The Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) agencies of Innisfail and Sylvan Lake will be hosting a first-ever local domestic violence seminar on Nov. 4 at the Library Learning Centre.
“Attendees will be able to hear from central Albertan agencies about the work being done and how we can share resources and work collaboratively,” said Sharron Matthewman, Innisfail FCSS coordinator. “With cooperation and sharing, we will be able to implement solutions that have a greater collective impact, a shared vision and common language for all agencies.”
Matthewman has compiled a list of speakers for a one-of-a-kind conference that includes: Leanne Lake (family violence specialist), Tad Milmine (Bullying Ends Here), Alan Matthewman (Calgary Police Service Domestic Conflict Unit), Calgary Peer Support for Abused Woman (PSSAW), Ronnie Biletsky (emergency room nurse), and Alissa McDonald, coordinator for the Sylvan Lake Parent Support/Bullying Prevention.
She said her hope was that the conference will empower the attendees to create a focus that is regionally driven, to strive for policy aimed at change and positive outcomes. The ultimate goal, she said, is that the families who are affected by domestic violence live informed, healthy and safe lives.
“By sharing our visions with each other, we can better make each agency's vision become a reality,” said Matthewman of the inaugural conference.
The inaugural regional conference will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre. The $15 registration fee includes refreshments and a light lunch for participants.
“I firmly believe there is so much work to do in the area of domestic violence and this is a great start,” she said, adding the deadline for registration is Oct. 29.
For more information email the coordinator at [email protected] or [email protected]. For online registration go to ca.apm.activecommunities.com/Innisfail.
