COVID-19 Grants: Family Service Thames Valley

COVID-19 Grants: Family Service Thames Valley

Family Service Thames Valley (FSTV) is an organization that provides counseling, advocacy and system navigation that helps people to deal with stressful life situations and build resilience. FSTV has historically supported women and children impacted by domestic violence as well as individually counseling men through the Caring Dad’s program. However, because of the social distancing and isolation practices recommended for curbing the spread of the coronarivus, many couples and families are experiencing an increased risk.

“Prior to COVID-19 and social distancing, couples would be out in the community for work or with friends and family,” says Frank Pyka, Executive Director of Family Service Thames Valley. “There would be opportunities to say something to someone or for someone to notice a sign.”

To compensate for the increased isolation, a counselor was assigned specifically for COVID-19 response and check-ins were introduced for families, men, and women to assess the risk of domestic violence using a risk screening tool developed in partnership with Changing Ways.

“The check-ins mitigate risk by introducing safety planning for the women, engaging high risk males when possible, and leveraging other service providers such as CAS, police, and shelters as needed,” says Frank. “We’re trying to be an extra set of eyes and ears when there are fewer of them due to isolation requirements.”

Thanks to support from an LCF COVID-19 Response Fund grant, FSTV was able to adjust their programming to meet the shifting needs of families during quarantine. While the funding support brought financial relief and flexibility, it also brought hope.

“LCF’s support was a lift to our spirit and well-being at a time other funding was compromised and at a time we were witness to greater risk and need in our community,” says Frank. “It gave us hope when we needed it most.”

The program has already successful diffused multiple potentially dangerous situations, ensuring the safety of families during lockdown. While the short-term safety of community members is a priority, larger, systemic issues need to be addressed to truly tackle domestic violence.

“Affordable housing is the primary need in our community right now, the stability a home brings is irreplaceable,” says Frank. “Funding for mental health supports is also a dire need. Our agency could serve more of our vulnerable populations, and in a timelier fashion, if additional funding was available.”

People who wish to support Family Service Thames Valley can support the Canada Life Hike for Happiness this fall by making a donation or creating a team. Canada Life will also be matching the first $10,000 raised. Find out more about the fundraiser here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/family-service-thames-valley/p2p/hikeforhappiness2020/.

For more information on how you can support FSTV, contact Frank Pyka at fpyka@familyservicethamesvalley.com.