Mesa County officials are urging community members to step up as volunteers for the Victim Advocacy Program, which partners with the local sheriff’s office to aid people in crisis. This push comes amid a growing need for round-the-clock support, highlighted in a recent appeal on January 3, 2026, as the program struggles with just 13 active helpers covering a vast area.

What the Victim Advocacy Program Does

The Victim Advocacy Program, known as VAP, teams up with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office to offer immediate help to those hit by trauma, crime, or tragedy. Volunteers arrive at scenes called in by deputies, providing empathy, resources, and practical aid right when it’s needed most.

This support can make a big difference in tough moments. For instance, advocates might arrange safe lodging for domestic violence survivors or connect families with counseling after a sudden loss. The program focuses on listening and guiding people through their next steps, especially when shock makes clear thinking hard.

Recent data shows Mesa County saw over 1,200 reported incidents of violent crime in 2025, up from the previous year, according to local law enforcement reports. This rise underscores the vital role of VAP in helping victims rebuild.

Advocates also link people to longer-term services, like mental health support or legal aid, ensuring no one faces recovery alone.

Growing Demand for Volunteers

With only about 13 volunteers now, the program runs on a tight schedule to cover shifts around the clock, every day of the week. Dispatch calls them in for emergencies, but low numbers mean some calls go unanswered or delayed.

Program leaders say the county’s expanding population and recent spikes in crises, such as natural disasters and family disputes, have stretched resources thin. In 2025, Colorado as a whole reported a 15 percent increase in domestic violence cases, per state health department figures, putting extra pressure on local groups like VAP.

Volunteers like Mark Connolly, who has served for years, describe the work as rewarding but demanding. He notes that without more help, the program’s ability to respond quickly suffers, leaving victims without timely support.

This shortage mirrors trends across the state, where similar programs in places like Denver and Boulder have also issued calls for volunteers in early 2026 to handle rising needs.

To address this, VAP plans training sessions starting in February 2026, aiming to double their team by mid-year.

Key Roles and Benefits of Volunteering

Becoming a victim advocate involves specific duties that directly impact lives. No prior experience is required, as full training is provided to build skills in crisis response and empathy.

Here are some main roles volunteers take on:

• Responding to emergency calls from the sheriff’s office to offer on-site comfort.
• Helping with immediate needs, such as finding temporary housing or food for those in distress.
• Connecting victims to community resources, including counseling and legal help.
• Providing emotional support during investigations or court processes.

The benefits extend beyond helping others. Volunteers gain valuable skills in communication and problem-solving, plus a sense of purpose from community service.

This table highlights why many find the role fulfilling, based on feedback from current advocates.

How to Join and What to Expect

Anyone with empathy and a desire to help can apply. The process starts with contacting the program director for details on upcoming training.

Expect a background check and about 40 hours of initial training, covering topics like trauma response and resource navigation. Sessions are hands-on, preparing you for real scenarios.

Once trained, volunteers commit to a few shifts per month, with ongoing support from the team. The program welcomes diverse backgrounds, from students to retirees, to reflect the community’s makeup.

In light of recent events, like the uptick in mental health crises post-2025 holidays, joining now could help fill critical gaps.

Community Impact and Broader Context

VAP’s work ties into larger efforts across Colorado to support victims. Similar programs in nearby counties have seen success by expanding volunteer bases, leading to faster response times and better outcomes.

For example, a 2025 study by the Colorado Department of Public Health found that areas with strong advocacy networks had 20 percent lower rates of repeat victimization. This shows how volunteers can prevent long-term harm.

Locally, VAP has assisted hundreds in the past year, from accident survivors to those affected by property crimes. Their presence often turns overwhelming situations into manageable ones, fostering community resilience.

As Mesa County grows, with population projections reaching 170,000 by 2030, the need for such programs will only increase.

Share this article if you know someone who might volunteer, and comment below with your thoughts on community support efforts. Your input could inspire others to get involved.