VAP

What VAP does

Victim Assistance Program (VAP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1972 (formally established 1974) and headquartered at 137 South Main Street, Suite 300, Akron, Ohio. VAP provides free, 24/7/365 crisis intervention, advocacy, and education services to victims of crime and trauma across Summit County, Ohio, serving nearly 5,000 individuals annually and delivering 121,787 crisis intervention services in 2023. The organization operates a 24-hour hotline (330-376-0040), live website chat, six physical office locations embedded within Akron Police Department and four Summit County courts (Akron Municipal, Barberton Municipal, Stow Municipal, and Summit County Domestic Relations), and a Crisis Response Team that deploys alongside first responders to scenes, schools, and hospitals.

VAP's service portfolio is organized into three pillars: (1) Crisis Intervention—individual and group crisis response, on-scene assistance, and the Children Who Witness Violence (CWWV) Drop-In Center at the Domestic Relations Court (opened September 2022); (2) Advocacy—court accompaniment, victim rights education, protection order assistance, victim compensation application support, the Safe at Home address confidentiality program, and VINE registration; and (3) Education—the Summit Victim Assistance Academy (SVAA), offering the 44-hour Essentials of Victim Advocacy course ($495/person, four times yearly), an 8-12 hour Corporate Essentials workplace training, and customized professional training with Ohio CSWMFT Board CE credits. The organization is a nationally approved NOVA training provider and operates with credentialed advocates (CA), licensed social workers (LSW), and NOVA-trained crisis responders.

Revenue is generated through three streams: individual and corporate donations (including monthly giving, Facebook ambassador fundraising, IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, and legacy giving); local, state, and federal government grants (notably VOCA and Summit County ADAMHS Board funding, which has been volatile—documented $218,000 shortfall in 2020); and event-based fundraising (Gather For Good Friends Breakfast with a $50,000 goal; Mardi Gras Gala, which raised $156,620 in 2024). The organization reports that 82 cents of every dollar goes directly to programs and holds Candid Platinum Transparency recognition (consecutive 2020–2026), Charity Navigator 4-star rating, BBB Accredited Charity status, Council on Accreditation, and OhioMHAS certification. VAP's 30+ staff and volunteers are led by CEO Rebecca Cool (MSW from the University of Akron, licensed social worker, nationally credentialed advocate) and include a Director of Services, Director of Finance, Director of Grants & Community Outreach, Director of Education, and Assistant Directors overseeing crisis, advocacy, and finance functions.

Name

VAP

Legal name

Victim Assistance Program

Website

https://victimassistanceprogram.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Victim Assistance Program is a Summit County, Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free 24/7 crisis intervention, advocacy, and education to nearly 5,000 victims of crime and trauma annually, plus paid professional training through the Summit Victim Assistance Academy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Victim Assistance Services

NAICS

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Youth Justice, At-Risk Youth & Violence Prevention Nonprofits (BPAGADAM)

Keywords

• Crisis intervention
• Victim advocacy
• Trauma support
• Survivor services
• Nonprofit victim services

Headquarters

HQ city

Akron

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Philanthropy: VAP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on donations from individuals, corporations, and the community to support its operations. The organization states that 82 cents of every dollar goes directly to supporting programs. Donation methods include one-time donations, monthly giving, employee giving programs, ambassador fundraising on Facebook, Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs, endowment fund contributions, and legacy giving through wills or estate plans.
2. Government Grants and Federal Funding: VAP receives local, state, and national funding to support its mission. This includes VOCA (Victim of Crime Act) federal funds, grants from the Summit County Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services Board, and other government grants. The organization has historically faced federal funding cuts, including a $218,000 shortfall in anticipated VOCA funding in 2020.
3. Event Fundraising: VAP raises funds through annual events including the Gather For Good Friends Breakfast (fundraising goal of $50,000), Mardi Gras Gala ($156,620 raised in 2024), and other community events. All event proceeds support victims of crisis, violence, and tragedy.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

VAP provides free 24/7 crisis intervention, advocacy, and education services to victims of crime and trauma in Summit County, Ohio, through hotlines, chat, in-person advocacy at court-based offices, and professional training programs. The organization was founded in 1972 and operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Product overview

Victim Assistance Program (VAP) is a nonprofit victim services organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs centered on crisis intervention, advocacy, and education. Core services include 24-hour crisis intervention via phone, chat, and in-person response; comprehensive victim advocacy including court accompaniment and rights education; and the Summit Victim Assistance Academy (SVAA) providing professional training courses including The Essentials of Victim Advocacy, Corporate Essentials, and Customized Training. The organization serves Summit County, Ohio, providing free services to approximately 5,000 victims annually regardless of crime type.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 24-Hour Crisis Intervention Free 24/7 crisis intervention services to victims of crime and trauma, accessible via hotline, text, and chat channels.
• Advocacy Services Victim advocacy services delivered through in-person staff at court-based offices to support victims navigating the criminal justice process and accessing resources.
• Children Who Witness Violence (CWWV) Drop-In Center Specialized drop-in center providing dedicated support services for children who have witnessed violence.
• Summit Victim Assistance Academy (SVAA) Educational academy offering professional training courses in victim advocacy and assistance for allied professionals.
• The Essentials of Victim Advocacy A specific paid course offered through SVAA providing foundational training in victim advocacy for professionals.
• Corporate Essentials Corporate training program designed to help businesses and their employees respond to victimization and trauma in the workplace.
• Customized Training Bespoke training programs tailored to the specific needs of organizations and their staff in victim services.
• Safe at Home Program Program that helps victims enroll in an address confidentiality program to protect them from abusers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 121,787 crisis intervention services provided in 2023
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Summit County Domestic Relations CourtcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2022VAP partnered with Summit County Domestic Relations Court to support families with children seeking court protection orders through the Children Who Witness Violence (CWWV) Drop-In Center program. The program provides free, immediate, unscheduled child watching while parents attend court hearings. VAP victim advocates are also stationed on the 3rd floor of the courthouse. The CWWV Drop-In Center has been open since September 2022 and operates Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.
• Ohio Attorney General's OfficecoreOthersThe Ohio Attorney General's Office administers the Crime Victims Fund (Victim Compensation), a federal program funded by convicted offenders. VAP assists individuals in applying for these funds. The AG's Office also oversees the VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) program for which VAP advocates educate and register victims.
• Akron Police DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVAP works alongside Akron Police Department through on-scene crisis response and has victim advocates stationed at the Detective Bureau (217 South High Street, 6th Floor). First responders request VAP advocates to help alleviate victims' emotional concerns and questions at crime scenes.
• Akron Municipal CourtcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVAP provides victim advocates at Akron Municipal Court (172 S Broadway St, Suite 202) to support clients through the justice system with individualized advocacy, court accompaniment, and protection order assistance.
• Barberton Municipal CourtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVAP provides satellite advocacy services at Barberton Municipal Court (576 West Park Avenue, 1st Floor) as part of its court-based service delivery network.
• Stow Municipal CourtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVAP provides satellite advocacy services at Stow Municipal Court (4400 Courthouse Drive, 2nd Floor) as part of its court-based service delivery network.
• Summit County Medical Examiner's OfficecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnder the leadership of Dr. Lisa Kohler, Chief Medical Examiner of Summit County, VAP has established a unique partnership where a VAP Victim Advocate is notified directly by the Medical Examiner's Office and dispatched immediately to provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and resources to families who have lost loved ones due to suicide or violent crime. This coordinated approach was honored with the 2026 Rev. Dr. Bob Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award.
• National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVAP founder Rev. Dr. Bob Denton was the founding president of NOVA in 1974. VAP continues to offer the NOVA Model of Crisis Intervention through its training programs and is a nationally approved training provider. VAP staff are NOVA-trained crisis responders.
• Summit County Juvenile CourtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKate Calla from Summit County Juvenile Court serves on VAP's Board of Directors, indicating an ongoing collaborative relationship.
• Cleveland Clinic Akron GeneralminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStacy Kovacs from Cleveland Clinic Akron General serves on VAP's Board of Directors, indicating an ongoing collaborative relationship.
• Gun Violence Response Fund PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFollowing the June 2024 Akron mass shooting, VAP partnered with community leaders Tracy Carter, Ron Paydo, and Rev. Dr. Charles Myricks Jr. to lead the Gun Violence Response Fund, which provided over $200,000 in flexible financial assistance to victims of gun violence. These leaders received the 2025 Rev. Dr. Sandy Selby Extended Family Award.
• Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist (CSWMFT) BoardminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVAP is an accredited continuing education provider by the Ohio CSWMFT Board, providing up to 30 CE hours for licensed social workers and counselors who complete The Essentials of Victim Advocacy course.
• Ohio Secretary of State (Safe at Home Program)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVAP has certified Application Assistants on staff to help victims of domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, rape, and sexual battery enroll in the Ohio Secretary of State's Safe at Home Program, an address confidentiality program created by Ohio House Bill 359.
• Hope & Healing Survivor Resource CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHope & Healing Survivor Resource Center serves Summit & Medina Counties with 24/7 hotline, support groups, therapy, and emergency shelter. Listed as a partner resource for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors alongside VAP.
• Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerODVN is a statewide coalition providing advocacy, resources, and support for individuals impacted by domestic violence, offering training, education, and connections to local service providers including VAP.
• BRAVO at Equitas HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBRAVO is a support and advocacy program for LGBTQ+ survivors of violence, providing case management, safety planning, and community-based resources, listed alongside VAP as a partner resource.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Broad incumbents

• Mental Health America: National community-based nonprofit addressing mental health needs with crisis intervention, advocacy, and education. Comparable service portfolio (crisis support, advocacy, education) at national scale serving related mental health populations.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): National grassroots mental health organization providing crisis support, advocacy, and education programs. VAP's crisis intervention and education programs overlap with NAMI's community-based support model.
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): Largest national anti-sexual violence organization operating the National Sexual Assault Hotline. Operates at much broader scale than VAP but serves overlapping victim populations with crisis intervention and advocacy services.

Direct peers

• Safe Horizon: New York City's largest victim services organization providing 24/7 hotline, counseling, advocacy, and court accompaniment. Comparable comprehensive victim services model at larger urban scale serving crime survivors.
• National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA): National victim advocacy organization co-founded by VAP's founder Bob Denton in 1974. Provides crisis response training, the NOVA Model of Crisis Intervention used by VAP, and National Advocate Credentialing Program certifications.
• Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN): Statewide coalition providing advocacy, training, and resources for individuals impacted by domestic violence. Listed as VAP partner resource and operates as a coordinating body for member agencies serving similar victim populations across Ohio.
• Crime Victims Treatment Center: New York-based nonprofit providing free crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy to crime victims including survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and homicide. Comparable direct-service victim services model with similar client populations.
• Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center: Serves Summit and Medina Counties with 24/7 hotline, support groups, therapy, and emergency shelter for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors. Direct geographic peer and listed VAP partner resource for overlapping survivor populations.

Regional players

• Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence: Statewide coalition in Ohio working to prevent sexual violence and support survivors. Comparable regional advocacy and victim services scope to VAP's Summit County focus, serving overlapping sexual assault survivor populations.

Others

• Ohio Mental Health & Addiction Services (OhioMHAS): State government agency that has certified VAP and provides funding through the ADAMHS Board. Indirect ecosystem connection as regulator, funder, and certification body for community-based mental health and crisis service providers like VAP.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/VictimAssistance0040/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/victimassistanceprogram
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/2688781
• Instagraminstagram.com/victimassistanceprogram

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about VAP