Meet Laurie
MacDonald
Laurie MacDonald is an innovative, creative and compassionate leader dedicated to improving the lives of those, who through no fault of their own, find themselves victims of crime. A Carnegie Mellon graduate who has enjoyed a varied career path, she has worked for fortune 500 companies and as a volunteer and fundraiser. She has been elected to political office twice and even took a run at the PA State Senate.
Center for Victims
Laurie is the CEO and President of Center for Victims in Pittsburgh, PA. Center for Victims provides a one-stop-shop for victims of crime and trauma in the Pittsburgh area. When victims or their loved ones call the Center for Victims hotline, they will be met with a member of the C4V staff who will help guide them to the resources they need.
Center for Victims works closely with local authorities, governments, and organizations to provide the utmost care and community outreach that victims may need.
Laurie’s Work
Laurie’s Work Continued…
Laurie's cache of opportunities and talents led her to Womansplace where she turned a $400,000 deficit budget into a $1.4 million budget. In 2012, she spearheaded the effort to merge with the Center for Victims of Violence and Crime and created the Center for Victims (CV), the largest, most comprehensive victim service organization of its kind in PA and the country. Today, CV enjoys a healthy $7 million budget, serves more than 17,000 people a year, and employs 100 + highly trained staff meeting the needs of victims of all crimes.
Laurie’s innovative efforts have given rise to the following unique initiatives:
Canine assisted therapy for abused children and families navigating the forensic process with Children’s Hospital staff and the court system.
Full Circle Jail release safety planning app in partnership with Allegheny County Jail for witnesses and victims of domestic violence.
Halo geofencing app, an electronic PFA early warning system for domestic violence victims and crime scene witnesses.
The Healing Rivers Project. A research-based, professionally designed experiential learning exhibit, training, and wellness center dedicated to helping victims and community members recognize trauma, understand the short and long-term impact of traumatic experiences and provide them with the tools they need to heal as individuals and as communities.
More Local PA Projects
The Healing Rivers Project
The Healing Rivers Project is an innovative educational initiative that provides a creative, safe and trauma informed learning environment. This space provides for many different types of learning experiences including professional trainings and education programs, therapeutic support services, experiential workshops and a one of a kind interactive trauma informed exhibit.
Jail Release Notification App
Full Circle App
This life-saving program enables crime victims and witnesses to be notified as to the whereabouts of their offender throughout the arrest and criminal justice process. This information provides victims with peace of mind and the ability to make sure they are safe upon release of the offender. The app will be available to all clients registered with our Offender Release Notification program for victims whose offenders are under the supervision of the Allegheny County Jail (ACJ).
AG Transition Committee
Laurie has been appointed to Attorney General Dave Sunday’s Transition Committee. This committee engages with stakeholders in their issue area to prepare recommendations and background for their experience with the AG’s office, what is working, what needs improvement, and suggestions for said improvements. Laurie represents Victim Services and Advocacy issues.