutor, for the opportunity to present at the 11th Annual Responding to the Needs of Victims Conference!

Purchase tickets at the link below to see Dana Zedak LSW, CA and Dr. Shelley Blundell, CA- along with all the other incredible presenters!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/11th-annual-responding-to-the-needs-of-victims-conference-tickets-1992929047429

Trauma can impact a survivor's ability to complete complex processes and work with multiple organizations related to their victimization for a resolution. Want to learn how collaborative responses have improved victim services and trauma recovery for survivors? Want to learn successful strategies for multi-organization collaboration to better serve survivors of intimate partner violence? Then don't miss out on our 11th Annual Responding to the Needs of Victims Conference!

We are excited to welcome Director of Education Shelley Blundell and Essentials Coordinator Dana Zedak from Summit County's own Victim Assistance Program to lead a workshop on how to use cross-organizational collaboration to provide responses that minimize re-traumatization and better support survivors of crime.

Tickets are still available, but they're running low. So don't wait! Register now at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/11th-annual-responding-to-the-needs-of-victims-conference-tickets-1992929047429

08/27/2026

Thank you to the Akron Bar Foundation for supporting Victim Assistance Program's Advocacy Program. Their generous investment helps ensure that individuals impacted by crime, crisis, and trauma have access to compassionate advocacy, resources, and support when they need it most.

Partnerships like this help us to provide free, confidential services that empower survivors, promote healing, and help strengthen our community. We are grateful for the Akron Bar Foundation's commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.