Metropolitan Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey and United States Attorney Wilma A. Lewis will be the featured speakers Thursday as the Washington, D.C., chapter of "Neighbors Who Care" honors community volunteers who assist victims of crime.

WHEN:	Thursday, February 24, 2000
WHERE:	Lowes L'Enfant Plaza Hotel 480 L'Enfant Plaza, SW
WHO:	Chief Charles H. Ramsey U.S. Attorney Wilma A. Lewis Staff and volunteers of the Washington, DC chapter of "Neighbor Who Care"
WHAT:	Annual awards luncheon to recognize volunteers who assist victims of crime in the District of Columbia. "Anyone who has ever been the victim of a crime knows the sense of violation and uncertainty that victims often experience. Neighbors Who Care is an excellent resource for providing practical assistance to victims, helping them address their immediate needs while repairing their long-term emotional well-being," Chief Ramsey said. "The Metropolitan Police Department is proud to be a partner in this critically important endeavor." Last year, in cooperation with the MPD and the U.S. Attorney's Office, the D.C. chapter of Neighbors Who Care assisted more than 1,100 victims of crime in the District of Columbia, including 382 victims of domestic violence and 17 survivors of homicide victims. Launched in 1993 as a non-profit subsidiary of Prison Fellowship Ministries, Neighbors Who Care mobilizes and equips local churches to provide practical assistance to victims of crime, including property repair, emergency food and clothing, transportation, referrals and supportive listening. The group operates programs in 13 cities and counties throughout the United States.