Walkers Step Out In Support of Crime Victims

By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY

Cleaver Senior Staff Writer

HARRISON – National Crime Victims’ Rights Week marks the ongoing effort to secure justice for victims. In support of that effort, members of the Clare County Prosecutor’s Office, the Northern Michigan Alliance for Children, advocacy group members from neighboring communities, and supportive local folks gathered Sunday, May 4 at the Harrison athletic field to participate in the Crime Victims’ Rights Awareness Walk. Participant ages ranged from tenured to teen, and tween to toddler – all enthusiastically stepping out in support of crime victims.

A structure of cutout letters forming CVRW [Crime Victims’ Rights Week] provided an opportunity for participants to complete paper slips printed with “I Walk For” to post there. The notes were completed with “The Children,” “My Sister,” “Hope,” and more.

Before the walk officially began, victim advocate Kim Keeley offered participants an update on local crime victim advocacy efforts along with some words of encouragement.

“Thanks all for coming, I appreciate everybody being here,” Keeley said. “So far, we’ve raised over $2,000 for our Crime Victims’ Rights Fund. We’re able to use that money for transportation: getting people here – from out of state, especially, because the grant doesn’t actually pay for that travel when we have to bring somebody in from out of state. We have our Court Closet up and going, and it is a shared adventure with the Northern Michigan Alliance for Children.”

She pointed out that doughnuts and water were available for the walkers, as well as lanyards. After each lap, walkers could pick up a bead to thread onto their lanyard, enabling them to keep track of their progress and accomplishment.

“Track how many beads you do,” Keeley said. “Walk as much as you want, and thanks for coming.”

After Keeley put on some steady-stepping music, the walkers set off to make their many laps around the track and collect their beads as they went. Each had a personal reason for participating, and a drive to make a difference for others.

Placed around the track were a multitude of signs, noting supporting businesses and organizations. Additionally, there was one sign that addressed Crime Victim Compensation. It stated: “If you or someone you know is a victim of crime, certain expenses may qualify for Crime Victim Compensation coverage. This program may help pay out-of-pocket medical expenses, lost earnings, funeral bills, counseling, or other expenses for people who have been harmed as the direct result of a crime.” Included was the website www.michigan.gov/crimevictim.

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