The United Way of Effingham County is recognizing the The Effingham Victim Witness Assistance Program as an “Everyday Hero.”

Their mission: Providing assistance, including referrals, advocacy, and support to victims and witnesses of personal injury crimes in order to lessen the trauma of their victimization and empower them to become survivors.

Some of their program services include:

• Notice of court proceedings

• Assistance if you are intimidated, harassed or afraid

• Advocacy and support with any problems that may be a result of a crime or court appearance

• Crisis intervention

• 24-hour emergency response

• Emotional support and understanding of victimization

• Referral for safe shelter

• TPOs (temporary protective orders)

• Assistance in preparing a victim impact statement

• Assistance in filing for crime victim compensation

In 2010, EVWAP provided one or more of these services to 366 victims of personal injury crimes such as domestic violence, child physical and sexual abuse, robbery, assault, elder abuse, survivors of homicide, burglary and property crimes.

Shown in the photo is Glenda King, executive director of EVWAP, with one of the stars from The Kids on the Block puppets. Trained EVWAP volunteers use this educational puppet program to teach children, ages K-4, about important issues of medical and physical disabilities, educational differences, social issues and cultural diversity.

Effingham Victim-Witness Assistance Program is one of more than 25 health and human service programs in Effingham County that is support by your United Way 2011 campaign donations.  Program such as this impact the lives of hundreds of families in our community. The United Way annual fundraising campaign began in mid-September and will continue until Nov. 18.  More information on United Way is available at www.uwce.org or by calling The United Way Effingham Service Center at 826-5300.