Whether you are a survivor seeking guidance or a professional seeking training, C.H.A.N.C.E. provides the expertise, advocacy, and education to move forward with confidence. All victim services are free and confidential.
C.H.A.N.C.E. provides legal advocacy, navigation, and education to crime victims. Through our volunteer attorney network, we connect victims with trained legal representation and help them understand the systems and rights that affect them.
Note: C.H.A.N.C.E. is a growing nonprofit. As we expand capacity, we are currently prioritizing cases through our primary initiative for military-connected victims. Victims of other crimes are encouraged to reach out, and we will assist where resources allow or connect you with other appropriate services.
Military-connected victims often face barriers that most organizations are not equipped to address. C.H.A.N.C.E.'s first primary project is dedicated to this population.
Military-connected victims frequently encounter:
C.H.A.N.C.E. coordinates a network of volunteer attorneys who provide direct legal representation to military-connected victims. Our Executive Director, Ruth A. Cresenzo, serves as the central hub — screening cases, matching survivors with trained attorneys, and providing ongoing mentorship throughout representation. Volunteer attorneys receive specialized training on military systems, dual-jurisdiction issues, and trauma-informed practice.
SVC/VLC provide essential support, but survivors often encounter gaps in scope, geographic reach, caseload capacity, and jurisdiction over civilian matters. We help identify those gaps and connect survivors with volunteer attorneys or other resources for continuous support.
We help survivors understand command processes, investigations (CID/NCIS/OSI), protective orders, safety planning, civilian reporting options, impacts on housing and duty status, how multiple cases unfold simultaneously, and which system has jurisdiction.
Submitting a request for support does not create an attorney-client relationship. C.H.A.N.C.E. helps connect victims with appropriate resources and, where possible, pairs them with a volunteer attorney.
You don't have to have everything figured out before reaching out. A single conversation can help you understand your options and what support is available to you.
Contact UsC.H.A.N.C.E. serves as an educational resource for victims' services professionals and justice system officials throughout North Carolina. Our current training programs are particularly focused on the complex issues facing professionals who serve military-connected victims.
May 2026 · Portland, Oregon
Ruth A. Cresenzo, J.D. will be presenting at the 2026 NCVLI Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon — sharing research and practice insights on serving military-connected crime victims across intersecting justice systems.
Interested in booking a training? Reach out to discuss your organization's needs, audience, and scheduling.
Get in touch →C.H.A.N.C.E. is laying the foundation for a recognized practice area in representing military-connected victims. Future development may include competency frameworks, training modules, a resource library, mentorship programs, and standards for trauma-informed representation.