Prevail, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for victims of crime and abuse, was founded in July 1986 by Beth Gehlhausen and Judge Steve Nation, who wanted to do more for crime and abuse victims in the U.S. The organization was set up as a nonresidential, community-based victim advocacy agency that works closely with government and community partners to break the cycle of violence and support empowerment. This approach remains the core of what Prevail strives to do today – saving lives, restoring hope, and empowering those they serve.
Tami Wanninger, executive director of Prevail, wants the community to know that their services, all confidential and free of charge, extend beyond the limits of Noblesville to Westfield and other Hamilton County communities.
“Many in our community think, because our offices are located in Noblesville, that we only serve that community,” she says. “We are a countywide organization serving Hamilton County and the surrounding communities. Our office just happens to be in Noblesville.”
Some of the key services Prevail offers include: immediate and crisis help with access to a 24-hour crisis line that any survivor or loved one can call 24 hours a day, seven days a week; general support services available by phone, video call or in person; support groups; and housing support.
Prevail also provides primary prevention, and the nonprofit serves over 5,900 youths through the Hamilton County school health program, which provides healthy relationship education to students in grades seven through 12. This is a 12% increase from the last school year.
Wanninger wants to focus on the continuous needs of survivors that local community members could help support.
“One of the biggest barriers a survivor faces when fleeing from domestic abuse, sexual assault or other type of crime is immediate support during this transition,” she says. “Gas, grocery, and ride-share gift cards in the amount of $25 help these families in crisis stabilize. These are a lifeline for survivors, helping them reach safety, find jobs, attend appointments and maintain their independence.”
For those without their own vehicles or who fear their location might be tracked, ride shares offer a safe way to get the support they need. Additionally, survivors who are financially constrained or whose spending is monitored by an abuser may struggle to afford fuel. Gas gift cards give them a chance to regain control over their lives and travel safely. Likewise, survivors may need immediate food assistance until they can get to a food pantry or secure money to pay for food.
As a 24/7 program, Prevail also encounters families on the scene with law enforcement or at hospitals who need emergency meals. These gift cards offer quick, reliable food support when it is needed most.
The community can best support Prevail and strengthen survivors by volunteering, donating items from the wish list on the Prevail website, attending or sponsoring a fundraising event, as well as following the nonprofit on social media and sharing or liking posts that resonate.
“Prevail’s biggest challenge has been federal funding cuts,” Wanninger says. “Nationally [Victims of Crime Act] funds have been cut by nearly 40% to providers advocating for victims to crime and abuse. The nonprofit relies on and needs the Hamilton County community more than ever to help advocate for victims and survivors with local legislators.”
For more info, visit prevailinc.org or call 317-776-3472.
