Who We Are
Behind Atlanta Victim Assistance, Inc. (AVA) stands a dedicated team of compassionate individuals united in their mission to support and empower survivors of crime.
Staff Directory
Browse Our Divisions
Executive Director
Shontel Brunson-Wright
Shontel Brunson-Wright has more than two decades of experience supporting survivors of crime. As Executive Director of Atlanta Victim Assistance, she is committed to ensuring individuals and families have access to compassionate advocacy, resources, and support.
SUPPORTING OUR WORK
Administration
From program oversight to grants management, the administration team helps strengthen and sustain AVA's mission.
Precinct-Based Care
Zone Advocates
In partnership with Atlanta Police Department (APD), trained advocates are housed in all six APD zone precincts, enabling them to provide services to victims as soon as possible in the aftermath of a crime, regardless of the arrest status of the offender. Moreover, they offer a compassionate response, meeting individuals in the midst of their trauma and providing immediate support.
Crime Units Support
Investigation Advocates
Advocates are housed in several of APD’s special crime units to provide ongoing support and address the needs of victims while investigations involving homicide, gun assault, robbery, sexual assault, child abuse, and other crimes are underway. A dedicated Victim Compensation Advocate also helps connect victims with available benefits and resources.
NAVIGATING THE JUSTICE SYSTEM
Court Advocates
In partnership with the Municipal Court of Atlanta, advocates work onsite at the courthouse to assist victims of crime with their court cases, providing needs assessments for victims and witnesses, notifying victims of scheduled court appearances, working with them to resolve issues and remove barriers that might prevent them from appearing in court, and often attending court alongside victims.
SCHOOL & YOUTH ADVOCACY
School-Based Advocates
In partnership with with Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and Purpose Built Schools Atlanta, AVA operates a Safety 1st School program which includes onsite school advocates who offer advocacy, court accompaniment, referrals, and follow-up services to students and their caregivers during school hours. The program is active at Maynard H. Jackson and Carver STEAM Academy High Schools, and Luther J. Price Middle School.
GUIDING OUR MISSION
Board of Directors
Bringing their diverse talents and expertise, members of our Board of Directors are key advocates for our organization. Their support and skillset enable our mission.
Ronda K. Graham, Chair
Office of the City Solicitor
Lindsay Caulfield
Grady Hospital
Melvin Hewitt
Isenberg & Hewitt, P.C.
William Lawson
IT Resources
Sherifat E. Oluyemi
Law Office of Sheri Oluyemi, LLC
Benita Ransom
DeKalb County Government
Kevin Ross
The Law Practice of Kevin Ross
Pamela J. Smith
Smith Real Estate Services, Inc.
Vincent Velazquez
Velazquez Consultants
