Scotiabank giving campaign supports CASASC

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A Red Deer area Scotiabank raised funds to support the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC).

Part of a Giving Tree campaign, throughout November and December, customers could donate to the campaign in store, with the choice for their donations to go directly to CASASC to support those affected by sexual violence.

The donation accepted on January 6 by Lara Alhmidat, CASASC Fundraising and Event Planner, was presented by Dipen Rathod of Scotiabank – Lancaster Centre.

Thank you so much for your support.

UBAKA/Blackfalds Bulldogs Support CASASC

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The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) recently received a generous donation from the Blackfalds Bulldogs 50/50 proceeds.

CASASC staff accepted the donation of $960 from Urban Bulldogs Against Kids Abuse (UBAKA) Blackfalds Chapter members and from a Blackfalds Bulldogs Foundation representative on January 4.

UBAKA Blackfalds chose CASASC as the beneficiary for the 50/50 ticket sales from the December 13 hockey game. The funds received will support CASASC’s mission to support those affected by sexual violence in Central Alberta.

(Above photo) A Giving Spirit – From left to right: CASASC Fundraising and Event Planner Lara Alhmidat, CASASC Educator Kailee Burkinshaw, UBAKA Blackfalds member Randy Bye, UBAKA Blackfalds member Jessica Collings, UBAKA Blackfalds Chapter President Tracy Hoffman and Blackfalds Bulldogs Foundation Representative Bonnie Lou Johnston at the donation presentation in Blackfalds on January 4.

Monthly update – CASASC Connections – January 2023

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

 

Need for online + virtual volunteers – email ewillmer@casasc.ca

We are in need of volunteers to join the 24/7 help line, with shifts available through the phone and text/webchat.

We are looking for volunteers who can take one or two shifts a month with our helpline. Evening and weekend support is a bonus.

Using an eight-hour shift-based schedule the help line volunteers provide a listening ear, supportive conversation and resource referrals to children, youth and adults who are in need of support. Previous education and training are not needed. Seeking respectful, caring and supportive individuals.

 

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.

 

A Season of Giving Success

Thank you Central Alberta for making our first ever A Season of Giving holiday donation campaign a success. With your support we received $3,200 in donations that have gone directly back into our work with sexual violence prevention, awareness and healing counselling.

It is with your generosity and kind spirits that we can continue to work for those impacted by sexual violence and work towards creating safer environments free from violence.

 

Virtual Learning Series

*NEW* Foundations of Consent and Healthy Relationships (45min)

Jan 30, 9:00 – 9:45am + 1:30-2:15 pm MST

Join us for a 45min workshop – participant conversations and interactions are encouraged – as we explore the foundation of consent for sexual activity through discussions on healthy relationships. A basic overview helping participants connect the dots between how we act in healthy friendships and how we use day-to-day permission to healthy intimate partner relationships and consent for sexual activity.

Consent laws and ages of consent as they apply to Alberta, Canada will be discussed.

FREE, Register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/foundations-of-consent-and-healthy-relationships-tickets-502701081467

 

What happens on a 24/7 Sexual Violence Helpline (45min)

Jan 17@ 6 – 6:45 pm MST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-happens-on-a-247-sexual-violence-help-line-tickets-390733202527

 

Services & Programs at CASASC (30 min)

Jan 10, 10 – 10:30 pm MST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/services-programs-of-the-central-alberta-sexual-assault-support-centre-tickets-305069279427

 

Introduction to Sexual Violence (60 min)

Jan 16, 11am – 12pm MST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/introduction-to-sexual-violence-presentation-tickets-305057193277

 

Supporting Disclosures (45 min)

Jan 27, 11 – 11:45 am MST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/supporting-disclosures-of-sexual-violence-tickets-305060773987

 

Coming up in February

Feb 22 – Pink Shirt Day

Wednesday, February 22 is Pink Shirt Day. This is a day to celebrate the bullying prevention initiatives schools, communities and students do all year.

CASASC will be launching a resource package and colouring pages to support your Pink Shirt Day planning and activities. We’ll be sharing how you can access your copy of the resource at no cost in the coming weeks.

Feb 24 – Rebels Community Booth

Join us on Friday, February 24 as we celebrate Pink Shirt Day and bullying prevention at the Red Deer Rebels home game. Stop by our booth in the Community Corner to get your tickets for some great items.

Wear pink for a free sticker and one free entry into the kids prize draw.

 

Registration Now Open – Engagement Strategies Towards Ending Workplace Sexual Harassment 3-hr Workshop

February 23, 9am-12pm

Cost = $75/person or $50/person for #momentsmatter campaign partners

Registration access by emailing education@casasc.ca

This three-hour, interactive, online learning opportunity is not your average workplace sexual harassment training. Facilitated by the education team at the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre.

Research informed and using best practices for adult online learning, this workshop will explore what sexual harassment is (and isn’t), what it costs us, interpersonally and collectively, and, how to help stop sexual harassment as someone who:

  • Witnesses someone sexually harassing others,
  • Is told about someone else’s sexual harassment,
  • Is told they have done something that might amount to sexual harassment
  • Is in a position of leadership and responsible for a safe and healthy workplace

 

#MomentsMatter Campaign

Has your workplace shown their commitment and support towards preventing Sexual Harassment and creating positive workplace environments?

Have you joined the #MomentsMatter movement? Join today to receive the reduced cost of $50/person to the Engagement Strategies Towards Ending Workplace Sexual Harassment virtual 3-hr workshop.

Research shows that a caring & inclusive workplace culture is an important defense against sexual harassment.

Find out More about Moments Matter here

 

Save the date – Ride for Respect July 29, 2023

Mark your calendar. The date for Ride for Respect 2023 has been set. Join us on Saturday, July 29th. More details to come.

Education Learning Series 2023

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NEW – Foundations of Consent and Healthy Relationships (45 min)
Join us for a 45min workshop – participant conversations and interactions are encouraged – as we explore the foundation of consent for sexual activity through discussions on healthy relationships. A basic overview helping participants connect the dots between how we act in healthy friendships and how we use day-to-day permission to healthy intimate partner relationships and consent for sexual activity.

Consent laws and ages of consent as they apply to Alberta, Canada will be discussed.

FREE, Register here

Dates:

March 1, 11:00 – 11:45am MST

March 1, 3:00 – 3:45pm MST

 

What happens on a 24/7 Sexual Violence Helpline? (45 min)

Join us for an informal session about operating and volunteering on a 24/7 Sexual Violence Helpline.

Supported by volunteers with the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre, and available by phone, text and webchat to anyone in Alberta, Canada. The help line provides support to anyone impacted by Sexual Violence (direct or indirect) and is a resourcing and support service.

Use this opportunity to learn about the helpline and how you can utilize it in your community/workplace. Hear what it takes to volunteer on a help line. Help us share this free resource out to our Alberta community. We are here for you, we care!

FREE, Register here

Dates:

Tues, March 14 – 6:00 – 6:45pm MST

Tues, April 18 – 6:00 – 6:45pm MST

 

“Ask an Expert” Parenting + Sexualized Behaviour conversations with our clinical expert (60 min)

Join us for an informal session with our Child Therapist. Learn information related to parenting and supporting children and youth who display concerning sexualized behaviours.

OR maybe you want to join us to discuss a situation or behaviour your child is engaging in and get some advice on what is developmentally appropriate, how to support and respond etc.

Use this opportunity to connect with our counsellor for those unique and one-off questions that you may have but don’t want to go through our client wait list process to speak with a counsellor.

FREE, Register here

Dates:

Thurs, March 30 – 4:00 – 5:00pm MST

Thurs, April 27 – 4:00 – 5:00pm MST

 

Supporting Disclosures (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 here

Dates:

Fri, Mar 24 – 12:00 – 12:45pm MST

Wed, Apr 26 – 3:00 – 3:45pm MST

 

Services & Programs at CASASC (30 min)
Join us for a short 30min session overviewing the programs and services available at the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre.

You’ll never know you need us, until you do!

FREE, Register here

Dates:

Fri, Mar 10 – 11:30-12:00pm MST

Thurs, Apr 6 – 9:30-10:00am MST

 

Introduction to Sexual Violence (60 min)
Do you want to enhance your knowledge around sexual violence education? Join us as we present an Introduction to Sexual Violence. This presentation is 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, and the realities of sexual violence.

FREE, Register here

Dates:

Mon, Mar 6, 3:00-4:00pm MST

Fri, Apr 21, 9:00-10:00am MST

NEW – Ending Workplace Sexual Harassment Training

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Engagement Strategies Toward Ending Workplace Sexual Harassment

Dates:

Thursday, February 23 from 9:00am – 12:00pm
Friday, April 14 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Registration access by emailing education@casasc.ca

 

This is not your average anti-harassment training – An innovative online workshop to help us understand, respond to, and prevent sexual harassment

This three-hour, interactive, online learning opportunity is not your average workplace sexual harassment training. Facilitated by the Education team at the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC).

Research informed and using best practices for adult online learning, this workshop will explore what sexual harassment is (and isn’t), what it costs us, interpersonally and collectively, and, how to help stop sexual harassment as someone who:
• Witnesses someone sexually harassing others,
• Is told about someone else’s sexual harassment,
• Is told they have done something that might amount to sexual harassment, and,
• Is in a position of leadership and responsible for a safe and healthy workplace

COST

$75/participant
$50/participant for #momentsmatter campaign partners – if this is you let us know at education@casasc.ca and we’ll send you another ticket access link (for information on becoming a #momentsmatter campaign partner click here )

GROUPS
Groups of ten or more people receive a 20% discount. If you would like to register as a group, please email us directly at education@casasc.ca or call 403-309-1680

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
• This training is conducted via Zoom and includes polls and chat discussion participation
• Prior to attending please ensure that you have downloaded the most current version of zoom
• You will need a laptop or desktop with speakers or headphones. A smartphone will NOT allow you to participate fully.
• We encourage each participant to log on from their own computer (as opposed to multiple participants sharing one computer) to ensure the best experience and participation in the training discussion and polls.
• It is important to use a secure internet connection rather than public/free Wi-Fi.

CERTIFICATE POLICY
A certificate of Completion will only be issued to participants who attend the workshop in full. Attendance is logged through Zoom as proof of complete attendance. Participants need to sign in on time, identify their registered name, attend the entire training, and complete the course evaluation. Certificates will be issued via email following the training session.

Executive Director Awarded Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal

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Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) Executive Director Patricia Arango was awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal on December 16.

Arango was awarded the commemorative medal along with Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC) CEO Mark Jones during a lunch hour ceremony held at the CACAC’s office.

Both medal recipients received the recognition from Minister of Education Adriana Lagrange. Arango was awarded the medal for her involvement with the development of the Centre of Excellence and her dedication to working towards eliminating sexual violence in the community.

Arango has been the Executive Director of CASASC since 2016.

During the ceremony, after receiving the medal, Arango told the crowd filled with CASASC staff, the medal was not hers alone. She stated “this medal is really for all of you.”

The Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal will be awarded to 7,000 Albertans throughout 2022 in recognition of significant contributions to the province.

The medal was created to mark the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. The Platinum Jubilee Medal program is continuing as planned despite the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and will conclude on February 5, 2023.

Monthly update – CASASC Connections – December

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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 December.

 

Need for online + virtual volunteers – email ewillmer@casasc.ca

We are in need of volunteers to join the 24/7 help line, with shifts available through the phone and text/webchat.

We are looking for volunteers who can take one or two shifts a month with our helpline. Evening and weekend support is a bonus.

Using an eight-hour shift-based schedule the help line volunteers provide a listening ear, supportive conversation and resource referrals to children, youth and adults who are in need of support. Previous education and training are not needed. Seeking respectful, caring and supportive individuals.

 

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.

 

Holiday Office Hours

Our office will be closed from Friday, December 23 to Sunday, January 1. We will re-open in the New Year on Monday, January 2nd.

 

Thank You

November was Family Violence Prevention Month (FVPM) and we’d like to thank everyone who participated in some way throughout the month. If you shone purple lights, shared a message of support, wore purple on November 25 – thank you.

A big thanks also to our community partners who shared their support on our collaborative DRVIC (Domestic Relationship Violence Initiative Committee) promotion poster – Soroptimist, Purple Light Nights, The City of Red Deer, IMPACT Central Alberta Regional Vision for Non-Violence, Outreach Centre, Red Deer City Victim Services Unit.

 

Out in the Community

November 25 – December 10: 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

December 6: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

On this day we remember the 14 women murdered at Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal in 1989 and all victims of gender-based violence.

December 10: International Human Rights Day

  • Join CARE for Newcomers for their Human Library from 2-4pm at the Blackfalds Library as the hold interactive conversations with local Newcomers. They will share their culture and immigration experiences to help community connect with them and their journeys.

 

CASASC in the Media

Segment on CASASC Help Line on CTV Edmonton (Aired Nov. 11) https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2561684

“Calls to Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre help line surges” Red Deer Advocate (Nov. 8) https://www.reddeeradvocate.com/news/calls-to-central-alberta-sexual-assault-support-centre-help-line-surges/

“Record number of calls to help line run by Sexual Assault Support Centre” rdnewsNow (Nov. 8) https://rdnewsnow.com/2022/11/08/record-number-of-calls-to-help-line-run-by-sexual-assault-support-centre/

 

Virtual Learning Series

Our monthly learning series continues in December in its current format. Stay tuned for 2023 dates and changes.

If you would like to see a learning series program added to our list, or have some topics of interest please let us know as we look to bring the most up-to-date and relevant programming to our communities email education@casasc.ca

 

What happens on a 24/7 Sexual Violence Helpline (45min)

CANCELLED – Tue, Dec 13 @ 6-6:45 pm MST

 

Ask the Expert – Parenting and Sexualized Behaviour Support (60 min)

Wed, Dec 21@ 4-5 pm MST

Visit the link for session dates and times and to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/306744500057

 

Services + Programs at CASASC (30 min)

Mon, Dec 5, 12:00-12:30 pm MST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/305069279427

 

Introduction to Sexual Violence (60 min)

Tues, Dec 6, 9-10 am MST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/305057193277

 

Supporting Disclosures (45 min)

Mon, Dec 12, 12-12:45 pm MST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/305060773987

 

Consent 101 (60 min)

Tues, Dec 20, 9:00-10:00 am MST

Tues, Dec 20, 11:00am-12:00pm MST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/305082248217

 

A Season of Giving

We’ve launched our first holiday gift giving campaign.

We know that during this holiday time of year community members often reach out and support causes close to their heart.

Sexual violence impacts a large portion of our population. As individuals who have been targeted by the violence or as individuals who know of and support others who have been impacted.

Help give Central Albertans affected by sexual violence a voice and a choice on their healing journey.

Donate to our Season of renewal, empowerment, healing, giving through scanning the QR code or clicking the link

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/central-alberta-sexual-assault-centre/campaign/a-season-of-giving/

 

Engagement Strategies Toward Ending Workplace Sexual Harassment workshop

Starting in the new year, CASASC will be offering (by request) an innovative 3-hour online workshop, proven to build the skills that help people understand, respond to, and prevent workplace sexual harassment.

Available for business, workplaces, and organizations.

All staff our encouraged to attend and require their own computer/technology device.

This program is by request only and will open up booking in the new year.

$75 per person or $50 per person if your organization has signed on to the #momentsmatter campaign

Connect with us at education@casasc.ca for more details.

 

First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse Training

January 24 and 25, 2023

9:00 am – 5:00 pm MT

Calgary, Alberta

Join us for FRT training – Facilitated by a member of our CASASC team.

Early bird cost available to those who register by November 15.

Registration Required

$299 after Nov 15, 2022

Register at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/associationofalbertasexualassaultservices/752612/

This comprehensive training is intended to build the capacity of professionals, paraprofessionals, and community members to respond effectively to disclosure of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment from children and adults. Training covers the full continuum of topics related to sexual violence across the lifespan.

2022 Front Line Service Providers’ Awards

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The CASASC team attended the 2022 Front Line Service Providers’ Awards on Nov. 28 at the Red Deer Resort and Casino.

The 18th annual awards ceremony, hosted by the Domestic and Relationship Violence Committee (DRVIC), is a time for front line service providers to come together to recognize each other and the meaningful work being done within these communities.

CASASC Crisis Support and SART Manager Erin Willmer was nominated for a Front Line Service Providers’ Award for working collaboratively with her colleagues and community partners as a compassionate leader, support and community connector.

“Erin is compassionate and caring and exemplifies respect, knowledge and leadership. She advocates for clients and those impacted by sexual violence and places their needs at the highest priority. Erin wears multiple ‘hats’ within her roles as a manager, front line responder, volunteer coordinator, team lead etc. and is excellent at switching between these roles in appropriate and knowledgeable ways.”

“Empowering victims on their next steps, Erin leads with compassion, care and respect.”

CASASC would like to congratulate all of the nominees and recipients at this year’s award ceremony.

What I Was Wearing When It Happened

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A powerful window exhibit has been set up in downtown Red Deer to address victim blaming. In recognition of Family Violence Prevention Month, the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) has set up What I Was Wearing When It Happened, a reflection exhibit along Ross Street.

The purpose of the exhibit is to bring awareness to the issue of victim blaming and the stigma surrounding individual’s clothing as the reason they were sexually assaulted.

The window exhibit features powerful statements paired with various types of clothing victims were wearing at the time they were assaulted. This is meant to be a real-life representation, a visual way to bring awareness around the still existing stigma.

This is the third year for the reflection exhibit. CASASC has hosted the exhibit previously on International Women’s Day. In 2018, the exhibit was hosted at Parkland Mall featuring over 300 pairs of shoes, each representing an Alberta woman who was missing or murdered. The shoe exhibit encouraged people to reflect on the lives of those women.

In 2019, CASASC partnered with the Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic (S.A.) and two third-year BScN students of RDP for a similar exhibit featuring live mannequins. The exhibit was thought-provoking and interactive.

This year the exhibit is on display as a partnership between CASASC, the John Howard Society of Red Deer and the Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic.

What I Was Wearing When It Happened will be on display in the front windows facing Ross Street at 4916 50 Street until November 30. Viewers can easily peruse the window display from the sidewalk.

A Season of Giving

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We are excited to launch of A Season of Giving campaign, a first for CASASC.
You can play an important role in supporting a survivor’s journey of renewal, empowerment and healing this season.
Find more info and to donate here on our campaign page on CanadaHelps: https://www.canadahelps.org/…/campaign/a-season-of-giving/