Parkland Victims Services, Kamsack branch, recently recognized a local woman for “outstanding twenty years of dedicated volunteer services as a victim services volunteer.”
Anita Klochko of Kamsack was presented with a “certificate of appreciation for volunteer services” by acting Staff Sgt. Meagan Stringfellow of the Kamsack RCMP detachment on November 7.
“I am thankful that I was able to be of help for people when help was needed most, during a traumatic event,” said Klochko, upon receiving the certificate.
“My volunteer service with Parkland Victims Services began with a simple phone call from a friend, Sylvia Boychuk, who encouraged me to attend a meeting with her. I did, and it turned into a twenty-year commitment.”
Saying there have been many, many positive experiences that have been a result of her volunteer work with Parkland Victims Services, Klochko recalled one of her most enjoyable memories of volunteering with the organization.
“I remember the pancake breakfasts that were hosted by victims services for seniors in the community. They were an annual event for a number of years, later discontinued, and it was gratifying to be a part of the event where our organization connected with seniors in the community while providing a breakfast of pancakes and sausages.
“Volunteers were able to update the seniors in attendance about the services which are provided and give them valuable safety information.
“Seniors from the Eaglestone Lodge and Kamsack and District Nursing Home were included,” Klochko said.
Parkland Victims Services is a police-based crisis intervention program funded by Victims Services, Saskatchewan Justice and Attorney General, Victims Fund, said information on its website.
“We work in partnership with the RCMP and the community to provide the best possible service to victims during their involvement in the Criminal Justice System.
“We are a completely confidential and free service,” it said.
Parkland Victims Services Inc. also has one of seven Aboriginal Resource Officer Programs in the province. This program helps Aboriginal victims of crime and their families by providing services such as information, support and referral.
There are seven Aboriginal Resource Officers in the province: Regina and Saskatoon each have two and there is one each in North Battleford, Prince Albert, La Ronge and Yorkton. In each location, the Aboriginal Resource Officers work with the Victims Services program as a team. They are the liaison between the police and the Aboriginal community. They provide prevention and early intervention services and also help ensure that Aboriginal victims and their families receive culturally sensitive information and support during their involvement in the criminal justice process.
Parkland Victims Services Inc. provides services to individuals who live in the communities and reserves policed by Yorkton Municipal RCMP, Yorkton Rural RCMP, Kamsack RCMP and Broadview RCMP.
The purpose of the police based Parkland Victims Services Inc. program is to aid victims of crime and traumatic events by providing information, advocacy, support and referral, according to the information.
Parkland Victims Services Inc. has developed a number of goals instrumental to working with victims of crime and traumatic events. Some of these goals include:
- to minimized trauma and limit the effects of crime.
- to prevent further victimization.
- to ensure the victim's rights and needs are being met.
- to coordinate community and volunteer resources for victims.
- to assist the RCMP in providing crime prevention services to the community.
- to provide enhanced services to victims of crime and traumatic events such as court orientation and support to victims and witnesses.
Services the organization provides through staff and volunteers to victims and their families include the following:
- Crisis Intervention
- Crime Prevention
- Referral
- Information
- Assistance
Respond at time of crime or trauma, providing support:
- respond to immediate needs of victim.
- provide information on crisis response.
- support at time of medical attention, police involvement and court.
- support throughout involvement in the Criminal Justice System.
