VTVCare is a non-profit movement. Our sole purpose is to help fund the long-term physical and psychological trauma-related care expenses of mass shooting survivors nationwide.
In the aftermath of the April 16, 2007 Virginia Tech shootings, the survivors and family members of the deceased gathered together. Overpowered by shock and unimaginable grief, we held close to one another as we each did what we could to survive the worst days of our lives.
Relieving the financial burden of mass shooting violence opens up room for survivors to heal, recover, and reclaim their lives.
Jennifer’s Story
United by Tragedy - Our Mission.
RESPONSE
We each respond differently to trauma. Over the first 1-2 years post-tragedy, our needs will likely be much different than they’ll be 5, 10, or even 25 years later. Depending upon our injuries, we may require surgeries, hospitalizations, medications, and/or therapy. These needs will inevitably change with time. Survivors may receive an outpouring of support short-term when needs have yet to be clearly defined, but 3, 4, or more years down the road, when the attention of the tragedy starts to dissipate, or other news stories take precedence, individuals may feel alone and helpless as funding for their injuries runs out. Insurance premiums may rise. Out of pocket expenses may be maximized. Individuals may be forced to choose between treatments they can afford and those they cannot. Conditions like PTSD may be left untreated. This is where VTVCare can help.
RECOVERY
Although some survivors may eventually be able to heal from the psychological and physical trauma associated with mass shooting violence, others will be permanently injured. It's our belief that we have a social and ethical responsibility to take care of all survivors. VTVCare exists to help fund the long-term physical and psychological trauma-related care needs of mass shooting survivors so that they can heal, recover, and reclaim their lives without the additional burden of financial strain. In order for survivors to achieve the best possible outcomes they need access to the resources their injuries require for healing and recovery. Financial strain should not be an obstacle to anyone’s recovery. The VTVCare endowment fund exists solely to help those in need recover and achieve long-term resiliency.
RESILIENCE
Ultimately, we seek resilience for survivors of mass shooting violence. It is our hope that survivors achieve physical, psychological, and spiritual healing to the fullest extent possible, regardless of financial ability. Many of us at VTVCare have been directly affected by mass shooting violence but with the right resources we were able to find a way to participate in life again and find our own sense of peace and well-being with time. It’s our hope that other survivors have this same opportunity, too. Life will never be the same, but we are living proof that purpose, meaning, and even hope can be found in our lives post-tragedy.
Healing is NOT linear.
The ripple effect of mass shooting violence is vast and wide. Victim’s lives are changed forever. Alleviating the unexpected financial strains of these tragedies opens up room for survivors to grieve, heal, and recover.
The settlement agreement that our Virginia Tech families reached with the State of Virginia had multiple components. In addition to funds being allocated for the creation of VTV, victims and survivors were also offered assistance through the Virginia Victims Fund (also known as the Criminal Injuries Compensation Funds), “a state program created to help victims of violent crime with out-of-pocket expenses” (virginiavictimsfund.org).
Since 2007, more than $650,000 has been distributed to Virginia Tech survivors to assist with their physical and psychological trauma-related care needs. In 2019 alone, 12 years after the Virginia Tech tragedy, more than $80,000 was reimbursed and distributed to support the long-term care needs of Virginia Tech victims and survivors. Our experience shows that families and survivors still need assistance over a decade later.
Healing is NOT linear. It is not okay for anyone to be left behind. There is a great need nationwide for our VTVCare endowment fund, for which we are very passionate about.
Please consider donating to VTVCare today. 100% of your charitable donation will be used to directly support mass shooting survivors with their long-term trauma-related care needs.
How you can get involved.
One person made a difference in our lives. Maybe you could be the person who makes a difference in someone else’s life. Please donate.