Care Lodge Executive Director Leslie Payne has spent the week educating the public on what crime victims can do for themselves in conjunction with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which is April 19-25.

    “Local communities all over our country, agencies like Care Lodge, are providing candlelight services and information on what crime victims’ rights are,” Payne said.

    According to Payne, Mississippi has a Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights. There also is a Mississippi Crime Victims Program.

    “If you’ve been the victim of a crime; it’s been reported to law enforcement and that victim has experienced medical expenses, lost wages or some other type of financial burden as a result of the victimization; that person can apply to that program for reimbursement on those expenses.” Payne explained.

    The program is just one of much of information that Payne said she would like to pass on to the public. Empowering crime victims with resources is vital to the success of the work of Care Lodge.

    “Victims should be given the information and assistance they need to make informed decisions about their own lives as they recover,” Payne explained. “An important element in promoting victim empowerment is providing an atmosphere where victims are believed and supported by their community.”

    Services available at Care Lodge are:

    • 24-hour Crisis Line – 601-693-HOPE

    • Emergency shelter

    • Case management

    • Counseling

    • Children’s programs

    • Victims’ advocacy

    • Information and referral

    • Family violence intervention program

    • Outreach and education.

    For additional information about the Care Lodge and its services, visit; www.carelodge.com.