Victim’s Rights Awareness Week

P.S. You’re My Hero to Honor Crime Victims at April Flower Toss Ceremony
Crime victims advocacy nonprofit to show solidarity and support during National Crime Victims Rights Week (NCVRW)

Contact: psyouremyhero@gmail.com
Website: https://www.psyouremyhero.org/

[PORT HURON, Mich.] – P.S. You’re My Hero – a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting St. Clair County crime victims – will hold a flower toss on Wednesday, April 9 at 4 p.m. in Port Huron to honor those who have lost their lives to violent crime.
The event will begin at Kiefer Park next to the City of Port Huron Municipal Office Center, 100 McMorran Blvd. P.S. You’re My Hero’s founder Mara McCalmon will begin the ceremony with a short speech, followed by a flower toss into the St. Clair River.
“The flower toss will provide a space for reflection, support, and solidarity, allowing attendees to release flowers into the river as a tribute to those impacted by crime,” said P.S. You’re My Hero Board President Beth Diehl. “Each flower will symbolize resilience, remembrance, and the ongoing commitment to supporting survivors. This event is a way to honor the strength of survivors, remember those we have lost, and stand together as a community in the pursuit of healing and justice.”
All are welcome to attend. Crime victims in attendance will receive self-care packages to promote mental and physical healing from their trauma. Other local stakeholders, including representatives from the St. Clair County Prosecutor’s Office and Sheriff Department, City of Port Huron officials, and local crime victims advocacy organizations, are invited.
In partnership with the St. Clair County Victims’ Rights Office, P.S. You’re My Hero provides financial and emotional support to local crime victims and their families as they navigate the criminal justice system.
The ceremony is a part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), from April 6 to 12, 2025. Since 1981, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has challenged the country to confront and remove barriers to achieving justice for all. During NCVRW, we recognize the accomplishments of the victims’ rights movement and reflect on how far we have come.
“Through NCVRW, we honor crime victims and survivors, recognize the professionals and volunteers who provide critical services to victims of crime, and raise awareness about crime victims’ rights and services,” said a statement from the OVC’s website.
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About P.S. You’re My Hero
McCalmon founded P.S. You’re Hero after her own experience with the criminal justice system. Herself and her late husband, Paul Skinner, were both victims of a violent crime in Yale in 2010.
“P.S. You’re My Hero was named for Paul Skinner, who was killed in a violent attack. We were founded with the purpose of putting victims first,” Diehl said. “We offer hope, support and resources to help meet the individual needs of victims. We believe that no victim should have to face their journey alone.”
P.S. You’re My Hero aids victims without red tape. The nonprofit has provided funds for rent and utilities; medical and counseling bills; funeral expenses; and lodging, meals, and gas while traveling to the courthouse.
The nonprofit also helped open a comfort room in the St. Clair County Victims’ Rights Office. P.S. You’re My Hero provides funding for the care of therapy dog Carbon, who comforts victims in the courthouse during criminal proceedings.
Community members can support the nonprofit’s efforts by donating to the Community Foundation of St. Clair County’s P.S. You’re My Hero Fund. Made possible through a generous gift from the Acheson Foundation, this endowed fund ensures the financial sustainability of the nonprofit for years to come.
Stay up to date on P.S. You’re My Hero’s events at the nonprofit’s website and Facebook.