Danny Federico
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Suwannee Valley Unsolved, Inc. (SVU), the Suwannee Valley's first dedicated cold case advocacy organization, is making strides to empower survivors, support investigations and inspire hope. Established in May 2023, the nonprofit organization is committed to assisting those impacted by unsolved homicides and long-standing missing persons cases by connecting them with resources and amplifying their voices.
On Monday, Sept. 16, SVU Executive Director Jason Futch, in collaboration with the Branford Public Library, hosted an "Introduction to Cold Case Advocacy" event. During this presentation, Futch discussed the organization's plans for its upcoming board year, as well as the challenges involved in advocating for cold case victims.
The organization's mission centers on three pillars: remembering victims, helping survivors and encouraging hope. By acting as a bridge between families and investigators, SVU strives to keep these cases in the public eye, ensuring they remain active in the community's consciousness. The organization does not conduct investigations, but provides valuable support by connecting survivors with law enforcement and encouraging investigative bodies to leverage advanced forensic techniques.
SVU offers several resources for survivors, including knowledge about their rights and the intricacies of cold case investigations. Advocates work tirelessly to keep each case visible, using social media, press releases, flyers and events to spotlight unresolved cases in the Suwannee Valley area. The group also collaborates with Moxxy Investigations and encourages investigators to consider innovative approaches in cases requiring fresh perspectives. For more information or to get involved, contact SVU at info@suwanneevalleyunsolved .org