those who’ve been impacted. I share to help victims and survivors feel comfortable speaking with me, knowing that I’m not just a person answering the phone. I always want them to know that they are welcome to express their thoughts and feelings to me however long it takes to help alleviate some stress. Sometimes they express their frustration with the court system, or the way their cases are handled. I provide some educational information, such as explaining the roles and services of a MADD advocate in conjunction to helping others understand that laws are different depending on the state. Lastly, I let them know that MADD is here to help and pass along their information to an advocate in their state or where the crash occurred. I also encourage them to reach back out to the helpline if they’d like, to ensure they know MADD is here to help them anyway we can. Some phone calls with victims and survivors can bring me to tears. One call I will never forget was from a woman who lost her three children to a substance impaired driver who was in a wrong-way lane. Her loss was both heartbreaking and devastating. Learning that the laws are different in the court system for each state was shocking, especially with the sentencing of an offender. I’ve heard
of some offenders being released from prison from a small sentence after killing someone’s loved one. When they ask me about my experience, I explain that, unfortunately, every situation is different; the person who killed my daughter had an extreme background, which provided an effective plea deal to sentence him to 18 years. He agreed on the 18-year sentence, but one of my stipulations was that he not resist shock probation. Although he received an 18 - year prison sentence, mine was a life sentence. Therefore, I understand the frustration other victims and survivors must feel when dealing with smaller sentences from the civil and criminal justice system. I receive a sense of healing when volunteering for the MADD helpline, because it’s my way of giving back to people. People will receive 10 times more when giving to others. Due to my passion, I make sure I’m available anytime I have an opportunity to get involved with MADD. I thought I would be a mother-in-law or grandma, yet instead, volunteering has been my new journey with Ashley’s spirit guiding me through life. Drunk driving is 100% preventable and I would love to see NO MORE VICTIMS®!
PORTRAITS OF HEALING
The Portraits for Healing program provides victims with a portrait of a loved one killed or injured in a drunk or drugged driving crash. A minimum donation of $50 goes directly to MADD Victim Services to help provide free supportive services to those affected by these preventable crimes. MADD is grateful to artist Bill Small of Danville, Calif., a MADD volunteer generously donating his time and talents to provide this healing opportunity.
www.madd.org/get-involved/portraits-of-healing
22 MADDvocate ® Dustin Michael Church August 24, 1985 – July 10, 2004 Portraits for Healing Dustin Michael Church August 24, 1985 - July 10, 2004 Supporting MADD Victim Services
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