The Journey to Healing

For anyone that has ever been a victim of a crime, they know firsthand the long lasting and often life-altering effects the experience inflicts. The scars are more than physical; there are scars on the soul that can take decades to heal.

Thankfully for those in Boundary County, there is an organization that it is here to help those who have been a victim of a crime ­begin their journey to healing.

Janis Kerby is on the Board of Directors for Boundary County Victim Services (previously known as Boundary County Youth Crisis and Domestic Violence, Inc.). Kerby said she chose to be more involved with the group after retiring five years ago. “It’s an excellent group that does a lot of great things,” said Kerby of her decision to give her volunteer hours to Boundary County Victim Services.

The organization is funded in part by money from the State of Idaho Domestic Violence Council and by federal money that is a result of the 1984 passage of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). The Act established a fund to support state victim compensation and victim services programs. The passage of the Act was a result of President Ronald Regan’s proclamation of National Victims’ Rights Week in April of 1981. The following year the Task Force on Victims of Crime recommended the U.S. Constitution guarantee victims’ rights.

In addition to these state and federal funds, Boundary County Victim Services also raises money locally. “We are required to raise at least 25 percent of our operating budget,” said Kerby.

To achieve this goal, Boundary County Victim Services has held various fundraisers such as yard sales and concerts. But their biggest fundraiser is their annual fall fashion show – an evening of fun, fashion and festivities.

This year’s event took place on November 7 at the Pearl Theater and was sponsored by The Boardwalk Boutique and Under the Sun. With models representing all generations, it was a great opportunity for people to enjoy fabulous fashion, wonderful food and drinks, entertainment, silent and live auction items, and most importantly, to show support to those in the community who have been victimized.

“We include a bit of education as well,” said Kerby about the event. She adds that last year was the first time they included a live auction. It was so successful that it has now become part of the planning. “We had beautiful quilts and many other things that people donated,” said Kerby.

The money raised goes a long way to help victims not only have a network of support immediately after the crime, but long after as well. After all, the road to healing can be long and frightening for many.

The staff, which includes one full-time and one part-time employee, works closely with the Boundary County Prosecutor’s Office to ensure that any victim of a crime can get the help they need; this includes but is not limited to victims of domestic violence. Staff at times will assist the police who go out on calls so that the victim receives immediate help. Also, there is a 24-hour crisis line that is staffed by volunteers so victims can reach out any time day or night. “They (the volunteers) are not there to do counseling; instead they are there for listening and to provide referrals,” explained Kerby. “It truly takes a special person to be able to do this.”

Perhaps one of the most valuable services Boundary County Victim Services provides is that of a support group which is facilitated by professionals who are trained to help the victims through their trauma.

Kerby mentioned that for many child care can be an issue, therefore they offer free childcare during the support group so that anyone who desires to attend is able to do so.

Education is also a key component of the services that Boundary County Victim Services provides. The staff has worked with both Boundary County Middle School and Bonners Ferry High School to provide programs on teen dating violence. “That is a big issue in our society today,” said Kerby.

Even if you missed this year’s fall fashion show, there are ways to help out Boundary County Victim Services all year long. If you are interested in becoming a crisis hotline volunteer, they will provide the necessary training. And of course, as a nonprofit organization, funds are always needed. Every little bit helps on the journey to healing.

Boundary County Victim Services can be reached at 208.267.7334. If you are someone in need of their services, please reach out and call their 24-hour crisis line at 208.267.5211.

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