Community Outreach 2024

AVA staff performed a play in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

This year brought many exciting milestones for our annual community outreach events. In April, during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, our staff embarked on a novel endeavor: performing a play. Written and directed by our Executive Director Shontel Brunson-Wright, the production was held at Carver STEAM high school’s historic theater and explored themes of male sexual assault, homicide, and aggravated assault. Each scene offered a poignant glimpse into victims’ perspectives, revealing both somber truths and pathways to healing.

AVA staff performed a play in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

One memorable moment came from a staff member portraying a sexual assault survivor. He concluded his scene with a moving sentiment: “Healing isn’t easy, and I am still working on it every day. However, I don’t feel ashamed, and I am not what happened to me.”

Months later in October we held our annual resource fair to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year’s fair featured an exciting new component: a 5K Run and Walk. Nearly a hundred people gathered and laced up their sneakers to bring hope and awareness to our local community. This event uplifted survivors, educated the public on the warning signs of domestic violence, and challenged the harmful cultural norms that allow it to persist. By pulling the community together and sharing information on vital services and support programs, we helped connect those in need with invaluable support, information, and resources.

A Celebration of Life and Healing Candlelight Vigil was held in December.

We ended the year with our annual Celebration of Life and Healing Candlelight Vigil to honor victims of homicide. Lieutenant Andrew Smith of the Atlanta Police Department greeted the crowd of surviving loved ones; Tyme to Thrive’s founder Aaliyah Strong gave them a powerful message of hope and healing, detailing her own experience of the tragic shooting of her fiancé. She encouraged the crowd to stay strong and let them know that they were not alone.

The vigil ended with the lighting of candles to symbolize an eternally burning love for those lost, as well as a balloon release.