The DUI Victim Center of Kansas was started in 1987 by executive director, Mary Ann Khoury, after a childhood friend, three months pregnant with her third child, was hit by a repeat offending drunk driver who had run through a red light in Wichita. The friend and unborn child were in a coma for over two months before dying. Khoury, who was also hit by a drunk driver in 1971, realized there were no support groups or help for victims of drunk driving automobile crashes in the Wichita, Sedgwick County area. She decided something had to be done.As the inquiry began, persons in law enforcement, prevention, intervention, education, treatments, victim services, etc. were all contacted to detect the real need for assisting DUI victims. After countless hours of research, and abundant support from family and friends, the DUI Victim Center of Kansas was established. Although it took several years, the Center has evolved from a family room and an answering machine, to a downtown office with a full time staff. The DUI Victim Center of Kansas is now the only comprehensive program in the Wichita and Sedgwick County area, with expanding programs throughout the state, providing services to victims of DUI crimes. While still concentrating on victim services, other important focuses today are education and prevention. Our office is located at 355 N. Waco, Suite 220 in Wichita, Kansas 67202. You may reach us by phone at (316)262-1673 or fax at (316)262-3548. |
