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South Okanagan Photos

First real challenge in new job – Aspell

Many agencies in BC that work on preventing violence against women and children are feeling the crunch of less funding.

ODN was alerted to this by the End Violence Association (EVA) which represents 230 small organizations in BC – counselling services and safe house programs

We have not been able to get to the crux of the problem yet but sources indicate government has changed the paradym. At one time funding was based on submissions of need and estimates of what a service would cost for the services performed.

That model now thrown out of the window and funding to be supplied based on numbers given by RCMP as to actual reported incidents of domestic violence.

EVA reps say much is not reported to police and the stats do not reflect the actual problems on the ground.

tamara22We went to Tamara Aspell, executive director of Desert Sun, which runs local programs.

The nine-year veteran at Desert Sun says this is her first real challenge – funding certain programs where government monies are or will be reduced in the very near future.

Aspell came to this area almost ten years ago with two small children following her husband who was to begin work on a construction project in Osoyoos. They hailed from Chilliwack where Tamara worked as a Residential Care aide in a day program.

The South Okanagan suited their fancy and they both got long term jobs – she with Desert Sun Counselling.

Desert Sun operates 11 programs, including men’s counselling services and a “safe home” for a family of up to 3. She says the rent on the safe house is paid for by BC Housing a standard practice around BC but the staff component is through a Ministry of Justice funding programme.

Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Society
Organization is EVA BC Member
Stopping the Violence Counselling Program
Oliver
(250)498-2538

EVA (End Violence Association

mandate includes:

•Providing support and training
•Undertaking research
•Developing and distributing resources and tools
•Educating the public and government bodies on the needs of victims of violence
•Developing and maintaining service standards
•Fostering cross-sectoral coordination and collaboration

Our membership is comprised of:

•Community-Based Victim Services Programs
•Stopping the Violence Counselling Programs
•Stopping the Violence / Multicultural Outreach Programs
•Sexual Assault / Woman Assault Centres