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poet.
performer. activist. teacher.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2003
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
PA Commission on Crime & Delinquency
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol
Harrisburg , PA 17120
CONTACT:
Gary Miller, Press Secretary
(717) 705-0888, ext. 3002
(717) 512-9477 (cell)
PA COMMISSION ON CRIME AND DELINQUENCY PRESENTS GOVERNOR'S VICTIM SERVICE PATHFINDER AWARDS
HARRISBURG : On behalf of Gov. Edward G. Rendell, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) today presented Governor's Victim Service Pathfinder Awards to two individuals and a crime victim center in recognition of their work to enhance the lives of crime victims.
As suggested by their name, the Pathfinder Awards recognize pioneering efforts to assist victims of crime, said PCCD Chairman Jim Eisenhower. It is important for us to honor those who have made notable contributions in the communities they serve, as well as the entire field of victim services.
The Pathfinder Survivor/Activist Award was presented to Dora E. McQuaid of State College , Centre County . Drawing on her personal experience as a crime victim, Ms. McQuaid became an activist for victims of domestic and sexual abuse. In 1999 she published a book of her poetry, The Scorched Earth . McQuaid has traveled across the country to speak and conduct workshops in a variety of venues, including women's shelters, prisons, and anger management classes.
The Pathfinder Allied Profession Award was presented to Dr. Robin Connors of Pittsburgh , a private therapist and a member of the adjunct faculty at the University of Pittsburgh Counseling Center's Internship Training Program. Using her knowledge as a therapist and an advocate for victims, Dr. Connors developed a 30-hour training course entitled Training Mental Health Professionals about Sexual Assault: A Comprehensive Curriculum Guide. As a result of these trainings, more mental health professionals are able to recognize and respond appropriately to victims of sexual assault. Dr. Connors has also authored other publications that are used to help victims of sexual assault across the United States and internationally.
The Pathfinder Award for a Program was presented to the Crime Victims' Center of Chester County (CVC) in West Chester . Launched in 1973 as a rape crisis center, CVC now offers a comprehensive range of services including a 24-hour hotline, on-scene crisis response and a support group for survivors of homicide. CVC conducts extensive outreach to underserved populations, child victims, and victims with substance abuse issues. CVC also offers training to professionals who deal with crime victims, including prosecutors and law enforcement officers. The center has also established bullying-prevention programs in schools.
The
awards were presented during PCCD's fifth annual Pathways
for Victim Services Conference at the Penn Stater Conference
Center Hotel in State College , Centre County . PCCD
is the Commonwealth's lead agency for criminal justice
policy issues. During the last fiscal year, PCCD distributed
more than $140 million in state and federal funding
to programs that are proven to prevent crime and strengthen
communities. PCCD also provides essential support services
to law enforcement agencies and offers financial assistance
to victims of crime.
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