AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program (AVAP) Secures Resources to Continue Serving NH Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence

Contact:
Madison Lightfoot, 603-721-1186

May 14, 2019

The NH AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program (AVAP) has recently received an AmeriCorps grant award from the Corporation for National and Community Service that will allow the program to continue to build upon its impactful and transformative work to support and empower victim/survivors. Currently in its 25th year, the AVAP program is responsible for serving approximately 5,000 NH victim/survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, human trafficking, and stalking each year.
 
AVAP members are placed at crisis centers, police departments, and prosecutors’ offices to offer support and information to victims of domestic and sexual violence. Additionally, AVAP members are specially trained to provide financial literacy and economic empowerment programming to victims of domestic violence who are experiencing financial abuse.
 
“The continuation of this longstanding program is vital to our state’s efforts to combat domestic and sexual violence. NH survivors and communities are safer because of AVAP and we’re honored to be among the programs receiving the AmeriCorps grant award from the Corporation for National and Community Service. We look forward to continuing to serve victims of domestic and sexual violence and are grateful to have the capacity to maintain our statewide programming.” – Natalie Ryckman, AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program Manager
 
This funding is provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency for volunteering and service. This year marks the 25th anniversary of AmeriCorps. Since the program’s inception in 1994, more than 1 million Americans have served their country through the national service program. Organizations are currently recruiting for AmeriCorps members to begin service this fall. Those interested in serving can learn more at AmeriCorps.gov/Join.
 
 
About the AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program (AVAP)
The AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program (AVAP) is a multi-agency collaboration designed to address critical service needs in our communities and justice systems by ensuring services and education are available to victims of domestic and sexual violence and stalking throughout New Hampshire, and promoting community service and a lifetime commitment to volunteerism. AVAP is part of AmeriCorps, a national service program that offers opportunities to Americans who are interested in making a substantial commitment to serve their country through national service.