While responding to the needs of the community, we have sadly outgrown our historic home on Furnace Street. The agency’s founder, the Rev. Dr. Bob Denton, law enforcement, and probation officials mapped out our current building in 1972. As a result, Victim Assistance Program became the first victim assistance agency in Ohio and a leader in the national victim advocacy movement. Programming led to state and federal laws to help victims across the country and since that time, our services have helped thousands of Summit County residents.
Recently, our crisis intervention and advocacy services have nearly tripled, leaving our current location no longer adequate to serve the community. As a result, we are launching our Moving Forward Together Campaign to support our move to a 10,000+ square foot facility located on 137 Main Street in Downtown Akron. Funding will go towards renovations and construction of the facility, implementation of security and technology, along with the logistics and supplies to run the operations. Read More!
On September 20th, we celebrated 20 years at our Barberton Municipal Court location with an open house. Special thanks to everyone who joined our celebration including our founder and long-time CEO, Dr. Bob Denton! Our Barberton victim advocates, Jen Stasko and Audya Williams, continue Dr. Denton's legacy today with their work and dedication to the Barberton public. Read More!
VAP partners with summit county schools
Victim Assistance Program is designated as Summit County’s sole provider of mental health support if a large-scale incident affects the local schools. In case of large-scale emergencies in schools, our advocates will work onsite to support crisis teams already established in larger schools. Small schools are likely to rely solely on Victim Assistance Program's support. Designating Victim Assistance Program as the mental health agency that responds to situations will provide an additional resource, as well as keep the school districts prepared with a plan.
To cap off celebrating 20 years of serving the Barberton community, a fundraiser called Change 4 Change was held in our honor at the VFW Post 1066. The VFW generously donated $1 per drink. The event was sponsored by Barberton Mayor William B. Judge. Thank you to everyone that donated, and special thanks to the city of Barberton for being such a great partner for the past 20 years!
