The Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre (DMSCC) is putting even more emphasis on expanding their services, especially after being recognized on a provincial level.
Last week, executive director for the DMSCC Susan White, along with Stephanie Nieman, program coordinator for the centre, and team lead for the DMSCC Community Outreach Team Monica Kelly, made the trip to Edmonton to accept the Leadership Award in Family Violence Prevention for the north central and north east Alberta zone.
“It was pretty amazing,” White expressed. “There are lots of people doing some amazing things in the group that we were chosen from, so it was really nice.”
The DMSCC works with families fleeing from domestic violence by offering various programs and a shelter for women and children. Recently, they expanded their services to Bonnyville, through their Outreach Support Office.
White said this award is proof the centre is on the right track.
“I think one of the big things that made us stand out was trying to expand our reach by coming out into Bonnyville, and expanding our community outreach and education programs. I think that’s where we’re truly working in the prevention part of this field.”
But the centre isn’t done growing.
White said, “We’re going to be expanding where we can and where the community needs.”
In total, there were nine awards divvied up among various groups and individuals across the province who strive to provide educational opportunities on healthy relationships and working to address violence in their community.
For the DMSCC, those are both topics that are near and dear to their heart.
The centre offers programs on healthy relationships for women and men, and have even expanded into schools where they talk to students about what a healthy relationship looks like.
This programming is currently being offered in Cold Lake, but White said the DMSCC has big plans moving forward.
“We’re looking to bring the rest of our programs, working in the schools talking about healthy relationships, and the whole prevention piece,” she said.
Cold Lake High School also received recognition for their bullying programs. They received the Prevention of Bullying Award.
“Albertans have always stood up for their neighbours and worked together to support those in need. The Inspiration Awards recognize community leaders who set an extraordinary example to support those affected by violence and abuse. These awards are a way our government can say thank you for their efforts to make life better for all Albertans,” Minister of Community and Social Services Irfan Sabir said in a release.
