Serving her community: The Northeast Victim Service organization recognized Nancy Morozin (left), owner of The Dining Car in Upper Holmesburg, for her service on Oct. 2.
It can take only a few seconds for someone to become the victim of a violent or invasive crime, but the trauma can endure for what seems like an eternity in the form of physical injuries, emotional distress and financial demands.
For more than two decades, the nonprofit Northeast Victim Service has helped tens of thousands of innocent victims cope with those lingering effects. On Oct. 2, the organization recognized local merchant Nancy Morozin for her service to the program.
“It’s a hidden gem of an organization. It really provides a valuable service. It’s just a shame that it’s a necessary service,” said Lisa Deeley, president of the board of directors, during the organization’s fall fundraiser at the Ashburner Inn.
“What they do, people don’t realize,” said Morozin, owner of The Dining Car in Upper Holmesburg. “People think it’s just financial aid, but they give physical and emotional support.”
According to Executive Director Jerry Bolzak, Northeast Victim Service reaches out to about 3,000 crime victims a year. About 1,500 of those folks accept the offer of help. The program identifies potential clients by reviewing crime reports supplied by Philadelphia police, mostly homicides, aggravated assaults, sexual assaults, robberies and burglaries. The organization’s territory includes the four police districts that comprise the Northeast Division (2nd, 7th, 8th and 15th). Typically, the organization will contact victims by letter. Police will notify victims to expect the letter, but some recipients remain skeptical.
“They get something in the mail and are put off. They may think it’s a scam. It’s a sad state, but some people find it hard to believe there are agencies out there just to help them,” Deeley said.
The most common assistance that NEVS provides involves helping clients navigate the complicated legal justice system. Although independent, the agency works under contract with the District Attorney’s Office to act as a court advocate for crime victims who will have to provide information to investigators and testify against their assailants.
In fact, in order to qualify for help, victims must report the crime to police within 72 hours and must agree to cooperate fully with investigators and prosecutors. Naturally, clients must not be implicated in any criminal activity of their own.
“It’s very complicated for a lot of people to navigate all of the court offices. It’s a very big deal,” Bolzak said.
Many clients also become eligible for financial assistance to help them offset unpaid medical or counseling bills, as well as lost income and potentially funeral costs. An individual may be eligible for up to $35,000 in reimbursement. The money comes directly from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Northeast Victim Service helps its clients apply for the financial assistance.
Last year, about 350 Northeast clients collected a combined $350,000 from the state. Property loss, such as stolen or damaged goods, does not qualify for reimbursement. Northeast Victim Service is one of about 120 similar county-based programs statewide. It routinely finishes among the top 10 in the number of financial claims filed with the state and the dollars received for clients. Among the 1,500 clients that the program helps annually, 30 to 40 percent are minorities and 10 to 12 percent seniors. About 10 percent of clients were involved in domestic violence cases.
“Many, many of our victims are going to be males between 18 and 40 because aggravated assaults and robberies are most of the crimes we deal with,” Bolzak said.
The program operates on about $100,000 a year. Funding streams include federal tax dollars administered by the state, city tax dollars administered through the contract with the DA’s office and government grants, including activities grants from City Council. Councilman Bobby Henon is a past NEVS board member, as are Common Pleas Court Judge Mike Fanning, Theresa Butkovitz (the wife of city Controller Alan Butkovitz) and Harvey Rice, the former Safe Schools Advocate. Pat Parkinson, Democratic leader of the 57th Ward, is the sitting board vice president. Private fundraising activities account for about 10 percent of operating funds. Events like the Oct. 2 fundraiser also help raise the public profile of the organization.
Bolzak leads four permanent staff members who possess college degrees in psychology and criminal justice. Typically, four to six college interns also work for the organization each year, mostly criminal justice majors. The board meetings occur six times annually on the third Monday of odd-numbered months and are hosted by The Dining Car.
“(Morozin) is a great community partner. I’ve never known her to say no,” Deeley said. “For an area as large as the Northeast, Nancy provides us a home base.”
For information, visit www.nevs.org. ••
