Comfort Through Christ After a Tragedy

Memphis , TN --- Losing a loved one is always devastating to friends and family, especially when it has occurred suddenly and violently. A 2005 analysis by Memphis Police Department, Homicide Bureau found that over the past six years, Memphis has had an average of 146 murders, representing a 29.7% increase from 2004 to 2005.

In 2006, 160 murders occured here, according to Detective Monique Martin, of the Memphis Police Department, Office of Public Information. This year, since January, 2007, the MPD already has recorded 35 murders.

The tragic death of one person leaves several others in mourning. Victims to Victory, Inc. (V to V), a Christian non-profit organization whose mission is to help victims of crime and their families move from crisis to comfort through Christ, assists those dealing with this tragedy in Memphis. V to V estimates that for every person that is murdered, there are at least seven to ten survivors left behind to experience the traumatic impact of grieving for a loved one due to homicide.

Homicide survivors often deal with a mix of emotions, ranging from desperation and anger, to culpability.

"People are not prepared for murder. They expect the person to come back after work or after class,"� said Dr. Katherine Lawson, Executive Director and founder of Victims to Victory.

The organization first reaches out to demonstrate the love of Christ to those wounded by crime, without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age or disability. Secondly they equip and assist the faith community to offer intentional and effective ministry to those affected by crime.

"Survivors need to know that what they feel is normal and that you can get through this with the help of Christ,"� added Dr. Lawson. "That's why, back in 1993, when a young couple of my church was murdered, I tried to look for solutions to help the family going through this tragedy,"� Lawson continued.

But soon, Dr. Lawson realized that there was no organization or program grounded in spiritual help available in Memphis. Through her position as a counselor for her church, Dr. Lawson created a program and opened the doors once a week for survivors of crime...and people start to come, bringing more and more relatives each time.

In 1996, the Office for Victims of Crime in Nashville called Dr. Lawson to learn more about Victims to Victory and told her the program qualified for state compensation through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). With these news funds, Victims to Victory started to grow, and a few years after, in 2000, became an official, 501C-3, tax-exempt organization and affiliate ministry of Memphis Leadership Foundation.

Now in 2007, the non-profit has four employees: Dr. Lawson, Executive Director, Yvonne Becton, CVAS (certified victim assistant specialist), Bettie Mister, CVAS, and, Leola Sharp, Ph.D. In addition, there are four volunteers helping with the program:

Michael Henderson, Youth Group Liaison, Linda Henderson, Comfort Ministry, and Rev. Edward & Marsha Swinney, Pastoral Care Team.

Through a collaborative relationship with the Memphis Police Department, V to V reaches out to families of survivors, letting them know about their free services. These services are divided into three areas of action: crisis counseling for victims of crime and survivors, community education and training, as well as special outreach projects.

According to V to V's last figures, for 2005-2006:

263 clients were served:

87% - survivors of homicide victims

13% - victims of violent crime

83% - adults

17% - children 17 years old or younger

Primary services received

85% - crisis counseling

74% - criminal justice support and advocacy

69% - therapy

27% - group treatment & support

24% - personal advocacy

18% - assistance filing compensation claims

In addition, Victims to Victory organizes two major events during the year, a 3K Remembrance Walk in April and a Candlelight Family reception in December. These are occasions for families of survivors to gather, honor and pray for their loved one who died so unexpectedly. This year, the 3K Remembrance Walk will be held on April 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Early registration is preferred but the deadline is Wednesday, April 18.

For more information about upcoming events or about one of V to V's programs, call 901-274-6828.