Honorary Recognition for Exemplary Practice
by Someone Without a Social Work Degree, March 2010

VARCS is pleased and proud to announce our Program Co-coordinator, Barb Cavill was honored with this award!

The University of Victoria's School of Social Work honored Barb with the award on March 9th, during the Social Work Week Celebration!

VARCS' Vice Chairman, Art Holbrook introduced Barb. The following is the speech he gave:


Barb (right) and a helper in the van Barb is the Program Coordinator at VARCS. She has been with VARCS for about three years now but has served our community and other communities in a number of capacities prior to joining us.

From 1995 to 2001 Barb volunteered with the Victoria Police Victim Services and worked at Sandy Merriman House and the Sexual Assault Centre. Her responsibilities were working with woman at risk and who were dealing with mental health issues, substance abuse issues, in the sex trade. At Police Victim Services she did sensitive notification of the next of kin for sudden deaths, to assisting the victims of sexual and domestic assaults. As a crisis support worker at the sexual assault center she would be on the scene in hospitals to support victims through the difficult process of enduring a rape kit and talking to the police.

For reasons which are inexplicable, given the weather we have, Barb moved to Kingston, Ontario. While there, Barb worked as Victim Witness Program with the Attorney General where she helped victims to prepare for the sometimes brutal realities of courtroom testimony and cross-examination, victim impact statements, bail hearings while working closely with both the crown and police

With those positions behind her, Barb decided to return to warmer climates, back to Victoria! She works at Victoria Youth Detox through the Youth Empowerment Society, and other jobs that has rounded out her experience dealing with people who are struggling in difficult circumstances, before joining VARCS as the Program Coordinator.

What does she do as Program Coordinator? I know what the job entailed because I was on the hiring committee that selected Barb. When I checked with Barb about the details, two pages of notes later, I had a list of the Responsibilities that make up her days that went well beyond what I knew.

As some of you know, one of VARCS' major programs is the Mobile X, a mobile needle exchange, which, while much attention has been paid to issues surrounding the fixed site over the last couple of years, the Mobile X has gone quietly about its business (for more than seven years) supplying harm reduction supplies, referrals and support to VARCS would intravenous substance users in our community. like to part of Barb's job is coordinating that service.

Coordinating the Mobile X means everything from making sure our somewhat tired used van is running and stocked with supplies. To train and mentor volunteers to work on the van, as we prefer to have two people tend our operating the service for efficiency and safety.

There's a lot more to it however. The van doesn't just deliver deepest supplies. Whenever possible, a street nurse travels with the van to deal with medical issues and connect individuals with healthcare, testing and treatments. Barb coordinates that as well as practicum students.

The service has began to provide secondary exchange services, through Barb's relationship building with service providers. This includes Streetlink and Sandy Merriman House. Barb has also works closely with the police, PEERS, REES Society, Umbrella Society, Victoria Native Friendship Centre, Pacifica Housing , AVI and VPWAS and VIHA. No doubt some others have been accidentally left out.

Barb also takes on a significant part of the position, the Access Worker. Barb assists and trains other staff to assist individuals with healthcare, housing, addictions, detox, shelters, food and much more that those who access the Mobile X are in need of.

And, while she is otherwise loafing at her desk, Barb is also a large part of our fundraising initiatives. She has taken on events that at times requires a great deal of organization and effort. One example is the annual AIDS Walk for Life, she is the Pacific representative on the national advisory committee and does a great deal in Coordinating Victoria's walk.

Barb is also the calm voice on the phone when someone calls to complain about used syringes laying around. Barb has a natural quality of assurance and calmness that has a positive effect on people who are in crisis or upset.

I was asked to speak about Barb in the context of two questions: How does she live the core values of commitment to social justice, and, How is she a model of dedication to quality, practice and service to others?

The fact that Barb brings her passion for client care to these tasks with professionalism, skill, knowledge, good cheer, compassion, and a warm and positive attitude speaks to why she deserves this award. If I were a lawyer I would say 'I rest my case', instead, I am a very pleased board member'. Congratulations Barb!!

In closing I have to say the care, compassion and empathy Barb brings to her job, in a very sincere way, as it is her innate way of being, is also how she lives her life. She is always there for her family and friends with the same kindness, concern and willingness to help in any way!!