4 • The Beacon May 4 , 2023
Annual crime victims ’ rights luncheon held
By Josie Sellers
When victims of crime feel confident and heard , they can impact the lives of others .
The annual National Crime Victims ’ Rights Week luncheon celebrates those who have overcome their struggles and those who supported them in the process . The lunch was held April 27 in the Coshocton County Commissioners Community Room on Chestnut Street .
The guest speaker at the lunch was Danika Bertschy Vickers . The River View High School sophomore is a member of the Nike Club , where she was inspired to use her voice to raise awareness for victims of domestic violence , rape and sexual assault .
“ The Nike Club hasn ’ t just helped me improve my public speaking skills ,” Vickers said . “ It has taught me to be brave and speak up .”
When she was 14 , she was sexually assaulted .
“ Memories haunt me every day ,
“
The Nike Club hasn ’ t just helped me improve my public speaking skills . It has taught me to be brave and speak up .”
Danika Bertschy Vickers
but I don ’ t allow them to define me ,” Vickers said .
She is advocating for other victims and starting a new event called
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes . It was held May 3 at the court square . Men were encouraged to walk in women ’ s heels and women in combat boots around the court square for a mile .
“ First step was looking at doing something like this , and when I approached them , they were on board with me ,” Vickers said . “ I was so ecstatic . I started working on this in November before Thanksgiving and am so excited to see it happening .”
When Vickers was done sharing about her event , outstanding service on behalf of crime victims awards were presented . The first one went to the Coshocton County Probation Office team of Heather Guilliams , John Lonsberry , Ross Nelson and Geno Swigert .
“ They have helped me and my victims in more ways than one ,” said Tarez Elliott , victim / witness coordinator . “ The work you do is very important . Thank you for what you do and for being so accommodating .”
She then presented an award to Ben Hall , the assistant prosecuting attorney , for his willingness to listen and especially for his work in helping juveniles tell their story .
Vicki Casey from First Step presented volunteer Marjorie Groff with an award . Groff has been a strong advocate for First Step over the years , served as an after-school mentor and has dropped off food for the staff .
Josie Sellers
Guest speaker at the lunch was Danika Bertschy Vickers . The River View High School sophomore is a member of the Nike Club , where she was inspired to use her voice to raise awareness for victims of domestic violence , rape and sexual assault .
“ Thank you for all you ’ ve done and all the lives you ’ ve touched ,” Casey said .
Megan Philabaum , also from First Step , gave another award to Kentucky Fried Chicken of Coshocton . The restaurant donates food to First Step ’ s Hope House Shelter and Shepherds Christian Assembly Church , which provides weekly free lunches .
Fellow First Step employee Stephanie Montgomery gave Nancy Foughty the Lifetime Achievement Award . Foughty is retiring in June after 30 ½ years of service to the
Those who received awards at the luncheon were Marjorie Groff , Ross Nelson , Ben Hall , Geno Swigert , Heather Guilliams , Nancy Foughty , KFC managers Kristy Garretson and Alicia Conethan , and John Lonsberry .
county . In 1992 she was hired at the Coshocton County Prosecutor ’ s Office , and in 1996 she was hired as assignment commissioner at the common pleas court .
“ This is quite an honor ,” Foughty said . “ I deal with protection orders . Hearing the stories and speaking to the victims breaks my heart . I pray I always have the right words .”
Casey thanked everyone for attending the lunch , for the work they do and praised Vickers for sharing her story .
“ Your voice will make a difference for other people ,” Casey said .