Local Artist Makes Donation To Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services Organization
Facebook Twitter
Article Archive

image 

Local Artist Makes Donation To

Local Artist Makes Donation To Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services Organization

 

by Scott A. Sumner

   “ I wanted to make this donation because I believe victim care is extremely crucial and important. My experience through an abusive relationship made me know how important that was. I wanted to do everything I could to help victims,” said Tessa Charlevois.  “ I went through a lot of emotions, I was scared, fearful and had a lot inside of me. When I was working with charcoal I was able to release all those emotions. It was my own therapy and I felt good when I did my artwork.”     Tessa Charlevois started painting as a youngster. “ It has driven me and my creative senses helped me. Right now I work as an artist, bartender and waitress. I would love to move to Montreal and go to school there to become a full time artist after taking fine arts. When I am ready I would like to volunteer at the Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services organization.”

image

    Deborah Dika is the Program Manager for Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services. “ This money will go to victims of domestic violence. We are hoping to put together a kit to hand out to victims so that they can have the information on what to do and who to call,” said Deborah Dika. “ Our organization has been around since 2002.   We provide services to victims of crime or tragic circumstance by partnering with the emergency personal in the City of Thunder Bay. “

     Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services will provide short-term emotional support to victims.  “ Most of the time we are the first person in the door after the police have left and we pride ourselves on having an immediate response time. Just being there to hear their stories is incredible,” said Deborah Dika. “ We are proud of Tessa and see the growth in her. We went through the whole court process with her and saw her strength come out. Seeing her go from a victim to a survivor was absolutely incredible. Her artwork is beautiful. There aren’t a lot of victims that will come forward so for one victim to provide this type of media coverage and art exhibition to help victims of domestic violence is incredible.”



Click here to view the printer friendly version.
SledNews Snowmobile News
Golfing News
North Superior Publishing
Scott Sumner