CARBONDALE – The City of Carbondale has received funding from the National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators (NAVAA) through a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), within the U.S. Department of Justice, to support a regional awareness campaign during the 2026 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 19–25, 2026.

In partnership with the Carbondale Public Library and the Survivor Empowerment Center, the City will promote the 2026 NCVRW theme, Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect Victims, Serve Communities, by celebrating victim advocates, service providers and the everyday individuals who listen and act to support victims of crime across Southern Illinois.

On Sunday, April 19, the City will host a NCVRW Kick-Off Celebration at the Carbondale downtown pavilion from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., featuring information on local services, light refreshments, and entertainment. On Thursday, April 23, the Carbondale Public Library will host a Know Your Rights presentation from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., highlighting victims’ rights and available resources. These event are free and open to the public.

“The support from NAVAA and OVC for our 2026 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week awareness campaign will help bring greater awareness to victim assistance programs throughout Southern Illinois and in Carbondale,” said Dianah McGreehan, Director of Violence Prevention Programs for the City of Carbondale.

First designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week raises awareness of the rights and services available to crime victims. Since 2004, the NCVRW Community Awareness Project has supported more than 1,500 initiatives nationwide. The City of Carbondale was one of the 86 community awareness projects recommended by NAVAA and selected for funding by OVC the 2026 national awareness campaign.

For more information about 2026 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week activities, contact Dianah McGreehan at 618-457-3282 or dmcgreehan@carbondaleil.gov.

“Carbondale prides itself on providing its visitors, students, businesses and residents with a unique mix of edge and ease. It’s a cultural town, yet free of pretense, embracing the great outdoors as readily as urban sophistication. Here, we are open to new ideas, experiences and cultures, so you are encouraged to both express yourself and be yourself, in all ways. That’s Carbondale… All Ways Open… for family, fun, business, new ideas and a bright tomorrow.”