North Simcoe Victim Services
~ Crisis Response, Caring Support ~
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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
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.
NSVS Case For Support
(Click the image above for full document)
Support Advocate for Victim Empowerment
Our latest newsletter
Spring 2025 UPDATE
Click here to read our latest newsletter!
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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
TUESDAY, JULY 8 -
DON`T COOK DINNER NIGHT & Ride for Refuge Launch and Spirit celebration!!!
A portion of the sales from our launch party for the 2nd Annual @rideforrefuge at Chick-fil-A will go towards Ride for Refuge in support of victims of assault, intimate partner violence and other tragic circumstances in our region.
Bring your family, friends... tell your coworkers....your barista, barber, banker, buddy....and JOIN Brad & NSVS for a delicious chicken dinner at @chickfila_orillia hosted by owner Brad and his fantastic team!
Wear your Ride for Refuge shirts, NSVS shirt, OR pick up information on how YOU can register YOUR team to walk or ride with us on OCTOBER 4!!
rideforrefuge.org/orillia
#chickendinner #ride25 #rideforrefuge #orillia #community #chickfila #support #sponsor #ride #walk #crisisresponse #caringsupport
National Injury Prevention Day: Stay Safe, Stay Smart 🚨
Today, let`s focus on safety and preventing accidents in all areas of life! Check out these simple tips to protect yourself and those around you:
🏠 Home Safety
-Install smoke alarms & carbon monoxide detectors
- Keep meds out of reach of kids
- Use safety gates & anchor furniture to prevent falls
💼 Workplace Safety
- Follow ergonomic practices to reduce strain
- Wear proper protective equipment (PPE)
- Report hazards immediately to keep your workplace safe
🚗 Traffic & Pedestrian Safety
- Always wear your seatbelt, no matter the trip!
- Stay alert—no texting while walking or driving
- Use crosswalks and follow traffic signals
👶 Child Safety
- Choose the right car seat & install it correctly
- Never leave kids unsupervised around water
- Teach basic safety rules to avoid accidents
⚽ Sports & Recreation Safety
- Wear safety gear like helmets & pads
- Warm up before exercise to prevent injuries
- Stay hydrated & take breaks when needed
👵 Fall Prevention
-Remove tripping hazards from walkways
-Use non-slip mats in slippery areas
- Exercise regularly to improve balance & strength
🧠 Mental Health & Injury Prevention
-Stay mindful of your mental health—stress can lead to accidents
-Take a moment for self-care, focus, and stay alert!
Let`s work together to create safer spaces and reduce injuries this month and beyond! 💪
#InjuryPrevention #NorthSimcoeVictimServices #SafetyFirst #NationalInjuryPreventionMonth #StaySafe #HealthAndWellness
We`ve had a great time at @mariposafolk festival all weekend!! Our volunteer teams have had great conversations with visitors to the booth! Thanks to our Crisis Responders and Ride for Refuge Committee members who gave their time and braved the heat! 🌞 We appreciate you! ❤️
If you stopped by and picked up info about @rideforrefuge don`t forget to register to join us on October 4! It`s going to be a fun day to advocate for the victims we serve in our region! 🚲 🚴♂️ rideforrefuge.org/orillia
Lots of skilled corn hole players won a FOX40 whistle or picked up other info and treats!
Our booth is still open until early evening Sunday so stop by and say hello!
#mariposafolkfestival #volunteer #nsvs #ride25 #crisisresponse #caringsupport
Come and visit us this weekend at @mariposafolk at Tudhope Park!
We are in the Community Village across from the ball diamond. Have a try at our corn hole game.... 5 in a row in the hole and WIN one of our FOX40 Whistles!!
You can pick up information about @rideforrefuge or the latest info about our NSVS services or a volunteer application form!
#mariposa #folkfestival #music #Orillia #nsvs #ride25 #crisisresponse #caringsupport
GOOD NEWS!! All NSVS Ride for Refuge participants from 2024, all NSVS volunteers, donors, staff and ANYONE interested in supporting this year`s @rideforrefuge are invited by @chickfila_orillia to a SPIRIT NIGHT & launch party!
Chick-fil-A is looking forward to serving you!
TUESDAY, JULY 8 - Wear your Ride shirt!
JOIN US for some delicious chicken, and a whole lot of Ride for Refuge spirit to launch this year`s campaign season!!
Thanks Chick-fil-A for once again sponsoring our Ride Day lunch for all of our participants!
#chickfila #Rideforrefuge #ride25 #chicken #spiritnight #launchday #victimadvocates #crisisresponse #caringsupport
Happy Canada Day from NSVS! 🍁
Wishing everyone a joyful day filled with pride, celebration, and connection! Let’s celebrate the beauty of our country and the communities that make it strong.
Stay safe, be kind, and enjoy responsibly!
#CanadaDay #NorthSimcoeVictimServices #ProudToBeCanadian #StaySafeCanada
Last evening, NSVS was pleased to celebrate the 32nd graduating class of Victim Crisis Responders who have completed their training and are now certified to respond to calls to the region. Congratulations graduates and welcome to the team!
We were honoured to have @adamchambersmp present to bring comments and to congratulate our graduates and volunteer recognition recipients. Thank you to the representative for MPP @jilldunlop , Leslie Stroud, for bringing comments and a scroll for our 10 year volunteer recipient on behalf of MPP Dunlop.
Congratulations to Tracie Atkinson-Carney for 10 years of committed service to NSVS and the victims we support in the North Simcoe region.
Thank you to Mayor @dwmcisaac for sending congratulations to our graduating class and a scroll for our 10-year volunteer recipient.
Many thanks to Calvary Church and, in particular, Pastor Lindsay for allowing us to host our training course in your building and for your hard work to help with our graduation meal.
If you are interested in finding out more about how you can become an NSVS Crisis Volunteer, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Sherry at volunteers@ns-vs.com or call our office 705 325 5578
#volunteers #crisisresponder #nsvs #graduation #crisisresponse #caringsupport
June 27th is #PTSDAwarenessDay
Today, we raise awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder and the impact it has on millions of lives. PTSD can affect anyone — veterans, survivors of accidents, abuse, or other traumatic events.
Let’s work together to reduce stigma, encourage healing, and remind those who are struggling that they are not alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to our office for support: (705) 325-5578. Healing is possible, and there are resources available.
#MentalHealthMatters #NorthSimcoeVictimServices #EndTheStigma #PTSDawareness #HealingJourney
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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.
