April was a powerful and inspiring month for MCVRC, filled with meaningful engagement, recognition, and continued commitment to serving crime victims across Maryland.

We were proud to host our 5th Annual Make a Difference Walk and Resource Fair, bringing together more than 200 walkers, family members, friends, and community resource partners. This event continues to grow each year and serves as a reminder of the strength of our community and our shared commitment to supporting victims and survivors. Seeing so many individuals come together in solidarity was both energizing and affirming of the work we do every day.

We were also honored to attend an art exhibit at Frostburg State University recognizing the life, legacy, and drawings of Stephanie Roper. The exhibit was a moving tribute and a powerful reminder of the impact one life can have in shaping a movement for justice and victims’ rights. It was especially meaningful to see such strong support from both longtime partners and new members of the community.

April also brought a moment of celebration for our team. We were proud to join the dinner hosted by The Daily Record, where our own Senior Attorney Alonzo Robertson was honored with the Leadership in Law award. This recognition reflects not only Alonzo’s dedication and excellence, but also the caliber of advocacy that defines MCVRC.

In observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, our staff participated in memorial services held across the state and attended the Maryland Crime Victims’ Rights Conference. During the conference, Roberta Roper was honored with the Virginia Mahoney Award, recognizing her as an outstanding leader who has set the standard for excellence in the field of victim services and exemplifies true leadership in support of victims’ rights. These moments of recognition and remembrance are deeply meaningful, providing space to honor victims, support survivors, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every victim is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

As spring continues to unfold, MCVRC looks ahead with renewed energy and purpose. We are grateful for the opportunities this month provided to connect, learn, honor, and celebrate, and we remain steadfast in our mission to walk alongside victims on their journey to justice.

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 March awardee: Madison Green🎉

Madison was nominated by Brayan B., our March Journey to Justice recipient, for consistently going above and beyond for clients, especially through CICB work, helping multiple clients receive funeral expense awards. Madison is always willing to support her team, brings thoughtful questions to meetings, and demonstrates a strong understanding of client needs.

Because of YOU, our 5th Annual Make a Difference Walk & Resource Fair was a success 💜

This year brought challenges, we lost a major grant and weren’t sure what to expect. But our community showed up in a big way. More families, more teams, and more resources.

From face painting to health screenings, to every step taken and dollar raised, this event was powered by YOU.

To every fundraiser, participant, sponsor, volunteer, and supporter—thank you. You truly made a difference
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We’re not done yet! You can still:
- Donate or support a team through May 18 (Walk shirts are still available for those donating $30, shipped will be covered.) **while supplies last** We have limited sizes in medium (2) and large (19)

https://pro.gofundme.com/event/2026-make-a-difference-walk-and-resource-fair/e744795
- Give feedback via our survey - click HERE

Thank you to Frostburg State University for inviting us to their Retrospective Art Gallery show this past Saturday. It was an honor to see several works by Stephanie Ann Roper on display.

The exhibition featured a collection of Stephanie’s artwork, with pieces thoughtfully selected by her mother, Roberta Roper, and displayed in the gallery named in Stephanie’s memory.

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, May 14th, 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, May 6th. 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. 

2 spots available!!!!!!!!!

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 at the PG County Courthouse.

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 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.