About Us

Mission Statement

The Mission of Wetaskiwin & District Victim Services is to Aid and Assist Victims of Crime and Tragedy by Providing a Community Support Program in Partnership with the R.C.M.P.


Our Vision and Values

Vision The vision of Wetaskiwin and District Victim Services is that: The RCMP will see the Victim Services Unit as an invaluable resource Victim Services: Is an integral part of the RCMP Has sustainable funding Has effective and efficient administration at all levels Is proactive in providing prevention services to meet the needs of the community Has a well-educated public Has an organizational culture that rewards and encourages continuous learning, and Is seen as a leader and strong supporter for other Victim Services Units.

Values The values of Wetaskiwin and District Victim Services are: Trustworthiness and Honesty Confidentiality Impartiality Integrity Teamwork Compassion Sense of Humour Patience Dedication Diversity and Progressiveness Education and Communication Accountability

 

Wetaskiwin and District Victim Services Society Board of Directors functions as the governing body of the organization to enable the organization to run smoothly and efficiently and in the best interest of the clients it serves. The board is responsible for policies, human resources, finances, annual planning, and public awareness. The board includes an RCMP liaison member.

 

Wetaskiwin and District Victim Services is a registered charity under the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency and was incorporated under the Societies Act of the province of Alberta on February 20, 1997.

 

Wetaskiwin and District Victim Services is a member in good standing with our professional association. The Alberta Police-based Victim Services Association website can be viewed at: www.apbvsa.com.  The association is informally known as "Victim Services Alberta"

 

Wetaskiwin and District Victim Services (WDVS) operates under the Victims of Crime Act (1997). As a police-based Victim Services program it is eligible to apply for funding from the Victims of Crime Fund which is administered through the Department of the Solicitor General and Public Security. The majority of funding for WDVS comes from this fund.

Other major contributors include the City of Wetaskiwin, County of Wetaskiwin, and the Town of Millet including their FCSS programs.

Important supporters of Victim Services are the corporate community of Wetaskiwin, private donors, and Service Clubs.

An annual Charity Checkstop in early December is the main fundraiser organized by Victim Services.  In 2010 and 2011 the Checkstop was shared with the Salvation Army, and traffic was managed by the RCMP. 

 

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT (2009)
Bill Elliot

With twelve successful years of outstanding service to our community behind us, I would like to thank, and commend, the dedicated volunteers, staff, and RCMP members who continue make Wetaskiwin and District Victim Services the best unit in the province. It takes a "community" of kind and caring people to assist victims of crime and tragedy and Wetaskiwin is fortunate to have so many committed individuals providing this very necessary service. Our "community" of special people includes:

• Our advocates, whose efforts make such a difference in so many lives. Thank you for giving so unselfishly of your time in order to train, upgrade, fundraise, and assist those in need. You are very special people.
• The Board of Directors whose support and commitment is much appreciated. You make the tasks of planning, budgeting, policy development, and fundraising enjoyable and interesting, and I thank you.
• Jeannie Blakely, our Executive Director, who provides outstanding leadership, guidance, advice, and experience to all members of our Victim Services unit and our community. We appreciate all that you do to educate the advocates locally, and throughout our region. Sharing your knowledge with our community, through workshops and various media, is also an important facet of your role, that is appreciated by the community.
• Our Administrative Assistant, Rhonda Stonehouse, works tirelessly behind the scenes, to ensure that our operation runs efficiently and effectively. Your willingness to assist and your positive attitude are an asset to our unit.
• The support of the RCMP detachment, including Superintendent Davidson, Inspector Zablocki, enhances the work of advocates and our service to the community. We appreciate the commitment of liaison members Staff Sgt.Tim Ashmore. Cst. Annie Aubert and Cst. Karyn Kay. Their willingness to share their skills, talents, and ideas contributes greatly to our Board.
• The implementation of the Family Violence Unit, as part of our partnership with the RCMP and Child and Family Services Authority, has proven to be very successful and we thank our Victim Services Family Violence Worker Courtney Seguin and RCMP Cst. Karyn Kay assigned to that unit for their efforts in support of families in need.
• The spouses/partners and families of our volunteers, staff, and RCMP are an important part of our success. Their patience and understanding are truly appreciated.

I would also like to thank those who support us financially: our local businesses for their kinds donations, citizens who support our fundraising events, the City of Wetaskiwin, and the Solicitor Generals office, Province of Alberta. Thank you to everyone for your willingness to attend conferences and workshops, for your help with the Curling Funspiel, community events, the RCMP contact party, and for your attendance at our social activities, award presentations, and breakfast gatherings. 2008 - 2009 was another wonderful year, for Wetaskiwin Victim Services because of your support, commitment, and dedication to the citizens of our community.

Thank you.