Our Mission, Vision & Values

Mission

VSSC provides comprehensive support services to Simcoe County victims in the immediate aftermath of a crime or tragedy to minimize their trauma and maximize their capacity for recovery.

Vision

A community where no one ever faces crisis or tragedy alone.

Values

Our core values embody a victim’s right to ACCESS to support services

VSSC’s core values are guiding principles that represent our agency’s entrenched convictions. They influence everything we do – and how we do it. The acronym ACCESS not only serves as a reminder of our six core values, but also underscores the importance of inclusion, the foundation of our Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) philosophy.

Advocacy

We are allies for individuals who have been victimized. We provide the resources they need, when they need them. We also amplify their voices at the community level to break-down barriers to support services; and at the system level to decrease disproportionate representation of marginalized populations in victimization statistics.

Collaboration​

A value that informs both internal and external relationships, collaboration means listening and evolving together while supporting each other for the sake of a collective goal. We know our networks makes us stronger and better able to serve our stakeholders, so we seek to build win-win partnerships at all times.

Client-Centred Care​​

We believe those who have been victimized are less traumatized when they are empowered on the path of recovery. To this end, we create a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere where our clients and their families are treated with dignity, compassion, confidentiality and respect. From our first meeting, our team provides the resources necessary for our clients to take the lead in a customized action plan.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Operating on the traditional land of the Anishinaabek, VSSC respects and honours the diverse histories, languages, cultures and experiences of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and First Peoples of our jurisdiction. We extend this respect to the full diversity in our community, acknowledging the history of discrimination in Canada, and committing to an inclusive environment that brings together the diverse perspectives of our clients, volunteers, staff, funders, partners and community members.

Service Excellence​

We hold ourselves accountable to a standard that consistently exceeds the expectations of those we serve. We demonstrate this continuous-improvement commitment by providing our stakeholders with multiple opportunities to provide feedback and input regarding program development.

Supportive & Healthy Work Environment

VSSC strives to create a positive work culture that respects the unique attributes and perspectives that each employee and volunteer bring to their role here. We also value their personal and professional growth and are committed to providing a meaningful and rewarding experience during our time together.

Who
We Are

History

In 1996, current Executive Director Marie McCallum launched the operations of our agency, which was originally called Barrie and Area Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Service (or VCARS). Expansion of our service area over time into Alliston, Bradford, Collingwood, Innisfil, Midland/Penetanguishene, Wasaga Beach and all points between, sparked a name change that became official in 2019. Now Victim Services of Simcoe County (VSSC), we work in conjunction with first responders across the county, including our highly valued police partners:
  • Barrie Police Service
  • Ontario Provincial Police (local detachments)
    • Collingwood
    • Huronia West
    • Southern Georgian Bay
    • Nottawasaga
  • South Simcoe Police Service
Our agency exists to provide immediate and short-term crisis intervention through emotional support, practical assistance, education and referrals to other community agencies for longer-term assistance. Within our jurisdiction, VSSC is responsible for six programs delivering comprehensive support services in English and French, 24 hours per day, 365 days of the year. VSSC is one of more than 50 Victim Services agencies across the province. Simcoe County is also served by North Simcoe Victim Services, which assists victims in the Orillia area. In 2020, we were fortunate to receive a Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to review and strengthen our systems to meet the needs of our community going forward.

Leadership

VSSC is a registered Canadian charity governed locally by a dedicated team of volunteer community leaders, who each serve for a maximum of two 3-year terms. For those interested in joining our Board, please contact Executive Director Marie McCallum for more information.

Board of Directors

Melissa Oliver, Education

Board Chair

Marie McCallum, VSSC Executive Director

Board Secretary

John Ferris, Lawyer

Director

Jenna Rimmer, Social Services

Director

Tricia Watts, Police Services

Board Vice Chair

Doug Adams, Funeral Director

Director

Nicole Murphy, Lawyer

Director

Tricia Watts, Police Services

Director

Sandra Papineau, College Professor

Board Treasurer

Sara Ashwood, College Professor

Director

Henry Geoffroy, Police Services

Director

Donna Jebb, Business

Director

Media

“I would have been found a long time ago": Ontario advocates support for human trafficking bill

– Global News, May 20, 2021
Queen’s Park is continuing to debate proposed Bill 251, which if passed, would give police additional powers in an effort to rescue victims of human trafficking.

Ontario enhancing supports for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence in Toronto

The Ontario government is investing $500,000 in Victim Services Toronto’s new Exit Route program to help ensure victims and survivors of human trafficking and intimate partner violence are more quickly and seamlessly connected to the supports and services they need

Ontario Supporting Victims of Crime – Ontario, November 8, 2021

The Ontario government is ensuring victims of crime and their families have access to supports when and where they need them.

Annual Reports