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Check out an article about our new Sexual Assault Response Program for Nanaimo here.

Check out an interview of Sarah Cameron, Gender Journeys Outreach, and Anne Taylor, Gender Journeys Program Manager, regarding the program and its offerings of support, education, and outreach:

Audio Interview– https://www.vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/897_sarah-cameron_anne-taylor_gender-journeys_mar-18_2021_40.mp3

Full article: https://www.vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/gender-journeys-program-to-include-support-education-and-outreach/

Indigenous-informed Sexual Assault Response Program (SARP) comes to Nanaimo.

A multi-partnered program providing Indigenous-informed Sexual Assault Response services that are culturally supportive, culturally relevant, and culturally safe.

Nanaimo, British Columbia:  Nanaimo Family Life Association today announced a new partnership with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Island Health’s Central Island Forensic Nurse Examiner Program and Warmland Women’s Support Services Society. This partnership will work in collaboration to develop an Indigenous-informed Sexual Assault Response Program (SARP) that is focused on providing crisis sexual assault services during the immediate aftermath of trauma that are culturally supportive, culturally relevant, and culturally safe. Funded by the FNHA, the primary goal of the program is to improve the (cultural) safety, access, and dignity of sexual assault services for Indigenous people who experience sexualized violence.  The program will serve all genders and all people who access the Forensic Nurse Examiner Program at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

“Indigenous-informed services are about making spaces, programs and organizations safer and more relevant for Indigenous people by considering current and historical colonial impact and seeking to eliminate structural racism and discrimination.” says Deborah Hollins, executive director of Nanaimo Family Life Association.  “When we do this work, we create better and more effective services for all people.”

Kathleen Harris, the FNHA’s Regional Nurse Manager says “The FNHA Vancouver Island is excited to be working with our Island community partners to ensure timely access to sexualized violence services that are culturally safe, culturally-informed, dignified and respectful, and improve accessibility to traditional cultural supports and ceremony for survivors.”

Aimee Falkenberg, Clinical Coordinator for the Central Island Forensic Nurse Examiner Program, adds Forensic Nurse Examiners provide compassionate medical forensic care to survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence for all ages and genders. This collaboration will enhance these patient examinations and make space for a holistic culturally safe healing journey for survivors that is consistent and individualized.”

Kendra Thomas, Executive Director of Warmland Women’s Support Services Society underscores the importance of this partnership, stating “As much as SARP is about sexualized violence, it is also about reconciliation.”

The benefits of this new partnership include.

• Development of a response to sexualized violence that reflects the needs of survivors and engages community to become more than a bystander thus addressing rape culture. Service delivery enhances community capacity, builds on community collaboration, and increases consistent positive social response for survivors.
• The creation of a barrier-free service for sexual assault victims, guided by indigenous wisdom, principals, and consultation.

About the Partners: The partners have demonstrated ability to offer accessible, safe, and inclusive spaces, education, outreach, and counseling during many years of service.

Nanaimo Family Life Association is a multi-service organization that has been investing in our community for over 50 years, offering programs designed to address the unique needs of individuals, offered in an atmosphere of respect, inclusion, and compassion.

The FNHA Vancouver Island mandate is to be community-driven and Nation based and work in partnership with our Island Nations by way of the Regional Health and Wellness Plan to meet our shared vision of “healthy, self-determining, vibrant BC First Nations children, families, and communities.

All Island Health emergency departments can provide access to a forensic nurse examiner 24 hours per day, seven days per week addressing the medical forensic needs for survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence.

Warmland Women’s Support Services is a sexual assault advocacy centre in the Cowichan Valley serving adult survivors of all gender identities. We support survivor’s resilience and dignity through services grounded in feminist theory and cultural competence.

We are hiring a Program Coordinator for our Sexual Assault Responder Program.

Project Description

The Sexual Assault Responder Program (SARP) provides emergency response in the form of emotional support, safety planning, information regarding medical and forensic procedures and options for reporting to police, referrals for follow-up counselling and justice-related services, and advocacy to complainants of all genders (aged 13 +) who are survivors of a sexualized assault. Although not currently a 24/7 response, the goal of the program is to provide that once adequate funding is secured.  The SARP receives direct referrals from Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNE) at Nanaimo Regional General (NRGH) and will coordinate attendance at the hospital for the FNE medical exam between the Responder and the survivor.

The SARP facilitates accompaniment to:

• Nanaimo Regional District Hospital during the Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) medical exam

Additional services may be available where possible, such as:

• Medical appointments treating physical injuries and/or sexually transmitted infections as a result of the sexualized assault
• Local RCMP detachments when the survivor is providing a statement of the offense
• Trial to provide emotional support if Police Victim Services or Community-based Victim Services are unavailable

The SARP will create and deliver an annual culturally competent volunteer training program producing trained volunteers to provide emergency hospital accompaniment for FNE exams for survivors of sexualized assault. The training program will provide both skills development and personal growth work through a series of lectures and role play opportunities with engagement with key stakeholders such as RCMP Victim Services, Elder and FNE staff.

Job Description

The Sexual Assault Responder Program (SARP) Program Coordinator is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the development and delivery of SARP including supervision, assistance and support for the Volunteers. The Program Coordinator will take part in, and help to develop, volunteer Responder training curriculum content, facilitate the delivery of the training, create the schedule and coordinate guest speakers, as well as contribute to the development of the interview questionnaire and conduct volunteer Responder screening interviews. The Program Coordinator will oversee the scheduling of volunteer Responders for accompaniment and emergency response, and provide medical and/or criminal justice system accompaniment and/or hospital emergency response for adult survivors of sexualized violence when volunteer Responders are unavailable. The Program Coordinator will provide volunteer Responder support for the impact of post-incident accompaniment assessing for and responding to vicarious trauma, debrief volunteer Responder post-accompaniment as required, and co-facilitate volunteer Responder support meetings., organize and facilitate bi-annual professional workshop trainings and an annual social action event. Other responsibilities include the completion of various administrative duties such as budgeting, collecting and interpreting statistical data, completing review reports to the funder, and forwarding payroll information to the bookkeeper.

Operating Responsibilities

Job Purpose

The Program Coordinator oversees the coordination and administration of all aspects of the SARP (program) including planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling program activities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Program Coordinator performs a wide range of duties including some or all of the following:

Plan the program

• Plan the delivery of the overall program and its activities in accordance with the mission and constitution of Nanaimo Family Life Association

• Develop materials and requirements of the volunteer Responder training.

• Develop new initiatives to support the strategic direction of the program
• Develop and implement long-term goals and objectives to achieve the successful outcome of the program
• Adhere to the annual budget and operating plan to support the program
• Develop a program evaluation framework to assess the strengths of the program and to identify areas for improvement
• Develop funding proposals for the program to ensure the continuous delivery of services

Organize the program

• Ensure that program activities operate within the policies and procedures of Nanaimo Family Life Association
• Ensure that program activities comply with all relevant legislation and professional standards
• Develop forms and records to document program activities
• Oversee the collection and maintenance of records on the clients of the program for statistical purposes according to the confidentiality/privacy policy of the organization

Staff the program

• In consultation with the Executive Director, recruit, interview and select well-qualified program staff and volunteers
• Implement the human resources policies, procedures and practices of the society
• Ensure that personnel files for the program are properly maintained and kept confidential
• Establish and implement a performance management process for all program staff
• Engage volunteers for appropriate program activities using established volunteer management practices

• Ensure that all program staff/volunteers receive an appropriate orientation to the agency and the programs

Lead the program

• Ensure all staff members/volunteers receive orientation and appropriate training in accordance with the agency’s mission and constitution
• Supervise program staff/volunteers by providing direction, input and feedback
• Communicate with clients and other stakeholders to gain community support for the program and to solicit input to improve the program
• Raise the profile of Nanaimo Family Life Association and the SARP
• Attend meetings with First Nation Health Authority, Forensic Nurse Examiner, Warmland Women’s Services Society, RCMP, RCMP Victim Services, and Community-based Victim Services upon request
• Educate service providers on a feminist analysis of gender-based violence while upholding the values and ethos of the Agency
• Support Community’s understanding of Itself as an integral partner in reducing local sexualized violence
• Coordinate the delivery of services among different program activities to increase effectiveness and efficiency

Control the program

• Write reports on the program for the First Nations Health Authority (funder)
• Communicate with funder as outlined in funding agreements
• Ensure that the program operates within the approved budget
• Monitor and approve all budgeted program expenditures
• Manage all project funds according to established accounting policies and procedures
• Ensure financial reports and supporting documentation for funders are prepared as outlined in funding agreements
• Provide required information to have invoices generated and submitted to bookkeeper and/or funder according to the established timelines
• Identify and evaluate the risks associated with program activities and take appropriate action to control the risks
• Monitor the program activities on a regular basis and conduct evaluations according to the program evaluation framework
• Report evaluation findings to the Executive Director and recommend changes to enhance the program, as appropriate
• Represents the Agency positively and professionally within the community

Qualifications

• Strong feminist analysis of men’s use of violence against women
• Minimum three to five years of recent experience working in various capacities with the issues of gender-based violence
• Extensive experience in the area of sexualized assault, exploitation or human trafficking
• University degree in a related field or equivalent in experience, training and education
• Strong crisis intervention skills, suicide/crisis line experience an asset
• Strong group facilitation skills
• Experience working with cultural diversity and gender identities LGBTQQI2S through an inclusion lens
• Firm knowledge of and extensive experience working in criminal justice system, family court, mental health, medical and social service systems as they relate to issues of gender-based violence
• Experience organizing, promoting and participating in social action events as it pertains to violence against women
• Commitment to and practice of anti-oppression
• Familiarity with Vancouver Island First Nations governance, Metis Chartered Communities, and Friendship Centres is an asset
• Indigenous ancestry including First nations, Metis or Inuit and/or experience working within these communities is an asset.
• Valid driver’s license

Personal Characteristics

The Program Coordinator should demonstrate competence in some or all of the following:

• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and business practices, and ensure that own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the society
• Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the society
• Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques
• Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the society and to create new opportunities
• Focus on Client Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of clients to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters
• Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness
• Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the society
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the society
• Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities
• Plan: Determine strategies to move the society forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results
• Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem

Professional Development

• Maintain a current knowledge of issues pertaining to sexualized violence, exploitation and/or human trafficking against adult women, self-identified women who are transgendered, and men
• Continue to develop skills and expertise as it pertains to adult survivors of sexualized violence, exploitation and/or human trafficking
• Attend staff meetings and continuing education programs where possible
• Network with other colleagues and professionals in the field of anti-violence front line work

This is a full-time position 35 hours per week

Weekend work will be required, specifically during training

On call will be required

Criminal Record Check required

Wage: $28/hour

This position is funded for one year with possibility of renewal.

Nanaimo Family Life Association is committed to respecting diversity recognizing that differences in age, race, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, thinking style and background bring richness to our work environments

Please submit both a cover letter and updated resume to hiring@nflabc.org by April 9^th, 2021.  No phone calls please, only those candidates shortlisted will be contacted.

Our Essential Life Skills for Healthy Relationships Workshop series starts back up in April! Join us online to explore a multitude of topics that are fundamental for healthy relationships, from anger management to healthy self-esteem to understanding depression and anxiety. The workshop will run on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-8:00 pm via ZOOM.

The cost of each workshop is $10.00. You can partake in the whole series from start to finish, or pick and choose which topics are most applicable to you.

Check out the schedule below:

Essential Life Skills Online April 2021 Dates

If interested in registering, please email reception@nflabc.org or call (250) 754-3331!

CALL FOR SURVEY RESPONDENTS! 

Are you part of the LGBTQIA2S+, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, gender questioning, etc. community on Vancouver Island? Ever wanted community members and service providers to better see you and your lived human experience? Have you wished they knew better how to support, interact with, and affirm you?

Nanaimo Family Life Association (NFLA) is currently developing a Sexuality and Gender Diversity Training Program for our community members, professionals, and service providers. The key message we seek to convey is the diversity and humanity of the queer and trans community, while also highlighting the stigma and various issues we face. With this training program, we intend to provide participants with the unique opportunity to see, hear, and learn by meeting many folks within the community.

Here’s where you may come in! We have filled all of our spots for Zoom interviews, but we still want to hear from you! We have created a text survey of the interview that should take about 15-30 minutes to complete, depending on how in-depth you want to answer each question.

https://chat-forms.com/forms/1615852288453-mf3?form

If you have any questions, please contact Casey Brisson, Gender Journeys Facilitator at NFLA: 250-754-3331 (710) or gender_journeys@nflabc.org. Please also share with anyone who you feel may be interested in participating. Thank you! 

Our Gender Journey’s program has been featured on the United Way website. Check out the article here.

Did you know our Seniors Housing Navigator can help you with filling out housing form, such as BC Housing forms like SAFER and BC Housing Registry? If you could use some guidance and support through this process, we would be happy to help! Contact Kirsten Brooker, Seniors Housing Navigator, by phone at (250) 754-3331 ext. 427 or by email at k_brooker@nflabc.org

 CALL FOR INTERVIEWS! 

 Are you part of the LGBTQIA2S+, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, gender questioning, etc. community on Vancouver Island? Ever wanted community members and service providers to better see you and your lived human experience? Have you wished they knew better how to support, interact with, and affirm you?

 Nanaimo Family Life Association (NFLA) is currently developing a Sexuality and Gender Diversity Training Program for our community members, professionals, and service providers. The key message we seek to convey is the diversity and humanity of the queer and trans community, while also highlighting the stigma and various issues we face. With this training program, we intend to provide participants with the unique opportunity to see, hear, and learn by meeting many folks within the community.

 Here’s where you may come in! We plan to capture these experiences and create this training program with video interviews. This message is to invite you to contribute in whatever way you feel comfortable: in-person, an interview over Zoom or the phone, by filming yourself answering questions on your cell phone, filling out our text survey, or maybe you have an idea! For interviews, we would provide questions in advance of the interview for you to consider and reflect. Interviews are estimated to take around 15 minutes of your time. Dates and times are yet to be decided.

 We recognize that it can be difficult to speak up, and appreciate that safety and confidentiality is of the utmost importance. If requested, we can blur your face, alter your voice, use a pseudonym or any other measures that you feel would ensure your safety. All participants who would take part in this training would be required to sign a confidentiality agreement prior to the training program starting. If you have any further suggestions that would be necessary to meet your needs for safety and confidentiality, please let us know.

If you are interested in being a part of this exciting project, please contact Casey Brisson, Gender Journeys Facilitator at NFLA: 250-754-3331 (710) or gender_journeys@nflabc.org BY MARCH 15TH. Please also share with anyone who you feel may be interested in participating. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this message, and we hope to hear from you!

Our TAPS program offers free online programming for seniors. Our March schedule is available here: March 2021 digital program schedule.
If interested in attending any of our programming, please email s_burton@nflabc.org.