The Erie community continues to heal following the mass shooting last Friday night. As residents grapple with the tragedy, numerous organizations have stepped up to offer support and resources to those struggling, including the Crime Victim Center.
Community members have leaned on one another in the aftermath of the shooting, with organizations providing resources, support and even therapy dogs to help people cope.
The Crime Victim Center is now under new leadership. Amy Blackman became the organization’s Executive Director in September, but she is no stranger to the community or the center’s mission.
Blackman has worked at the Crime Victim Center for years, including in its prevention specialist department, where she helped provide programming in schools and for community organizations.
“I’ve kind of moved through various spaces, but a large amount of it has been in the prevention specialist department, so I have been in the community, literally immersed in the community doing programming in schools or for organizations, so it’s really helped me to know the community and who we are working with, and the background has definitely been helpful,” Blackman said.
After years with the organization, Blackman understands the importance of the services it provides and hopes to bring greater awareness to its work.
She wants to highlight the center’s resources and strengthen its role as a community partner. According to Blackman, “To be able to bring more highlights to the services that we do and the terrific services that we have and the work that we can do in the community, not just as a center but as a community resources and collaborative partner.”
Blackman said she is proud of what the organization has accomplished and plans to continue its mission while exploring new approaches to fundraising.
“We have looked at all of our events and what has worked and what hasn’t worked, maybe revamping some of the things we are doing and maybe having some things that are smaller but are frequent,” Blackman said.
To reach out for services offered by the Crime Victim Center, contact (814) 455-9414.
Support is available for anyone who needs someone to talk to or help processing recent events.
Other resources include Crisis Services at 814-456-2014 or AHN Saint Vincent Behavioral Health at 814-866-8484 for phone or in-person support.