About Us | Victim Services of Sarnia Lambton

ABOUT VICTIM SERVICES OF SARNIA LAMBTON

Vision

All victims receive compassionate, professional, and responsive support in their time of need or crisis.

Mission

Cooperating with community partners to assist victims of crime and tragic circumstance.

Values

Respect – We value the dignity and individuality of each person and their unique needs through non-judgemental supports with kindness and care.
Empathy – We engage with our clients by actively listening, validating, and offering compassion.
Reliability – We provide meaningful supports that are responsive, dependable, and timely.
Confidentiality – We honour individuals’ privacy and respect the information and experiences entrusted to us.
Trust – We foster relationships and spaces that are safe, accepting, sincere, and marked by integrity.

STAFF

Selena Joseph

Executive Director
519-344-8861 x5236

Carrie Pluck

Interim Client Services & Volunteer Coordinator
519-344-8861 x5238

Erica Gough

Client Services Coordinator
519-344-8861 x5227

Taylor Sharp

Victim Services Unit Coordinator
519-344-8861 x5237

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors is responsible for the financial and organizational well-being of Victim Services of Sarnia Lambton.

Chair: Fanina Kodre
Vice Chair: Tristen Vosburg
Secretary: Jordan Zuniga-Di Brita

Member: Kent Jamieson
Member: Lori Veroude
Member: Annette Legault

Member: Victoria Miceli
Member: Ryan Beauchamp
Member: Jon Cabungal

PROGRAMS

Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario (VCAO)

The Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario (VCAO) Program provides crisis intervention services to victims of crime and tragic circumstances after an incident 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the request of the police.

In addition to on-site crisis intervention, other services offered through the VCAO program include:

Safety planning for all eligible victims of crime
Referrals to appropriate community supports and services
Provision of cellular telephones for eligible victims
Needs assessments and customized service plans
Assisting eligible victims with emergency transportation to a safe location; crime-scene cleanup; funeral expenses; emergency home repairs to items that pose a safety risk; and emergency counselling
Enhanced support for vulnerable victims
Referrals to community agencies

Victim Quick Response Program + (VQRP+)

The Victim Quick Response Program + (VQRP+) provides short-term financial support toward essential expenses for victims, their immediate family members and witnesses in the immediate aftermath of a violent crime to help reduce the impact of the crime, enhance safety and meet immediate practical needs that are a result of the crime.

VQRP+ is available to individuals who have no other financial means (e.g. private insurance) where there is no publicly-funded program available.

Eligible applicants can access supports for critical needs such as:

Emergency home safety expenses (e.g. window repair)
Practical assistance expenses (e.g. basic necessities)
Travel and related expenses (e.g. to medical treatment)
Crime scene clean-up (e.g. removal of hate-crime graffiti)
Short-term counselling services
Supports required for serious injuries
Basic funeral expenses and other financial support for families of homicide victims

To apply for the program, you must be assessed for eligibility with a local VQRP+ service provider. If you are eligible, the service provider will assist you with your application to the program.

FUNDING

Victim Services of Sarnia-Lambton Inc. program: Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario is funded by The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS).

Victim Services is a charitable organization that receives annual funding from The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. This funding may come from The Justice Fund – monies collected by The Province of Ontario from Victim Fine Surcharges.

PARTNERS

Victim Services of Sarnia Lambton works alongside first responders to provide support to victims of crime or tragic circumstance within the community. Through our partnership, Victim Services can respond on-scene to assist during the immediate crisis and follow up with victims after the incident with referrals from police.

Our Partners:

Sarnia Police Service
Lambton OPP
Anishinabek Police Service
Walpole Island Police Service
Lambton County EMS
Lambton County Fire

Victim Services of Sarnia Lambton is fortunate to have access to various police detachments in Sarnia Lambton with our main office located out of the Sarnia Police Station. Our staff and volunteers are able to utilize these locations to provide services that are accessible to victims throughout Lambton County. Though many of our referrals come from first responders, our services are separate and confidential.