Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Sims.
Candace, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was a Community Advocate even before I learned what it meant to be an Advocate. My nature was always one of an empath. (Again, terms I were never familiar with) I love being around people, serving, fellowshipping, just being in the company of others. I was known to volunteer at school, church, in and around the community, and at Senior Residential Centers.
When I lost my son to a brutal murder in 2007 (still a cold case), I became a victim needing the care and comfort I was used to giving. So many poured into me to help me bounce back to “functioning” mode. I will never be the same. Some people become better individuals in spite of the trauma suffered. Some find it extremely difficult to cope. Crime Victims Advocacy Council (CVAC) gave me the opportunity not just to be present with crime victims, but also to be taught and trained on Advocacy and Trauma Induced Resources. Working at CVAC helps to make the true nature of who I am more effective and efficient while working with crime victims. I have made life long connections with others in this work that I will forever call friends. For that I am grateful.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Early in my path of Advocacy, I laid the responsibility of being a leader in Group Support services down. It was hard, it was depressing, results were too far out of sight, that made me wonder if what I was doing making a difference or not. Before I got real training, I was “fly by night” leader holding on to the seat of my own pants. I would say to myself, “If I am going to do this, I must get better at this”. What I didn’t realize was that better wasn’t necessarily better-skilled; but more vulnerable. I had to ready myself to be brutally honest and vulnerable. I could not share part of the story, but rather my entire story-which I am still learning to do. As I do, it becomes more easier, more inspiring to others, and a more complete work.
The most challenging part of my work is admitting that Victimization is a part of American Culture; because of the work and many agencies addressing the issue. Sometimes resources are in short supply and many go without the necessary things they need. It’s difficult not being able to meet a need.
Please tell us about Crime Victims Advocacy Council.
Crime Victims Advocacy Council is a non-profit Community Advocate Agency who works with crime victims on their road to healing and recovery. We offer Group Support services, we help navigate victims through the criminal justice system explaining their victims’ rights, and offering transportation services to and from court and court-appointed appointments. We assist with filing Victims’ Compensation and Victim Impact Statements. For other victim services, we do not directly provide, we provide resources with partners who offer those services. CVAC also works with legislation that seeks to make a victim whole.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
In order to assist crime victims, you must have the heart to listen to the client, understand how to help the client, and the ability to keep confidential information about the victim at bay to provide safety and trust. A crime victim is already cautious, skeptical, maybe cynical, and yielding, Do not promise to do something you are not able to deliver. An advocate must be able to gain the trust of the client they are assisting. Also, being able to set limits and boundaries in your work to maintain your self-care is a plus. Vicarious trauma is real and can affect the way you do your work.
Contact Info:
- Address: CVAC
3101 Paces Mill RD
Atlanta, GA 30339 - Website: www.askcvaconline.org
- Phone: 7703339254
- Email: askcvac@cvaconline.org
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