Resolution 260363

..Title Recognizing National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 19-25, 2026, and honoring Northwest Victim Services for their dedicated advocacy and community impact. ..Body WHEREAS, National Crime Victims' Rights Week will be observed from April 19 through April 25, 2026, to promote victims' rights and honor crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf; and WHEREAS, Northwest Victim Services (NVS) provides a comprehensive range of services including crisis and supportive counseling, court accompaniment, financial assistance, and information and referral services to individuals impacted by crime; and WHEREAS, The organization originated in 1981 as the Community Safety Program of the Northwest Interfaith Movement, becoming the first community-based victim services program in Philadelphia, and was incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization, Northwest Victim Services, in 1986; and WHEREAS, NVS also conducts community-based programs aimed at increasing public safety and awareness of victim services, and works collaboratively with local and Citywide partners, including the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, law enforcement, government agencies such as the Social Security Administration, and numerous community-based organizations; and WHEREAS, Northwest Victim Services has played a leadership role in the Philadelphia Coalition for Victim Advocacy and has contributed its expertise to multiple state and local task forces, while also serving as a model for six additional community-based victim service agencies throughout Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, As part of its ongoing commitment to advocacy and education, Northwest Victim Services convenes a Legislative Breakfast that provides survivors and community members with the opportunity to engage directly with elected officials to share lived experiences and highlight the real-world impact of laws and funding decisions; and WHEREAS, This important dialogue raises awareness around critical issues including domestic violence and sexual assault services, housing and safety needs for survivors, access to trauma-informed care and counseling, and the importance of legal advocacy and court accompaniment, with the goal of advancing meaningful policy improvements; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 19-25, 2026, and honors Northwest Victim Services for its decades of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to supporting victims and strengthening communities. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Northwest Victim Services as an expression of the sincere respect and admiration of the Council of the City of Philadelphia ..End