Listen. Act. Advocate.: Community Honors Victims and Supports Survivors

The Community Candle Lighting Ceremony for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week brought together survivors, families, advocates, and community members for an evening centered on remembrance, healing, and connection. Held in a spirit of reflection and support, the event created space not only to honor those impacted by crime, but also to remind those present that they are not alone in their journey.

District Attorney Thomas Stanton opened the evening with remarks that reflected both the weight of his office’s work and the deep compassion behind it. He spoke candidly about how the nature of cases—and the needs of families—has evolved in recent years, particularly with the rise in overdose-related deaths. These cases, he explained, often carry a different kind of grief, one marked by lingering questions and a sense of guilt among loved ones.

Even so, Stanton emphasized that his office remains committed to walking alongside victims and their families, long after a case may be closed. Whether days or decades have passed, that connection does not fade.

“If you’re a victim… I don’t care if it’s been 10 years or 20 years—you’re still on our hearts, and we will always be there for you.”

Before transitioning the program, Stanton also took a moment to recognize Victim Witness Coordinator Sarah McReynolds, who was recently honored by Kansas Now as part of Women's History Month. A video tribute highlighted her work supporting victims and families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives—ensuring they understand the justice process, connecting them with resources, and offering steady guidance when it is needed most. The recognition served as a powerful reminder of the impact that compassionate advocacy can have within a community.

McReynolds then continued the program, grounding the evening in this year’s national theme: Listen. Act. Advocate. She spoke about the importance of truly hearing survivors and their families, and how meaningful change begins with that act of listening. From there, she emphasized the need to respond—through support, resources, and advocacy—not only within the justice system, but throughout the broader community.

“Meaningful change begins with listening to survivors and their families—hearing their voices, acting on their needs, and advocating for them every step of the way.”

She also broadened the scope of remembrance, acknowledging families affected not only by violent crime, but also by overdose loss—recognizing that these experiences are deeply woven into the fabric of grief and trauma within the community.

The evening’s guest speaker, Shara Gonzales, brought a deeply personal perspective to that message. As a longtime leader of New Beginnings, she shared how her organization has grown from providing emergency shelter to creating a full continuum of care—housing, employment opportunities, and neighborhood revitalization—all rooted in the idea of helping people find their “journey home.”

But Gonzales’s remarks extended far beyond her professional work. She spoke openly about her own losses, including the death of her son to an accidental overdose and the earlier loss of her husband. She also described the ripple effects of grief within her organization after multiple tragedies impacted staff and their families in a short period of time.

Through those experiences, she said, came a deeper understanding of how grief must be processed, not carried alone. That realization led to the creation of a local grief support network and ongoing efforts to provide spaces where individuals can begin to heal together.

“We don’t have to bear this alone… we cannot heal in isolation.”

Her message resonated throughout the room, reinforcing the importance of community—not only in times of crisis, but in the long process of healing that follows.

Following the speakers, attendees were invited to take part in a symbolic act of remembrance. Individuals came forward to pour grains of sand into a shared vessel, each grain representing a loved one, a memory, or a life that continues to have meaning. Participants were encouraged to reflect on moments of joy and connection, even in the midst of grief. Candles were also lit, creating a quiet, powerful visual of shared light and remembrance.

The ceremony concluded with final remarks and a closing prayer from Assistant District Attorney Andrew Davidson. He offered thanks to the many individuals and organizations who support victims across Reno County—from law enforcement and advocacy groups to community partners who stand beside families during their most difficult moments. His prayer called on those present to carry forward the spirit of the evening: to listen with compassion, to act with purpose, and to advocate for those whose voices need to be heard.

As the candles were extinguished and the evening came to a close, the message remained clear. While grief is deeply personal, it does not have to be faced alone. Through shared stories, collective remembrance, and continued support, the community can help ensure that every victim—and every family—feels seen, heard, and remembered.