The Airdrie and District Victims Assistance Society (ADVAS) was created by dedicated volunteers 20 years ago and it is that devotion by local residents who still make the organization the success it is today.
“I am so proud of the people I am privileged to work with,” said Lori Rehill, executive director of ADVAS when asked what she was most proud of over her nine years with the organization.
ADVAS works with local RCMP to provide 24-hour crisis response and support to victims of crime and tragedy.
Since its inception in 1992 and official opening in 1995, the society has provided support, information and referrals to 19,522 people, given 69,923 hours of support and worked on 10,646 cases.
Rehill said the society’s domestic violence assistance and court support for victims of crime are the envy of similar organizations in Canada.
“A safe community is a healthy community and if a victim is not safe, we are not a healthy community,” she said.
“That is what our program strives to do: create a safe, compassionate, non-judgemental environment for people.”
When asked what has changed the most over the two decades since the society opened its doors, Rehill said technology has brought answers and knowledge into people’s homes.
“We are strong believers that knowledge is power and the technology we have now can allow people to access resources in the privacy of their home,” she said.
“Information is hope and this gives them the tools to take control of the situation and help themselves.”
The ADVAS team currently consists of two full-time staff, two part-time staff, 20 frontline volunteers and eight volunteer board members.
For more information on ADVAS services, visit www.airdrievictimassistance.com
