03/18/2026
ATTENTION COWICHAN VALLEY ANTI-VIOLENCE FRONTLINE WORKERS: you are invited to join Warmland Women’s Support Services Society for our 3rd annual frontline workers retreat focusing on compassion fatigue resiliency and stakeholder collaboration May 8th-9th, Tigh-na-mara Resort, Parksville 😊
We are well aware of the “cost of caring” for frontline workers providing services to survivors of interpersonal violence and/or substance effected. We are well aware of the additional burdens currently confronting the health care system, frontline organizations, the increase of violence against vulnerable populations during unprecedented times of economic, housing and opioid crises, and the subsequent increase in demand for services for survivors seeking support and recovery.
The Department of Justice Canada recognizes the impact on frontline workers and organizations and is providing one-time funding to support frontline workers during the “Victims of Crime Awareness Week”. Frontline workers have an above average capacity for compassion and empathy. We are altruistic. We thrive on being in service. And now is the time to direct our service towards ourselves and lean on each other. When we are in relationship with each other, we are in Service to community 🙌
Cowichan Valley frontline workers are invited to join us Friday night May 8th for a potluck dinner and beach bonfire, or arrive Saturday morning for the “United Through Collaboration” workshop, as well as stay after the workshop for a potluck meal and beach bonfire. Some of our greatest accomplishments are conceived around beachside bonfires 😉 We are asking organizations to consider a $25 contribution per staff member to offset costs.
If you intend to arrive Fri. May 8th, I have made a group reservation to ensure accommodation availability: Beach Acres Resort, Parksville, Forest Cottages $255/night, 2 bedroom shared accommodations 1-4 guests per cottage ($65/pp with 4 guests total) – 1 queen bed, 2 single beds, 1 pullout sofa bed. Funding does not include accommodations. If your organization wishes to pay for overnight accommodation for your staff, please email me asap to confirm the reservation. Otherwise, cottage reservations will be canceled Apr. 24th. https://www.beachacresresort.com/accommodations/forest-cottages.html
“United Through Collaboration” interactive wellness workshop Sat. May 9th 9:00-5:00, Tigh-na-mara Resort, Parksville, Grand Strathcona Room. Strengthening individual and organizational resilience to the impact of anti-violence frontline work strengthens collaborative partnerships. Strong collaborative partnerships create response procedures and accountability measures that support victims/survivors of interpersonal violence and the community at large, ensuring that victims/survivors receive timely, appropriate sector-specific referrals and wrap-around support during the immediate aftermath of crime. Lunch is included at the Cedars Restaurant, Tigh-na-mara.
With much gratitude and deep respect for your service to victims and survivors,
Kendra Thomas 💖
