Advocate for safe neighborhoods and victim support
About Central Division Victims Services
MISSION: Central Division Victim Services (CDVS) is to foster a safe, prosperous, and resilient community with a focus on advocating for safer neighborhoods while supporting survivors of trauma due to violence.
At Central Division Victim Services (CDVS), we believe that no one should face the aftermath of a crime alone. We are a community-based organization dedicated to advocating for your rights and your safety. We help victims, co-victims and witnesses of crime in Lower North and Center City Philadelphia apply for financial help/reimbursement. Whether you need someone to talk to or help fill out paperwork, our services are always 100% FREE and CONFIDENTIAL.
How We Can Help You Right Now?
We know the legal system can be confusing. We are here to help you navigate it. Our team specializes in:
● Applying for the Pennsylvania Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP): We help you apply for state funds to reimburse you for costs related to the crime.
● Relocation Assistance: If you are unsafe in your current home, we can assist with applying for funds for emergency moving expenses to help you get to safety, or for reimbursement if you do not qualify for emergency relocation.
● Assistance with Paying Medical Bills After Victimization: Do not let hospital bills pile up. We guide you through the process of getting reimbursed for out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by insurance and lost wages.
● Free Trauma Counseling for Victims and Families of Victims: We offer referrals to specialized therapists and counselors who can help victims, co-victims and witnesses of crime and their families navigate the grief and trauma related to their victimization, and applying for state benefits and compensation to cover the associated costs.
● Court Accompaniment: Our Victim Advocates can accompany you to court hearings and help you navigate the criminal justice system. We are not lawyers and cannot offer you legal advice, but we can help you understand the court process, advocate for you with District Attorneys and Police Detectives and help connect you with legal aid services.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU: You do not need to file a police report to talk to us. We are here to listen, support and advocate for you.
Our Purpose
Our Purpose
Central Division Victim Services is a community based comprehensive victim services organization. We serve all types of crime victims, co-victims and witnesses in the 9th and 22nd Police Districts in Lower North and Center City Philadelphia. Our purpose is to educate, prevent and respond in our neighborhoods as a partner in bringing resources that will assist in recovery from the trauma of victimization. Our organization is dedicated to assisting all individuals, regardless of race, age, color, national origin, disability, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity/expression.
Our Focus
- Education/Awareness: Increase community awareness of victims’ rights and services.
- Leadership: Be a community leader and stakeholder.
- Sustainability: Establish community trust as well as resources for achieving our mission.
- Program Services: Address neighborhood gaps in serving crime victims with a trauma-informed approach.
- Community Engagement: Build strong relationships within our neighborhoods to achieve our mission.
Our History
North Central Victim Services and Center City Crime Victim Services joined their efforts to serve Center City and Lower North Philadelphia neighborhoods. The merging of these two victim service agencies formed Central Division Victim Services. Before merging, both community-based victim service agencies had a long history of serving and responding to victims of crime in many diverse populations.
Organizational Timeline
Our Leadership
CDVS Team Members
Gabrielle Rainey: Director of Victim Services/Co-Executive Director
Jim Schofield: Director of Operations/Co-Executive Director
Xiomara Claudio: Spanish-Speaking Victim Advocate
Tijania Goodwin: Community Awareness Coordinator & Victim Advocate
Nelleke Stallings: Victim Advocate
Bill Sze: Chinese-Speaking Victim Advocate
Kathryn Wylde: Victim Advocate
CDVS Board Members
Mary Archer: Board Chairperson
Charles Leone: Vice Chairperson
Maureen Holland
Stephanie Le Clair
Clifford Mobley
John Zhang
