By Mke Ritter, DVI Deputy Director
Hi Friend,
Can I level with you? I’ve been hurting and struggling for the past month.
Ever since two little girls from York County, 6- and 7-year-old Aaminah and Gianna Vicosa were found dead, murdered by their own father Robert Vicosa, alongside a road in Smithsburg, Maryland. Being a victim advocate means constant and regular exposure to the worst humanity has to offer. You get used to certain things. But this one really threw me in a deep and unexpected way. Like a gut punch that knocks the wind out of you.
I have been thinking a lot about this family ever since, especially in light of the holidays. I can’t even begin to imagine the unbearable suffering that must be caused by the loss of a young child, especially when that loss is forced and violent. It is at these times when parents may hug their own children a little longer and a little tighter. As I reflect over these past four weeks, that is why I came into this work over a decade ago – to do what I can to build healthy families, so all children can thrive, be safe in their own relationships, and bring value to their communities. Because I truly believe that children are indeed our future.
So, in this season of giving and thanks, I am grateful to have known and felt safety, kindness, love, and respect throughout my life. And I am proud to work for an organization that is making fresh and renewed investments in children in the new year, including continued leadership in The Basics Lebanon Valley, Be the One Parenting Class, and a human trafficking collaborative; strengthened partnerships with Randi’s House of Angels (specifically Randi’s Kidz Club) and the UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central PA; and upgrading educational toys and learning opportunities for kids residing in our shelter.
These things help restore my hope and build my resolve to continue our critical work to prevent violence. Would you help further boost my hope? As you pause over these next couple of weeks to be with family and loved ones, please be safe and be kind.
Your partner in prevention,
Author: Amaury Abreu
