On behalf of the BC CRN, thank you to the volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year to spread the word about adult abuse, neglect, and self-neglect. Many of you, including the BC CRN board of directors, continue working with community agencies to make BC neighbourhoods great places to live where anyone can thrive.
Adult abuse, neglect, and self-neglect cannot be prevented or stopped unless everyone is aware of it, and can recognize it when it is happening. Our recent annual evaluation results show that your efforts are, indeed, bearing fruit. There has been a steady increase in awareness throughout the province since our first survey in 2012.
Several of you were recognized on our social media during National Volunteer Week (April 18-24) for your amazing contributions. We will continue profiling outstanding volunteers across the province in every edition of E-Connector as well. We add our appreciation to the incredible group of citizens who care so much about making their communities safe for everyone.
In 2000, the provincial government recognized the importance of community volunteers in working towards the prevention of abuse and neglect when they included the Community Response Networks (CRNs) in the Adult Guardianship Legislation. Since then, the BC CRN organization and the number of CRNs and volunteers have grown. BC CRN and CRNs are recognized as important voices for the creation of safe communities – free of abuse, neglect, and self-neglect.
It is such a privilege to be provided with the opportunity to continue leading the BC CRN, a role I’ve had the honour to hold for the past 11 years. The success of the organization would not have happened without you. I am especially proud of how you have risen to the occasion to support our most vulnerable adults during the COVID-19 pandemic without hesitation or pause. You are making a real difference.
THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts.
— Sherry Baker, Executive Director, BC Association of Community Response Networks (BC CRN)
