Southern Alberta Regional Victim Serving Society

11/20/2025

Good morning from the Health and Wellness Fair at the Banff Springs Hotel! 🌄

One of our Court and Support Navigators from the Banff detachment is here today, representing our team and sharing information about the support and services we provide to the community.

This annual fair, hosted by the Banff Springs Hotel, gives their staff the chance to learn about the many local resources available to them. With roughly 1,300 employees on site and an expected 400 attendees today, it’s a fantastic opportunity to build awareness and strengthen connections.

We’re grateful to be part of this event and to engage with so many staff members and attendees throughout the day.

📸 Here’s our booth all set up and ready to welcome attendees!

11/13/2025

💜 Lighting the Night for Family Violence Awareness 💜

Our SARVSS Airdrie Court and Support Navigators were honoured to join Community Links for their annual Light the Night event, raising awareness during Family Violence Prevention Month.

Together, we stand with survivors, shine a light on the issue of family violence, and remind our community that help and hope are always available. 💜

11/05/2025

🌟Community Kindness Spotlight!🌟

SARVSS would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kathy Saunders and her partner, Arnie Knowles, for their incredible generosity and compassion. 💛
Kathy and Arnie personally prepared and delivered a beautiful donation to our Airdrie Court and Support Navigators — thoughtfully created goodie bags made from cozy socks and filled with essential and comforting items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, creams, razors, pens, hair clips, shampoo, and more. 🧦🪥🧴
What started as their personal initiative quickly grew when the Woodside Seniors Association joined in with amazing support — and soon after, donations began coming in from across the community! 🙌
These care packages mean so much to those we support — individuals and families who have experienced crime or tragic circumstances, sometimes resulting in displacement or homelessness. 💕
Thank you, Kathy, Arnie, the Woodside Seniors Association, and everyone who contributed, for showing such kindness, empathy, and community spirit. Your generosity truly makes a difference.

📸 (Photo of the donations)

10/10/2025

🎙️ Our very own Kim, Assistant Director of Operations at SARVSS, was recently featured on Piikani Nation Radio 105.7 FM to talk about the vital work of Victim Services. Thank you to Piikani Nation Radio for helping us raise awareness and support for those impacted by crime and tragic circumstances. 💛

I had a couple visitors this morning to the Piitapoyi Studio. Kim from the RCMP Victim Services and Sgt Vince Bacon, yes Bacon. Bacon gave an RCMP update and things are rolling along in a positive way. It was Kim' first visit and she was quite impressed with the studio. Did you know, you don't have to be a victim of crime to utilize victim services. Any information about Victim Services or RCMP, please give them a call at the Piikani RCMP Detachment. Thank you for your time Vince and Kim.

10/09/2025

📞From the Intake Line – Intake Team Member’s Perspective 💙

“When someone calls the Intake & Info Line at SARVSS, they’ve often taken a big step by reaching out. Our role is to help them understand what supports SARVSS provides and connect them with our incredible Court and Support Navigators.

We’re not here to hear evidence or offer advice, but we are here creating a safe, welcoming first point of contact and connect them with our amazing Navigators who make sure people don’t have to navigate the justice system or support options alone. It’s about creating a safe, welcoming first point of contact.
We are proud to be part of a team that helps people find the support they need, when they need it.”

💬 You can reach out directly — no police report required, no pressure. Just information, options, and support. 💙

www.sarvss.ca/contact
Intake Line: 825-806-6121

09/24/2025

🌟 Community in Action! 🌟

Huge shoutout to our amazing Court and Support Navigators who represented us at the recent Volunteer/Non-Profit Fair organized by Volunteer Airdrie! 💙

We're proud to stand alongside local organizations dedicated to making a difference. At SARVSS, we support individuals impacted by crime and tragic circumstances — and events like this remind us just how strong our community truly is when we come together. 🤝

09/16/2025

🎉Community Fest 2025 | Crossfield
📅 September 9, 2025

We were proud to represent SARVSS at the Community Fest—a one-stop event bringing together Crossfield’s incredible network of non-profit organizations! 💙

Our Airdrie Court and Support Navigators joined forces with the Airdrie RCMP at this amazing event, connecting with community members and showcasing the vital services we provide.

🙌 A huge shoutout to all the dedicated non-profits who came together to build a stronger, more connected community. This is what collaboration looks like!

09/10/2025

🌾 Out and About in Rural Communities! 🌾

It’s been an amazing week of engagement for our team out in some wonderful rural areas! One of our Court and Support Navigators shared how energizing it’s been to connect with these communities and spread the word about SARVSS.

Together with a fellow team member, they’ve been actively recruiting volunteers — and the response has been phenomenal! Whether it was folks stopping by the table, grabbing pamphlets, or simply learning more about what we do, the interest and support have been incredible.

We were also grateful to be joined by local RCMP officers, who were on-site to engage with community members and show their support for the work being done. It was a great example of collaboration and shared commitment to supporting survivors in rural areas.

We’re hearing nothing but positive feedback from community members who are thankful to see SARVSS operating with strength and compassion in their region.

Next stop: Drumheller next week — and we can’t wait! 💜

09/04/2025

🌟A Story of Strength and Transformation 🌟

"We’re not here to fix anyone’s life or decide what’s best for them—we’re here to walk alongside them."
One of our Court and Support Navigators recently shared this deeply meaningful experience that speaks to the heart of what we do.
Last year, she began supporting a woman navigating an incredibly complex and painful situation involving intimate partner violence. Despite the challenges, this woman was met with compassion, respect, and non-judgmental support—right where she was in her journey.
Through gentle guidance, access to trauma-informed resources, and the unwavering presence of her Navigator, she slowly began to reclaim her voice, her safety, and her future.
Over time, she:
✅ Accessed counselling
✅ Gained clarity and strength
✅ Made the empowered decision to testify
✅ Filed for an emergency protection order
✅ Began divorce proceedings
✅ Reclaimed her autonomy
This is the power of trauma-informed, person-centered support.
This is why we do what we do.

💛 “Being present, being patient, and believing in the strength of those we serve—even before they see it in themselves.” 💛

❤️

08/26/2025

🟡 Testimonial from a Court and Support Navigator: 🟡

“Working in rural areas where everyone knows everyone, I’ve seen how hard it can be for victims to come forward — especially when families are deeply connected. There’s often pressure to stay quiet, to ‘keep it in the family,’ and avoid involving the justice system.
I’ve had people tell me, ‘If you weren’t here, I’d be completely alone.’ They’ve said that without support, they wouldn’t have had the strength to stand up, to go to court, or even to speak their truth.
Being that one steady person they can count on — someone outside the circle, who listens without judgment — makes all the difference. I’ve had people cry, hug me, and thank me just for standing beside them.
Those moments remind me why I do this work. Because no one should ever feel alone when they’re at their most vulnerable.”

💛 This is what Victim Services is all about. 💛
Standing beside those who need it most — with compassion, respect, and care.

08/20/2025

🌟 Client Voice | Gratitude in Action 🌟

Recently, one of our clients prepared to face a difficult day in court. A day filled with emotion, uncertainty, and courage. Through the challenges of fleeing abuse and seeking justice, she had access to vital supports through SARVSS, including our dedicated Court and Support Navigator.
As the trial approached, she was reminded that she could bring friends or family for support. At first, she declined, saying, “I think we will be okay.” But on the day of the trial, she told us she had support offers from friends, but chose to attend alone, sharing,
“No, I have you. I have my [insert Support Workers name].”
She used the name of our Court and Support Navigator—a name we’re keeping anonymous here—because to her, that name meant safety, presence, and trust.
When reminded again that her loved ones could still come, she simply replied:
“I know, but I knew you would be here.”
Her words reflect not just trust, but the power of consistent, compassionate support.

To our tireless Court and Support Navigator—you know who you are—thank you for being that unwavering presence. 💜 And to every survivor who chooses to step forward, your courage inspires everything we do.

08/01/2025

🚫 Know Your Rights: No Contact Orders 🛡️

A No Contact Order is a type of protection order issued by the criminal court — usually after a crime has occurred.
🔒 It cannot be applied for directly but is crucial for preventing harassment, threats, or harm.

Once in place, it legally prohibits the offender from contacting the protected individual in any form.

If you or someone you know is navigating a difficult situation, understanding legal protections is key. 💬💡
Stay informed. Stay safe.