Deltassist Family and Community Services recognizes that while all people have the right to live free of violence, not all do. They see firsthand how violence disables people from living to their full potential, affects all ages and segments of society, and impacts not just the primary victim, but others as well.
 
Now, thanks to a $20,943 grant from the Envision Financial Community Endowment to Deltassist Family and Community Services (Deltassist), the society can offer a 12-week, self-referred Healthy Relationships and Stress Management program to counsel people at risk for committing domestic violence, and is free to people who struggle with anger management and violent tendencies.
 
The self-referred group approach has shown itself to be the most effective and efficient way of delivering this service and of having the best outcomes. Group members hold each other accountable for their behaviour and commitment to attendance has been at a much higher rate than that of individual service provision.
 
“Violence works against developing a cohesive and caring community,” said Doug Sabourin, Executive Director of Deltassist. “We are working towards a community that is free from violence and the threat of violence, and we believe that by providing services to perpetrators of violence, we will help break the cycle of violence and abuse.”
 
“The First West Foundation believes in fostering communities that value families and commit resources to ensure their healthy functioning and growth,” said Seline Kutan, executive director, First West Foundation. “Deltassist’s efforts toward the elimination of violence within family relationships are helping reduce the incidence of relationship violence and increasing the safety of all women and children in Delta and the surrounding communities.”
 
Since 1972, Deltassist Family and Community Services have helped thousands of families cope with personal and economic challenges. Now in its 40th year, Deltassist offers a full range of specialized services, including drug and alcohol counselling, suicide prevention and support for victims of violence. 
 
There is also a range of support services for seniors, from buying and delivering groceries to picking up prescriptions. Services are provided free of charge, thanks to funding from the province, the United Way, the Corporation of Delta and generous support from business and private donations. For more information on Deltassist and the Healthy Relationships and Stress Management program or to make a donation, please visit www.deltassist.com.