Victim’s advocate that’s how Lori Zinn describes herself.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and be a voice for them. As the victims assistant coordinator (VAC), Zinn serves as a daily voice for families.
Zinn is chief of staff for Lamb County District Attorney’s Office and victims assistant coordinator (VAC).
“I pretty much run the office,” Zinn said about her role as chief of staff.
Zinn works closely with District Attorney Rickie Redman.
“There is somebody like me in every county or district in the State of Texas,” Zinn said.
The role is listed in the Texas legislature and involves helping victims and their families through the criminal process. Categories that Zinn works with are assault, domestic violence, DUI and DWI, hate and bias, physical abuse and sexual assault.
Zinn’s role allows her to help families emotionally and financially.
“I’m not a licensed counselor, but I provide emotional support,” Zinn said.
Zinn said that breaking away from the cycle and going through the criminal process can be hard.
“I’m very privileged that people allow me to walk that journey with them,” Zinn said.
Zinn began working for the District Attorney’s Office in January 2015. The VAC at the time was Laney Dickey. A few months into June, Dickey moved to Lubbock to be closer to her family. She was the VAC for 23 years. Eager to have Zinn be the new VAC, Dickey, at the time, had been pray- ing about it and told her she should consider taking over.
“I started crying because if you knew me in the years prior to that, women’s ministry was very important to me,” Zinn said.
The job fell onto Zinn’s lap; she was then appointed by the then District Attorney Scott Say. She has now served as VAC for nine years.
“I truly believe God put a calling in my life,” Zinn said.
As a VAC, Zinn works to help people understand the process and to get their thoughts and feelings about it. With the help of Rickie Redman, she will read a case and then question if Zinn has reached out to the family for their opinion if she has yet to do so.
“What do they want to see happen? What is there? And so that voice of the victim plays a very important role in our office,” Zinn said.
While Zinn serves as emotional support, she also helps financially.
Her role requires her to understand and provide services available to families. This includes counseling and possible ways of assistance for expenses like medical bills, funerals, and travel.
Zinn does not have a team to work with families; she does it alone. The role is not paid by salary like her position as chief of staff, but instead through a grant.
From September 2022 to August 2023, Zinn provided services to 214 new victims, with 162 victims remaining in contact with her to offer services for more than one month in that year. From September 2023 to August 2024, she serviced 212 new victims, with 187 remaining in contact.
Zinn serves many in the community, yet some do not know of the services she is capable of providing. To get the word out in hopes of reaching those in need, she participates in community outreach.
“I love people finding out what I do,” Zinn said.
Around three years ago, Zinn was invited by teacher Holly Nelson to present to a class of seniors about what she does.
“There is somebody like me in your area,” Zinn said. This is what she hopes students remember in future situations where someone needs assistance.
For Zinn, being a VAC is not only her job but her calling in life.
Other forms of community outreach include presenting to the high school and junior highs, setting up information booths at events like the Community Pumpkin Trail, and more.
Serving as a VAC has its highs and lows. Zinn is aware of the mental toll her role can have. Family has become her “outlet,” allowing her to unplug. Faith has also helped her.
“At the end of the day, it’s my faith, without my faith, there’s no way that I would be doing what I’m doing for so long,” Zinn said.
The hours for both jobs are typically 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., however, being a VAC turns into a 24hour shift. Zinn is ready to assist families whenever she is needed.
“Crime doesn’t happen Monday through Friday 8:30 to 5, crime doesn’t stop because Lori has a lunch hour,” Zinn said.
Not only has Zinn helped families heal, but she has been rewarded for her time and efforts.
“These victims have helped me in my own healing journey,” Zinn said.
If you or a loved one needs assistance from the victim assistance coordinator, call 806-485-0048.