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Wiregrass Angel House prepares for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

by: Paige Weeks
Posted: Mar 11, 2021 / 11:02 PM CST / Updated: Mar 11, 2021 / 11:02 PM CST

DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — The Wiregrass Angel House is gearing up for several events as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week gets closer.

Currently, the organization has at least three major events planned for victims’ loved ones and the Wiregrass community.

First up on the calendar is the inaugural Wiregrass Angel House Charity Run on Saturday, April 17. That event will be sponsored by the Wiregrass Chapter of the Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club and the Heart of Dixie chapter of the Gunfighters Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club.

Katy Lewis, Wiregrass Angel House Outreach Advocate
“It is a 60 mile charity run in honor of 600 plus area victims of violent crimes that we serve here in the Wiregrass,” said Wiregrass Angel House Outreach Advocate Katy Lewis. “All of the proceeds will go directly to us here at Wiregrass Angel House to help us further our mission.”

Next up is Family Fun Day, a day meant to kick off National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

“It’s going to be Sunday, April 18, from one o’clock to five o’clock,” Lewis said. “We’re going to have bouncy houses, face painting, hot dogs, balloons and all kinds of things.”

Third is one of the Angel House’s biggest events: the 12th Annual Wiregrass Angel House Charity Golf Tournament. That will take place on April 22 at the Dothan National Golf Club and Hotel.

“We are accepting sponsors, door prizes, and teams,” Lewis told WDHN. “We’d love for you to come out and spend a day with us golfing.”

For more information about these events, visit the Wiregrass Angel House on Facebook.

Justice and remembrance: Wiregrass Angel House holds annual appreciation dinner

by: Paige Weeks
Posted: Feb 18, 2021 / 10:44 PM CST / Updated: Feb 18, 2021 / 10:44 PM CST

DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — Thursday night, officers, attorneys, state leaders, and members of the media came together to recognize Wiregrass Angel House members.

In 2020, over 40 Wiregrass residents became victims of violent crimes. While some victims are learning to live with a new normal, others left behind homes, jobs, families, and friends. That’s where the Wiregrass Angel House and its members come in.

Wiregrass Angel House therapy dog True retires

Posted: Jan 12, 2021 / 10:41 PM CST / Updated: Jan 12, 2021 / 10:41 PM CST

DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — One of the Wiregrass Angel House’s hardest workers is celebrating retirement!

True Kirkland retired today with a “paw-some” party. True, along with her furry and human coworkers, celebrated her years of dedication to the Angel House.

Cake, balloons, and an official certificate were all part of that party.

From all of us at WDHN, congrats True, and happy retirement!

Remembering your loved one; share a testimonial with Wiregrass Angel House

Dothan Eagle
Michele Forehand Aug 4, 2020 Updated 2 hrs ago

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Crosses bearing the photos of victims in the Wiregrass area lost to violent crimes were displayed outside of Wiregrass Angel House in September 2019
JAY HARE/DOTHANEAGLE

Every year the Wiregrass Angel House puts together a testimonial booklet for victims’ families they serve throughout the Wiregrass area.

This year's deadline for families to submit a testimonial to their family member is Aug. 14.

“This booklet is something we do each year for the victim’s family,” Wiregrass Angel House Director Shelly Linderman said. “This booklet serves as a way for the family to send their family member a message. It’s a special way to honor their loved one.”

The booklet will display about 350 testimonials from families who have lost a loved one to homicide.

Wiregrass Angel House’s Angel Paws continues amid COVID-19

WDHN - DothanFirst.com - Posted: Jul 20, 2020 / 10:37 PM CDT / Updated: Jul 20, 2020 / 11:16 PM CDT

DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — Although the Wiregrass Angel House is well-known for helping crime victims and their loved ones, there is another group of dedicated workers within the organization that is paw-sitively awesome.

Cole is four years old and works as one of the Wiregrass Angel House’s three therapy dogs.

“He is the therapy dog we’ve had here the longest at Angel House,” said Wiregrass Angel House Outreach Advocate Katy Lewis. “Everybody loves Cole. I don’t think that there is anybody out there that has met him and has not fallen in love with him. He’s a big snuggle bear.”

Never forget the victims of violent crimes

BY MICHELE W. FOREHAND This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2020 04 22 Dothan Eagle Jay Hare NCVRW artgicle

In this Dothan Eagle file photo families of murder victims release balloons following a candle light vigil held at the First Presbyterian Church during National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
JAY HARE/DOTHAN EAGLE

Waking up and going about our normal routine has been a little different the past few weeks while trying to combat COVID-19. But having a daily routine change is something a violent crime survivor or the family of a homicide victim knows all too well; “normal” no longer exists.

This week is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, set aside to remember the violent crime survivors as well as those who lost their life because of a violent crime.

“So many people are aware what a victim’s family actually goes through when they have lost a loved one due to violent crime,” said Shelly Linderman, director of the Wiregrass Angel House. “We have victims who have survived a violent crime. Everyone has just had their lives changed forever. For the victims who have survived a violent crime, you are truly survivors. The victims never need to be forgotten.”