Volusia County Rape Crisis Center Receives Two Cars, $3,000 in Fuel from Local Law Enforcement

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - May 22, 2016 - PRLog -- Stewart-Marchman-Act Behavioral Healthcare (SMA) is pleased to share that the Daytona Beach Police Department (DBPD) donated two vehicles and Volusia County Sheriff's Office (VCSO) donated $3,000 in fuel to the Volusia Rape Crisis Center (VRCC) to assist the transportation needs of rape victims in Volusia County.

The donations came about when Zeva Edmondson, Director of the VRCC, heard that the DBPD was getting a new fleet of vehicles. The center was in need of vehicles to help with the transportation needs of rape victims so she decided to approach them about donating their used vehicles. First she asked City of Daytona Beach City Manager, James Chisholm, then Chief Mike Chitwood…they both said yes. She was told that a City of Daytona Beach fleet operations person would call her and they did.  Within two weeks, Zeva picked out two used cars.

The center did not have the funds in their budget to provide the fuel for the cars, so the Volusia County Sheriff's Office donated $3,000 towards the purchase of fuel.

Now in SMA's possession, the vehicles are being used to provide rape victims with transportation home, to their medical appointments, or any needed court visits. They cars are unmarked, which will protect the privacy of those victims.

"We are overwhelmed with these donations - we can't thank Chief Chitwood, the DBPD, and the VCSO enough," said Zeva Edmondson, Director of Volusia Rape Crisis Center. "It's traumatizing enough to be in a situation like this, but even worse if you don't have transportation get home safely, to the doctor or to court," she added.

The Volusia Rape Crisis Center is the Certified Rape Crisis Center for Volusia County, Florida and is located at 1000 Big Tree Road, Daytona Beach. They maintain a 24-Hour Sexual Assault Helpline (800-503-7621) and provide crisis intervention and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Through the 24-Hour Sexual Assault Helpline, callers are immediately linked with a Sexual Assault Counselor.  For more information on the services provided through the VRCC, please visit www.volusiarapecrisiscenter.org.

SMA Behavioral Healthcare has been serving the northeast Florida community with mental health and drug treatment services for over 50 years. SMA provides more than 35 mental health and substance abuse programs, providing prevention, diversion, intervention, and treatment services, delivered to diverse client populations in Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia counties.

SMA Behavioral Healthcare's mission is to deliver exceptional and comprehensive behavioral healthcare to individuals and families in our community. SMA's vision is of a community where addiction and mental illness are treated promptly, comprehensively and with respect for all. Contact SMA at 800-539-4228 or online at  http://www.smabehavioral.org/ or stay connected on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/SMABehavioralHealthServices.

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Pictured L to R: Zeva Edmonson and Daytona Beach Police Chief Mike Chitwood.