Crime Survivors Resource Center

Crime Survivors, Inc. (CSI)'s mission is to provide hope and healing to victims and survivors of crime. Through our Crime Survivors Resource Center (CSRC), CSI offers victims advocacy and support for resources, information, and empowerment—from the critical time after a crime occurs through the challenges and successes of surviving and thriving.

CSRC's vision is for crime victims to recover mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially from their experience. Recovery is achieved through support and cooperation with law enforcement, the judicial system, community-based agencies, family and friends, and others concerned for the victim's welfare. CSRC insulates the most vulnerable and underprivileged following the devastating impact of a crime; we are committed to serving our community by providing advocacy and resources for crime victims and their families.

Our diverse leadership, staff, board of directors, council, and honorary advisory board are committed to the following core beliefs: (a) that no one should feel abandoned or alone and that every person is deserving of love, respect, and dignity, (b) that the best way to help in hope and healing is to work in partnership with our community, law enforcement, elected leaders, and media members, (c) that we can lift one other out of the darkness and into the light of a restored heart and life, (d) that every broken heart, every hurt, and every wound can be healed with love and strong community support, (e) in hopeful healing, (f) that with faith, there is always hope.

In our 20+ years of providing victim services, CSRC has distributed more than 595,000 CSI Resource Guides, over 6,000 meal baskets, 10,500 child and adult victim emergency bags, and 56,000 holiday gifts for survivors and their families. CSRC has helped thousands of crime victims, distributed thousands of direct aid dollars, and contributed thousands of dollars toward survivor legal support. CSRC has also distributed more than 4,550 “Let’s Meet Officer/Deputy Rank” books, 8,650 “What’s Happening in Court” books, 3,025 Boxes of New Clothing, Shoes and Accessories, and 3,650 backpacks of school supplies to adolescent crime victims. These resources help child survivors understand police and judicial procedures, providing a sense of normalcy during an incredibly trying time.

CSRC has also partnered with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in the “Fair and Impartial Policing” (FAIR) program. In FAIR, CSRC conducted hundreds of trainings, briefings, and presentations to law enforcement communities and service groups to foster awareness, prevention, and survival. CSRC continues to work hand-in-hand with law enforcement and victims to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and promote responsible and effective policing. CSRC understands that supporting crime victims does not stop with direct services for survivors. We continually search for partnership opportunities with law enforcement and community organizations to build a broad coalition of resources, spurring change at a personal and organizational level.

CSRC has also partnered with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in the “Fair and Impartial Policing” (FAIR) program. In FAIR, CSRC conducted hundreds of training, briefings, and presentations to law enforcement communities and service groups to foster awareness, prevention, and survival. CSRC continues to work hand-in-hand with law enforcement and victims to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and promote responsible and effective policing. CSRC understands that supporting crime victims does not stop with direct services for survivors. We continually search for partnership opportunities with law enforcement and community organizations to build a broad coalition of resources, spurring change at a personal and organizational level.

Founded in 2003 by Patricia Wenskunas—a survivor of attempted murder—CSI cares for victims with empathy, respect, and support. Patricia's personal experience has allowed her to identify underserviced segments of the recovery process and necessities often overlooked for victims. This unique perspective has allowed CSRC to be a tireless advocate for change within the criminal justice system and victims' resource network. We identify gaps in services and resources, striving to ensure that victims and their families are represented and have the tools and resources needed to survive and thrive, regardless of their circumstances.

The Crime Survivors Resource Center (CSRC), located in Orange County, serves crime survivors across Southern California. We work closely with law enforcement and victim's rights organizations to immediately respond when called to assist survivors.

20 years ago, I survived attempted murder. My experience ignited my passion, purpose and mission to provide hope, resources and knowledge for other victims and survivors of crime. For years, I dreamed of a resource center that would offer a host of resources, social services, direct programmatic support, information and guidance, all aimed at supporting victims of crime and five years ago that dream came true.

Together with the many volunteers, donors, supporters, organizations, and governmental agencies and law enforcement we have made a difference in the lives of hundreds of crime victims and their families. We advocated for victims, giving voice to their claims for rights and protections under the law. Voters in California heard our plea for victims’ rights with approval for a Crime Victims Bill of Rights amendment to the state constitution in 2008. We changed the law, we have educated law enforcement agencies and judicial officers, established collaborative interagency relationships all in pursuit of providing hope to those who are victims by providing safety, resources, answers and support as they move forward from survivors to thrivers

Crime Survivors is now 23 years old, with a team of savvy, dedicated professionals who serve on our board of directors, council, advisory, rank and file, committee members, and volunteer team. They come from varied backgrounds, but all have one thing in common: they want to make a difference, and they join me in my belief of believing in community above self. The same goes for our donors, partners, service providers, sponsors, and friends. My heart is always in a state of gratitude for what they do and all they have accomplished.

As we look ahead to the future, we see that while overall crime rates remain fairly stable, violent crime rates are growing. I have faith, that our organization will continue to be there, no matter what time the call comes in, to offer hope and resources to those in need. Crime Survivors would not be the organization it is nor able to do the work that we do without the generous donations of cash, resources and time from our communities. My heart is full with gratitude for what they do. It is my hope that more will join us, donating their time for volunteer work, attending events, donating cash or in kind services. We have a myriad of programs that we operate out of our two resource centers and we would welcome all to come and help. If you want to make a difference or have a positive impact in your community, please call us. If you want to serve others, please join us.

With Faith, there is Hope, Hope for Healing. Crime Survivors, and all of you that have joined us, donated, attended, mentioned, volunteered or otherwise engaged with us, you provide that hope. Thank you for catching the vision, for promoting and embracing the values of Crime Survivors, for the difference you make in our communities, Thank you.

Your faith, your hope, has helped me and hundreds of others to heal. On behalf of all victims of crime, Thank you.

Patricia Wenskunas
Founder CEO
“With Faith, there is Hope…”

What a year it has been for the Crime Survivors Resource Center!

Our organization continues to make a significant impact on the lives of both victims and survivors. We have faced many challenges, from a persistently tough fundraising climate to discouraging public misperceptions about crime victims and the stigma surrounding their experiences.

However, what has remained consistent is our unwavering commitment to helping victims reclaim their lives and thrive. There are victims of crime every day who have nowhere to turn, have no voice, and feel helpless. Through our Crime Survivors team, we have changed this narrative for countless victims over the last twenty years. It is sad that an organization such as ours must exist, but in these times, it is needed more than ever! We are not supported by government funding due to restrictions from receiving those funds that would prevent us from being a voice for victims. Because of you, our generous donors and sponsors, we ARE the voice for victims, and we will continue for years to come.

Our team and volunteers work tirelessly to raise awareness and amplify the voices of victims of violent crime. Patricia, our Founder and CEO, has dedicated her time to helping victims—one phone call and one meeting at a time. She has conducted dozens of roundtables and training sessions in multiple counties, educating lawmakers and service providers about the resources available to assist victims in desperate need.

Crime Survivors has become a trusted resource for lawmakers, government officials, and law enforcement leaders seeking to help those victimized by violent crime. I am proud of what we have accomplished and excited about what lies ahead. With our
partners, supporters, and donors, we will continue to be the go-to organization for providing exceptional, personalized assistance to those in need.

I am honored to be part of this incredible organization. I believe the next 20+ years will prove even more impactful with the support of our amazing team, sponsors, and donors, ensuring that victims not only survive but thrive.

Please join me in supporting and donating to support our programs.