The past two years have been challenging and difficult years for advocacy and support service providers for sexual assault, domestic violence and general crime victim/survivors. Justice program funds for southern Minnesota judicial districts were cut by 25 percent.The service providers spent three months reviewing and revising the look of victim services in our area. Cuts were made in staffing, programming and the services which were offered. One program was forced to merge with another. Many difficult decisions were made to ensure that all victims in need of service would be able to find those services. Above all, that was the most important thing — no victim would be denied access to services.One of the positive things that came about in this process was a renewed collaboration among these programs. At 4 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, the Accord Training Academy will sponsor an informational meeting at the Southwest Crisis Center, 920 Diagonal Road, Worthington, for professionals and volunteers interested in providing support to victims of crime. The Academy will provide to all interested a FREE 40-hour training in Worthington. You can make a difference in your community by becoming a volunteer for any local agency or by educating yourself on the issues of victims and violence. Even if you choose not to volunteer for an agency, you can make a great difference to your family and neighborhood by being informed. Join the Accord Training Academy for the opportunity for education. To contact Accord Training Academy, call 507-831-1612 or atacademy@qwest.net.Ruth HubblingWorthington