Victim Witness Services for Northern Arizona (VWS) was started in 1984 by a group of committed volunteers who saw the need for a civilian corps of emergency responders for victims of crime. Within a year, the group had received their first grant and hired their first paid staff. Over the last 40 years, VWS has become a community institution, responding to 997 crisis calls in 2023 and working with over 2,500 victims of crime annually.

Forty years after its founding, VWS remains committed to offering trauma-informed services and support to victims of crime, both in the immediate aftermath of a crime and over the long term until the victim no longer needs support. VWS envisions a just, equitable world in which all people are safe and free to be their fully realized selves in communities rooted in love, dignity and joy. VWS’ mission is to be a source of healing, empathy and support to people and communities that have experienced trauma.

VWS invites you to join our mission and celebrate this 40-year milestone by joining us at this year’s Taste of Flagstaff, Serving 40 Years of Hope. If you’re not able to attend, please pass this invitation to friends and family, and donate to ensure that VWS has the support to continue serving victims of crime for the next 40 years.

Back to the 80s

Celebrating the 25th Annual Taste of Flagstaff & Victim Witness Services 40th Anniversary