JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — When violent crime happens in Jacksonville, dozens of people jump into action to help victims and their families navigate the road ahead.
Through their journey, some victims become a strong voice against violence.
Every year, the work and dedication of victims and their advocates is recognized at the city’s National Victims’ Rights Week Awards Luncheon.
Victims' Rights Awards Luncheon underway before packed room of city leaders, victims' families @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/frIAfnSn3d
— Lorena Inclán (@LorenaANjax) April 6, 2017
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The event kicked-off with a moving tribute to the late Glen Mitchell, who founded Compassionate Families. His organization has made a huge impact in the community helping victims of violent crimes.
Nakesa Barnhill got emotional Thursday, as the person who nominated her for the Courageous Victim award read her story out loud.
Barnhill’s 2-year-old son, Amari, was murdered in 2015 by his father, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the crime.
“The true victim was Amari Barnhill. He was a toddler who never should've went through that,” Barnhill said.
Since her son’s death, she started a nonprofit called Amari’s Earthly Angels to helps others detect the warning signs of abuse.
“I just want the message out there because it's too many and it's not fair to the other side,” Barnhill said.
She’s also writing a book about her son titled "The Amari Barnhill Story: The Act of Filicide."
Dr. Rachel Thomas, an advanced registered nurse practitioner with the University of Florida Child Protection Team, was also honored with the Outstanding Victim Advocate Award.
Luncheon kicks off with moving tribute to Glen Mitchell of Compassionate Families who passed away @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/N54pO5LWJ7
— Lorena Inclán (@LorenaANjax) April 6, 2017
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“I feel very honored. I’m just one of many pieces of the puzzle in the Jacksonville child welfare, child protection system,” Thomas said.
Last year alone, Thomas helped more than 400 children.
“I think it's critically important for families and children to have access to professionals,” Thomas said.
Other honorees included the Honorable Pauline Drake, Sgt. Nuria Archbold, The Justice Coalition’s Victims’ Advocate Newspaper, and Shirley Webb.
National Victims’ Rights Week will conclude on Saturday with the “Unity in the Community” event hosted by Families of Slain Children.
Cox Media Group
