Marsy’s Law for Georgia had the honor of presenting the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles Canine Comfort Dog, Asher, and his handler, Mandy Kimner, with a Marsy’s Law Champion (ChamPAWion) Award on Monday, April 7, during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Each year, Marsy’s Law for Georgia honors individuals and organizations that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to advancing victims’ rights. Asher, a designated Comfort Dog, trained for months with his handler, Mandy, to assist and comfort crime victims, respond to emergencies and aid in disaster responses and recovery. As victims meet with members of the Board of Pardons and Paroles and victim services staff, Asher and Mandy’s services are available to offer comfort as needed.
"Having Asher’s and Mandy’s unique services available to victims in a time of crisis is an incredible way to begin the healing process," said Brad Alexander, a representative for Marsy’s Law for Georgia. “By offering comfort and support, these services help ease victims' stress as they navigate the arduous judicial system.”
Asher and Mandy are employed through the Georgia Office of Victim Services (GOVS) Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) program, where they help crime victims, survivors and witnesses through traumatic events. Launching the Canine Comfort program is an innovative commitment that supports Marsy’s Law for Georgia’s mission of advocating for victims’ rights.
“Our addition of Asher shows the Parole Board's commitment to serving crime victims. I am so proud of the Comfort Dog Program and the work Asher and Mandy are doing to assist victims at their most vulnerable state,” said Meg Heap, Georgia State Pardons and Paroles Vice Chair and Marsy’s Law for Georgia advisory board member. “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is the perfect time to honor them as we work toward helping victims heal and persevere.”
This year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week theme is “Kinship,” which recognizes that a shared humanity should be at the center of supporting victims and survivors of crime. The week serves as a powerful call-to-action, urging communities to create safe spaces where victims can share their stories and receive essential support.
Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock was also recognized with a Champion Award this year for his work with Senator Jon Ossoff in securing more than $1.5M in funding to help the Cobb County Family Justice Center expand its victim support services.
Past recipients of the Marsy’s Law Champion Award include U.S. Sen. John Lewis, Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Broady, former Georgia Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan and Georgia’s First Lady Marty Kemp. Additional recipients will be announced throughout the year. To nominate a crime victims’ advocate for consideration, please contact Frances Chang at fchang@c21pr.com.