Victims’ Impact Panel of Oklahoma Needs You

submitted by: vipofok

March 19, 2010

The heart and the soul of the Victims’ Impact Panel (VIP) is the speakers!  The Victims’ Impact Panel of Oklahoma would not exist if not for the willingness of broken-hearted people who come in and volunteer their time and energy and share their story on a Victims’ Impact Panel.  VIP strongly believes that a stronger message is received and remembered longer if you aim your message at the heart.  All of our speakers volunteer their time by coming to the hour-and-a-half program and sharing with the audience how drunk driving has affected their life.  Family members come and share what it feels like to lose a precious loved one to such a senseless act – drunk driving!  Law enforcement officers, firemen, and rescue workers come and share what it feels like to work a DUI crash scene.  DUI offenders come and share what it feels like to needlessly take the life of another innocent human being and they talk about that type of grief, regret, and remorse.
If you have experienced the loss of a loved one at the hands of a drunk driver or you have another DUI-related story you would be willing to share at high schools or with DUI offenders, VIP welcomes you!  Please call us so we can tell you how to get involved.  (405) 216-9556.

The heart and the soul of the Victims’ Impact Panel (VIP) is the speakers!  The Victims’ Impact Panel of Oklahoma would not exist if not for the willingness of broken-hearted people who come in and volunteer their time and energy and share their story on a Victims’ Impact Panel.  VIP strongly believes that a stronger message is received and remembered longer if you aim your message at the heart.  All of our speakers volunteer their time by coming to the hour-and-a-half program and sharing with the audience how drunk driving has affected their life.  Family members come and share what it feels like to lose a precious loved one to such a senseless act – drunk driving!  Law enforcement officers, firemen, and rescue workers come and share what it feels like to work a DUI crash scene.  DUI offenders come and share what it feels like to needlessly take the life of another innocent human being and they talk about that type of grief, regret, and remorse.

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one at the hands of a drunk driver or you have another DUI-related story you would be willing to share at high schools or with DUI offenders, VIP welcomes you!  Please call us so we can tell you how to get involved.  (405) 216-9556.

DUI Fatalities Are Widespread

submitted by: vipofok

March 15, 2010

It is not unusual at the end of a Victims’ Impact Panel for two or three people who were sitting in the audience to mention to the speakers that they themselves have also been affected by a drunk driver.  Many people will share their own personal story about a friend or loved one that was killed by someone’s choice to drink and drive.  One lady commented, “I’ve made a few wrong choices in my life but never injured anyone nor did I get caught.  I was one of the lucky ones.  I do know of a young lady that was killed in a car accident recently.  I was at the same bar she was at and she was the last person I talked to that night.  She never made it home.  I did.”

It is not unusual at the end of a Victims’ Impact Panel for two or three people who were sitting in the audience to mention to the speakers that they themselves have also been affected by a drunk driver.  Many people will share their own personal story about a friend or loved one that was killed by someone’s choice to drink and drive.  One lady commented, “I’ve made a few wrong choices in my life but never injured anyone nor did I get caught.  I was one of the lucky ones.  I do know of a young lady that was killed in a car accident recently.  I was at the same bar she was at and she was the last person I talked to that night.  She never made it home.  I did.”

Parents’ Response to Victims’ Impact Panel Programs

submitted by: vipofok

March 5, 2010

Many times a parent will attend a Victims’ Impact Panel with their son or daughter who has received a DUI and is court-ordered to attend a program.  The following is a comment from a parent who attended with her son:  “I would like to say that I commend each and every one of you for sharing your stories.  It is a good eye-opener for everyone.  I am here with my son and hope and pray that he makes a safer choice the next time, if there is a next time.  I am a nurse and all I can think of is the bad that could have happened.  Thank you so much for your stories.  God bless.”

Many times a parent will attend a Victims’ Impact Panel with their son or daughter who has received a DUI and is court-ordered to attend a program.  The following is a comment from a parent who attended with her son:  “I would like to say that I commend each and every one of you for sharing your stories.  It is a good eye-opener for everyone.  I am here with my son and hope and pray that he makes a safer choice the next time, if there is a next time.  I am a nurse and all I can think of is the bad that could have happened.  Thank you so much for your stories.  God bless.”

The Impact of a Victims’ Impact Panel

submitted by: vipofok

February 26, 2010

Many times as DUI offenders are leaving the Victims’ Impact Panel (VIP) they will stop and express their feelings to the panel speakers as they leave the program.  Victims’ Impact Panel of Oklahoma knows that its VIP programs are making an impact on DUI offenders by what is expressed by the DUI offenders as they walk away from one of our programs.
One DUI offender had this to say:  “I realize that not only did I put my life in jeopardy but other innocent victims as well.  I have two daughters that are my life and this is something that I will emphasize when I leave here tonight.  I will definitely think twice before I get behind the wheel.  I was a methamphetamine user for 16 years, got clean, and turned to alcohol thinking that it was different because it was ‘legal’ when really it was that much worse because it was ‘legal.’  I am so sorry for your loss.”
After attending a Victims’ Impact Panel program in McAlester, another DUI offender had the following to say:  “I have two sons, ages 16 and 14.  My oldest son has his driver’s license and it won’t be long before my youngest son has his.  The story by Mr. Green and Lance is something I have been worried about for a long time.  I personally don’t drink very often, but it only takes one time, and the one time I got caught.  I pray my children use the right choice if they are in a situation of driving drunk or riding with a drunk driver.”

Many times as DUI offenders are leaving the Victims’ Impact Panel (VIP) they will stop and express their feelings to the panel speakers as they leave the program.  Victims’ Impact Panel of Oklahoma knows that its VIP programs are making an impact on DUI offenders by what is expressed by the DUI offenders as they walk away from one of our programs.

One DUI offender had this to say:  “I realize that not only did I put my life in jeopardy but other innocent victims as well.  I have two daughters that are my life and this is something that I will emphasize when I leave here tonight.  I will definitely think twice before I get behind the wheel.  I was a methamphetamine user for 16 years, got clean, and turned to alcohol thinking that it was different because it was ‘legal’ when really it was that much worse because it was ‘legal.’  I am so sorry for your loss.”

After attending a Victims’ Impact Panel program in McAlester, another DUI offender had the following to say:  “I have two sons, ages 16 and 14.  My oldest son has his driver’s license and it won’t be long before my youngest son has his.  The story by Mr. Green and Lance is something I have been worried about for a long time.  I personally don’t drink very often, but it only takes one time, and the one time I got caught.  I pray my children use the right choice if they are in a situation of driving drunk or riding with a drunk driver.”

Pittsburg County DUI Offender Response

submitted by: vipofok

February 19, 2010

Many times at the end of a Victims’ Impact Panel program attendees are asked to fill out a short questionnaire.  Most attendees will add comments at the end of the questionnaire on how they felt about the program they just attended.  At a recent VIP program in Pittsburg County, the following comments were received:
“VIP made me realize to make better choices that come in my life because it not only affects me but my loved ones and people who I may not even know!  It really opened my eyes and touched my heart and I know that this experience was a life lesson learned.  Blessed for this experience!”
“Just wanting to give a special thanks to the families who shared your stories with me and that the stories and memories and your faces are planted in my heart and that you’ve helped change the way I look at things for the better and that I know your loved ones are very proud of you!”
“I learned not to drink and drive because you can take someone’s life and have their family in pain for the rest of their lives.  My older brother was killed in a car accident because his friend was drinking.  So I understand how these speakers feel when you lose someone that you truly care about.”

Many times at the end of a Victims’ Impact Panel program attendees are asked to fill out a short questionnaire.  Most attendees will add comments at the end of the questionnaire on how they felt about the program they just attended.  At a recent VIP program in Pittsburg County, the following comments were received:

“VIP made me realize to make better choices that come in my life because it not only affects me but my loved ones and people who I may not even know!  It really opened my eyes and touched my heart and I know that this experience was a life lesson learned.  Blessed for this experience!”

“Just wanting to give a special thanks to the families who shared your stories with me and that the stories and memories and your faces are planted in my heart and that you’ve helped change the way I look at things for the better and that I know your loved ones are very proud of you!”

“I learned not to drink and drive because you can take someone’s life and have their family in pain for the rest of their lives.  My older brother was killed in a car accident because his friend was drinking.  So I understand how these speakers feel when you lose someone that you truly care about.”

Victims’ Impact Panel Coordinators Needed

submitted by: vipofok

February 10, 2010

Victims’ Impact Panel of Oklahoma, Inc., (VIP) currently contracts with approximately 50 VIP coordinators throughout the state of Oklahoma.  These coordinators conduct a Victims’ Impact Panel program for DUI offenders once a month at a specified location in their area.  The VIP program lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours.  If you would like to help VIP by coordinating and facilitating a Victims’ Impact Panel program in your area, please call us for more details.  (405) 216-9556.

Victims’ Impact Panel of Oklahoma, Inc., (VIP) currently contracts with approximately 50 VIP coordinators throughout the state of Oklahoma.  These coordinators conduct a Victims’ Impact Panel program for DUI offenders once a month at a specified location in their area.  The VIP program lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours.  If you would like to help VIP by coordinating and facilitating a Victims’ Impact Panel program in your area, please call us for more details.  (405) 216-9556.

New VIP Program in Creek County

submitted by: vipofok

Victims’ Impact Panel of Oklahoma, Inc., (VIP) strives to meet the needs of the courts by providing Victims Impact Panels in as many areas as possible throughout the state of Oklahoma.  Our regional director in the Tulsa area has been very busy the last few months making that happen.  Victims’ Impact Panel of Oklahoma, Inc., (VIP) is proud to announce the opening of a new Victims’ Impact Panel program in Creek County in Sapulpa, Oklahoma.  Call (918) 960-3001 for more information.

Victims’ Impact Panel of Oklahoma, Inc., (VIP) strives to meet the needs of the courts by providing Victims Impact Panels in as many areas as possible throughout the state of Oklahoma.  Our regional director in the Tulsa area has been very busy the last few months making that happen.  Victims’ Impact Panel of Oklahoma, Inc., (VIP) is proud to announce the opening of a new Victims’ Impact Panel program in Creek County in Sapulpa, Oklahoma.  Call (918) 960-3001 for more information.

New VIP Program in Latimer County

submitted by: vipofok

It’s always exciting when Victims’ Impact of Oklahoma, Inc., (VIP) opens a VIP program in a new area.  It gives yet more opportunity to raise awareness about the madness of drunk driving, to be able to aid in the prevention of drunk driving, and to give more opportunity to save lives.  Victims’ Impact Panel of Oklahoma, Inc., is proud to announce the opening of a new Victims’ Impact Panel program in Latimer County in Wilburton, Oklahoma.  Call (580) 889-7400 for more information.

It’s always exciting when Victims’ Impact of Oklahoma, Inc., (VIP) opens a VIP program in a new area.  It gives yet more opportunity to raise awareness about the madness of drunk driving, to be able to aid in the prevention of drunk driving, and to give more opportunity to save lives.  Victims’ Impact Panel of Oklahoma, Inc., is proud to announce the opening of a new Victims’ Impact Panel program in Latimer County in Wilburton, Oklahoma.  Call (580) 889-7400 for more information.

Welcome to Victims’ Impact Panel of Oklahoma, INC., New Web Site

submitted by: vipofok

Hello, I’m Jenny Fowler, victim advocate for the Victims’ Impact Panel of Oklahoma, Inc. (VIP).  VIP is proud to announce the launching of our brand new Web site.  The new Web site provides information about the Victims’ Impact Panel as well as how to attend a Victims’ Impact Panel program in your area or how to become a speaker on the program.  On behalf of Janella Tears, the executive director of VIP, and myself, we thank you for visiting our Web site and hope that you will always feel free to call if you would like to become involved or if you ever have questions or comments regarding Victims’ Impact Panel of Oklahoma or the Web site.  We can be reached at (405) 216-9556.

Hello, I’m Jenny Fowler, victim advocate for the Victims’ Impact Panel of Oklahoma, Inc. (VIP).  VIP is proud to announce the launching of our brand new Web site.  The new Web site provides information about the Victims’ Impact Panel as well as how to attend a Victims’ Impact Panel program in your area or how to become a speaker on the program.  On behalf of Janella Tears, the executive director of VIP, and myself, we thank you for visiting our Web site and hope that you will always feel free to call if you would like to become involved or if you ever have questions or comments regarding Victims’ Impact Panel of Oklahoma or the Web site.  We can be reached at (405) 216-9556.

Letter from Edmond

submitted by: vipofok

January 9, 2009
Janella Tears
Executive Director
Victims’ Impact Panel of Oklahoma, Inc.
247C North Broadway
Edmond, OK  73034
Dear Mrs. Tears:
On January 8th, I attended the Victims’ Impact Panel at UCO in Edmond.  Through that experience I became aware of the awesome work being accomplished by your organization.  I didn’t know anything about this and was expecting to hear testimony of victims’ families or friends that are justifiably angry and blameful of alcohol-related accident incidents that everyone agrees are horrible, tragic, and often preventable.
I was amazed to find testimony of victims’ family and friends that despite their unimaginable loss have incredible strength with an attitude of love and prevention of these needless tragedies.  Not only is it their effort to protect and reduce the loss of future innocents’, but to spare everyone the devastating harm and consequences of alcohol-related accidents.
It has become my opinion that legal amounts of alcohol are not acceptable when driving a motor vehicle.  After seeing videos with bruised babies, infant death, and hearing the panel’s testimony at your seminar, I felt overwhelmed with how difficult it must be for everyone involved to live with the consequences.
I have lived in Oklahoma for 13 years and have made it a priority to provide financial support, not only for non-profit agencies, including Regional Food Bank and Jesus House, but also to local families in need and youth baseball.  Due to family illness, including my son’s Type 1 diabetes and my mom’s terminal cancer, it was not my intent to provide any additional charitable funding at this time.  However, I came away from this experience believing it valuable to have my 15-year-old son attend one of your panels before he starts driving and that made me realize other young people could benefit from your efforts.
With this in mind, I have enclosed a check for $1,050 with the request to provide funding for a Victims’ Impact Panel presentation at each of the three Edmond public high schools this year.  I would like each school to know that an anonymous donor has funded $350 for their respective presentation.  Please inform the panel members of the January 8th seminar that because of their brave and giving testimony, I am motivated to try and help others hear their valuable message.  I believe these panels save more lives than they are aware of.  As stated in the presentation, even if just one life was spared, it would be well worth all the effort.
Sincerely,
BT
Edmond, OK

Dear Mrs. Tears:

On January 8th, I attended the Victims’ Impact Panel at UCO in Edmond.  Through that experience I became aware of the awesome work being accomplished by your organization.  I didn’t know anything about this and was expecting to hear testimony of victims’ families or friends that are justifiably angry and blameful of alcohol-related accident incidents that everyone agrees are horrible, tragic, and often preventable.

I was amazed to find testimony of victims’ family and friends that despite their unimaginable loss have incredible strength with an attitude of love and prevention of these needless tragedies.  Not only is it their effort to protect and reduce the loss of future innocents’, but to spare everyone the devastating harm and consequences of alcohol-related accidents.

It has become my opinion that legal amounts of alcohol are not acceptable when driving a motor vehicle.  After seeing videos with bruised babies, infant death, and hearing the panel’s testimony at your seminar, I felt overwhelmed with how difficult it must be for everyone involved to live with the consequences.

I have lived in Oklahoma for 13 years and have made it a priority to provide financial support, not only for non-profit agencies, including Regional Food Bank and Jesus House, but also to local families in need and youth baseball.  Due to family illness, including my son’s Type 1 diabetes and my mom’s terminal cancer, it was not my intent to provide any additional charitable funding at this time.  However, I came away from this experience believing it valuable to have my 15-year-old son attend one of your panels before he starts driving and that made me realize other young people could benefit from your efforts.

With this in mind, I have enclosed a check for $1,050 with the request to provide funding for a Victims’ Impact Panel presentation at each of the three Edmond public high schools this year.  I would like each school to know that an anonymous donor has funded $350 for their respective presentation.  Please inform the panel members of the January 8th seminar that because of their brave and giving testimony, I am motivated to try and help others hear their valuable message.  I believe these panels save more lives than they are aware of.  As stated in the presentation, even if just one life was spared, it would be well worth all the effort.

Sincerely,

BT

Edmond, OK

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New Date and Location for Kay County VIP

The Kay County Victims Impact Panelwill be held on the third Monday of each month andwill be held at the Pioneer Technology Center, 2101 North Ash Street, Ponca City, OK. Sign-in will begin at 6:30 p.m.