CORNWALL, Ontario – Koala Place has moved into a new, more inviting environment at 117 First St. downtown. The organization held an open house on Tuesday, Oct. 2.
“It’s homey and it’s a little more comfortable,” said Diane Plourde, Executive Director of Victim Services and Koala Place. “We are probably in a better location for the bus routes and everyone knows the downtown area.”
Koala Place, which was previously located on Pitt St., offers wrap-around services to child and youth victims or witnesses of physical abuse, sexual abuse and maltreatment. The organization offers services and referrals while providing support to families who are navigating the system.
Working closely with the Children’s Aid Society, local police and Akwesasne Child and Family Services, children are always interviewed by plainclothes officers and can be accompanied by Joy, the facility’s support dog.
“When you are dealing with any victim, you really want to reduce anxiety,” said Plourde. “Sometimes just your environment can make a difference. So, we are hoping that this environment will be much more conducive to the work we do and Koala Place and it’s better for the client being served.”
Plourde is happy about the relocation as the new space houses a number of programs and organizations. CAS Youth Connect and Triple P parenting program, Victim Services and Koala Place now function under one roof. Victim Services was previously located on Rosemount Ave.
“Our goal is to do things differently and make sure we work in collaboration in more of a multidisciplinary team to support the families,” said Plourde.
“It’s really about a new way of approaching when children and youth are abused and it’s about working together…it’s less intrusive and maybe less anxiety producing; easier for parents to come here,” she added.
For more information, visit www.koalaplace.ca or call 613-935-5437.
