About Founder/CEO Crystal Heath

Crystal Heath is a survivor of secondary trauma and the founder of CF4J.  Crystal's only son, Edwin J. Heath, Sr., age 33 was murdered, Wednesday, May 13, 2015.  This horrific day took place at the Fox Run Townhomes and Apartments in Bear, Delaware.  Edwin was returning home with his two older children from their schools.  From an eyewitness account, Edwin was shot multiple times. By the time the paramedics arrived, Edwin had succumbed to his injuries.  The thought that my life had turned upside down at the blink of an eye was mind blowing.  Emotions such as anger, rage, and an act of revenge was front and center as all I wanted was my son back.  Edwin leaves behind four (4) children who were robbed of a life with him. 

This new life of living, grieving daily, and a broken heart does not go away, it follows you every minute of the day. The numbness and disbelief that I will never see my son again was real.  Locating resources and support groups were minimal and I knew I needed to do something to keep from unraveling.  The idea I had was to create a judgment free environment, a place where there is empathy and compassion, where it is okay to be vulnerable, and ongoing support for families impacted by loss of a loved one due to violence.  

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Two years after Edwin's murder, I had an idea of an advocacy organization where I needed to pour my energy into and bring it to life.  A call was placed to the New Castle County Chief of Police, Chief Bond to discuss the idea.  Chief Bond was receptive and identified three (3) families who he thought would benefit from the group.  Thankfully, the families met for the first meeting held May 18, 2017. 

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Crystal has a diverse background and has worked in facilities, hospitals, and schools helping children, adults, and families providing psychotherapy and groups.  Crystal is proficient in Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, Trauma and is trained in Sexual Offending behaviors.  Crystal holds a license in Social Work, two Masters degrees, certifications and is completing her Doctorate. 

Thank you for taking an interest in CF4J.  If you have questions, email us directly: info@cf4j.org.

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Sincerely,

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Crystal Heath, MSHSM, MSMHC, LMSW, HS-BCP, JSOC

Doctoral Candidate

Founder