When: Last Friday of the Month at 7pm
(doors open at 6pm; we advise that you arrive by 6:30pm to sign-in, no one will be permitted after 7pm)Where: Red Cross Conference Center, 2912 S 80th Ave
Cost: $30.00 cash (No checks or credit/debit cards)
Notice: Dates for Nov and Dec 2010 are as follows due to Holidays. Nov 19, Dec 17.
Reserve your spot today! Call 493-0665
(Please leave a message with your name and the date you would like to attend.)** Matt’s Dream Foundation reserves the right to dismiss any participant from the VIP who is under the influence or disruptive during the session; A refund will not be issued under these circumstances.
The Mission of Matt’s Dream Foundation is to educate adults on the dangers of alcohol and the impact that Drinking and Driving has on the family and friends of the victims. Our main focus is on the 21 and over drivers.
Our Purpose is to develop a resource to join concerned parents and families to work together for positive change regarding alcohol issues. We must work together to protect our families from the devastation that alcohol brings. As parents and family members unite into "one voice," positive change in alcohol policies, education, prevention, and treatment will take place. We encourage communities to get involved by writing letters and making phone calls to local Legislators regarding alcohol problems in their communities. When parents speak up and speak out, policies change.
The Victim Impact Panel (VIP) is a term used to describe a meeting of drivers convicted of alcohol-related violations and/or crashes, hosted by victims of alcohol related incidents. People whose lives have been significantly affected by drunk driving crashes.
Since the fall of 2004 Matt’s Dream Foundation has participated in over 200 Victim Impact Panels, averaging 6 to 8 per month. After reading the input we have received from participates, hearing the need from Probation and Law Enforcement, and reviewing the results of the many studies that have been done nation-wide. It has become evident that we needed to offer a monthly VIP session for the Omaha/Council Bluffs area.
The concept of the VIP is not for Matt’s Dream Foundation to point fingers or to place blame, rather it is our effort to raise awareness and change the thinking and behavior of those present. The responses to the program have been varied and occasionally we get complete indifference. However, it is the many positive responses that continue to make this program worthwhile. The knowledge that one more person has been saved. As they talk to us that night or in the next few days by email. Offenders tell us that they will never drink and drive again.
Victim Impact Panels (VIPs) involve, relatives and victims themselves telling a group of DUI/DWI offenders the tragic outcomes of an alcohol-related traffic accident. The event is highly emotional and the main goal is to prevent offenders from driving again when impaired by alcohol.
The audience generally consists of those who have already been sentenced and are currently attending the Panel as part of their probation. All participants are required at the completion of a session to fill out an evaluation form. This will be sent to the probation officer. Each participant will also receive a receipt that they participated in the VIP. Whether a victim, or a family member of a victim, all of our volunteer speakers attempt to educate possible repeat offenders. Their need to be there stems from a deep need to do something to help in the fight against drunk driving.
Offenders - $30.00 cash (No checks or Credit/Debt Cards) Guests – Free (One per Offender)
We ask that you call the Foundation to hold a space. If no one answers, leave a message with your name and phone number. You will be called back to let you know which session you will be enrolled in. Again we ask that you call, space is limited.
Who are we working with?
We are working with and through County and State Probation offices and the County Judges. We have asked for them to add us to the list of Programs in the area that they tell their clients to attend before appearing before the Judge for sentencing.
When are the Sessions held?
Each Session starts at 7pm (Doors close at 7; no one will be permitted to enter after 7pm. So come early. They are held the last Friday of the Month at the Red Cross Conf. Center, 2912 South 80th Ave. 84th and Center.
Goals of the V.I.P. are:
In contrast to this attitude, the VIP exposes the DUI offender to the deep grief of others hurt by such irresponsible driving. We strive to make this program one that continues to help change the attitudes of those people who have shielded themselves from being exposed to the hurt they have (or may have) caused.
Our volunteer speakers usually consist of up to two victims and possibly one offender all of whom are there to relate their experience. This is done in hopes of relating to the attendees their experiences in such a way as to give a clear understanding as to the devastation of a crash involving themselves or a family member who was either killed or injured.
Our experience with this type of program has also shown that the Panel can be very therapeutic for the Panelists. Some come to Panels even if they are not scheduled to speak to provide support to other Panelists. The Panel has become a way for some to work through their grief; for many it is one of the few places where they can talk about their loss. Many times their friends and family are tired of hearing about it. For those who have re-married, there are instances where the new spouse doesn't wish to hear about the former spouse and/or children. Thus, the panel becomes an important pressure release valve.
Matt’s Dream Foundation is a Coalition Member with the following agencies: