Resources and Tools

This page is dedicated to providing families, advocates, and creators with the tools they need to navigate true crime research, advocacy, and storytelling ethically and effectively. From comprehensive guides and webinars to counseling support and advocacy events, these resources aim to empower you to share stories, connect with others, and raise awareness for unsolved cases with compassion and integrity. Explore the sections below to find practical solutions and guidance tailored to your needs.

Guides and Educational Webinars / Advocacy and Support Organizations / Grief and Counseling / Events

Guides and Educational Webinars

Explore guides, webinars, and panels addressing key topics in true crime research, advocacy, and family support.

“Collaborating for Justice” Guidebook (Co-authored by Haley Gray)

This comprehensive guide empowers families impacted by cold cases with knowledge of their rights when working with creators. It also provides creators with essential guidelines for ethical and responsible collaboration.

How to Write a Press Release (Light the Way Missing Persons Advocacy Project)

A webinar guiding participants in creating compelling press releases to gain media attention and amplify advocacy efforts.

FOIA Requests (True Crime Podcast Training)

A detailed webinar on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), including its uses, filing processes, and relevance to true crime research.

How to Advocate for Families of Unresolved Crimes (True Crime Podcast Training)

Webinar offering practical advice for creators and advocates to support families, alongside strategies for families to advocate for themselves effectively.

True Crime from a Family Member’s Perspective (True Crime Podcast Training)

In this webinar, Haley Gray and advocate/survivor Arlene Haribson share insights on best practices for engaging with victims’ families, highlighting the profound impact of true crime on a victim’s network.

True Advocacy in a True Crime World (National Organization for Victim Advocacy)

A webinar exploring ethical storytelling, privacy rights, and how creators can minimize harm while honoring victims and supporting families.

For additional webinars and resources, including live research session recordings, visit the True Crime Podcast Training Resource Hub.

Advocacy and Support Organizations

These organizations provide essential resources, advocacy, and support for families and survivors. Explore their services to find guidance, education, and tools to navigate the challenges of unresolved cases and advocacy efforts.

Cold Case Resources

Project Cold Case
Offers advocacy and services to families who have lost a loved one to unsolved homicides, working to raise awareness and seek justice.

Season of Justice
Provides funding for families and investigative agencies to help solve cold cases and support victims impacted by unsolved violent crimes.

Missing Persons Resources

Light the Way Missing Persons Advocacy Project
Advocates for families of missing loved ones, providing tools and guidance to amplify their cases.

Resource Association for Missing People
Raises public awareness about missing persons while offering knowledge, support, and resources to assist in bringing loved ones home.

Molly Bish Foundation
Provides resources and support for families navigating the challenges of having a missing loved one.

Gabby Petito Foundation
Focused on preventing domestic violence and supporting missing persons cases through education, awareness, and prevention strategies.

Victim/Survivor Resources

National Organization for Victim Assistance
Provides victim-focused resources, including crisis hotlines, support for missing children, and domestic violence assistance.

National Center for Victims of Crime
Provides information, resources, and advocacy for victims of all types of crime, as well as the people who serve them.

VictimConnect Resource Center
A confidential helpline where crime victims can learn about their rights, explore options, and receive support compassionately.

National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children
Offers emotional support, education, prevention resources, and advocacy for families affected by murder.

Crime Survivors Resource Center
Provides support and resources to empower crime victims, helping them navigate the aftermath of their experiences and promoting healing and recovery.

Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)
Offers programs and resources to support victims of crime, including funding for victim assistance and compensation programs, and provides training for professionals in the field.

Specialized Resources

Tribal Resource Tool
A searchable directory of services for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) survivors of crime and abuse in Indian Country.

Angels’ Voices Silenced No More
Supports family advocates in New Mexico as they search for answers and justice for their loved ones.

Jacksonville Survivors Foundation
Focused on supporting survivors of homicide in Jacksonville, Florida. Run by survivors.

Grief and Counseling Resources

Support and healing are essential during difficult times. This section offers resources to help individuals and families navigate grief, connect with counseling services, and find community support tailored to their needs.

Grief Support Organizations

Grief Share
A support network for individuals grieving the loss of a loved one, offering group sessions, resources, and encouragement to navigate the healing process.

National Alliance for Grieving Children
Focused on supporting children and teenagers through grief, providing resources and training for caregivers, families, and professionals.

The Dougy Center for Grieving Children & Families
Offers grief support and resources specifically tailored for children, teens, and families coping with the death of a loved one.

Counseling and Mental Health Services

Open Path Collective
Offers affordable in-person and online therapy services, connecting individuals with counselors who specialize in grief, trauma, and mental health challenges.

Psychology Today
A comprehensive directory of therapists, allowing you to filter by location, specialty, and insurance.

Find A Therapist
Provides a searchable database of licensed therapists across various regions.

LifeStance Health
Features a network of mental health professionals, including therapists and counselors, with options for in-person and telehealth sessions.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
A confidential hotline providing 24/7 support for anyone in distress, including those struggling with grief or suicidal thoughts. Dial 988 for immediate help.

Online Communities and Forums

Modern Loss
A platform offering a blend of resources, storytelling, and community for those navigating life after loss.

What’s Your Grief
Provides articles, podcasts, online courses, and an active community to help individuals process grief and find support.

Events for Advocacy, Awareness, and Collaboration

Connect with advocates, professionals, and families to raise awareness, share stories, and foster meaningful collaboration. These events provide tools, resources, and opportunities to amplify your loved one’s story and drive impactful advocacy efforts.

Advocacy and Awareness Conferences
These events empower families with tools, resources, and connections to raise awareness for their missing or murdered loved ones while fostering collaboration with advocates and professionals.

AdvocacyCon
Dedicated to empowering families and advocates, AdvocacyCon offers workshops, panels, and resources tailored to those seeking justice and answers. This event bridges the gap between families and true crime creators while equipping attendees with tools for effective advocacy.

Cold Case Symposium
Focused on connecting families, advocates, and investigative professionals, this event provides opportunities to learn about cold case investigations, share stories, and network with law enforcement and advocacy groups.

National Missing and Unidentified Persons Conference
An annual event that brings together families, law enforcement, and advocates to discuss strategies for locating missing persons and identifying unidentified remains. Attendees can participate in workshops and networking sessions to advance their advocacy efforts.

True Crime Events
These events bring families, creators, and true crime professionals together to amplify awareness.

CrimeCon
A true crime event where families can share their loved ones’ stories and network with creators, law enforcement, and advocates.

True Crime Podcast Festival
This conference connects families with podcasters and true crime community members. It provides opportunities for collaboration and discussions on ethical storytelling and advocacy practices.

Community-Focused Gatherings
These events provide localized support and resources for families of the missing and murdered.

Missing in Michigan
A community-focused event offering resources and support to families of missing persons. This gathering fosters collaboration with law enforcement and advocacy groups and provides a space for families to connect with others facing similar challenges.

Parents of Murdered Children (POMC) Annual Conference
Organized by the National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children, this conference provides emotional support and advocacy tools. Workshops include coping mechanisms, legal rights, and effective strategies to seek justice.

Get in Touch

I’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re interested in collaborating, have a question about my work, or want to share a story, feel free to reach out. Together, we can work toward raising awareness and supporting victims and their families.

Reach Out