MARYLAND CRIME VICTIMS RESOURCE CENTER COMES TOGETHER FOR THE 5TH ANNUAL MAKE A DIFFERENCE WALK & RESOURCE FAIR

by | Apr 28, 2026 | Press Releases

KETTERING, MD – On Saturday, April 18, 2026, Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center (MCVRC) hosted its 5th Annual Make a Difference Walk & Resource Fair, bringing together survivors, families, advocates, and community members to honor, connect, and heal.

This event wraps up National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, an annual observance in April that aims to raise awareness about crime victims' rights and services, honor victims and survivors, and celebrate the accomplishments of the victims' rights movement.

Participants had the option of a 3.1-mile walk or a 1-mile “Memory” Walk, each one winding through a moving tribute of remembrance and resilience. Along the way, attendees experienced meaningful features including a Memory Wall, opportunities to connect with

local nonprofits, onsite art therapy for those unable to walk, free health screenings, and face painting.

MCVRC mission family moms, Dawna Parker Brown and Deadra Jackson, opened the event by reflecting on this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week theme, “Listen. Act. Advocate.” Sharing personal stories of their sons, Bradley Brown and Arick Jackson, they both emphasized the importance of presence, community, and honoring their loved ones

MCVRC extends its gratitude to this year’s sponsors: The Maryland Bar Foundation The Law Office of Hammad S. Matin, P.A., The Langbein Family Trust, Trollinger Law LLC, and Andrews Federal Credit Union.

Part of the event is focused on learning about resources available to victims of crime.  Some resources in attendance were: Amara Legal Center, Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office, Prince George's Family Justice Center, UMMS - Violence Intervention Program, MCASA, Constructing & Empowering A Womens Journey, House Of Ruth Maryland, Inc., Prince George's Sheriff's Office, Cafy Pgc, Great Grace House of Prayer, Address Confidentiality, Charlene's Circle of Support, Safe Harbor, Salt & Light Projects and National Center for Victims of Crime and the VictimConnect Resource Center.

If you would like to help us reach our goal, please click HERE. MCVRC plans to continue this event next year for it’s 6th year. Mark your calendars now and follow them on their social media or subscribe to their newsletter!

MARYLAND CRIME VICTIMS’ RESOURCE CENTER ATTENDS SAVE VICTIMOF CRIME ACT (VOCA) ADVOCACY DAY ON CAPITOL HILL TO SUPPORTCRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS

MARYLAND CRIME VICTIMS’ RESOURCE CENTER ATTENDS SAVE VICTIMOF CRIME ACT (VOCA) ADVOCACY DAY ON CAPITOL HILL TO SUPPORTCRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS

by | Jan 14, 2026 | Press Releases

January 16, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Maryland Crime Victims’
Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC) attended SAVE
VOCA Advocacy Day in Capitol Hill in support of
H.R. 909: The Crime Victim Fund Stabilization Act
of 2025, and its companion legislation in the U.S.
Senate. These bills aim to address current VOCA
funding shortfalls and ensure the continued
availability of critical services for crime victims
and survivors.
The Victims of Crime Act of 1984 intent is to help
fund state victim assistant programs and crime victim compensation. VOCA funding comes
from offenders, not taxpayers – Crime Victims’ Fund deposits are criminal fines and
penalties.
During today’s Advocacy Day event, Kurt Wolfgang, Executive Director, spoke on VOCA’s
original intent and history, emphasizing Congress’s commitment to ensuring that victims of
crime receive consistent and reliable support. MCVRC’s participation in SAVE VOCA
Advocacy Day reflects our ongoing dedication to ensuring that crime victims have FREE
access to the services they need, such as crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy,
emergency shelter, and compensation programs
“The passage of the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act is a win for survivors,” said Kurt
Wolfgang. “This legislation honors the original intent of VOCA and ensures that victims will
not lose access to essential services because of funding instability”

PRESS RELEASE 06/09/21 AMENDMENTS TO MARYLAND RULE 4-345 SENTENCING – REVISORY POWER OF COURT – OPPOSITION

MCVRC RECEIVES GENEROUS DONATION OF BURIAL PLOTS FROM THE ESTATE OF DORIS C. BURROUGHS

by | May 21, 2025 | Press Releases

May 20, 2025

Brentwood, MD –Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC), a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that crime victims are treated with dignity and compassion, is honored to announce the generous donation of two burial plots at Fort Lincoln Cemetery from the Estate of Doris C. Burroughs.

This meaningful gift will provide support to MCVRC in its ongoing mission to assist victims and their families during times of grief and loss. The donated plots will be made available to families of crime victims who may not have the resources to afford a final resting place for their loved ones, offering peace of mind and a lasting place of remembrance.

MCVRC is deeply moved by this thoughtful act of giving in memory of Doris C. Burroughs, whose legacy will now offer solace to others in their most difficult moments. This donation reflects the quiet compassion and generosity that continues to make a profound impact in our community.

MCVRC remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting crime victims by providing comprehensive services and resources, from legal support to mental health referrals and assistance with final arrangements. As part of this mission, the burial plot program plays a vital role in honoring the lives of those lost to violent crime and offering their families comfort in remembrance.

Founded in honor of Stephanie Roper, a young woman brutally murdered in 1982, MCVRC continues the work of the Stephanie Roper Committee and Foundation. The vision of Vincent and Roberta Roper to ensure no family endures such loss without support lives on through gifts like this one from the Estate of Doris C. Burroughs.

For more information about MCVRC and ways to support our work, please visit www.mdcrimevictims.org. If you are interested in donating burial plots, funds, or other resources, please contact Jennifer Abell, Chief Finance & Operations Officer, at JAbell@mdcrimevictims.org.

 

Contact: Casey Rosil 

Communications and Media Specialist 

240-335-4031 

crosil@mdcrimevictims.org  

PRESS RELEASE 06/09/21 AMENDMENTS TO MARYLAND RULE 4-345 SENTENCING – REVISORY POWER OF COURT – OPPOSITION

MARYLAND CRIME VICTIMS RESOURCE CENTER COMES TOGETHER FOR THE 4TH ANNUAL MAKE A DIFFERENCE WALK & RESOURCE FAIR: CONNECTING < KINSHIP > HEALING

by | Apr 22, 2025 | Press Releases

April 21, 2025

KETTERING, MD – On Saturday, April 19, 2025, Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center (MCVRC) hosted its 4th Annual Make a Difference Walk & Resource Fair, bringing together survivors, families, advocates, and community members to honor, connect, and heal. Even as House Bill 853 remains on Governor Wes Moore’s desk awaiting signature, Maryland’s victim community showed up with strength and hope to continue honoring the lives of their loved ones.

This event wraps up National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, an annual observance in April that aims to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights and services, honor victims and survivors, and celebrate the accomplishments of the victims’ rights movement. MCVRC received grants from the National Crime Victim Rights Week Community Awareness Project and the Maryland Bar. The event provided opportunities for participants to explore healing resources, including the Healing Garden Pavilion and Memory Wall, designed to foster a sense of connection and support.

Participants had the option of a 3.1-mile walk or a 1-mile “Memory” Walk, each one winding through a moving tribute of remembrance and resilience. The Healing Garden Pavilion and Memory Wall served as focal points of reflection, where attendees shared messages and honored memories of their loved ones.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who showed up and stood with us,” said Joanna Mupanduki, Deputy Director at MCVRC. “The turnout and energy this year demonstrated the strength that comes from kinship and community support.”

Thank you to those who sponsored our event: Trollinger Law, The Langbein Family Trust, Sam’s Club, and Walmart and thanks to Weis for donated food and drinks and WaWa for donated water.

Part of the event is focused on learning about resources available to victims of crime.  Some resources in attendance were Anne Arundel County Sheriff’s Office, , Prince George’s County Family Justice Center, University of Maryland Medical Systems (Violence Intervention Program and Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center), MCASA, Constructing & Empowering A Womens Journey, House of Ruth Maryland, Pro Bono Counseling, Safe at Home, Maryland National Capital Park Police, SAMU First Response, Prince George’s Sheriff’s Office, CCSI Community Crisis Services Inc, Amara Legal, and Josha Cunningham.

MCVRC plans to continue this event next year for it’s 5th year. Mark your calendars now and follow them on their social media or subscribe to their newsletter!

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