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FOOTHILLS–Steps to HOPE is proud to announce its new Certified Victim Service Practitioner, Cindy Wicklund.  

Outreach Educator and Program Coordinator Cindy Wicklund recently acquired her nationally recognized certification through NC Victim Assistance Network. After 40+ hours of substantial and rigorous training, Cindy is now qualified to help victims of crime who are experiencing the results of child abuse, childhood trauma, domestic violence, human trafficking, stalking and/or sexual assault.  

The education counts towards fulfilling the requirements set by the NC Council for Women, a division of the Department of Administration that oversees DV/SA programs and Child Advocacy Centers. NCVAN’s Academy is the official authority recognized in NC and approved by both the National Advocate Credentialing Program and the National Organization for Victim Assistance.  

This opportunity for education and certification was made possible through a grant from Dogwood Health Trust, whose existence serves to dramatically improve the health and well-being of all people and communities in the 18 counties and Qualla Boundary of WNC.  

This certification will assist Steps to HOPE toward achieving one of Dogwood’s goals… “that each person who seeks assistance has the opportunity to live, learn, earn and thrive with dignity and opportunity for all.”  

Steps to HOPE is the domestic violence and sexual assault center located in Columbus serving Polk County, NC and Upstate SC. If you or someone you know is a victim and would like to talk with Cindy or another staff member, please call 828-894-2340. 

Submitted by Jessica Cashwell