CASASC at the Rebels – March 9

Get your tickets as the Red Deer Rebels take on the Calgary Hitmen on March 9 at the Peavey Mart Centrium in Red Deer.

Stop by the community corner make a donation and enter our raffles — you could be walking away with your very own large Ressie unicorn, Rebels merch or other great stuff.

Puck drops at 7 p.m.
Tickets can be bought online at Tickets Alberta.

February 2024 – Let’s Connect Newsletter

The February 2024 edition of the CASASC Let’s Connect Newsletter is out now.

This issue features: resources for teachers and business for Pink Shirt Day, tips for staying active in the winter months, scholarship information and more!

Read Online:  casasc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Lets-Connect-CASASC-Feb-2024.pdf

 

 

To submit content for newsletter email calbers-manicke@casasc.ca

 

 

 

Pink Shirt Day – 2024

GROUP REGISTRATION OPEN: Parent Support Group

Registration is open for the CASASC Parent Support Group.

If you are the parent(s) of an existing client or client on the CASASC wait-list, you are welcome to join in the CASASC Parent Support Group. The group meets every third Monday from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

For more information or to register call 403-340-1124 or email CASASC@casasc.ca.

Family Violence Prevention Month 2023

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 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.

 

Impacts:

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.

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

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.

 

Presentations:

For the months of November & December CASASC is offering several virtual presentations on a variety of topics relating to sexual violence. All presentations are facilitated on Zoom and vary in length 30 mins to 60 mins.

Introduction to Sexual Violence (60min)

Mon, Nov 27, 9:00-10:00 am

Fri, Dec, 10:00-11:00 am

 

Supporting Disclosures (45 min)

Fri, Nov 17, 10:00-10:45 am

Thurs, Dec 7, 11:00-11:45 am

 

Ask an Expert – Parenting & Sexualized Behaviour Conversations with our Clinical Expert (6o min)

Thurs, Nov 23, 4:00-5:00 pm

Wed, Dec 20, 4:00-5:00 pm

 

Events:

-Education Social Media Takeover – Friday, November 24

On this day our education team will be hosting a takeover of CASASC’s social accounts. They will be answering questions throughout the day and will feature resources and information about programs and several topics. Make sure to tune in.

-Purple Day – Day of Action – Friday, November 24

Wear purple on this day to bring awareness to family violence. We will provide suggestions on how you can take action in your community. Show us how you support by sporting your best purple items. This is a day marked by the Central Alberta community to show support for those affected by family violence.

 

Take action – Action items for Family Violence Prevention Month

Kids/Teens – Make a card, note, or message for someone who you are grateful for (bus driver, librarian, teacher, counsellor, family member) and give it to them with a big smile and a thank you. Tell them how much you care about them or thank them for something nice they have done.

Kids/Teens – Do something nice for a family member, sibling, cousin.

Family – Do an activity together, something you’ve never done before or a game you all enjoy.

Family – Do an activity for each letter of the word P-U-R-P-L-E (ex. For the first P – go to the play ground, U – go for a walk to find the underside of a bridge, R – eat some red candy….)

Adults – Do something fun/spontaneous with a friend – go for coffee, show them you care and are there to support them.

Reach out to a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Send that text.

General – Create a safety plan. Just like how we should have a safety plan in place for a natural disaster (even though we may never need it), we should have a safety plan in place for if we ever are in a place of harm/discomfort.

 

Stepping up to return the favour

I should be writing this from my new office. Instead, I’m set up at a table in the corner of the living room with my cat curled up beside me.

Our move-in date to the Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence (SKCE) got delayed a bit.

Since 2022, the staff and volunteers at CASASC have been planning and preparing for the relocation to the SKCE. We were supposed to move in the first week of September, but it got delayed with a few days’ notice. Our sights were set on the beginning of October.

A few days to go, we were told it would be delayed a bit longer.

I’m not complaining about the cat part. Actually, I’m not complaining about any of it — and neither are my co-workers.

We know that sometimes on life’s journeys there are roadblocks and things to overcome; and sometimes those roadblocks feel like huge things. Every journey, whether a healing journey or a work journey has them, but you can’t get discouraged and you have to focus on the end goal.

Which for us in this instance, means providing a safe place for our clients to heal. Moving into SKCE will mean we are able to help our clients even better. The fact that we will be sharing a building with other agencies and groups means CASASC will be able to help those and their families affected by sexual abuse and violence more quickly and easily. Clients will no longer have to navigate the city while on their healing journey. It can all be done under one roof, often within the same day.

It has been kind of amazing to see the staff pivot from one minute to the other while the build and move came together, especially in the last week. I left work on Tuesday, and by Wednesday morning, everything regarding the move process had changed, but we came together, shuffled boxes, computers, and furniture, and within a day, we were back on track.
Everyone stepped up and helped out.

It wasn’t just the agency’s staff that came together either. Local groups stepped up, like the Outreach Centre, offering spaces for the counselors to use at the Dragonfly’s Centre Healing Centre. Our clients are our main priority, so being able to assist them has been a huge help and a huge stress relief.

Thank you so much, Red Deer, for returning the favour and helping us out when we needed you!

 

Christi Albers-Manicke

Now Hiring Educator

CASASC is seeking to fill the position of Educator

 

The job details are as below:

Position: Educator

Reports to: Manager, Education Program and Community Relations

Number of positions: 1

Job Type: Permanent – Full Time

Hours per week: 37.5

Hourly rate: Determined based on education and experience

Anticipated Start Date: CLOSED – POSITION FILLED

Location: Red Deer, AB & frequent daily travel to communities within Central Alberta

 

About Us:

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is a voluntary, non-profit organization serving the Central Alberta region under the direction of a community-based Board of Directors.

We specialize in healing sexual trauma so you can talk freely about the hard stuff with no judgement. 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.

 

JOB SUMMARY

As a part of CASASC’s Education team, the Educator supports our goal to increase the personal safety of individuals through awareness, education and empowerment, which will help to prevent sexual violence.

The Educator is a liaison between CASASC, community, schools and organizations, focusing on prevention and awareness education for children, youth, and adults. Our community and school-based programs are delivered to a range of individuals mainly from Kindergarten to Grade 12, but also to parents, adults and professionals.

This position provides in-person and virtual education sessions on a variety of content and topics focusing on violence prevention and sexual violence awareness, sessions are adaptable to meet the needs of community and school.

This position is part of the Education & Community Relations team. Educators may be expected to fulfill duties related to community relationship building, including attending meetings and events, staffing booths and conducting community visits. Educators are responsible for preparation, delivery, and follow-up of all applicable education programs as determined by CASASC and the Manager, Education & Community Relations.

The Educator is expected to have full knowledge of, and to follow the Philosophy, the Guidelines for Personnel Policies & Practices, and the Policies & Procedures of the CASASC while upholding our mission, vision, and values.

 

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

  • Bachelor’s degree in education or other relevant degree and/or 2+ years of related teaching experience.
  • Exceptional presentation & public speaking skills.
  • Experience working in, facilitating, or teaching in classroom and group settings.
  • Ability to build rapport with children and youth from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
  • Ability to relate to adults and professionals for the successful delivery of education and awareness information.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English is essential.
  • Able to work collaboratively in a team environment and/or independently.
  • Superior time management skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks with minimal supervision.
  • Proficient using computers and presentation equipment (incl. basic troubleshooting) of virtual and presentation platforms (zoom, google meet, projector, and sound setup).
  • Proficient in Windows, Word, Internet, Email & Social Media is essential.
  • Availability to work occasional evenings/weekends for special events and be able to travel within Central Alberta to fulfil job responsibilities.
  • Professional, responsive, and positive work attitude.
  • Must be able to submit a clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
  • A valid Driver’s License with a satisfactory Driver’s abstract is essential, access to a reliable vehicle with full cover insurance.
  • Should be able to fulfil the physical demands of the job such as the ability to lift at least 20lbs, climbing the stairs while carrying supplies, above-shoulder lifting, overhead reaching, frequent use of office equipment, sitting or standing for longer periods and other relevant physical tasks.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Plan, prepare and deliver all CASASC education programs by providing interactive and dynamic presentations, and education material by using age-appropriate methods and activities, either in-person or virtual; in schools and communities throughout the CASASC service region.
  • Design and deliver tailored education programs as/if requested by the schools, community and/or other agencies within CASASC’s service region.
  • Participate in community public education forums and/or events to promote the awareness of sexual violence issues & CASASC services. (Attending interagency meeting, staffing booths and events, conducting community visits)
  • Update education programs statistics in the tracking program and submit monthly/quarterly/annual reports to facilitate grants and internal requirements.
  • Conduct regular research and keep education programs’ content up-to-date related to CASASC’s prevention education such as (but not limited to) sexual violence, teen dating, consent, healthy relationships, and any other program that supports CASASC’s mission and vision.
  • Keep the schools and community contact list up-to-date. Stay in regular contact with the schools and community through different mediums to ensure the regular delivery of education programs to the target audience.
  • Perform other duties or tasks that may be assigned on an as-needed basis by the Manager or Executive Director.

 

TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES/STAFF DEVELOPMENT

  • Adheres to the values and guiding principles, policies, and procedures of CASASC and supports the strategic direction of the organization.
  • Participates in staff meetings and offered trainings.
  • Acts as a responsible team member by demonstrating initiative, completing work duties, and by maintaining clear, direct, and respectful communication with everyone in the work environment.
  • Proactively stays current with best and emerging practices in the field. Participates regularly in the staff development activities according to a learning and development plan identified through supervision and the on-going performance review process.
  • Provides back-up coverage to CASASC as required in response to the needs and priorities of the organization which includes other duties as and when assigned.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Maintains agency confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
  • Represents CASASC in a professional manner.
  • Maintains on-going positive public relations with external agencies, groups, and individuals (if required).
  • Uses appropriate mechanisms for resolving internal agency problems.
  • Maintain professional relationship with internal and external stakeholders.

 

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.

Please send your resume and cover letter with salary range expectations to casasc@casasc.ca. Mention your name and the position in the subject line, attachments must be in either PDF or Word (doc/.docx) format.

Application deadline: open until position is filled

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.

Monthly update – CASASC Connections – July

Welcome back to CASASC Connections. This is a space where we provide updates on our services, programs and all things CASASC for the month of JULY 2023.

If you would like to have this update emailed to you each month please send us a note at education@casasc.ca and we’d be happy to add you to the list.

RIDE FOR RESPECT FUNDRAISER & MOTORCYCLE POKER RALLY

July 29, 2023 @ Westerner Park, Red Deer (SW parking lot)

Join us on July 29 for activities, music, motorcycles and fun!

Mark your calendars for July 29th and join us for our Ride for Respect event.

Our goal is to create awareness and fundraising support for victims, survivors and those impacted by Sexual Violence in our community. On July 29th join us at Westerner Park for:

Have a motorcycle? Come and join our poker rally for a family friendly 200km ride around Eastern Alberta.

10 am = Motorcycles arrive and registration begins ($20/rider)

11 am = Motorcycles roll out for their Poker Rally ride

3-5pm = Motorcycles expected to return

Don’t worry if you don’t have a motorcycle you can still come by Westerner Park and join in the festivities. Music, food, vendors, kids zone and try out your own self-propelled wheels on our Ressie Raceway!

12-5pm = Activities start, Live Bands, Kids Zone, Ressie Raceways

Did you know that 45% of Albertans have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime, that’s 2/3 women and 1/3 men. 75% Albertans who’ve experienced sexual violence were kids during at least one incident.

Help us create safe and supportive awareness about sexual violence, reduce stigmas and contribute to positive change in our communities.

50/50 & Silent Auction are LIVE
We’re officially 30 days away from our 2nd Annual Ride for Respect Poker Rally Fundraiser! AND our Silent Auction and 50/50 are live!
You can make a difference by participating in this year’s silent auction and 50/50! Every contribution goes towards helping children, youth, and adults affected by sexual violence.
Your generous donations will support us in meeting the needs of our community, expanding our office, and delivering trauma-informed, respectful, and inclusive services. This includes therapy, education, prevention, crisis intervention, hospital support, and assistance with police and court proceedings.
Check out www.32auctions.com/RideforRespect2023 to see the incredible lineup of items we have up for grabs. Simply create a free account and start bidding!
And visit https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/casascrfr to purchase your 50/50 raffle tickets today!

VENDORS STREET

We still have spaces open for vendors to come and join our vendors street at the Ride for Respect fundraiser, July 29 from 12-5pm.

This is a great opportunity for local, small or personal businesses to showcase their products and support a great cause.

Food and alcohol sales are not allowed.

Email us today at ewillmer@casasc.ca for your spot. Registration is open and may be subjected to a small fee or silent auction item donation upon the individual vendors capacity.

 

Engagement Strategies Towards Ending Workplace Harassment 3-hr Workshop

Looking for ways to support and strengthen your team in 2023 and beyond? We have just what you need.

  • If you’ve witnessed workplace harassment find some tools for how to support and respond
  • If you’ve been told your behaviour has harmed someone else, hear some strategies for responding appropriately
  • If someone comes to you for help/support hear some ways to respond both formally and informally

Research shows that positive workplace cultures lead to healthier, safer, happier, and more productive teams—and help prevent workplace harassment.

Come learn with us on OCTOBER 6th from 9am-12pm as we lead you and your staff through an innovative, online workshop that teaches skills that help you understand, respond to, and prevent workplace harassment.

This isn’t your average anti-harassment training:

  • 3 hours, 100% online
  • Mics + webcams off
  • Innovative + research backed
  • Teaches skills that help you understand, respond to and prevent harassment

COST: $75/person

VIRTUAL via Zoom

Discounts for #momentsmatter campaign partners and groups of 10 or more. Email education@casasc.ca for discount information.

To register click HERE 

If this date doesn’t work for you or you’d like to have a private session for your organization or community please reach out to us.

 

Virtual Learning Series Opportunities

Our virtual learning series continues. Please share out with your colleagues and clients, these sessions are FREE for Albertans and share digestible information related to sexual violence awareness and support tools.
Registration access for all programs can be found using the links below.

*note, if their are no dates listed please check back. Links will re-activate once new dates are added!

  • Police and Court Support for Sexual Violence (30 min)
    An informal session with our Police and Court Support worker. Learn about the program, how to access, what is supportive reporting and what supports are available to help navigate the criminal justice system. A great support for teens and adults!
    July 26 from 3:00-3:30pm
    Free, register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/619361425697
  • Introduction to Sexual Violence Awareness (60 min)
    A public awareness and education presentation that introduces, and highlights, definitions and concepts related to sexual violence. We will discuss dispelling myths and stereotypes, talk about victim blaming, the realities of sexual violence, and a brief understanding of supporting disclosures.
    Free, register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/305057193277
  • Supporting Disclosures from children, youth and adults (45 min)
    This session will help to enhance our skills and knowledge around supporting disclosures of sexual violence. An overview of the fundamentals of responding to and supporting disclosure of sexual assault and abuse from children, youth and adults. Learn some key messages and legal obligations when it comes to reporting child abuse.
    Free, register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/305060773987
  • Foundations of Consent and Healthy Relationships (60 min)
    This 60min workshop encourages participant conversations as we explore the foundations of consent for sexual activity through discussions on healthy relationships. We’ll also talk about consent laws.
    July 18 from 9:00-10:00am
    July 24 from 2:00-3:00pm
    Free, register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/502701081467
  • *NEW* Storybooks for Children, teaching personal safety (30 min)
    Join our school-based Educators for a review of friendly storybooks for children ages 3+.
    Storybooks support messages taught in our No Secrets Kindergarten – Grade 4 program, and can help teachers, parent and family members reinforce positive messages about our bodies, emotions, personal safety and getting help.
    July 18 from 2:00-2:30pm
    July 24 from 9:00-9:30am
    Free, register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/671535269067
  • Parenting and Sexualized Behaviour Support Conversations (60 min)
    Join us for an informal session with our Child Therapist. Learn information on how to parent children/youth who display abnormal or concerning sexualized behaviours, learn strategies and techniques to support and redirect.
    Free, register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/306744500057

 

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!

We are looking for volunteers who can take one or two shifts a month on the phone, text or webchat functions of our helpline. Shifts are virtual/remote, are not counselling based and require no formal education.

If you are interested in volunteering email Erin at ewillmer@casasc.ca

 

Community Booths

Come visit us around Central Alberta this summer. Our Education and Awareness team is attending a variety of open-to-public events this summer sharing all about CASASC programs in approachable ways. Come get an iRespect t-shirt for a donation or stop by for your chance at some fun give-away items.

Come say hi when you see us in the following places this summer!

  • July 6 @ Rocky Mountain House Market on Main
  • July 11 @ Innisfail Market
  • July 14 @ Lacombe Family Expo
  • July 20 @ Lacombe Farmers Market
  • July 26 @ Didsbury Farmers Market
  • AUG 2 @ Downtown Red Deer Market
  • AUG 9 @ Ponoka Farmers Market
  • Aug 11 @ Sylvan Lake Farmers Market
  • Aug 19 @ Rimbey Farmers Market
  • Aug 22 @ Penhold Discovery Night
  • Aug 30 @ Wetaskiwin Farmers Market
  • Sept 9 @ Red Deer Farmers Market
  • Oct 10 @ Health Literacy Fair, Red Deer

 

24/7 Sexual Violence Help Line

1-866-956-1099

www.casasc.ca

Call, text or webchat – We provide 24/7 confidential and anonymous support and a friendly conversation with the end goal being information, support and referrals.

 

Programs + Services

Our programs our available at no cost to all our central Alberta communities and do not require formal medical or legal referrals.  We do our best to help reduce barriers to accessing our services including barriers to those in rural and remote spaces.

  • Counselling
  • Police & Court Support
  • Awareness Education
  • School-based Education (not sex-ed)

For more information about our programs and services visit our website www.casasc.ca, email us at casasc@casasc.ca or call 403-340-1124

 

Social Media

Stay up-to-date on services, community events and updates by following our social media accounts.

  • Twitter @CASASC2
  • Instagram @CASAC3
  • Facebook @CASASCRD
  • TikTok @CASASC5

Now Hiring – Funds Development Coordinator

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is seeking to fill the position of Funds Development Coordinator

 

The job details are as below:

Position: Fund Development Coordinator

No. of Positions: 01

Position Type: Full time, 1-year term

Hours per week: 40

Hourly rate: Commensurate with Experience and Credentials

Anticipated Start Date: CLOSED – POSITION FILLED

Location: CASASC, A 201, 5212-48 Street, Red Deer

About Us:

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is a voluntary, non-profit organization serving the Central Alberta region under the direction of a community-based Board of Directors.

We specialize in healing sexual trauma so you can talk freely about the hard stuff with no judgement. 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.

 

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Fund Development Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and/or organizing fundraising events. Identifying, soliciting, and securing funds for the organization and ensuring fundraising events are carefully planned and executed to maximize financial support. This role will also be responsible to identify and apply for grant opportunities.

 

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

  • Certificate/Diploma/Degree in event management, finance, fund development, or other related field with 2-4 years experience working in a similar capacity.
  • Experience working in non-profit industry will be an asset.
  • Must have experience in fundraising for non-profit organizations.
  • Experience in grant writing, developing fund applications, or other technical writing.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent time management skills – able to set priorities and working without supervision.
  • Ability to work as a collaborative team member as well as an independent key player within minimal supervision.
  • Demonstrates creativity in coming up with fundraising opportunities and executing events successfully.
  • Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driver’s abstract and clear criminal record check screening is required.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assists in the development of fundraising goals, research potential funding sources and creates and executes fund development plans to meet the goals.
  • Plans, coordinates, and execute fundraising events and activities from start to end.
  • Identifies federal, provincial, and/or private funding opportunities, writes effective grant proposals and applies for the same to secure the grants.
  • Assists the Executive director with creating budgets based upon anticipated fundraising results.
  • Identifies and solicits new donors, takes initiative to negotiate funding.
  • Works in collaboration with the communications department to promote CASASC’s fundraising events.
  • Maintains positive relations and communications with donors, sponsors, and stakeholders.
  • Process donations and/or sponsorships ad manages database (digital and paper files). Ensure that the records are kept up to date.

 

TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES/ STAFF DEVELOPMENT:

  • Adheres to the values and guiding principles, policies, and procedures of CASASC and supports the strategic direction of the organization.
  • Participates in staff meetings and offered trainings.
  • Acts as a responsible team member by demonstrating initiative, completing work duties, and by maintaining clear, direct, and respectful communication with everyone in the work environment.
  • Proactively stays current with best and emerging practices in the field. Participates regularly in the staff development activities according to a learning and development plan identified through supervision and the on-going performance review process.
  • Provides back-up coverage to CASASC as required in response to the needs and priorities of the organization which includes other duties as and when assigned.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Maintains agency confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
  • Represents CASASC in a professional manner.
  • Maintains on-going positive public relations with external agencies, groups, and individuals (if required).
  • Uses appropriate mechanisms for resolving internal agency problems.

 

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.

Please send your resume and cover letter to: Human Resources Specialist at hr@casasc.ca. Mention the position in the subject line. Position will remain open until filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.