Crime Victims Council is an outreach ministry of First United Methodist Church of Ft. Worth, Texas - www.myfumc.org
The ministry originated in Atlanta, Georgia, 19 years ago by Dr. Bruce Cook, Executive Director and Chaplain of Crime Victims Advocacy Council in Atlanta. In 2005 Dr. Cook received a grant to expand this ministry across the United States. Rev. Sandra J. Lydick was selected for the Central Texas area. She is an endorsed crime victims chaplain and a Licensed Master Social Worker. She has served churches in the Central Texas area before becoming a victim's chaplain. Since 2006 she has established Crime Victims Council as a 501(c)3 charitable non-profit organization to assist crime victims in their healing by providing:
• pastoral counseling services
• community education
• annual worship service for victims, their families, friends, and community
• crime prevention
• raising community consciousness, and
• advocacy for crime victims' rights
Crime Victims Council has hosted two powerfully blessed worship services for victims, their families, friends, and the community. Worship services of Help, Hope, and Healing are held on the first Sunday of National Crime Victims Rights Awareness Week. The service is open to all victims of any crime.
The first service was held on April 22, 2007, at First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth, Texas. The 2008 service was held on April 13th at Goodwill Industries, Fort Worth, Texas, and was an Interfaith Service including Muslim, Christian, and Jewish participation. Crime Victims Council networks in the community with other victim assistance and crime prevention agencies. Crime Victims Council is a member of Tarrant County Coalition of Crime Victim Services (TCCCVS) and Tarrant County Council on Family Violence (TCCFV).
Mission & Vision
Mission
Crime Victims Council seeks to help crime victims cope with their suffering and pain. We will aid crime victims throughout their healing process by concentrating our energies and resources in the following areas: providing individual counseling and support groups, community education, crime prevention, raising community consciousness and acting as an advocate for crime victims' rights. Crime Victims Council will be the eyes, ears, and voice for restorative healing and justice for victims of crime.
Vision
Crime Victims Council will make a significant impact on the lives of crime victims by aiding in their healing process. We strive to glorify God and focus on the needs of victims.
For more information on the Crime Victims Council please visit their website or contact all Rev. Sandra Lydick by phone 817/675-6367 or by email.
