NEWS RELEASE
NORTH SIMCOE VICTIM SERVICES
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North Simcoe Victim Services (NSVS) is looking for new volunteers to join its team – a group that provides a unique service of supporting those in crisis and the victims of crime and tragic circumstances.
“Each year we’re fortunate to attract a group of very committed volunteers who are passionate about the work they do,” said NSVS Executive Director Frances Yarbrough. “Our volunteers value the education and training they receive, which not only prepares them for their roles with NSVS, but also supports other career and life goals they may have.”
Because of the nature of their work, the organization provides an extensive program of training that teaches volunteers about all the different types of cases they will be responding to, in cooperation with first responder partners.
Their role is to provide immediate emotional and practical support, while also freeing up time for police, fire and paramedic responders to do their job.
“Volunteers with North Simcoe Victim Services have the opportunity to help people on what is possibly the worst day or their life,” explained Dale McKay, a long-time volunteer and team leader with NSVS. “This is what makes our work both challenging and special, with every call being different.”
Volunteers joining the organization this year will learn, among other topics, how the community is being impacted by current mental health concerns and the opioid crisis.
Training begins on Mar. 19 and runs for seven weeks. Trainees attend sessions on Monday and Wednesday evenings and one Saturday. In addition, there is an online component, contributing to a total of 60 training hours before new recruits are sent into the field, at first along with an experienced volunteer.
All volunteers receive ongoing training opportunities following the initial learning sessions, which can include guest speakers at monthly get-togethers and special weekend training retreats.
Since North Simcoe Victim Services has been operating in the Orillia area, thousands of people have been assisted in a time of crisis. Volunteers respond to calls 365 days-a-year as part of three-person team that is on-call for assigned 12-hour shifts.
Currently there are over 70 volunteers who cover 2,190 on-call shifts each year. The organization hopes to attract a full class of 20 to its next training program in March.
For more information, or to apply as a new volunteer, contact North Simcoe Victim Services at [email protected] or 705-325-5578 or visit the NSVS website at ns-vs.com. The deadline for volunteer applications is Mar. 9.
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