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CVC celebrates love for crime victims. (Submitted photo/resume)
WESTCHESTER — The Chester County Crime Victims Center is showing a little love.
CVC held its first annual Show the Love Celebration on February 8th at the Chester County History Center. CVC staff and supporters heard from and celebrated department supervisors Stephanie Lylett, Counseling Supervisor, Rachel Cowgill, Direct Services Supervisor, and Naomi Devine, Prevention Education. Supervisors on the impact of donations on their work.
Additionally, CVC CEO Christine Zaccarelli and Chief Operating Officer Ashley Shea will be recognized for their years of service, will join the CVC Board of Directors, and will receive the 2023 Peggy Gass Victim Advocacy Award and the John J. Crane Child Victim Advocacy Award. , and the first Brooke Hederick Cares Award. award.
The evening was filled with gratitude and celebration for the entire CVC team, volunteers, and donors.
The Peggy Gass Award was presented to Corporal Stephen Walker of Malvern Police Station. The Peggy Gass Award was created in 2018 to recognize Margaret “Peggy” Gass’ years of victim advocacy work since CVC was founded in 1973. Through her efforts, she has given victims a voice when their needs are not being met and helped change the attitudes of law enforcement. the legal system for professionals, medical professionals, and victims;
Corporal Walker was selected by CVC’s Board of Directors for his work supporting all victims, especially victims of sexual assault, abuse, and harassment. After one particular incident, as a CVC advocate shared, “Corporal Walker was very kind and provided knowledge about the trauma during the interview. He consistently told me that this was not her fault. He reminded her that there was no such thing. He believed her.”
After the event, Corporal Walker said, “I am very honored to receive the Peggy Gass Victim Advocacy Award. The Chester County Crime Victims Center is extremely important to law enforcement. We work with the Crime Victims Center on behalf of survivors. I am so grateful and honored to be able to do this.”
The John J. Crane Award was presented to Lt. Janice Pickell of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office. The John J. Crane Award for Child Victim Advocacy was established by CVC in 1998 in honor of the late Chester County Prosecutor, a nationally recognized advocate for crime victims, especially children. Ta.
Lt. Pickel was selected by the CVC Board of Directors for his work as the handler of Marley, a comfort dog at the Chester County Justice Center. Janice was nominated by two CVC staff members, and she manages a comfort dog that makes the difficult experience of testifying for victims a little bit easier. She also builds trusting relationships with clients with her friendly demeanor and pleasant presence. He shared that he was doing a great job. .
Janice has an uncanny ability to put clients at ease through her easygoing and kind demeanor, even towards Marley. Her CVC release reads: “We are lucky to have her alongside us to assist our clients.”
Inspector Pickell said of receiving this award: “I am honored to work alongside the amazing team at the Crime Victims Center. The opportunity to partner with other agencies in our efforts to seek justice and protection for victims is well worth it.”
Marley was also honored to be recognized and said, “It’s a very simple job, but when I see a smiling face, I get so happy that I wag my tail!”
The inaugural Brooke Hedderick CARES Award was presented to Erica Perloff, RASA Coordinator at CVC. The Brooke Hedderick CARES Award was created in 2023 in memory of Brooke Hedderick, who served as CVC’s longtime Vice President of Operations. This award is presented annually to a member of Brooke’s CVC staff with extraordinary dedication to CVC and the community who embodies all of Brooke’s intentions for CVC and its customers.
Mrs. Perloff was selected by CVC’s Board of Directors for her dedication to CVC and her compassion for customers and colleagues. She was nominated by five CVC staff members, one of whom said, “She seems to embody the spirit of generosity and dedication, and I have found that volunteerism and selflessness have long been the norm at CVC.” I felt like it was there,” he said. Another said: “Erica is the perfect example of a dedicated advocate who goes above and beyond for not only her clients, but her colleagues as well. She is professional and patient with her clients. An inspiration to all supporters.”
In accepting the award, Mrs. Perloff said, “I am deeply honored to receive the award named in Brooke Hederick’s name. During my 22 years at CVC, Brooke has been a cornerstone of the institution and one of our most dedicated and caring individuals. She provided leadership and supportive supervision. She was always there for not only the victims, but also for us as advocates. Throughout her extensive career, she served the residents of Chester County. I served faithfully.”
CVC Counseling Supervisor Stephanie Rilett truly captured the emotion of the night when she said, “It was a great experience for all of us. Without supporters like you, we would not be able to provide quality services to the people of Chester County. No one will be there to help crime victims make sense of the chaos. ”
The Chester County Crime Victims Center (CVC) is a nonprofit agency that provides free, immediate, and confidential crisis response and compassionate support to children and adults affected by sexual violence and all other crimes.
The organization provides support through counseling, advocacy, resources, and education. The center promotes community awareness and understanding through comprehensive outreach and prevention programs. For more information, please visit www.cvcofcc.org.
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