Cochrane and Area Victim Services (CAVS) is asking the town to double its contribution to the organization this year due to a significant increase in demand.
The organization made what councillors perceived as a compelling case for $50,000 from the town’s 2017 budget during the Nov. 14 council meeting. If granted, it would be a twofold increase from last year’s $25,000.
Executive director Jennifer Sachkiw said resources have been exhausted due to the demand for services increasing by roughly 25 per cent this year compared to 2015; as a result, victim services need to hire a fourth full-time staff member to help meet the need.
The increase is attributed to a combination of the economic climate, process changes, improved public awareness and continued population growth.
“We want to do more than just the bare minimum,” she said, adding that even though victim services has expanded its volunteer base to 27 from one since the beginning of the year, “we cannot apply the same expectations on volunteers as we can on staff.”
The non-profit works with the RCMP and nearby municipalities to provide crisis response and victim support for victims of crime through intervention and prevention services.
Victims Services provides emotional support services that connect victims of crime with the help they need. They often provide support during court trials and by working in partnership with other social service supports.
Sachkiw was joined by full-time staffer Sabrine Koudmani and volunteer Kathryn McMackin.
McMackin, a volunteer for the last year, described her experience providing emotional support to a mother who had lost her child.
“We stayed until she told us she was safe and secure,” she said, adding that “the greatest asset of any organization is their people …volunteers and staff are making a difference. It’s altruism at its finest.”
McMackin implored council members to put themselves in a similar position, and imagine the shock should an RCMP officer deliver news that a loved one had died. She asked what councillors would do after the officer’s departure without emotional support.
Sachkiw said CAVS, in addition to vastly expanding its volunteer base, has upped its community presence and public education for safety and violence prevention.
“Our goal is to keep our community as safe as possible,” she said.
On average, the organization is receiving at least 20 new files per month.
Primarily funded by the Solicitor General, CAVS also receives financial support through grants and fundraising, and municipalities including Cochrane, the MD of Bighorn and Rocky View County.
Their coverage extends to Morley, Bragg Creek, Redwood Meadows, Springbank, Bearspaw, Glendale, Bottrel and surrounding areas. All services are free and confidential.
Statistics provided by CAVS indicate the vast majority of its files are for common assault offences.
Volunteers are an integral part of how CAVS provides immediate support to victims of crime.
The organization is always looking for more volunteers. Following a rigorous background check, volunteers who receive clearance work an average of three 12-hour on call shifts per month.
Learn more at cochranevictimservices.ca.
