Giving Tuesday – Comfort items drive

/in /by

Tuesday, Dec. 1st is Giving Tuesday, a global movement for giving and volunteering which takes place each year after Black Friday.

This year CASASC is launching a donation drive to collect comfort items for the SART (in-hospital) program.

CASASC offers a 24-hour Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). This team is a collaborative partnership between CASASC and the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. Together support and treatment is provided to those who have experienced recent sexual assault.

The Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre completes sexual assault exams for anyone within the Central Alberta Region and is the main regional artery and contact for towns and cities between Edmonton and Calgary. If a survivor decides to seek medical support at the hospital, it is reassuring to know a trained team is there to meet them and provide the best patient care and support.

When in the hospital, the survivor may also choose to speak with a CASASC trained SART member, who provide information and support. SART members offer each individual a care package that includes comfort items like a blanket, a stuffed animal, slippers or socks or a journal.

These comfort items provide individuals with a small piece of solace during a trying time. Each pair of slippers or blanket provided show compassion, care and love from the community.

SART members are there not only to support the survivor, but also their family members or anyone who may have come with them to the hospital.

The Central Alberta SART team provides in-hospital support to over 125 individuals each year.

Comfort items being collected include:

  • Slippers and/or fuzzy socks
  • Blankets
  • Journals

Due to COVID restrictions, only new items (or newly knitted items) are being accepted at this time.

Donations will be accepted between 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at the CASASC main office (A201, 5212 48 Street). A donation bin will be set up in the front lobby area, just inside the doorway. Alberta Health Services guidelines will be strictly followed to protect the well-being of donors, clients, staff and community members.

Monetary donations will be accepted at the main office (cash, credit or cheque). Online donations to this campaign are accepted via our CanadaHelps page www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/central-alberta-sexual-assault-centre/comfort-and-care

 

Feed Sam sponsors Oscar, pet therapy dog

/in , /by

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is pleased to announce that pet company Feed Sam is the official food sponsor of Oscar, CASASC’s newest pet therapy dog

Feed Sam will be supplying Oscar, a four month old bernedoodle, with all of his nutritional needs each week.

Feed Sam was founded in June 2019 in Lethbridge by Burton and Val. They recently opened a location in Red Deer.

“The knowledge offered by Burton and Val comes from years involved in training, showing and breeding dogs,” says Feed Sam’s website. “Val’s additional experience as a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and their combined 35 years experience researching and feeding a raw diet make Feed Sam the last stop you will ever need to make for all your raw feeding needs and nutritional questions.

“Prior to opening Feed Sam a regular conversation in their house went something like ‘Hey did you remember to pick up dog food?’ with a common response being ‘Nope sure didn’t, I’ll be right back!’ For that reason they decided to utilize their years of experience to open their own pet store, offering not only great service, dedication and knowledge, but also a delivery service. The Feed Sam delivery service not only offers a one-time purchase option but also the ability to set your delivery to a recur on a schedule that best suits your life…’set it and forget it’, no more running out.”

CASASC is thrilled by this sponsorship, which ensures Oscar’s needs are met by a local company. Please visit them online at https://feedsam.com

Oscar waits diligently for his food delivery, that arrives right to his front door and is placed in a special bin, keeping it safe from the elements and critters.

Oscar has also been excited about the recent snowfalls in Red Deer. He has been showing his true love of winter by wanting to spend each waking minute frolicking and roaming in the snow.

He is growing by leaps and bounds, attending obedience school and training, quickly acquiring the skills needed to become a certified pet therapy dog.

Stay tuned for an Oscar update every two weeks.

Now Hiring Community + Court Support Worker

/in , /by

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is seeking an experienced and compassionate individual to join our Community Support Services team as the Community & Court Support Worker.

About Us:

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is a voluntary, non-profit organization serving the Central Alberta region. We provide a range of support services for individuals who are affected by sexual violence including counselling, play therapy, police and court support, crisis support and education.

Position: Community & Court Support Worker

Reports to: Community Support Services (CSS) Coordinator

Job Type: Full Time – 12-month term-certain

Location: Main Office, Red Deer, Alberta

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week

Hourly rate: $22-25

Anticipated Start Date: December 1, 2020

Position Summary

As a part of CASASC’s Community Support Services team the Community & Court Support Worker is trained to listen and support you while you are considering or navigating the criminal justice system. They are advocates and sources of information for you – that safe guiding presence throughout the process.

Community & Court Support Worker also covers visits to those in the hospital or clients who face barriers in accessing in-office services. Outreach services are currently provided in, but not limited to: Maskwacis, Rocky Mountain House, Sylvan Lake, Olds, Wetaskiwin, Pigeon Lake, Red Deer and the Red Deer Regional Hospital.

Court Support:

  • Assist victims of sexual abuse/assault as they navigate their way through the criminal justice process including police investigations, preliminary hearings and trials.
  • Provide advocacy services to victim/survivors of sexual assault.
  • Assist with referrals for crisis care services for recent victims/survivors.
  • Provide specialist support and information regarding victim/survivors’ rights and options with legal and medical issues.
  • Provide assistance with court preparation and court accompaniment.

Community Support:

  • Attend interagency meetings as a representative of CASASC
  • Build strong working relationships with Victim Services Unit (VSUs) and Police Services (RCMP and Municipal) within service areas.

Other:

  • Provide program relevant statistical data for reports to CSS Coordinator
  • Promote self-development and professional growth through participation in training
  • Participate in staff meetings, team meetings, and committees as assigned
  • Any other duties or tasks as assigned by the CSS Coordinator

Qualifications:

  • Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Sociology or related degree/diploma
  • 2-3 years of work experience providing community or court support
  • Experience with Case Management and Caseload Planning
  • Experience working with survivors of sexual abuse, sexual violence, domestic violence, and/or mental health will be considered an asset.
  • Experience with Aboriginal and Indigenous communities and extensive knowledge of culture, customs, and traditions (preferred).

Desired Skills:

  • Superior organizational & computer skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to set priorities, solve problems and be resourceful under pressure
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently with complex cases
  • Able to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • Demonstrated crisis intervention skills

Addition Requirements (must be valid at time of hire):

  • RCMP Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
  • Valid Driver’s licence with valid and satisfactory Driver’s abstract

Benefits:

  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible schedule

How to Apply:

CASASC is an equal opportunity employer and we value the importance of diversity, dignity and worth of every individual in the workplace.

Email resume & cover letters with salary range expectations to hr@casasc.ca. Please ensure your name and job title are included in the subject line. Attachments must be in either PDF or Word (.doc/.docx) format.

We thank all applications for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application deadline: Sunday November 22, 2020 @ 11:59 p.m.

Ask An Educator – Social Media Takeover

/in , /by

Join us on Friday across all of our social media platforms for Ask An Educator – a question and answer session all day long.

It’s a social media takeover to answer all of your questions like: have you ever wondered why we hear about sexting all the time? What’s the big deal around consent? What is a positive spin on relationships that I can talk with my kids/family/friends about? Now is your chance to find out.

Our prevention and community educators will be available from 9 a.m. on to answer your questions on things related to sexual violence, dating, healthy relationships, sexting, the digital world, consent and much more.

Ask questions on Facebook (@CASASCRD), Twitter (@CASASC2), Instagram (@CASASC3) and via email education@casasc.ca

At 3 p.m. we will be going live on Instagram (@CASASC3) for a special edition of Coffee Chat with CASASC. Tune in and let’s connect through out the day.

Servus Credit Union supports No Secrets

/in , /by

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) recently received a donation from Servus Credit Union.

CASASC Community Support Services Coordinator Carlia Schwab (left) accepted the $3,000 donation from Servus Credit Union North Hill Branch Manager Vangi Willington on Nov. 6.

The donation to CASASC will be used towards program materials for the new No Secrets classroom activity box.

No Secrets is a personal safety program for children ages 5 to 9 (Kindergarten to Grade 4) with a focus on child sexual abuse prevention. No Secrets provides a forum from which children can discuss safe and unsafe touching, body parts including private areas, feelings and who you can tell. In 2019, No Secrets was presented to over 13,000 students in Central Alberta.

November is Family Violence Prevention Month

/in , /by

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is dedicated to supporting those affected by sexual violence each and every day of the year.

In Alberta, November is Family Violence Prevention Month (FVPM). The goal of FVPM is to raise public awareness around family violence and to educate communities on how to prevent it.

What is Family Violence:

Family violence is when someone uses abusive behaviour to control and/or harm a member of their family, or someone with whom they have an intimate relationship.

Family violence includes many different forms of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as neglect carried out by family members or intimate partners. It may include a single act of violence, or a number of acts that form a pattern of abuse. Family violence can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences for victims and for those who see or hear the violence.

Family violence can happen to people of all ages, abilities, cultural and spiritual backgrounds, gender identities and sexual orientations. Victims can be in romantic relationships, divorced, children (birth, step, adopted or foster), grandparents, or individuals with guardians or caregivers.

Family Violence and COVID-19:

Rates of family violence increase during and following natural disasters, public health crises and economic downturns. It is important to know where you can turn if you are experiencing family violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Child sexual abuse

With the added stress and time together caused by COVID-19, families with unhealthy relationships are more likely to experience child sexual violence.

Social isolation

Isolation is a risk factor for family violence. Many people who experience family violence use their support of friends and family to manage their situation. Social distancing and self-quarantine or isolation during the COVID-10 pandemic can make it more challenging to access valuable relationships, but there are ways to stay connected.

How You Can Stay Involved All Month Long

Throughout November we’re featuring different ways you can get involved by promoting awareness. Want to get involved? We’ve got you covered. We’ve created custom FVPM graphics for you to share, tweet and tag CASASC throughout the month, along with many other resources and events:

-Purple ribbons – Small silk purple ribbons will be available at both CASASC locations throughout the month. Wear the purple ribbon in unity to show survivors of family violence that they are not alone.

-Purple #iRespect t-shirt – CASASC will have a special edition MADE TO Respect t-shirt available. Staff are encouraged to wear theirs throughout the month, and on Purple Day.

Events:

-Purple Day – Thursday, November 19th

Wear purple on this day to honour those affected by family violence. We believe in creating a world in which everyone feels safe in their homes. Show us your purple by sporting your purple #iRespect t-shirt, the purple ribbon or other purple items.

-Film Showing – Thursday, November 19th, Time TBA

Two short films on the topic of family violence will be shown at Carnival Cinemas. Time TBA. This event is a partnership between CASASC and the Central Alberta Film Festival (CAFF). We are so excited about this partnership and being able to feature two Alberta-made short films.

-Silent Witnesses (Purple Silhouettes) – TBA

CASASC will be hosting an outdoor exhibit with silent witnesses (purple human figure cut outs) to bring awareness to the issue of family violence in our community. The exhibit will be able to be viewed from your vehicle. More details to come.

-Ask An Educator Day – Friday, November 13th

On this day our amazing education team will be hosting a social media takeover of CASASC’s accounts. They will be answering questions throughout the day and will feature resources and information about programs and several topics. Later in the day, Coffee Chat with CASASC (our live chat show) makes it return with Bailey and Kailee both going live to answer questions. Make sure to tune in throughout the day.

-Made With Love Raffle – Ongoing month of November

The Made With Love store is hosting a raffle for CASASC throughout the month of November. Stop in the shop (5560 45 St Unit E15, Red Deer, AB)to purchase a ticket for the raffle basket, full of handcrafted items from the store. We are thrilled with this partnership with a local business.