Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre Annual Report

Transcription

1 Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre The new name and logo were adopted in April The name clearly reflects who we are, what we do, and where we provide the services. The logo portrays two individuals, arms raised to the sky to represent healing and wellness. The colour blue symbolizes faith, trust, and understanding, and the green, growth, stability, and endurance Annual Report Serving the Community since

2 Our Mission MISSION STATEMENT The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) will educate, support and empower individuals, families and communities regarding all aspects of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault. Core Beliefs In all we do, the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre operates with these core beliefs. People can heal We are facilitators of the healing process We value diversity and respect all people Individuals should be free to make their own life choices Each person should have the opportunity to learn and to grow We create a safe environment and maintain confidentiality Services must be accessible to children, adolescents, women and men Inability to pay should not be a barrier to receiving service We provide support and advocate for people who have been affected by sexual violence Public education and advocacy are vital for eliminating violence Offenders must take the responsibility for violence Teamwork is essential Volunteers are crucial to CASASC and provide a link to communities We work with other organizations to further common goals. 2

3 Message from a Client For me, like many others in Central Alberta, the Crisis Centre (now called the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Centre (CASASC) has been a literal lifesaver. After finally reporting a decade of sexual violence at the hands of my stepfather, my life and my identity were in shambles. The process of deciding who I was (and wasn t) and what I would (and wouldn t) accept from the world was utterly empowering and many of these decisions were made within the safe and supportive haven that has been created here. I cannot coherently put into words how important this place is. From a survivor s standpoint, when you walk in the door, you are greeted with gentle understanding and taught to construct the tools you need to process your individual experience and rebuild your world. It has been both a screaming necessity and an utter privilege to speak with and through this organization. If, with my voice, I can help just one other person, it makes my experience - however brutal, terrifying and awful - worthwhile. If just one person who hears my words can find the courage to live another day, ask for help or report a perpetrator, no longer be complacent, or make a donation to keep these doors open then I am able to see clearly the purpose of my decade of abuse. There is no praise too high for the people who keep this place going. The staff, the Board, the donors and the funders have seen the hole in the fabric of our society, read the statistics and understood that behind the statistics there are victims who need our help. Working to change the world is not an easy task; please know that my hat is off to you. Ashley They come to us as victims Work with us as survivors And leave us to take back their lives as thrivers. 3

4 Message from Chair and ED The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) has completed its first year under our new name and logo. It has been very inspiring to be associated with something so new and forward-looking. We continue to build on the strengths and values of the past while making adjustments to ensure that we step forward with confidence into the future. Our main priority will always be to provide the best possible supports and services to those living in Central Alberta who have been affected by sexual assault and sexual abuse was a year of change and adjustment. Thank you to Linda Rowe for stepping in as Interim Executive Director following the departure of Lois Hansen in February. Following an extensive search process and an interview via Skype Mary Hatcher was hired as Executive Director, starting on April 30 th. Mary has 20 + years of experience working in senior leadership roles within the not-for-profit sector in both Alberta and the Maritimes. The CASASC Board of Directors has also undergone some significant change, developing growing expertise to focus on governance, strategic priorities, client needs, advocacy and fiscal responsibility. Looking back, 2012 was a year of rethinking, rebuilding and recharging. CASASC is developing a strengthening capacity to fulfill our Mission and to offer hope and help to people affected by sexual assault and sexual abuse. CASASC ended 2012 in a positive fiscal position, thanks to the hard work and generosity of our volunteers and donors. Clearly, the funding we receive from the Provincial Government (Justice / Solicitor General and Human Services) and the Municipal Government (FCSS) show that they value the importance of the work we do and that value is echoed by the whole community as evidenced by the support we receive from United Way. The volunteers are also involved in many and varied ways of raising dollars from raffles to events. Thank you. You are truly the wind beneath our wings allowing the staff to ensure that the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Centre (CASASC) is able to provide free, confidential counseling, support, information and education to all individuals affected by sexual assault across central Alberta. Together with all of you, we do make a difference. Nadine George Chair, Mary Hatcher Executive Director 4

5 Board of Directors Chair: Vice Chair: Secretary: Treasurer: Nadine George Janice Hazlett Suzanne Zukiwsky Kelly Lukens Directors: David Murphy Rosanne Benoit Jody Read Earl Sutherland Jared Froese Travis Magee Daniel Huff Executive Director: Lois Hansen / Mary Hatcher Board, staff and volunteers selling raffle tickets at a Red Deer Rebels game. Left to right: Nadine George CASASC Chair Dianne Fowler SART member Mary Hatcher Executive Director 5

6 CASASC Staff Executive Director : Educator: Counselor: Counselor: Counselor: Therapist: Office Coordinator: Mary Hatcher Ralph Cervi Charity Dutkevitch Alberta Drummond Judy Pyra Debra Murray Monica White Living is the art of loving. Loving is the art of caring. Caring is the art of sharing. Sharing is the art of living. 6

7 What is Sexual Assault? Sexual assault is unwanted sexual contact and can range from unwanted touching to sexual intercourse. Sexual assault is not about sex; it is about power. Sexual assault is a crime of violent intent, where offenders view the assault as a way to gain power and control in their own lives. It is common for survivors of sexual assault, especially when they know the attacker, to question whether the experience was a true case of sexual assault. Some victims wait days, months or years before seeking help and a better understanding of the effects of the assault. Anyone can be a victim. In 85% of sexual assaults, the victim knows the attacker. Victims range in ages from very young children to seniors and include both males and females. Sexual assault is committed more frequently and reported less often than any other crime. The police are often not contacted when a person is assaulted by someone they know. If the assault is reported, there is usually a delay. People who are sexually assaulted often blame themselves. It is NEVER the Victim s Fault 7

8 CASASC Services Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) provides - free of charge programs, to anyone who has experienced sexual assault / sexual abuse and information to those needing information. Sexual Assault Crisis Line : This original program is still staffed by volunteers and is answered 24/7/365. Call this number when you need to talk, to learn about local resources and for a direct referral to CASASC Sexual Assault Response Team (SART): The members of this team are all specifically trained to respond to calls from the Red Deer Regional Hospital Emergency Department. When someone is admitted that has been sexually assaulted the ER Team calls in a SART member to be with and provide support to the victim. Crisis and Short Term Counseling: Highly trained and experienced counselors provide one on one counseling to clients who have experienced sexual assault / sexual abuse. This service is very individualized and is specific to the needs of the individual and is provided out of the CASASC office, free of charge, no referral necessary. To make an appointment call Sexual Assault Therapy / Counseling for Children: CASASC is very fortunate to have a Therapist on staff that is trained to work with children and their families. To make an appointment call Court Support: For those involved in the court process, staff is available to assist with information, preparation and accompaniment throughout the court proceedings. Education: A key goal of the CASASC Education Program is to raise public awareness of the prevalence of sexual harassment and sexual assault in our society while encouraging a sense of community responsibility. Our presentations provide instruction, information and support with a focus on prevention. We deliver our programs to audiences from age 4 to 94. The crime of sexual assault has no boundaries. It affects people of all ages, races, religions and socio-economic groups. To book a presentation call At CASASC, we believe strongly that: Education + Knowledge = Empowerment 8

9 Treasurer s Report I am pleased to report that 2012 was another strong year for the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC). As in previous years we are most grateful to the Province of Alberta (Justice & the Solicitor General and Alberta Human Resources), the City of Red Deer (FCSS) and Central Alberta (United Way) for their continued support and contributions to CASASC. In addition we are thankful for the support received from the schools in response to the presentation done by our educators. All these dollars are redirected back into the Education program. The Life Long Learning Red Deer (LLLRD) grant ensures that our volunteers receive the information and training they need to effectively monitor the CASASC 24 / 7 Sexual Assault Crisis Line. I am very appreciative of Skye Wikjord for all her hard work and dedication in the planning and execution of her signature event, Passionate Forward. In 2012 more than $20,000 was raised in support of children s counseling services. Over the summer we were sorry to see Skye leave Red Deer and wish her all the best in her new Calgary home. It is a pleasure and a privilege to serve as the Treasurer and I would like to thank my colleagues on the Board for their support. We will move forward in 2013 in a spirit of caring and optimism towards making a difference and aiding the healing for those who have experienced Sexual Assault / Sexual Abuse. Respectfully submitted, Kelly Lukens, Treasurer 9

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17 2012 Highlights and Milestones January: February: March: April: May: June: July: August: September: October: November: December: CASASC hosts Red Deer Leadership Networks Program. Scott Builders Poker Tournament raises $4, for CASASC at this event. Educator Ralph Cervi and Client Ashley Morrison present to 120 physicians and nurses at the Red Deer Regional Hospital. Passionate Forward organized by Skye Wikjord raised $21,000 by all accounts an amazing event Mary Hatcher is hired via a Skype interview in Halifax as the new Executive Director for CASASC. She starts work on April 30 th. Educator Ralph Cervi & Counselor Judy Pyra attend a conference in San Diego with support from a from Price Waterhouse Cooper Team Leadership Grant of $ Name change becomes official. There is a noted increase in the number of men coming for counseling. CASASC experiences a sharp rise in the number of new clients seeking counseling. Referrals come from 16 different community agencies. CASASC leases a car for Educator Ralph Cervi to use as he travels around Central Alberta. It will be easy to spot as it is all decaled out with CASASC name, logo and phone number. The vanity plate reads HELP 4 U. Counselor Charity Dutkevich gives birth to a healthy baby boy named Knox. CASASC welcomes Alberta Drummond back on staff, covering for Charity Dutkevich s maternity leave. The SART team is very busy over the summer months. In 2011 CASASC responded to a total of 64 hospital calls. As of August 31, 2012 we responded to 67. Educator Ralph Cervi trains 5 new SART members. Referrals of children are increasing. There are few resources in Red Deer for children who have been sexually abused and CASASC therapist Deb Murray is increasingly becoming the preferred source of treatment and information. Dan Huff and Travis Magee join the Board of Directors, bringing legal and financial expertise. 17

18 Moving Forward with Optimism and Confidence Adopt an updated Vision, Mission, Values and Core Beliefs document that is developed collaboratively by Board and Staff. Develop and implement a strategic and operational plan that will move CASASC forward over the next 3 year. The five pillars of the plan will be: Client Focused Counseling, Education, Crisis Intervention, Administration and Governance. Develop and implement a Communications and Marketing Plan that will strongly build the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Centre (CASASC) brand in Central Alberta. Work with community partners and stakeholders to end the culture of Sexual Assault / Sexual Abuse in Central Alberta. Strengthen existing community Partnerships and develop new ones. Pursue new dollars and increase funds received from current donors to expand Client Counseling programs, Education and Community Outreach. Identify optimum office space requirements and develop a plan to renovate or relocate. 18

19 VISION Moving Forward: Vision, Mission, Values, and Core Beliefs Central Alberta will be a safer, healthier and more informed community surrounding the issues of sexual assault and sexual abuse. MISSION STATEMENT The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is committed to ending the culture of sexual violence and helping to build safer communities for all Central Albertans through promoting awareness and healing, education, empowerment and renewal. VALUES & GUIDING PRINCIPLES LEADERSHIP We are the leaders in the cause against sexual assault and sexual abuse. RESPECT We respect the diversity of people and are committed to providing support to all that are affected by sexual assault and sexual abuse. CARING - We show compassion and help those in need. ACCOUNTABILITY - We are responsible for our decisions and actions on behalf of CASASC. We demonstrate due diligence in fulfilling our commitments to our clients, their families, and friends, volunteers, funders, and all others who provide support to those we serve. COMMITMENT- We strive to make a positive difference in the lives of people affected by sexual assault and sexual abuse. We share this commitment and encourage others to share in our vision. COLLABORATION - We work openly and in a coordinated manner within our organization and with others. CORE BELIEFS In all we do, the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre believes that: People can heal and we are facilitators of the healing process We value diversity and respect all people; services are accessible to all including children, women and men - regardless of faith, ethnicity or income levels. Individuals are free to make their own life choices and each person has the opportunity to learn and to grow We provide a safe environment and maintain confidentiality Public education and advocacy are vital for eliminating sexual violence Teamwork is essential; volunteers are crucial to CASASC and provide a link to communities Offenders should be held accountable for their actions 19