Bridges Oregon announces that today is their Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) Advocacy Program’s FIRST birthday! VOCA received a 3 years funding through Oregon Department of Justice, Crime Victims’ Service Division.
This grant allows Bridges Oregon serves D/deaf, DeafBlind, deaf-blind, deaf with additional disability, hard of hearing, late-deafened, and/or persons with unilateral/bilateral hearing loss victims of crime e.g., abuse, arson, assault, bullying, burglary, dating victimization, domestic violence, DUI/DWI, financial abuse, hate crime, identity theft, neglect, robbery, sexual assault, stalking/harassment, systemic discrimination, violation of a court order, and to provide outreach services to the general community.
The VOCA Advocate works directly with those who are survivors of financial manipulation to domestic and family violence. To this date, our VOCA Advocate served and is still serving nearly 60 survivors.
One of many examples, the VOCA Advocate has given survivors support that involved a relocation to another state; being available to support the survivors emotionally and offer financial assistance to relieve their undue hardships and to continue to promote their journeys to becoming financially stable and self-sufficient.
“I am thankful to be able to connect with the VOCA Advocate to help me move into a safe place. Now I have such peace of mind.” said an anonymous survivor.
“If it wasn’t for a donor in partnership with VOCA services that allowed my family to attend Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) which gave my children a safe space to learn and have fun.” said another anonymous survivor.
Finally, “It was wonderful to meet with the VOCA Advocate and use direct communication whereas I am unable to do that anywhere else. I felt much safer with the Advocate.” said another anonymous survivor.
It has been one whole year since the VOCA Advocacy program has been open and available to give direct advocacy to victims and survivors in our community across the state of Oregon. The year has gone by in a blink. It’s surreal and amazing to realize we are here, celebrating the first year already. The VOCA Advocacy program is looking forward to the expansion of our services and how we can continue to support our Deaf community better in the future.
Please reach out to our VOCA Advocate anytime you are experiencing a crime or an event that involves violence. The VOCA Advocate is here and ready to connect with you.
Having an organization like Bridges Oregon on the frontlines to advocate for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Oregonians makes a difference. We need your help to stay in the fight, and to continue focusing the spotlight on the communities we serve. Please make your tax-deductible gift now by going to https://bridgesoregon.org/donate/. Thank you in advance for your support.
About Bridges Oregon:
Bridges Oregon is a nonprofit for Oregonians who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing or face other communication barriers. It is in our mission to facilitate equity, inclusiveness and provide a bridge to opportunities through advocacy, education and communication. Learn more at www.bridgesoregon.org and a new site is forthcoming.