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 mobille crisis program that is partially funded by the Ministry of Attorney General.  It is the mobile crisis intervention service 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 and usage oto 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 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.

THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

DVERS

 VICTIM QUICK RESPONSE PROGRAM 

Victim Services is pleased to announce the Victim Quick Response Program is being piloted by the Ministry of the Attorney General to provide timely assistance to the most vulnerable victims of the most violent crime.

 BENEVOLENT FUND

Victim services of Haldimand-Norfolk would like to thank the churches for your support over the last fiscal year.  Together we are helping, one person or family, at a time.  I want to extend a special thanks to the clergy and churches that have opened their doors and hearts to our mutual clients and made them feel welcome.  Victim Services has the privilege of meeting hurting people everyday and I want to extend their most sincere appreciation for your support.  We get really excited when we reflect on the individuals and families we have been able to help together this past year. 

When we consider how to best help individuals in need we look first at the big picture.  What is the real level of need for a result that the clients can sustain?  What are provincially funded pockets of money/programs that could assist with that need?  What is the shortfall?  Then we negotiate the very best deal and include all retailers or professional services to provide the product or service for their cost or better.  Only then, do we use benevolent dollars.  The dollars you provide go further because your act of giving challenges others to give.  This amounts to, "a hand up, not a hand out."

TREASURER'S REPORT

It has been a pleasure serving the Victim Services Board as its Treasurer over the last year.  My eyes have been opened to not only the exorbitant amount of work that the staff perform on a weekly basis but more so how they have been able to do so on such a shoe-string budget. 

I am proud to say that we were able once again to manage the funds in such a way that there was a little surplus at the end of the year to keep some cash flow accessible during the transition from the 06-07 budget to our present one.  It was only able to be accomplished through creative cost savings and some new fundraising endeavors.

I would like to recognize and thank our corporate sponsors and service clubs as outlined in the fundraising support for their much appreciated support.  We will continue to face challenges with capital, operating, and program shortfalls as long as we service two counties and one First Nation reserve, while being funded only for one.  It is imperative that the provincial government release funds to bring us in line with the rest of the province so that we can continue to give the stellar service to our community neighbours in need.

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, service the community that we live in, provide service too and love.  In keeping with this mission Victim Services staff is on the move.  We are currently establishing an additional office in order to increase our visibility in the community and to be more accessible to the clients we service.

Currently we have office space in the Norfolk OPP Detachment and Hagersville Fire Station and our new office will be located in the Haldimand OPP Detachment. 

We will continue to see clients in all three locations, but all of our volunteer training, identification and volunteer resources will be held in our Hagersville office which is more centralized for all of our crisis volunteer members.

It has been our dream since inception to have office locations within both OPP detachments and this will be realized by year end.

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 didfference can a few make in the whole scheme of thing?"

Victim Services has risen to the challenge of providing hope and healing to those in need, where ever and when ever 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