North Simcoe Victim Services
~ Crisis Response, Caring Support ~
Find Support
We Need Volunteers!
Find out how to help and make a real difference in people’s lives. We are always looking for volunteers. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more information.
The North Simcoe Victims Services team is here for you 24/7, seven days a week, 365 days a year
We are committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity and inclusivity. We believe that every individual, regardless of their background, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or ability, deserves respect, support, and the opportunity to thrive. Our commitment to inclusivity is reflected in our policies, practices, and the services we provide, ensuring that all voices are heard, valued, and empowered within our community. Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable future for everyone we serve.
Strategic Priorities & Objectives for 2023-24
Providing caring and timely response to those in crisis.
Reducing the impact of crime and tragic circumstance.
Supporting resolutions.
The Board of North Simcoe Victim Services has been working together with First Responders, Volunteers, and Community Partners to identify the following 3 Strategic Priorities:
Strategic Priority #1
Strong Relationships
Strengthen relationships with community partners, first responders and volunteers
Strengthen partnerships and understanding of NSVS through increased communication with first responders, community partners and volunteers
Strategic Priority #2
Stewardship of Resources
Optimize human, financial and physical resources
Ensure the human, financial and physical resources available to NSVS are leveraged to their maximum possible potential
Strategic Priority #3
Quality Service Delivery
Provide targeted service support aligned with our clients needs.
We will provide each client with the highest quality service and support tailored to their unique individual needs enabling them to achieve the best possible outcome after their traumatic experience
25 Years of Service to the North Simcoe Community
(pictured here the past and current NSVS volunteers and community partners at our 25th Anniversary celebration at Bayside Restaurant)
Thank you to our funders for their generous support.
Support Advocate for Victim Empowerment
Our latest newsletter
Winter 2024 UPDATE
Click here to read our latest newsletter!
Fill out the form and subscribe for our latest updates.
Executive Director, Kim Kneeshaw
Kim has been with North Simcoe Victim Services since the beginning. In 1999 as well as becoming a Victim Crisis volunteer, she took on the role of Volunteer Coordinator.
In 2019 Kim became the Executive Director to lead our staff and volunteer team, to continue to serve the community with excellence.
To reach out to our Executive Director for inquiries or to book a presentation for your group, email exdir@ns-vs.com
Staff Directory
Development Director – Lynn Thomas
lynn@ns-vs.com – 705 826 1671
Client Services Coordinator – Mandy
clients@ns-vs.com – 705 325 5578
Volunteer Coordinator – Sherry
volunteers@ns-vs.com – 705 325 5578
Administrative Assistant – Christine
support@ns-vs.com – 705 325 5578
Learn more about NSVS
Click on the icons below to learn more about our organization – North Simcoe Victim Services
History
Learn about the history of NS-VS
Board of Directors
Meet the people working hard to help our community
What We Do
There’s a lot we can do to help–discover what we do.
How NSVS Works
Learn how the process works and how we can help.
Partners
We work closely with the community and partners.
Connect with us on Social Media
January 22nd is Bell Let’s Talk Day!
This year, the focus is on prioritizing the mental health of youth. As young Canadians face increasing mental health challenges, it’s crucial that we all take action to support their well-being.
On Bell Let’s Talk Day, Canadians can help make a difference by texting a $5 donation. Bell will match every donation up to $1 million, as part of its $10 million commitment to mental health.
If you or someone you care about is facing mental health challenges, we’re here to help. Contact us at 705-325-5578 for resources and support. At NSVS, we offer a confidential, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for those seeking help.
To learn more about Bell Let’s Talk Day and youth mental health, visit: https://letstalk.bell.ca/
Let’s continue to break the stigma and support one another. 💙
#BellLetsTalk #YouthMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #EndTheStigma #NSVS
🚨 Now Accepting Applications for Spring 2025 Training Class! 🚨
Training Begins: March 2025
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays evenings
Are you passionate about giving back to your community? Want to support victims and gain valuable skills? This is your chance to make a real impact!
North Simcoe Victim Services (NSVS) partners with local police and emergency services to assist those affected by tragedies, disasters, and crimes. Our dedicated Crisis Responders provide 24/7 support to victims in their time of need.
As a Crisis Response Volunteer, you will help on the scene and via phone support, offering emotional care, practical help, advocacy, and critical incident-related referrals.
Volunteer Requirements:
• Must be 21 or older
• Must live locally (able to respond to Orillia within 30 minutes when on call)
• Criminal reference check required
• Commitment to 8 weeks of training (2 evenings per week)
• Must attend ongoing training sessions
• Minimum 1-year volunteer commitment
• Ability to commit to 3 shifts per month
• Valid driver’s license, car, and auto insurance required
Join a team that is crucial in supporting victims alongside first responders. For more details or to apply, visit our website or reach out to Volunteer Coordinator Sherry at volunteers@ns-vs.com.
Make a difference. Become a Crisis Response Volunteer today! 🙌
#VolunteerOpportunity #CrisisResponse #NSVS #GiveBack #CommunitySupport
GOOD NEWS ~ We have extended our "NSVS Holiday Campaign" to January 18!!
If you were wanting to get in on this offer, simply go to our website www.ns-vs.com and become a monthly donor for ANY amount that fits your budget, and we will give you one of our NEW "Fox 40 whistles" as our gift to you for joining! (usually minimum $20 donation)
Join the growing list of "SAVE DONORS" (Support Advocate for Victim Empowerment) who have seen the need and stepped up with their monthly or annual pledge.
For more information, contact Lynn Thomas, Development Director lynn@ns-vs.com
#SAVE #donate #community #victimservices #crisisresponse #caringsupport #Fox40whistles
Meet our Volunteer of the Month - Erika!
“I’ve been volunteering with North Simcoe Victim Services here in Orillia for almost 2 years now. I enjoy being part of an organization that provides such an impactful service to the community. Providing care and commitment to individuals and families who are experiencing a tragedy or crisis, is very rewarding and is always a time of learning. I also enjoy the charity work that I have done as well at The Ride for Refuge, FashionTea Esta, and the Salvation Army Christmas kettles. I have built many meaningful relationships with other members of the team and look forward to my future with NSVS. ”
Thank you, Erika, for your time and commitment to North Simcoe Victim Services!
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day – January 11, 2025
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is the exploitation of individuals for forced labour, domestic servitude, or commercial sexual activity, often achieved through force, fraud, or coercion.
Today, we invite you to wear blue to stand in solidarity and raise awareness for this urgent issue.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, help is available. Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010, OR reach out to our office for support at 705-325-5578.
Let’s work together to shine a light on this critical issue and take a stand for those in need.
#WearBlueDay #HumanTraffickingAwareness #EndHumanTrafficking #NorthSimcoeVictimServices #January11th
Today our incredible volunteers had the opportunity to participate in the Community Connections Fair at Lakehead University! 🌟
This fantastic event allows local organizations to share valuable information with students, helping them connect with the vibrant Orillia community. The goal was to introduce our organization and showcase the programs, services, events, and resources available to students.
A big thank you to Lakehead University for having us at this informative event! 💙
#CommunityConnections #Orillia #LakeheadUniversity #BuildingBridges #NorthSimcoeVictimServices
We would like to sincerely THANK all of the businesses, individuals and organizations that have supported North Simcoe Victim Services since late spring 2024 when we launched our fundraising program.
2024 APPRECIATION LIST SHOUTOUT:
* Ripple of Kindness Orillia
* Ontario Trillium Foundation
* Home Hardware Orillia
* CFOA
* RBC
* Mundell Funeral Home
* Simcoe Funeral Home
* Desjardin Insurance - M Hofstettar
* Orilllia For Sale - Christine Vollick
* Chick fil A Orillia
* Heidman Definition
* The Water Market
* Impression House
* Lucy Gordon
* Uplifting Blessings
* Carson Funeral Home
* Tim Hortons
* Catholic Women`s League - Guardian Angels
* Creechers Designs
* Orillia Rotary Club
* Mariposa Market
* Orillia First Aid
* Jody`s Frosted Dreams
* OPP
* Orillia Fire Department
* Ramara Professional Firefighters Assoc.
* Orillia Concert Band
* The Bike Stop
* Dominoes
* Sharp Image
* Lori McClelland
* Apple Annies
* UPS Orillia
* Northern Roots Hair Studio
* Georgian Mobile Signs
* Blue Moon Junction
* Costco
* Home Depot
* Stacked
* Earth Teaze
TO SUPPORT NSVS IN 2025 Contact:
Lynn Thomas, Development Director - lynn@ns-vs.com
APPLY TODAY FOR OUR SPRING 2025 TRAINING CLASS!
Are you looking for a way to give back to your community, support victims, and gain valuable skills?
Working with our local police & emergency services, North Simcoe Victim Services (NSVS) provides assistance to those who have fallen victim to a tragic event, disaster, or crime. Help is offered 24/7 by our specially trained Crisis Responders in order to assist victims with their immediate needs.
The Crisis Response Team provides on-scene scene support, as well as telephone support. NSVS staff and Crisis Response Volunteers are dedicated to offering emotional support, practical assistance, incident-related referrals, and advocacy for all clients who require crisis assistance.
Requirements for Volunteering:
• You must be 21 years of age or older.
• You must live locally. When on call, you must be able to respond to Orillia within 30 minutes.
• You must be willing to submit a criminal reference check.
• You must be willing to complete in-class and online training
Training is held two evenings a week for approximately 8 weeks.
• Volunteers must attend ongoing training sessions as they are offered.
• Must be willing to commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer activity.
• Be willing to sign up for a minimum of three volunteer shifts a month.
• Crisis response volunteers must have use of a car and possess a valid driver’s license and auto insurance.
• Should your application be approved, NSVS is unable to provide a written letter of reference until you have volunteered for one year.
Crisis Response Volunteers are heavily relied on to support first responders on the scene during a crime or traumatic circumstance. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Crisis Response Volunteer for North Simcoe Victim Services please visit our website for more information and to access the application or please email our Volunteer Coordinator Sherry at volunteers@ns-vs.com.
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Our Programs
Victim Quick Response Program
North Simcoe Victim Services (NSVS) provides crisis intervention via this program, on-scene or by telephone. Each person’s reaction to a traumatic incident can be quite personal; however, victims of a tragedy or crime often commonly feel they have lost complete control over everything in their lives.
During the aftermath of a tragedy, individuals often want to talk to someone who understands their immediate needs as it relates to their safety and their different choices. NSVCS’ intervention ensures all victims feel safe, secure, and linked to any support services that can benefit their situation. Referrals to other service agencies that offer ongoing support are offered. To learn more about the VQRP program, including eligibility criteria, click here.
Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario
North Simcoe Victim Services (NSVS) is one of about 50 agencies within the province to offer VCAO programs funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (Province of Ontario). The VCAO teams consist of staff and volunteers within the community who have been trained in crisis intervention to offer practical assistance, emotional support, referrals, and information to victims, either on-scene or via phone.
VCAO programs are driven by dedicated and caring volunteers, working hand-in-hand with police and emergency service personnel. To learn more about VCAO programs, click here.