Local elder abuse network first to be chosen for Alberta government award
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LETHBRIDGE – The Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response Network (LEARN) is officially the first program of its kind to receive the Government of Alberta Inspiration Award for Leadership in Family and Comunity Safety.
LEARN accepted the honour on Friday, November 4 in Edmonton. The award recognizes Albertans that commit to ending family violence, sexual violence, child sexual abuse and bullying.
“Theis award is an opportunity to raise the profile of elder abuse as a social issue in our community as well as other communities around Alberta,” said Dawn Vickers, co-chair of LEARN.
The network started in 2008 as a coordinated effort between the City of Lethbridge, Lethbridge Police and the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO). It originally spread educational workshops and awareness across the city as a response to elder abuse in southwestern Alberta.
Today, LEARN is grant funded with 29 network members. It provides a single contact point and coordinates assistance for victims and their families that need to access legal and community supports.
Its case manager within the LSCO works closely with victims and their peers to increase the likelihood of disclosing abuse situations.
A celebration will be hosted on Tuesday, November 8 at 10:45-pm in the LSCO dining room to recognize the achievement.
