Who We Are
Victim Services Toronto provides trauma-informed support and advocacy in the moment for any person in Toronto who has experienced crime or sudden tragedy. We also work to prevent violence through community engagement.
Our Vision
To create a thriving community where people are safe, supported and empowered.
Our Values
- Survivorship - We honour the stories and struggles of those with lived experience, empowering them to uplift others.
- Adaptive - We are continually listening, reviewing and innovating so we can be agile and embrace change to meet the community’s needs.
- Presence - We will be there. We will show up. We will listen. We will not avoid difficult conversations. We will stand with you and acknowledge your pain.
- Innovation - We are not satisfied until our clients are safe and their needs are met. We see gaps in the community as challenges to be creatively addressed by innovative programming.
- Advocacy - No person or community exists in isolation. The community cannot thrive while its most vulnerable are struggling. We will continue to use our voices until communities among us are safe.
24 Hour Crisis Line:
Have you been a victim of crime or sudden tragedy?
We are here to help.
Executive Officers
Paul Khawaja, Chair
President, OnX Enterprise Solutions
Jay Hutchison, Vice-Chair
Office Managing Partner GTA & Chief Development Officer, EY
Lorne Kalmar, Treasurer
Real Estate Associate, Equity Research, TD Securities
Lisa Street, Secretary
Vice President Human Resources, Loblaw Companies Ltd.
Directors
Surendra Shetty
Global Head, Business Technology Finance, ScotiaBank
Gerry McNeilly
Former Director, Office of the Independent Police Review Director
Sunny Khaira
Lawyer, Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart, Storie, LLP
Amanda Galbraith
Principal, Navigator
Paula Hodgins
President, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Kimberly Vachon
Senior Manager, Versaterm
Pamela Schott
Vice President, Procurement Integration, BMO Financial Group
Barbra Miller
Senior Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP
Brandon Marek
Managing Partner, Harlo Entertainment
Leadership
Carly Kalish
Executive Director
Carly is the recipient of the Toronto Police Services “Leading the Path Award,” Toronto Foundation’s “Vital People Grant,” and Attorney General’s “Victim Services Award” for her dedication to working with survivors of gender-based violence. Carly holds a Master of Social Work from the City University of New York. She attended the Non-profit Management Program at Harvard University.
Kiran Brar
Associate Executive Director
Joining Victim Services Toronto in 2009, Kiran now has over ten years of experience in the social services sector. She speaks five languages and holds a diploma in social work, a degree in Business Management, and specialized training in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and harm reduction. Kiran sits on various committees to implement an emergency response protocol.
Wendy Castanha
Director of Finance
Wendy has extensive experience in the Education, Healthcare, Government, and Social Services sectors. She holds an MBA, is a certified CPA and holds a degree in Accounting Science.
Julie Moore
Director, Crisis Response Program
Julie brings over 13 years of experience supporting individuals who have experienced crime, trauma and tragic circumstances. With extensive front line experience, she recognizes the importance of immediate support being available when tragedy or crisis happen. Julie is a member of several community committees that strive to provide seamless, timely and coordinated responses. She is committed to enhancing community partnerships to ensure that all individuals are able to access support barrier free.
Alyson Joseph
Program Director
Alyson has extensive front-line experience in various social services roles, and is passionate and intention in affecting lives through her many interactions. She now serves as Director of Neighbourhood Client Services, and leads Victim Services Toronto’s program, Exit Route, which focuses on gender-based violence, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault. Alyson holds a Social Service Worker Diploma from Centennial College and a BSW Honors Degree from York University.
Lindsay Upton
Program Director
Lindsay joined Victim Services Toronto in 2007, and has extensive experience in crisis intervention, assisting clients navigate complex bureaucratic systems. Lindsay holds a degree in social work from Toronto Metropolitan University. She is an active volunteer and has served on numerous committees, public speaking engagements, and is dedicated to developing community partnerships and response protocols that challenge barriers experienced by vulnerable populations.
Tasmine Fraser
Manager of Community Programs and Projects
Tasmine develops and leads numerous projects and committees that enhance response strategies to cyberviolence, human trafficking and community outreach and management strategies. She supports the T.E.A.R.™ Program and Trauma Dog Program. Tasmine holds an Honours BA in Criminology from the University of Toronto and a SSW Diploma from Humber College. She is currently completing her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Windsor.
Jacqueline Thorsen
Manager of Students, Volunteers, and Compliance
Jacqueline uses her extensive experience in violence against women, addiction and mental health, child welfare and victim-facing work to support the communities that Victim Services Toronto serves. Jaqueline holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto and she fills educator roles, fostering inclusive and safe learning environments. Jaqueline brings this work to over 100 volunteers at Victim Services Toronto, mentoring the next generation of social workers.
Annual Reports
Will You Join Us?
Four ways to take action.
Crisis response, intervention and prevention services for victims of crime and sudden tragedy in Toronto.
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