Circle the Wagons

In February 2007, Vickie Walker's son,  A.J. and her husband, Jeff were shot by a mentally ill person while shopping at Trolley Square Mall in Salt Lake City, Utah.   A.J. was critically injured and Jeff died on that horrible night.

As a result of this experience, Vickie now realized, first hand, the many challenges a person experiences immediately after a violent crime has been perpetrated.  Those initial days were a blur for Vickie and her family.   Who has a plan in place to move through an experience like this?   It was later when the Walker family learned there were organizations and government agencies that could have offered assistance during those difficult days and weeks.

The incredible support of family and friends who “circled the wagons” around Vickie and her family during this ordeal was critical in helping them to find the courage to keep moving forward. Circle The Wagons and the Can of Comfort™ program is the Walker family's way of giving back to the community.  In assisting those who have had the unfortunate experience of being an innocent victim/survivor of a violent crime.  

The most substantial part of Circle The Wagons' work is providing a 96-Hour Survival Guide© by means of their Can of Comfort™ program. The Can of Comfort™ is a quart-sized container that contains the 96-Hour Survival Guide©, candy, and a victim recovery guide. The one-of-a-kind guide provides important contact numbers and information about resources for victims. A tag on the outside of the can shares valuable guidance for both the survivor and supporting family members. Finally, all Cans of Comfort™ include a personal letter from the Walker family, which offers encouragement and hope.

Circle The Wagons works in conjunction with police departments and victim advocates in distributing their Can of Comfort™ to those who are recovering from the effects of violent crime.

In essence the Can of Comfort™ offers an immediate expression of community support and essential information needed for survival and healing in the aftermath of a violent crime.