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VB Strong Center opens, helping those still reeling from mass shooting

Posted at 8:21 AM, Oct 29, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-19 16:21:57-05

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - On Tuesday, the City of Virginia Beach opened the VB Strong Center, the product of community efforts and a $3 million grant from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.

The unveiling of the VB Strong Center happened around 9 a.m.

This facility was created in response to the lasting physical, mental and emotional trauma that continues to impact the Virginia Beach community following the May 31 mass shooting the left 12 people dead.

“Today, we are taking an important step together to honor the resiliency and compassion of our community as we continue down our path to recovery,” said Virginia Governor Ralph Northam. “It is our hope that the VB Strong Center will be a testament to the commitment of Virginia Beach to provide refuge to families, friends and neighbors as we heal.”

City officials said the center is dedicated to serving as a multi-agency resource and referral center for victims, their families, city residents and first responders affected by the mass shooting.

Additional funding for the center is also coming from the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program through the United States Department of Justice's Office of Victims of Crime.

“I am so proud to stand with our community as we mark today’s important step along the road to healing. The VB Strong Center will be a hub of support and resources for us because we were all affected by what happened that last day of May. It is my hope this center acts as a catalyst to help us heal, foster resilience and remember there is more that unites us than divides us,” said Virginia Beach Mayor Robert “Bobby”  Dyer, who during his speech, named out loud each of the 12 people who were killed in the shooting.

The VB Strong Center will be open Monday through Friday, with some Saturday hours available. The hours for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and the hours for Tuesdays and Thursdays are 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

The official address for the VB Strong Center in Virginia Beach is 3388 Princess Anne Road, Suite 2001.

You can learn more about the VB Strong Center via its website.