VTVCare is a non-profit movement.
We exist solely to help fund the long-term physical and psychological trauma-related expenses of mass shooting survivors nationwide.
Relieving the financial burden of mass shooting violence opens up room for survivors to heal, recover, and reclaim their lives.
In the aftermath of the April 16, 2007 Virginia Tech shootings, the survivors and family members of the deceased gathered together. Overpowered by shock and unimaginable grief, we held close to one another as we each did what we could to survive the worst days of our lives.
United by Tragedy - Our Mission.
RESPONSE
We each respond differently to trauma. Over the first 1-2 years post-tragedy, our needs will likely be much different than they’ll be 5, 10, or even 25 years later. Depending upon our injuries, we may require surgeries, hospitalizations, medications, and/or therapy. These needs will inevitably change with time. Survivors may receive an outpouring of support short-term when needs have yet to be clearly defined, but 3, 4, or more years down the road, when the attention of the tragedy starts to dissipate, or other news stories take precedence, individuals may feel alone and helpless as funding for their injuries runs out. Insurance premiums may rise. Out of pocket expenses may be maximized. Individuals may be forced to choose between treatments they can afford and those they cannot. Conditions like PTSD may be left untreated. This is where VTVCare can help.
RECOVERY
Although some survivors may eventually be able to heal from the psychological and physical trauma that stems from a mass shooting, others will be permanently injured. It's our belief that we have a social and ethical responsibility to take care of all survivors. VTVCare exists to help fund the long-term physical and psychological trauma-related care needs of mass shooting survivors nationwide so that they can heal, recover, and reclaim their lives without the additional burden of financial strain. In order for survivors to achieve the best possible outcomes they need access to the resources their injuries require for healing and recovery. Financial strain should not be an obstacle to anyone’s recovery. The VTVCare endowment fund exists solely to help those in need recover and achieve long-term resiliency.
RESILIENCE
Ultimately, we seek resilience for mass shooting survivors. It is our hope that survivors are able to achieve physical, psychological, and spiritual healing to the fullest extent possible, regardless of financial means. Many of us at VTVCare have been directly affected by mass shooting violence but with the right resources we were able to find a way to participate in life again, and achieve our own sense of peace and well-being. It’s our hope that other survivors have this same opportunity, too. Life will never be the same again, but we are living proof that purpose, meaning, and even hope can be found in our lives post-tragedy.
Healing is NOT linear.
The ripple effect of mass shooting violence is vast and wide. Victim’s lives are changed forever. Alleviating the unexpected financial strains of these tragedies opens up room for survivors to grieve, heal, and recover. Healing is a lifelong process, and financial assistance ensures that survivors are not left behind as they navigate this difficult journey.
The settlement agreement that our Virginia Tech families reached with the State of Virginia had multiple components. In addition to funds being allocated for the creation of the VTV Family Outreach Foundation, victims and survivors were also offered assistance through the Virginia Victims Fund (also known as the Criminal Injuries Compensation Funds), “a state program created to help victims of violent crime with out-of-pocket expenses”.
Since 2007, more than $750,000 has been distributed to Virginia Tech survivors to assist with their physical and psychological trauma-related care needs. In 2019 alone, 12 years after the Virginia Tech tragedy, more than $80,000 was reimbursed and distributed to support the long-term care needs of Virginia Tech victims and survivors.
Our experience shows that families and survivors still need assistance over a decade later. Graph 1.0 illustrates the claim dollars approved since 2007 for our VT families, depicting how the need for support and financial assistance continues long after a tragedy. In our case, the need continues almost 2 decades later.
Healing is NOT linear. It is not okay for anyone to be left behind.
Graph 1.0: Claim Dollars Approved (for VT families from 2007-2024): Highlighting the ongoing financial need for long-term survivor care.
The Ramifications of Mass Gun Violence in America
The US experiences more gun-related deaths annually than any other high-income country in the world. The graph to the left depicts this reality. More mass shootings occur on our soil than anywhere else in the world.
While the majority of gun violence in America does not meet criteria for a mass shooting incident (defined by the Gun Violence Archive as a “minimum of four victims shot, either injured or killed, not including any shooter who may also have been killed or injured in the incident”), the physical, mental and emotional trauma associated with these rampages tends to ripple out into communities and affect individual’s perceptions of safety and security. These incidents elicit stress and anxiety and impact how many of us live and engage in society.
This is why our work at VTVCare is so important. We’re here for the long-haul to offer hope to survivors when all hope might otherwise feel lost. Our work is grounded in compassion, empathy, and understanding of the unique needs survivors face.
Using our sustainable endowment model, we strive to ensure survivors’ long-term financial needs are met, and that no survivor is left to walk this road alone. We’re advocates for quality, trauma-informed care for all (regardless of financial ability), survivors’ rights, and necessary legislative changes to better our communities.
How you can get involved.
One person made a difference in our lives. Maybe you could be the person who makes a difference in someone else’s life. Donate today to VTVCare.