Tanisha Grandbois, the Executive Director of Sunset Area Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Services, is more commonly known by its acronym VCARS (pronounced vic-cars).
According to Tanisha VCARS has been serving Kenora and Dryden area since 2009.
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unset Area VCARS in partnership with local Police and Emergency Services provides immediate emotional and practical support and referral services to victims of crime or other tragic circumstances twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
unset Area VCARS in partnership with local Police and Emergency Services provides immediate emotional and practical support and referral services to victims of crime or other tragic circumstances twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
VCARS is mandated to provide early practical support and crisis intervention, help to establish your physical and emotional safety and provide referrals to community and government services which match your needs.A client is eligible if they are affected by criminal harassment, domestic violence, elder abuse, hate crimes, homicide, fire, human trafficking, industrial accidents, motor vehicle accidents, robbery and property crimes, sexual assault, sudden death, suicide, and more.
To be a client, you must be over 16. However, VCARS will assist those between 13 - 16 with the consent of a parent or guardian.
Staff and volunteers also refer clients to other programs and services to help address their need for safe housing, income supports, counselling, medical care, peer support, mental health and addiction services, legal services, child care, and employment support.
Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In a typical year, VCARS helps between 350 - 380 victims.