GUEST SPEAKER:
Frances delivered a very interesting presentation.
Frances works for the North Simcoe Victim Crisis Services (NSVCS). NSVCS has been in service since 1999. They have volunteers on call 24 X 7. It is a not for profit independent agency that works with various emergency services and partners int the area.
There are 46 VCS throughout Ontario.
They are located in the portable building behind the police detachment on Peter Street.
Historically, they had 3 programs;
- VCARS - Victim Crisis Assistant Referral Service
- VQRP - Victim Quick Response Program
- County Emergency Housing Program
These three have been merged into one new program VCAO. They provide personalized immediate service to victims of all kinds.
They have 80 volunteers. Volunteers must go through extensive screening and training (60 hours of training).
They have 17 leaders and 65 crisis response people that filled 2190 volunteer shifts. They worked 30170 volunteer hours last year and helped 438 people.
When a first responder calls, it goes to a team leader who dispatches a crisis response volunteer. The volunteer goes to the scene and must fill out a report and the office staff follows up.
They service the Orillia and surrounding area.
They have two major type of calls:
- Domestic Violence (which accounts for 75% of the calls - approx. 1000 calls per year)
- Death notification
VQRP dealt with serious crimes.
They have a yearly budget from the county to provide short term housing (3 day stay).
They also provide community support services (for example, death of a co-worker).
Their funding comes from he Ministry of the Attorney General, Simcoe County, City of Orillia as well as fundraisers and community partners (Bell Store provide refurbished phones, Rotary Club, Carol Ivey, etc.)
They are holding a big fundraiser on October 3 - a Great Race. Great Fun! Contact Frances for more information and to register a team of 4.
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