MOSAIC COUNSELLING AND FAMILY SERVICES HIRES NEW COORDINATOR FOR THE FAMILY VIOLENCE PROJECT

Kitchener - In January of 2006, a collaboration of agencies, representing well over one hundred professionals, came together to provide wrap-around seamless services to victims of family violence. This collaboration was called the Family Violence Project of Waterloo Region. From a single location at Mosaic Counselling and Family Services, located in the heart of Kitchener at 400 Queen Street South, the FVP offers victims the opportunity to come through one door in order to access a number of essential services. These services include domestic violence police services, shelters, specialized elder abuse services, crisis support for sexual assault victims, children’s services, safety planning, counselling, financial counselling, as well as system support and advocacy.

Since the Project’s inception, as FVP Coordinator, Pamela Mank synchronized the efforts of the 13 agencies ensuring that all partners made connections between the services in order to best serve victims of family violence. In May of 2010, Pam embarked on a new role with the Region of Waterloo. Pam’s efforts with the FVP created a solid service foundation and an award-winning Canadian family violence provision model. “The FVP is about a community of people with a common purpose and a common goal,” says Pam. “I know it will absolutely thrive and am proud to be part of its legacy.”

While Mosaic wishes Pam well in her new endeavours at the Region, Mosaic is pleased to announce that Julia Manuel will be joining the Mosaic staff as the new Family Violence Project Coordinator. “As a Victim/Witness Services Worker with the Ministry of the Attorney General,” says Mosaic’s Acting Executive Director Peter Fisher, “Julia already has a solid understanding of the FVP and is a dedicated advocate for justice and the eradication of domestic violence.” Besides her work experience in domestic violence and child protection, Julia has a strong educational foundation in social work, having obtained an MSW from Wilfrid Laurier University.

"I am honoured to begin my new role as the Coordinator of the Family Violence Project,” says Julia. “I look forward to working with the Family Violence Project partners, and everyone at Mosaic Counselling and Family Services."

Julia will begin her new role as FVP Coordinator on September 7th, 2010.