Office of Victim Services
Kris Pollick, Club President and Heather Cureau
to view meeting: https://youtu.be/3tAol_ApJmE
April 7, 2026 - At a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of York East, members heard an informative and impactful presentation from Heather Cureau, a supervisor with Pennsylvania’s Office of Victim Services (OVS), who detailed the critical support systems available to individuals affected by crime. Cureau focused much of her presentation on the Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP), describing it as a vital financial safety net for those navigating the aftermath of crime. The program helps reimburse victims for out-of-pocket expenses that are often unexpected and overwhelming, including medical bills, counseling services, lost wages, funeral expenses, and even crime scene cleanup.
“Many victims don’t realize that help is available,” Cureau explained, emphasizing that VCAP can ease financial burdens during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life.
Under the program, eligible individuals may receive compensation of up to $35,000. Each year, VCAP distributes approximately $13 million to support around 12,000 new claims across Pennsylvania, underscoring both the scale of need and the program’s broad reach. In addition to compensation, Cureau highlighted the Office of Victim Services’ role in administering key funding streams that support local organizations.
Cureau also introduced an additional program designed to enhance victim safety and awareness. PA SAVIN (Pennsylvania Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification system), keeps victims informed about changes in an offender’s custody status. Through automated alerts, individuals can be notified of releases, transfers, or other significant updates, providing an added layer of security and peace of mind.
By raising awareness of these resources, the Rotary Club of York East continues its mission of community service—ensuring that those in need are not only supported, but also informed about the help available to them.