Fayette County Crime Victim Centers celebrates 50 years of service
For half a century, the Crime Victims’ Center of Fayette County has advocated for individuals affected by crime, offering essential services such as counseling, and legal and medical advocacy to support and empower victims.
This Saturday, the organization will host a 50th anniversary celebration themed “Denim and Diamonds” at the New Haven Hose Company in Connellsville to recognize the CVC’s impact over the past 50 years while raising awareness for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Guest are asked to wear something denim for National Denim Day, and something teal for sexual assault awareness month. National Denim Day started as an initiative to support survivors of sexual violence after a court in 1998 overturned a rape conviction based on the victim’s clothing.
“Denim and Diamonds is a theme that reflects our national commitment to the belief that no woman asks to be assaulted for what they are wearing. It celebrates the empowerment of individuals and raises awareness about this critical issue. We thought it was fitting to hold an event that embodies this message,” said CVC Executive Director Andrea Hibbs.
The anniversary celebration comes at a time of challenge, as the organization experienced a 5% decrease in federal funding this year, amounting to about $33,000, despite a 117% increase in clients over the past year.
“We are facing both federal and state funding cuts, which is a significant concern for us because we can’t do our jobs without adequate funding. We originally had 12 staff members, but we are now down to 8. Unfortunately, I cannot replace those positions due to these funding cuts,” Hibbs said.
Since its founding in 1975, the organization has served over 32,000 victims of crimes such as sexual assault, homicide, and domestic violence, providing legal advocacy, medical accompaniment, and educational programs free of charge.
Hibbs emphasized the organization’s evolution over the years.
“We have come a long way in addressing these concerns more effectively, highlighting the importance of community awareness and advocacy for change. Since 1975, we have transitioned and evolved to raise awareness about sexual violence and to emphasize its importance. It is crucial for the community to be informed and to advocate for change,” she said.
Originally known as the Rape Crisis and Information Services, the organization served 240 clients in its first five years. In 1983, it moved to Trinity United Presbyterian Church on West Fayette Street in Uniontown, the same year it was recognized as a nonprofit and changed its name to Community Resources of Fayette County.
Kathleen Pirilla-Kiffer, a CVC board member for 30 years, said the growth of the organization has been in large part due to the willingness of volunteers.
“All of our volunteers throughout the year have been outstanding. All of them have been dedicated to serving.” Pirilla-Kiffer said. “Whether it was advocates going to court or people in the office writing grants and answering phones, our staff is the reason we’ve had success.”
One of the group’s successes came in 1992 when the state Superior Court ruled in favor of a motion filed by attorney Cynthia Cline, then a board member at CVC. Cline successfully argued that the files of those who sought services at the center should remain confidential.
“It used to be that defendants’ attorneys and the district attorney’s office were able to subpoena records if they knew the identity of a client or victim, but thanks to Cynthia Cline she was able to fight all the way to the Superior Court to prevent this practice from occurring,” HIbbs said.
In that same year, the organization changed its name to the Crime Victims’ Center of Fayette County and adopted a new mission statement that focuses on the organization dedicated to “assisting victims of violent crime and facilitating their return to a normal life through advocacy, crisis intervention, and other forms of assistance, regardless of race, creed, color, nationality, gender or financial resources.”
The organization has had its hard times as well, including the constant struggle to find funds.
“Fundraising has always been vital to any nonprofit, but definitely in Fayette County where there are smaller resources available. It makes it a bit of a challenge but it’s also an opportunity for us to do better,” Pirilla-Kiffer said.
As for the future of the organization, Pirilla-Kiffer said she believes the nonprofit will look to expand.
“I would like for this agency to be able to have the recognition for our people to become more aware of what services are available within the county itself,” she said.
The event, which will feature a catered meal, entertainment, raffles and open bar with tickets available on the groups facebook page.