In September CCRC partnered with Sir Sandford Fleming College in presenting a two day conference on post traumatic stress, abuse and treatment. Shirley Turcotte, an internationally known and respected therapist, was the presenter, and kept us spellbound with her wisdom and warm interactive style. Keeping in mind our commitment to connect with other community agencies, the cost to attend was kept modest. More than 100 participants, most from various agencies, attended.

Ms. Turcotte coached the audience in ways to provide safety and to “stay with” our clients as they process traumatic memories in order to recover. She placed trauma in context by reminding us to remind our clients that they are “much much more than the abuse”, and showcased her own life as a model of refusing to be defined as a victim.

The feedback from the Conference was extremely positive. People said they left with new information and skills that would be very beneficial to the clients they serve. We were thrilled with the excellent training we received, the people we met, and the community connections we made.

It is with great regret that we will be saying farewell to Linda Stanford, our Manager of Finance, Administration and Communications. Linda will be retiring from CCRC at the end of 2004, after 12 years of dedication and service. And yes, Linda is retiring at a young age!

Linda joined CCRC as Administrative Assistant in Family Counselling Services in July 1992 and became part of the management team of Family Counselling Services and Volunteers and Information Peterborough (FCSVIP), as Manager of Financial Services, during 1997.

Linda is currently Manager of Finance, Administration and Communications with CCRC. In this role, she manages all administration for the agency, keeping us organized and on track with multiple funders, reports and... more reports! Linda supports all programs in the agency and brings not only exceptional knowledge of budget and statistical details, but also a great understanding of our services and compassion towards the people served. She is always a friendly and resourceful support to the program staff, managers and the Board.

We know that Linda is looking forward to more time in her garden and with her grandchildren. She is planning a trip in early 2005, and we hope that, on her return she will keep in touch….

Thank-you and best wishes Linda, we will miss you very much!