Families and Friends of Missing Persons and Violent Crimes (FFVCV) is a statewide organization responding to all types of violent crime with the exception domestic violence and sexual assault. (Such inquiries are referred to dedicated agencies with expertise in these areas) They do this through their 24 hour crisis line, onsite crisis intervention, information and referral, missing persons services, medical and legal advocacy. Trained advocates are stationed in four offices across the state, with 13 partner sites specifically in King County serving the Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriffs’ Departments, and hospitals.
Proven Success
FFVCV has been serving victims of crime and their families for 37 years. They were completely volunteer run until the early 1990s, and now rely on highly qualified staff and dozens of trained volunteers to achieve their mission. Notably, their volunteer training program is certified by the Office of Crime Victim Advocacy. FFVCV has a strong reputation in the community and is often the first place a family or victim will reach out to after a crime has occurred. A recent example of this was immediately following the Racer Café incident in Seattle’s University District in the spring of 2012. 21 independent families contacted the organization for resources and support during that time.
Sustainability
FFVCV relies heavily on government funding through the Victims of Violent Crimes Act. This funding is divided between organizations across Washington State annually, and results from fees associated with white collar crime penalties. They are currently working to expand office space and staff capacity so that they can continue to serve increasing numbers of people in need, service delivery that brings much needed revenue to the organization.
Use of Best Practices
The Community Response program is an important tool for responding to major crime events that affect large groups or communities. They created Community Response Handouts to assist with this, effectively creating a plan for responding in emergencies. Information can easily be distributed throughout the community when residents need it most, and can be ready to distribute in a moment’s notice. FFVCV recognizes the ongoing needs of survivors and their families, and also offers 10 week support groups in addition to advocacy services.
Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:
Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:
| Date | Amount | | Purpose |
|---|
| 3/18/2004 |
$15,000.00 |  | support general operating expenses. |
|