For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 27, 2008
The Multicultural Council Wins the Attorney General’s Victim Services Award of Distinction
The Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County is recognized and honoured by the Attorney General’s office today. Nigel Couch, Director of Programs and Operations with the Multicultural Council, received the Victim Services Award of Distinction in a ceremony at Queen’s Park this morning.
“I’m very proud of the Multicultural Council and the work they continue to do with newcomers in particular their response of providing help for victims.” said Barb Bjarneson, a long-time supporter of the agency. Ms. Bjarneson nominated the Multicultural Council for the award.
Surviving multiple, traumatic events such as fleeing their country due to warfare, newcomers often see Canada as a beacon of hope representing a new life free of suffering from chronic lack of food, shelter and other life necessities.
Upon arrival they experience a multitude of problems ranging from feelings of isolation, confusion, anger, frustration, fear of being alone, inability to concentrate or trust service providers and difficulty maintaining employment. It is not easy to switch from survival mode and most suffer poor physical health.
Confronted by language barriers, different cultural perceptions and financial restraints are just a few of the challenges they face and test their ability to settle in our community.
The Multicultural Council formed a partnership with Windsor’s Victim Services and the University of Windsor to assist in newcomer’s transition and includes group therapy sessions to provide support for trauma survivors.
