In observance of Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 10-16, the Daily Press will be publishing a series of editorials authored by local agencies that support local crime victims. This is the last article of the series.

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ESCANABA — The Advocacy Resource Center (ARC) is a direct service program that provides a variety of services to victims of crime. ARC staff provide services to all victims of crime with emphasis on women and children who are in abusive relationships. There are no fees and you do not have to be tribal to access a majority of services. To be eligible you must live in our seven county service area (Mackinac, Chippewa, Luce, Alger, Schoolcraft, Delta, and Marquette) and be a victim of a crime.

ARC staff are happy to assist with referrals to appropriate agencies for those who do not meet eligibility criteria. Services provided by ARC are crisis counseling, safety planning, criminal justice support, emergency legal advocacy, legal aid services, residential shelter services, crime victim compensation assistance, transportation, Women’s Talking Circle, education programs for both youth and adults, as well as other services and referrals. All records of the Advocacy Resource Center are confidential and are protected under federal and tribal law.

The ARC main office is located in Sault Ste. Marie, with one advocate based in Manistique to service those living in the western end of its service area.

The western end of the service area is made up of Delta, Schoolcraft, Alger, and Marquette counties. The toll free number is 1-877-639-7820, but the public may contact Stacy King, ARC case manager for the western end, by calling her office directly at 906-341-6993.