Only Yes Means Yes when it comes to consent

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is excited to officially launch the Only Yes Means Yes (OYMY) campaign.

The education, community relations and communications teams have collaborated to create this ongoing poster and awareness campaign around positive consent conversations.

The OYMY campaign challenges our consent conversations by reinforcing that our bodies are always conveying a lack of consent (always saying “no”) and that consent can only happen when a person actively and consciously says “yes” and gives or shows their consent.

Through three simple, relatable posters, CASASC is showing central Albertans what consent can sound and look like, prompting adults to ask the question “Did I get a yes?” and showing what that “yes” can be.

Consent is an important concept in sexual violence prevention. Speaking positively about consent can change our community for the better. OYMY focuses on what positive consent can sound and look like as a way to promote healthy relationships and increase a greater sense of consent culture.

These posters are geared for adult audiences who visit public spaces like bars, restaurants, medical clinics, services agencies and many more. We are asking workplaces to place posters in their staff rooms and places where clients/customers may gather like bathrooms, tables, bulletin boards and gathering spaces in our communities.

We have also developed a FAQ for the campaign that can be used to promote the campaign in the communities we serve.

Over the summer months, OYMY was soft launched into the central Alberta community. Our education team visited over 19 central Alberta communities to have in-person conversations with organizations and business to bring awareness of our services and to share the campaign and posters.

Family Violence Prevention Month 2021

 

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-19 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 iRespect t-shirt available. Individuals are encouraged to wear theirs throughout the month, and on Purple Day and the Day of Action.

 

Events:

-Silent Witnesses (Purple Silhouettes) – Friday, November 26th and ongoing

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 or on foot on Friday, November 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the north corner of Centennial Plaza Park (52nd Ave. and 48 Street).

The purple silhouettes are also popping up around the community, “hanging out” with our community partners over the next couple weeks. Silent witnesses can can be found at Cilantro and Chive Red Deer (1927 50 Ave.), Troubled Monk (5551 45 Street) and The Outreach Centre (4101 54 Ave.).

-Info Booth at Lacombe Farmer’s Market– Friday, November 19th

Visit our team at the Lacombe Farmer’s Market. We will be handing out information on family violence prevention and info on our services and campaigns.

-Purple Day of Action – Friday, November 26th

On this day, bring out your purple once again to take action against family violence. Show your purple and make a statement that family violence must be prevented in our community.

-Info booth at Red Deer Rebels game – Friday, November 26th

Visit our team at the Red Deer Rebels game in the community corner. We will be handing out information on family violence prevention and info on our services and campaigns.

Emergency Mental Health Week – Office closed Oct 25-29

The CASASC office and services will be placed on “pause” from Monday, October 25 to Friday, October 29. During this time, we will be prioritizing our staff’s mental health and well-being. We aim to revitalize our team in order to provide the best services possible.

The office will re-open and all services will resume on Monday, November 1st at 1 p.m.

If you do need assistance during this time period, please contact by text or phone the CASASC 24 Hour Sexual Violence Help Line at 1-866-956-1099. Webchat is also available at www.casasc.ca

Over $1,800 raised for July Burger of the Month

 

The Burger of the Month numbers are in.

We are so happy to announce CASASC received the proceeds from the July Burger of the Month at Cilantro and Chive Red Deer.

CASASC Executive Director Patricia Arango (middle left) accepted the $1,835 donation from Kim Kay of Cilantro and Chive (left) and Matt and Andy Cassidy (right) of Excel Beyond Insurance this afternoon.

The funds raised equal around 900 burgers sold. Thank you to the community for embracing the Summer Smash Burger.

We are thrilled to accept an additional donation of $1,000 from Matt and Andy. Thank you so much for selecting CASASC as the chosen charity for July.

Admin volunteer opportunity

Administrative Volunteer

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is seeking vibrant and organized individuals to join our administration team in a volunteer capacity.

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.

 

Volunteer Position: Administration volunteer

Department: Administration

Accountability to: Administration Manager

Location: Red Deer, Central Alberta

 

Position Summary:

The Administration Volunteer is a collaborative member of the Administration team. This is an opportunity to use your skills to help in the day-to-day operations of CASASC. You will connect with individuals, provide in-person reception and support, field inquires from the community by telephone and assist individuals along their healing journey. If you are willing to help out front and centre for about four hours a week, we would love to have you join our volunteer team.

 

Responsibilities: As a volunteer on the Administration Team you will

  • Provide professional customer service and information to clients and the community both by telephone and in-person.
  • Manage the admin desk. This involves answering telephone calls and electronic enquiries, relaying calls and messages to the appropriate team members.
  • Greet in-person clients and visitors professionally and direct them to the appropriate team member, department or program.
  • Create and maintain files on an electronic client database.
  • Schedule and follow up client appointments.
  • Open and distribute incoming regular and electronic mail and other material and coordinate the flow of information internally and with other departments and organizations.
  • Keep office areas tidy and alert supervisor when maintenance or supplies are required.
  • Complete any other duties or tasks as assigned by the Administration Manager or CASASC Leadership Team.

 

Qualifications: You will bring many talents and skills to this role including these basics

  • Training in office administration AND/OR one year of work-related experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including handling interactions with the general public, clients and coworkers.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, including telephone etiquette.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Ability to work as a collaborative team member.
  • Dependable and a willingness to learn.
  • Organized and resourceful.
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks to meet tight deadlines.
  • Strong computer skills, with working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Where and when you would volunteer:

  • You would commit to volunteering approximately once a week for a four-hour period during CASASC office hours between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • You would work in-person at one of the CASASC offices, the main admin office (A201, 5212 48 Street) or the clinical office.

How to Apply:

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

This volunteer position requires a satisfactory criminal record reference check and reference check.

Tell us about yourself along with any skills and experiences you can bring to CASASC by sending us your resume and a short email. Email your info to Erin Willmer at ewillmer@casasc.ca

Volunteer Application deadline: Ongoing

Mastermind Toys Red Deer Supports CASASC

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) recently received a donation from Mastermind Toys Red Deer.

CASASC staff accepted the 32 Creatable World dolls from Mastermind Toys Store Manager Breanna Gilbertson on July 20.

The generous donation of dolls to CASASC will be used in the play therapy program. Play therapy is generally used with children ages four to 12. It provides a way for them to express their experiences and feelings through a natural, self-guided, self-healing process. Children’s experiences and knowledge are often communicated through play. In 2020, 38 per cent of CASASC’s counselling clients received play therapy.

CASASC launches Only Yes Means Yes campaign

 

CASASC is excited to soft launch the Only Yes Means Yes Campaign on July 19. Over the past few months the education, community relations and communications teams have collaborated to create an on-going poster and awareness campaign around positive consent conversations.

The Only Yes Means Yes campaign challenges our consent conversations by reinforcing that our bodies are always conveying a lack of consent (always saying ‘no’) and that consent can only happen when a person actively and consciously says “yes” and gives/shows their consent.

Through three simple, relatable posters, CASASC is showing central Albertans what consent can sound and look like. Prompting adults to ask the question “Did I get a yes?” and showing what that “yes” can be. These posters are geared for adult audiences who visit public spaces like bars, restaurants, clinics, services agencies and many more. We will be asking workplaces to place posters in their staff rooms, and places where clients/customers gather like bathrooms, tables, bulleting boards and gathering spaces in our communities.

We have also developed a FAQ for the campaign that can be used to promote the campaign in the communities we serve.

Additionally, over the summer months, the education team will be visiting many of our central Alberta communities to have in-person conversations with organization and business to bring awareness of all our services and to share the campaign and posters.

Please reach out the education team (education@casasc.ca) if you have any questions about the concept behind Only Yes Means Yes or the target audience and use of the campaign.

Stay tuned for the official launch of Only Yes Means Yes in the fall.

Small acts of care

 

Next Friday (July 16), stop by the CASASC main office (A201, 5212 48 Street Red Deer) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to pick up a baby spider plant.

Receive a plant to grow and care for on your own for a donation of $5 to CASASC.

This is a pop up fundraiser operating for one day only until all of the plants are given a new home. First come first served. Limited quantities of plants are available. Cash or credit accepted.

Proceeds from the spider plant fundraiser will help support survivors of sexual violence.

For more information email casasc@casasc.ca or call the admin line at 403-340-1124.

Cilantro and Chive Burger of the Month

 

Support CASASC by “smashing” your way through the July Burger of the Month at Cilantro and Chive Red Deer.

CASASC has been selected as the charity for July by guest chefs Matt and Andy Cassidy of Excel Beyond Insurance.

Created in collaboration, the burger of the month is called the Summer Smash – an Alberta beef smash patty, dill lime aioli, house pulled pork with Grizzly Paw black cherry BBQ sauce, a grilled pineapple ring, shredded iceberg with jalapeño arugula aioli on brioche bun.

Two dollars from every Summer Smash sold goes directly back to CASASC.

Thank you for selecting us Matt and Andy and helping us bring the message of creating a culture of respect wherever we go.

Now Hiring – Community Outreach Facilitator – KIP

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is seeking a self-identified Indigenous individual to join the Kinship Intervention Program (KIP) team as the Community Outreach Facilitator.

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 KIP Team-lead and responsible to the Executive Director, The KIP Community Outreach Facilitator works in partnership with the KIP Team Lead to achieve the objectives of the Project, the prevention of sexual assault incidents within the Indigenous Juvenile population in Central Alberta. This involves evidence-based early intervention for issues including childhood sexual behavior concerns. The overall goal / objective of the project is to utilize a multi-systemic approach.

QUALIFICATION & SKILLS

– Bachelor’s in social work, Psychology or equivalent preferred. (A combination of education and relevant experience may be considered)

– At least 2 years of experience working in similar industry will be considered as an asset or a combination of education, knowledge, aptitude, and skills.

– Have a passion to work with Indigenous Community.

– Must have excellent interpersonal skills and business development acumen.

– Must be empathic and have ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with community partners, clients, CASASC team members and other stake holders.

– Have flexible and adaptive approach and must be willing to take challenges, learn and gain knowledge and experience.

– Be a self-starter with ability and aptitude to achieve goals and work with different community partners.

– Must have proficient computer skills (MS Office), database management programs, reporting skills.

– Excellent time management, organization, and advocacy skills.

– The position requires travel to Indigenous Communities/Reserves within Central Alberta (approx. 50% of time). The Company’s vehicle will be used for official travel purpose. Candidate must have a valid driver’s license and be able to produce clean driver’s abstract.

– Must be able to provide a clear and valid criminal record check and vulnerable sector check.

– Must be able to meet the physical demands of the job and be able to lift minimum 40lbs as and when required to fulfill the job responsibilities.

– Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

RESPONSIBILITIES

– Establish and enhance communication and partnership with communities and key Elders in the communities.

– Build relationships with Elders in communities within Central Alberta for guidance on cultural approaches to add value to service delivery such as smudging the room prior to therapy sessions etc.

– Reach out to Indigenous Communities and/or Reserves and build rapport with Community Elders/Band Chief.

– Provide information to Communities about the services offered by CASASC under the KIP Project and other programs and services of CASASC.

– Connect clients with CASASC’s internal programs as required.

– Educate the community and work in partnership with KIP project-lead on sexual violence prevention within Indigenous juvenile and related issues.

– Educate and empower communities to understand sexual violence prevention and early intervention and educate communities to understand their rights and responsibilities as participating member of the society.

– Helps facilitate clients’ optimized utilization of all community supports and services.

– Work in collaboration with CASASC education team on developing resources and training material for staff interacting with Indigenous youth, their family, and the school system on cultural sensitivity, Indigenous therapies, and intercultural counselling methods.

– Develops and maintains effective teamwork relationships within CASASC and with external stakeholders.

– Keeps proper database of community partners and prepare reports as required.

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.

– Uses appropriate mechanisms for resolving internal agency problems.

– Maintain professional relationship with internal and external stakeholders.

Any other duties as and when assigned by the management

Contract length: 22 months

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Salary: $20.00-$23.00 per hour

Benefits:

  • Dental care
  • Disability insurance
  • Extended health care
  • Flexible schedule
  • Life insurance
  • On-site parking
  • Vision care
  • Work from home

Schedule:

  • 8 hour shift

COVID-19 considerations:
Follows all COVID SoPs

Work remotely:

  • Temporarily due to COVID-19

How to Apply:

Email resume & cover letters 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: Application is open until a suitable candidate is found.