New Outreach Expansion Up & Running in Bonnyville

After much planning and hard work, the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre (DMSCC) is pleased to announce that our Bonnyville Outreach Program is now up and running. This means that the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre will be offering one on one assistance, programs and resources to people in the Bonnyville community who are looking to improve their current situation and relationships.

“We are very excited to be expanding this very beneficial program,” said Susan White, Executive Director of the DMSCC.  “The more people we are able to reach, the closer we are to creating healthier relationships and increasing awareness about domestic violence.”

Some of the benefits offered by the Outreach Program are group sessions for both men and women, programs for youth detailing the importance of healthy relationships and educational presentations throughout the community. The DMSCC has hired Sylvia Ladouceur to implement this program. Sylvia brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in program development and previous experience working with victims of domestic violence.

“I am looking forward to working in the Bonnyville community and building relationships with other community agencies. This is truly a great program and I encourage anyone with questions to contact me,” said Ladouceur.

This expansion would not have been possible without the help of the town and MD of Bonnyville through Bonnyville and District FCSS. This partnership has allowed us access to office space and resources which helped ensure this expansion was possible.

“It is a result of these partnerships that our programs are successful and one of the reasons Cold Lake and Bonnyville are such amazing communities,” said White. “We all work together to ensure the best possible resources are available.”

In order for our outreach expansions in Cold Lake and Bonnyville to be successful, there was also a requirement for transportation that would allow our Outreach Workers the ability to travel to meet with clients and deliver presentations. The DMSCC approached local car dealerships to see if they were able to help, and Lake City Motor Products exceeded expectations.

“We wish we could have given a deal of two for one,” said Debbie Tercier, General Manager at Lake City Motor Products. “But we did recognize there was a great need for the staff at the DMSCC to be able to reach their clients and travel to all the surrounding communities where they are needed. We were happy to provide two safe, reliable and fuel efficient vehicles at a great cost by donating part of the purchase price back to the centre.” The total discount on the vehicles was approximately $12,000 which ensured the DMSCC was able meet its goals.

“We require resources to be able to reach those that need our services most, however we are still a non-profit and the idea of purchasing the two vehicles we needed seemed out of reach,” said White. “But Lake City Motor Products made this possible for us; their generosity is appreciated more than they know.” Representatives from the DMSCC and Lake City Motor Products will meet at Lake City Motor Products at 10 am on Thursday March 24 for a picture and donor appreciation.

For more information about the Bonnyville Outreach Program please contact Sylvia Ladouceur at bonnyvilleoutreach@dmscc.ca or by phone at 780-826-1646. For media inquiries contact Susan White or Serina Parsons at 780-594-5095.

*Press Release from the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre