Lloydminster resident Jennifer Hauberg is being recognized for her passion in helping victims and survivors of crimes.
Hauberg is the program coordinator for Midwest Victim Services which is located in Lloydminster and provides support to victims of crimes and traumatic events. She received the Excellence in Victim Services Award from the Government of Canada.
Hauberg says she’s honoured to receive the award and surprised to see she was nominated. Due to the pandemic, the award ceremony was held virtually instead of the usual gathering in Ottawa. Hauberg says she’s disappointed she couldn’t be there in person, but understands the limitations around gatherings.
“It would have been preferable to be there in person and network with some of my peers, but the pandemic being what it is, it’s totally understandable trying to limit travel and contact with other people. It’s still an honour to receive it.”
The award is given to those who empowers victims of crime, inspires other services, promotes best practices in victim services and achieves meaningful change. Hauberg has been with Midwest Victim Services for the past 12 years and during that time she helped build the organization and created closer relationships to RCMP detachments in the area.
“I have a really strong team here and I feel like I’m sharing this award with them as well. I’m so fortunate that I work with such a dedicated and compassionate group from my assistant coordinators to our team of volunteer advocates and board of directors. Everyone is as passionate as I am about the work we do and the value of the services we provide.”
One success she points at is the buildup of referrals to their services over the years. When she first started in 2008, new referrals averaged at around 24 per month, but with changes in legislation and more communication with the local RCMP detachment those numbers grew to 90 new referrals a month in the past year.
“There have been so many positives in terms of legislation and the RCMP have really stepped up and made an effort to make sure we’re getting the referrals for the people that need them.”
The award is given out in conjunction with Victim and Survivors of Crime Week which runs from November 22 to 28. The 2020 theme for the week is recognizing courage and renewing commitment.
“I think it’s a really fitting theme because weeks like this are an opportunity for share their stories of courage and resilience in the face of tragedy. It’s also a chance for us as service providers to remind the public that they don’t have to walk that journey alone. We’re here to help them navigate the investigative and criminal justice process.”
Hauberg anticipates changes to victims assistance units in Alberta in 2021 and says she will continue to help Midwest Victim Services navigate through those changes.
Other Canadians recognized were Faith Bosse of Iskwewuk Ewichiwitochik (Women Walking Together) in Saskatoon received the Excellence in Volunteer Victim Service Award. Myrna McCallum of Miyo Pimatisiwin Legal Services in North Vancouver received the Excellence in Legal Practice and Victim Support Award. Angie McCollum with the Ontario Provincial Police was awarded with Excellence in Victim-Centred Policing. University of British Columbia student Shiayli Toni was the recipient of the Student Video Competition Award.