COMMUNITY SERVICES ASSOCIATION
- Local Contact:
- Specialized Victim Support Services - 604 485-2620
Powell River Community Services Association's mandate is broad, and its programs reflect its commitment to community.
One way this is done is through the annual publication of the Community Directory of Organizations and Services. Each year the directory is updated ensuring it provides a current review of the contact names and numbers for each organization and agency in the region.
The directory is published with the financial assistance of the United Way. But the majority of the United Way dollars received go into the Specialized Victim Support Services Program.
This program has been running in Powell River since the '80s. The title is apt. The program provides a very specialized service to men, women and children who experience physical or sexual abuse or assault, or historic childhood abuse.
Specialized Victim Support Services provides emotional support, safety planning, information and referrals to victims and their families, whether or not the client is involved with the justice system. A program manager provides whatever practical assistance and advocacy the individual needs, including transportation and accompaniment to medical and legal appointments and court.
United Way funding is crucial to this program. Although SVSS receives provincial funding, without United Way assistance it wouldn't be able to offer three very significant components of the program. First, United Way dollars purchase resource materials, which in turn are provided to the clients. Second, United Way funding covers the cost of clinical debriefing for the program manager. And third, United Way contributions pay for the silent alarm systems installed in the homes of clients who are at high risk of harm by a former partner. Because these alarms ensure a quick and informed response from RCMP, they allow the family to live in less fear and return more quickly to their normal activities. Costs of this program can be prohibitive, and Powell River residents who support United Way are contributing toward the safety of a very vulnerable group of individuals.
Powell River Community Services Association provides the following services to our community:
Powell River Specialized Victims Support Services is a community-based program which offers the following services to children, women and men:
- Emotional Support safety assessment & assistance in reporting the crime.
- Information on the status of the case.
- Practical support transportation to required appointments.
- Accompaniment to court orientation & post court support.
- Assistance with Victim Impact Statement and Criminal Injury Compensation.
- Liaison with other agencies and referrals to appropriate community resources.
Powell River & District Organization and Services Directory is updated and printed every year. The very helpful directory has over 450 listings of service groups, organization and non-profit groups in Powell River.