June is PTSD Awareness Month, and for those of us who work with crime victims every day, the effects of trauma are impossible to ignore. While many people associate PTSD with military service, we see firsthand how violent crime, abuse, homicide, sexual assault, and other traumatic events can leave lasting emotional scars on victims and their families. Court cases may end, but the impact of trauma often does not.

At MCVRC, we are reminded every day that healing looks different for every survivor. Trauma can affect a person's sense of safety, relationships, physical health, and ability to move forward. That is why we remain committed to providing legal representation, advocacy, support groups, counseling referrals, and education to help victims navigate both the justice system and the long road toward healing.

June has also been a busy and rewarding month for our organization. Our attorneys, advocates, paralegals, and support staff have continued to provide critical services to crime victims throughout Maryland, ensuring that victims' voices are heard and their rights are protected. Whether assisting a victim through a court proceeding, helping a family prepare for a parole hearing, connecting someone with counseling services, or providing support during a difficult moment, our team continues to make a meaningful difference every day.

This month, we also enjoyed coming together for our Team Summer Kickoff Cookout. The work we do can be emotionally demanding, making it especially important to take time to connect with one another, share some laughter, and recognize the dedication of our staff. I am incredibly grateful for the compassion, professionalism, and commitment that our team brings to this work every day.

As we celebrated Father's Day, we honor the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who provide love, guidance, and support to their families. We also recognize that Father's Day can be difficult for those who have lost a father or who are grieving the loss of a child. Our thoughts are with all those navigating the holiday with both joy and remembrance.

Thank you for your continued support of MCVRC and our mission. Together, we continue to stand with victims and survivors, helping them find their voice, assert their rights, and move toward healing after trauma.

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 June awardee: Alondra Pizarro 🎉

Alondra was nominated by Kathleen C, our May Journey to Justice recipient, for always being a great collaborator. Her work ethic is exceptional. She keeps the machine running, smoothly and quietly, almost always behind the scenes. 

Save the Date!

Our 6th Annual Victims' Rights Gala is coming and this year we're called to do more than gather. We're called to Listen. Act. Advocate.

Join Maryland's crime victims' community for a night of hope and empowerment as we honor those we serve.

Early bird tickets go on sale July 1! For sponsorship opportunities, contact Sandra Sanna-Buckles at ssannabuckles@mdcrimevictims.org.

Join us to learn more about RESTITUTION!

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, July 9th.

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, July 1st. 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 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, 2026

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.