6 minute read
Farewell Open House for Two Hills and Area Victim Services
Farewell Open House for Two Hills and Area Victim Services
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
September 25 marked the end of an important chapter in local history as the Two Hills and Area Victim Services Society hosted a farewell open house at Centennial Hall to thank board members, volunteer advocates and celebrate 26 years of service.
It also marked the beginning of a new victim services program and official introduction of Amy Boettcher who will be taking over the program.
According to website information supplied by the Government of Alberta, it has created a regional model aimed at “providing stability, consistency and sustainability of police-based victim services.” The province will be divided into four regional societies, of which, Two Hills and area will fall under the Eastern Alberta Regional Victim Serving Society.
Melonie Gillis Mazurek, who has been the Program Manager for Two Hills and Area Victim Services for the past 11 years, made a few remarks before introducing attendees to Boettcher. Gillis Mazurek said, “I’d like to thank the board for trusting me to run this program. Your professionalism and advocacy is so appreciated. Also, l’d like to thank the volunteer advocates who supported us all these years. Also my deepest appreciation goes to Two Hills RCMP and staff.”
Gillis Mazurek said that, “She (Amy) has been such a wonderful support for me as a volunteer advocate and a wonderful friend who’ve I’ve always been able to call on, both professionally and personally. Our community is in great hands with Amy. She’s going to do an awesome job.”
Boettcher told the crowd, “We do have one of the best Victim Services in our area.” She described the board as strong, organized and compassionate, in addition to meeting their fundraising goals. She said both Melonie Gillis Mazurek and Judy Rudkowsky set the bar high in program management and went above and beyond in their role.
Boettcher pointed out that, “Getting volunteers of course is getting harder and harder and I think the provincial government saw the writing on the wall, and so this standardization of services.”
She went on to explain, “So, I’ll be working part-time in Two Hills and part-time in St. Paul. So, my time will be a little bit divided, but Two Hills is my heart and my home, and my community; and it will be an honour to continue serving the community.” She also expressed her gratitude that Melonie would be staying on as a volunteer.
Fort Saskatchewan=Vegreville MLA remarked, “I have to say, all of you folks should all be proud of the work you’ve done. When one chapter closes like this you can all look back at the good work and the good memories that you’ve made…What a good crew you had here and the difference you made in peoples’ lives; and that’s really important. So, even though it’s sad that this has come to an end, I do want to say thank you very much for all your service and your countless hours and all your hard work.”
Town of Two Hills Councillor Michael Tarkowski stated that, “For 26 years, the Two Hills and Area Victim Services Society has been a beacon of hope and support for countless individuals in their time of need. Their unwavering dedication to providing emotional support, court assistance, and vital referrals has made a profound impact on the community. Their commitment and compassion have not only helped victims navigate challenging times but have also strengthened the fabric of the Two Hills area. Thank you for your remarkable service and steadfast dedication.”
Tarkowski also delivered a message from Mayor Leonard Ewanishan, who was unable to attend the event. He stated that while he somewhat understood the reasoning for the changes to Victim Services, he hoped the new delivery of services would be successful. He added, “I do have some reservations. How do you replicate the dedication, passion or commitment of local Victim Services? Though there has been changes to our local group over the 26 years of service, they have continued to provide our area with one of the best Victim Services Unit. To all the board members, advocates and program managers past and present “Thank you.” Your service to our community went unnoticed a lot of the time. Still it provided our community with a much needed service when called upon.”
County of Two Hills Div. 3 Councillor Dianne Saskiw delivered remarks on behalf of the municipality. Saskiw said it was hard to believe that after 26 years, this chapter of Victim Services has closed and a new one begins.
Saskiw is very familiar with Victim Services as she was serving as an assistant with the Two Hills RCMP detachment. They made space for the program coordinator and advocates, and remarked, “We all made it work because we all wanted it to work. It didn’t take long before everyone realized what a valuable service this was to our community.
Over the years, I saw time and time again how Victim Services was able to assist our RCMP members during times of crisis for people. This often happened during sad and difficult times when people had no idea what to do next. While the RCMP were busy doing the investigations that they had to do, Victim Services was always there to help. To make those calls, to make the contacts and help alleviate some of the stress these folks were under. Victim Services saw their needs and always helped vulnerable people within our community. Finally, someone was putting them first. Victim Services worked with other community services as well to help people from all walks of life get their life back on track.”
