by MCVRC Team | 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”
by MCVRC Webmaster | Aug 21, 2025 | Press Releases
by MCVRC Webmaster | Aug 8, 2025 | Press Releases
by MCVRC Webmaster | 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
by MCVRC Webmaster | 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!
by MCVRC Webmaster | Apr 1, 2025 | Press Releases
April 1, 2025
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Roberta Roper, founder of the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center
(MCVRC), is speaking out against HB 853, a bill she believes would have devastating consequences
for crime victims. Ms. Roper, whose personal tragedy and loss of her daughter, Stephanie Roper, led
to a lifelong fight for victims’ rights, is calling on all state attorneys to join her in opposing this
legislation, which she contends could lead to an increase in violent crime and further traumatize
homicide victims and their families.
In 1982, Roberta and Vince Roper’s daughter, Stephanie, was brutally murdered just days before her
college graduation. During their grieving process, the Ropers encountered a criminal justice system
that offered no support or rights for victims. Excluded from the courtroom and ignored by the judicial
system, the Ropers formed the Stephanie Roper Committee to advocate for victims’ rights. This effort
evolved into the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center (MCVRC), which has played a key role in
establishing over 100 victim-rights laws in Maryland, including Article 47 of the Maryland
Constitution, which ensures that crime victims are treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity during
all phases of the criminal justice process.
Now, over 40 years later, Roberta Roper is once again standing up for victims, opposing HB 853, a
bill that will jeopardize public safety and further undermine the rights of crime victims. The bill
would expand the provisions of the Juvenile Restoration Act which releasing murderers and other
violent offenders after serving twenty years of their sentences regardless of their actual sentences.
These early releases already have been linked to several recent tragedies, including two violent
murders of women, an armed robbery, and a first-degree arson attempt. Roper’s concerns are
grounded in her decades of experience advocating for victims’ rights, as well as data she has obtained
through Maryland’s Public Information Act, showing concerning recidivism rates for individuals
released under the Juvenile Restoration Act.
“I have been a part of this process since 1982, and I have never seen legislation with the potential to
cause more harm to crime victims than HB 853,” said Roberta Roper. “This bill puts public safety at
risk and could result in more murders, more suffering, and more victims. We cannot stand by and
allow this to happen.”
Ms. Roper’s advocacy is not just about one piece of legislation, it is about protecting the lives of
Maryland residents and ensuring that victims’ voices are heard. She is calling for a thorough review of
recidivism rates and urges legislators to wait for a scientific analysis before pushing HB 853 forward.
“I am 87 years old, and while I’m tired of fighting in Annapolis, I will not stop until this bill is
stopped,” Roper said. “I ask every state attorney to join me in opposing this dangerous legislation and
to protect the victims of Maryland from further harm.”
Contact Info:
Casey Rosil, Communications and Media Specialist
crosil@mdcrimevictims.org
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