GREETINGS FROM THE CHAIR
The concept behind Victim Services was developed out of the belief that people who have been victimized could benefit by getting help as early as possible after the crisis. Our Core Program is our mobile crisis program that is partially funded by the Ministry of Attorney General. This mobile crisis intervention service is delivered by professional volunteer crisis workers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our volunteers are extremely well trained and dedicated and we could not do what we do without them.
It is my hope that you will never need to use Victim Services, but it is also my prayer that if you do, we will be there to advocate on your behalf and to minister to your needs. Victim Services of Haldimand County and Norfolk County and New Credit Reserve is an exemplary ambassador of a caring community, in providing support services to victims and on working effectively with community partners. The demand for and usage of Victim Services has continued to increase steadily over the years due to very positive interventions with victims.
As chair of Victim Services of Haldimand, Norfolk and New Credit I want to thank the amazing volunteers that help make this organization a great success. Volunteers are one of our best resources. Without you there is no Victim Services. You need to know that you are deeply appreciated and are making a real contribution to our organization and the community at large.
I want to also thank the amazing staff that day in and day out give of themselves to reach out to those in crisis in our community. My first challenge to all of us is to continue to uphold the standards of excellence that has been established by our volunteers and staff. The second challenge is for us to champion the cause of Victim Services to our community and its leaders, as we seek to find alternate sources of funding that are necessary for the long term viability of the services.
The Reverend Dr. Blake Eady
Chair of Victim Services
Leadership should be born out of the understanding of the needs of those who would be affected by it. - Marian Anderson
THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS
Throughout history people have helped each other through good times and bad, often at great personal sacrifice. Some of the natural inclination to help one's fellow citizens has become harnessed within voluntary action that is a hallmark of a civil society, rooted in citizenship and social responsibility.
The staff of VS would like to thank all of the volunteer crisis workers that work tirelessly dedicating their time to the service of others. We, as staff, are only able to boast these great successes because of the dedicated, trained crisis intervention volunteers. Volunteers are the back bone of the service giving of themselves tirelessly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, answering the call of those in need.
Congratulations, have pride in knowing that your contribution is working to make our society a better place, one individual and crisis at a time.
Thank you.
MANDATE
Victim Services of Haldimand Norfolk is an inclusive service that supports a diverse range of victims and their families. In the philosophy of a no wrong door policy, Victim Services administers the provision of services to victims, and facilitates victim service programs. We provide education, information about the criminal justice system, crime prevention strategies, practical help, emotional first aid, advocacy and referrals. We take the leadership role, in developing partnerships, to build and maintain healthier communities.
MISSION STATEMENT
Victim Services, with compassion and respect, assists the community by providing awareness, education and training, advocating for safety, and healing, by assisting victims in a client centred manner.
STAFF VISION
Our staff vision continues to improve our capacity to provide service the community that we live in and love. We currently have offices in both the Haldimand OPP and Norfolk OPP detachments in order to increase our visibility in the community and to be more accessible to the clients we service.
Last year our volunteer Board, educators and crisis workers provided 30 thousand hours of service. These hours calculated at the government volunteer rate, add up to a value of half a million dollars in free service to the community.
No one intends to be a victim of crime or tragic circumstance. Tragedy can strike anyone, at any time, leaving them feeling alone, afraid and having nowhere to turn. It has been stated that "There is no sounder investment in the future than assuring that the best resources and the most appropriate help is available to fragile families, at crucial times of life transition ".
Our motto is "no one should stand alone". When faced with such a monumental goal, most throw up their hands and say, "what difference can a few make in the whole scheme of things?"
Victim Services has risen to the challenge of providing hope and healing to those in need, wherever and whenever we are needed. We have proven that a few concerned individuals can make a world of difference in creating a healthier community.
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE FRIENDS OF THE COMMUNITY
McCarthy Fowler Independent Order of Oddfellows
Clark Companies Inc. Hagersville Lions Club
Benedict & Ferguson Law Offices Townsend Lions Club
Caledonia Hunters & Anglers Ltd. Simcoe Lions Club
Canadian Tire - Caledonia Waterford Lioness Club
Scotia Bank - Caledonia Waterford Ancient Fee & Accepted Masons
Caledonia Lions Club IODE - Carrie Alexandra McCall Chapter