In British Columbia, one out of three children experience some form of abuse.
Langley-based Encompass Support Services Society (ESSS) estimates that out of over 22,000 potential victims in our community, only about 2,000 report their abuse, and fewer receive the care and support they need to heal.
Approximately 20,000 local children and youth remain unheard, making this a silent epidemic.
Recognizing the tremendous negative impacts of abuse on mental and physical health in the short- and long-term, we are embarking on a two-phased fundraising campaign for a Langley-based Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC).
We are currently in Phase One of fundraising, which includes renovations inside the ESSS office to create a temporary CYAC space to be opened by March 2025. The revenue goal of Phase One is $275,000.
ESSS will develop and oversee the centre, collaborating with other key community partners, including First Nations Agencies, Women’s Service Organizations, RCMP, Crown Counsel and others.
The proposed CYAC will help remedy a gulf-sized gap in service. Families often have to travel to multiple locations across Langley, Surrey and Abbotsford for their children and youth to re-count the details of their abuse at various agencies, such as police departments and hospitals. This is frightening and overwhelming for young victims and their families.
Those in the care of CYACs receive a coordinated response to care through a collaboration of services. Early intervention is key to reducing and healing trauma.
You can profoundly impact the lives of Langley’s children and youth by providing them with local access to a broad spectrum of services within a CYAC - all in one region and under one roof.
By supporting a new CYAC, you support more effective interventions for children and youth who are suffering abuse, and you help move them onto and along a path to healing.
For more information, contact Tim Staunton, Director of Philanthropy at Tim.Staunton@LCHHFoundation.com or 672 879 2340.