Most people never hear of Victim Services until the day they need it. But for Sarnia-Lambton, this community-based organization is quietly present in some of the most difficult moments of people’s lives.
Most people never hear of Victim Services until the day they need it. But for Sarnia-Lambton, this community-based organization is quietly present in some of the most difficult moments of people’s lives.
“We support anyone impacted by crime or tragic circumstance, no matter the size of the trauma,” says Joanne Fearns, Volunteer and Fundraising Coordinator for Victim Services of Sarnia-Lambton. “Everyone’s experience matters, and everyone deserves help.”
When people hear “victim services,” their minds often go to dramatic, TV-style incidents. This perception can be harmful for many, Fearns explains, because it leads people to minimize their own experiences and trauma, stopping them from seeking available support.
But the organization responds to a wide range of circumstances: death and grief, domestic violence, elder abuse, human trafficking, support for Indigenous peoples, sexual assault, and other crimes. Support may mean navigating resources, providing financial assistance through Ontario’s Victim Quick Response Program, or simply sitting with someone in their grief.
Victim Services is unique in its connection to first responders. Police, fire, EMS, and hospitals call them directly in the immediate aftermath of a crisis. When they arrive, staff and trained volunteers step into whatever space people are in, bringing calm and care to that moment.
That presence matters not only for survivors but for emergency crews as well. While responders manage the technical and legal aspects of an incident, Victim Services focuses on the human side: listening, reassuring, and helping people feel safe enough to navigate their next steps.
The work doesn’t end when the flashing lights fade. The next day, case coordinators review referrals and reach out to survivors. They may arrange for access to basic needs, connect someone to local shelters, or help plan safe housing. They may also guide survivors toward counseling or specialized programs, offering guidance so people aren’t left navigating the system alone.
“Our role is triage,” Fearns says. “We connect people to the places that can best support them. That way, no one slips through the cracks.”
Every response from Victim Services begins with community. At the heart of that commitment is a team of 18 volunteers across Sarnia-Lambton who dedicate their time to being on call, making sure the service is available 24/7. Because of them, someone is always there, ready to respond.
Fearns hopes that people will be familiar with Victim Services long before they ever need it. Too often, she notes, the organization is only discovered in the middle of a crisis. Building awareness now means the community can understand what the service offers and feel prepared to accept support when it’s needed most.
Because at its core, the organization is about more than response. It’s about reminding people they’re not alone in their hardest moments.
Supporting Victim Services doesn’t just mean becoming a volunteer. Community members and businesses can make a difference by hosting donation drives for items like hygiene kits, snacks, toys, and teddy bears—small comforts that can mean everything in a moment of crisis. Financial contributions and fundraising support also help the organization continue its work, especially as demand grows.
Whether through time, resources, or awareness, every contribution helps ensure that victims of crime and tragedy have somewhere to turn when they need it most. Together, we can ensure no victim is left to cope with tragedy alone.
Go to their website to learn more about Victim Services of Sarnia-Lambton and how they support our local community
