May always seems to arrive with a quieter rhythm. After the rush of spring activities, legislative deadlines, and events, this month reminds us to slow our pace just enough to appreciate the moments unfolding around us. The longer evenings, blooming flowers, school concerts, family gatherings, and warm sunshine all gently signal that summer is on the horizon. I hope each of you finds time to enjoy a slightly slower, meandering pace that May can bring and to recharge before the busy summer months ahead.

This month also gives us an opportunity to celebrate mothers and mother figures during Mother’s Day. We honor the many women who provide strength, comfort, and unwavering support to their families and communities every day. We also recognize the incredible resilience shown by many mothers who continue to care for their loved ones while navigating the devastating impact of violent crime. Their courage inspires us daily.

In May, members of the MCVRC team were honored to attend the two-day conference hosted by the National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI). The conference brought together victim advocates and attorneys from across the country to share strategies, strengthen collaboration, and continue advancing victims’ rights nationwide. Opportunities like this allow our team to bring new ideas, training, and innovation back to Maryland as we continue serving crime victims and victim representatives throughout the state.

To all of our supporters, volunteers, partners, and friends, thank you for standing with us. Your support allows MCVRC to continue providing critical services to victims across Maryland and to advocate for a justice system that recognizes the voice and humanity of every victim. We are deeply grateful for your continued partnership and commitment to this work.

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 May awardee: Kathleen Callan 🎉

Kathleen was nominated by Madison G. our April Journey to Justice recipient, for her commitment to clients, her willingness to listen carefully and provide guidance, even in situations where assistance may not ultimately be possible, no matter how long the conversation takes.

Join us to learn more about CICB!

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, June 11th, 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, June 3rd. 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, 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.