WHEREAS, the Washington County Victim/Witness Assistance Program, led by Director Sharon Reed and administered by the office of Washington County Commonwealth's Attorney Nicole M. Price, was named 2014 Program of the Year by the Virginia Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund; and WHEREAS, the Program of the Year Award is presented to a victim assistance program in the Commonwealth that has gone above and beyond to assist victims of violent crimes and their families in meeting the financial burdens associated with those crimes; and WHEREAS, the Washington County Victim/Witness Assistance Program received the Program of the Year Award for its high number of claims generated relative to the population, resulting in more than $20,000 in payments to victims in the locality; and WHEREAS, the Washington County Victim/Witness Assistance Program was recognized for its responsiveness in determining the eligibility of claims and its efficiency in providing support to members of the community in need; and WHEREAS, the Washington County Victim/Witness Assistance Program has further strengthened the community by meeting with school officials, emergency managers, and law-enforcement officers to support the creation of Family Assistance Centers, where families can meet and gather information after a tragedy or during an emergency; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That the Washington County Victim/Witness Assistance Program hereby be commended on being named the 2014 Program of the Year by the Virginia Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare copies of this resolution for presentation to Sharon Reed, director of the Washington County Victim/Witness Assistance Program, and Nicole M. Price, Washington County Commonwealth's Attorney, as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for the program's outstanding service to members of the community. |