Rotary Meeting Notes - October 3

There were 25 members in person and one on Zoom to hear Lea Morgan, Executive Director, Victim Services of Hastings, Prince Edward, and Lennox Addington Counties described the services that they provide to this large area. This is a charitable non-profit organization whose services are provided free and confidential to everyone from children to seniors. Their services partner with eight other agencies in a network of committees.

Their prime service is “On Scene Support” in tandem with police calls to victims of a crime or a tragedy. During the day, their seven staff respond and after hours their 15 volunteers respond, providing emotional and practical support. The next day their staff followup to connect to other services and to provide financial support if needed.

Human trafficking is becoming more prevalent because of our proximity to Highway 401. Help is given to these victims long term.

A second service is to provide a Mobile Tracking Devise (MTD), a button for victims to get an immediate response. This system is one of the services not funded by the Ontario government.

Funding comes through the Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP), a financial program that provides immediate compensation for hotel accommodation, groceries, funeral services, tattoo removal, for example.

In the last year, their responses aided:

• 2077 victims (more than 50% are gender violence)
• 951 safety plans completed
• 216 bail notifications (that the incarcerated person was being released)
• 25 MTD buttons provided
• $723,662 were provided in VQRP funding

When asked about the incidents in PE County, Lea said there were fewer referrals here - 13% of the referrals, mostly domestic violence and sudden death cases and mainly in Picton. Fraud was becoming more prevalent and there is no insurance from VQRP for this problem.

Concerning the increase in suicides, men in their 40’s are the largest statistic.

Leah described the training that volunteers get (they currently have 16, but they had 30-40 before COVID)

• 40 hrs online
• 2-3 in-person sessions
• partnering with a seasoned volunteer

She made an appeal for Rotary members who might want a satisfying volunteer job to contact her.

Concerning her services, 60% of their funding comes from the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services, a portion from the United Way, the OPP and others. The other 40% has to be fundraised to pay for:

• Mobile Tracking System
• Home security cameras
• Other client expenses not covered by VQRP
• Mileage for volunteers
• After hours staffing

Club Business:

Peter reported that Mary Camp’s membership has been approved.

Howard distributed the hats that had been ordered and asked the recipients to pay the $22 cost to Ken who is filling in for Yvonne.

Peter reported that this afternoon the high speed internet connection should be made in this building.

Bill Pennell has tickets for the Rock n’ Rogers snowsuit fund for the foodbank.

A cheque presentation for $1,000 to the Storehouse Foodbank was accepted by Cynthia Rirodan.

Lana’s number was drawn for the 50:50, but she did not draw the ace of spades.

ADDENDUM to last week's meeting notes at Club Forum:

A motion was made from the floor, to donate $1000 to the Foodbank for Thanksgiving Hampers.  Trudy Brown was the mover and Roger Tessider was the seconder.  All were in favour. None opposed.

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Bottle Depot Volunteers Schedule for This Week