Big Impact in a Short Month

February may be the shortest month of the year, but at the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center (MCVRC), it was packed with meaningful engagement, learning, and progress on behalf of crime victims across the state.

Professional development and collaboration were also priorities this month. On February 18, our Baltimore team attended a Fire and Life Safety training event, strengthening partnerships, enhancing our understanding of emergency response, and ensuring our staff are prepared to remain safe in any crisis. Investing in the safety and preparedness of our team is essential to our mission. When our staff are protected, trained, and ready to respond, we can continue to provide steady, compassionate support to victims, no matter the circumstances.

We closed out February on a high note with the graduation of our latest cohort from the Roper Academy. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to education, professional excellence, and honoring the legacy of victim advocacy that is at the heart of MCVRC. Through the Academy, participants deepen their understanding of trauma, victimization, and the systems that shape survivors’ experiences, strengthening their ability to respond with skill, compassion, and insight. This investment in learning helps ensure that those serving victims are not only well-informed, but also more trauma-informed, responsive, and effective in supporting survivors on their journey toward healing and justice.

February was a short month, but MCVRC got it all done. Our staff continues to work faithfully, every day, to make a real and lasting impact for crime victims throughout Maryland. It truly was a great month.

MCVRC Employee of the Month Award "Journey to Justice"-- a monthly recognition to celebrate team members who go above and beyond in their role. This initiative is designed to foster a culture of appreciation, collaboration, and excellence across all departments.

Congratulations to our January awardee: Pauline Mandel🎉

Pauline was nominated by Kayla W. (our January Journey to Justice recipient) for devoting herself to MCVRC. Pauline consistently goes above and beyond, generously offering her time, expertise, and unwavering support far beyond a traditional 9–5, and is always present when staff or victims need assistance.

We will host our first Spanish-Speaking Lunch and Learn session. If you know of anyone who will benefit, please help us share.

Tune in here: HERE.

Our monthly homicide survivors' support group meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month. The next meeting will take place on Thursday, March 12, 2026. 

It is held in a hybrid format, both virtually and in person at the Upper Marlboro Office (1001 Prince George’s Blvd, Suite 750, Upper Marlboro, MD).

The Support Group is a safe place for friends and family members of victims of homicide to meet, discuss, and support each other. All participants need to call us and request a referral to the homicide support group only (if you prefer individual counseling, we offer that too). 

Spanish Speaking Support Group will be held the first Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will take place Wednesday, March 4. These are held virtually only.

Individual Counseling is also available for individuals that prefer one on one sessions. Services are available virtually and in person. It may take 1-2 weeks to be seen with an in- person counselor depending on client’s needs and location. Virtual counseling is available within a week.

You can reach MCVRC at 877-VICTIM1 for scheduling and more information. 

Our 5th Annual Walk & Resource Fair will be on April 18, 2026

at 8:00 A.M.

The walk portion of this event features both a 3.1-mile and a 1-mile route, allowing participants to choose the distance that best fits their comfort level.

Would you like a custom sign in memory or in honor of your loved one? You can earn one by raising $250 by April 7.

*All signs will also be displayed at our Ceremony of Remembrance on October 3, 2026*

Additional opportunities for engagement include connecting with available resources and contributing to our Memory Wall.

Nonprofits are invited to table at no cost — please contact RBrown@mdcrimevictims.org)

This event is one of our victim-centered programs. By becoming a sponsor, you stand with victims and help ensure they receive the support they need throughout their journey toward healing and justice.

For business sponsorships and additional partnership opportunities, please contact SSannaBuckles@mdcrimevictims.org

*Limited spots open* Reserve your spot now! Click here to reserve your spot.

For information on Common Grounds and the work that they do, click here.

Our Annual Ceremony of Remembrance is an event to honor the lives of those taken by criminal violence. The Garden of Remembrance is a sacred space– a place for healing, reflection, and remembrance.

During the ceremony, we gather to honor the memory of our loved ones and stand in support of one another.

To help preserve these memories, we invite you to purchase a personalized memorial brick, which will be placed in the Garden. The cost to purchase a brick is $100. Click HERE to order your brick. Deadline is July 15, 2025

Families and Friends who have purchased a brick are welcome to visit the courthouse anytime throughout the year.

Each day we find motivation to continue to be a voice for those who need one.

These are a small fraction of the faces that motivate us. Their names and photos are taken from our Ceremony of Remembrance event slideshow. Each Wednesday, we share a life that was taken on that date and we celebrate them to remind us that crime is not victimless. These people are real, and their families miss them. These faces are "why we fight."

This work is only possible because of supporters like you. If you’re able, please consider making a donation to help us continue showing up for victims across Maryland.

MCVRC is a non-profit organization funded by government and community grants, and generous contributions from former clients and the public who believe in our cause.