Who We Are

Victim Services Toronto provides trauma-informed support and advocacy in the moment for any person in Toronto who has experienced crime or sudden tragedy. We also work to prevent violence through community engagement.

Victim Services Toronto Logo

Our Vision

To create a thriving community where people are safe, supported and empowered.

Our Values

  • Survivorship - We honour the stories and struggles of those with lived experience, empowering them to uplift others.
  • Adaptive - We are continually listening, reviewing and innovating so we can be agile and embrace change to meet the community’s needs.
  • Presence - We will be there. We will show up. We will listen. We will not avoid difficult conversations. We will stand with you and acknowledge your pain.
  • Innovation - We are not satisfied until our clients are safe and their needs are met. We see gaps in the community as challenges to be creatively addressed by innovative programming.
  • Advocacy - No person or community exists in isolation. The community cannot thrive while its most vulnerable are struggling. We will continue to use our voices until communities among us are safe.
Mother and child

24 Hour Crisis Line:

(416) 808-7066

Have you been a victim of crime or sudden tragedy?
We are here to help.
Call our crisis line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Executive Officers

Paul Khawaja, Chair

President, OnX Enterprise Solutions

Jay Hutchison, Vice-Chair

Office Managing Partner GTA & Chief Development Officer, EY

Lorne Kalmar, Treasurer

Real Estate Associate, Equity Research Analyst, Desjardins

Lisa Street, Secretary

Vice President Human Resources, Loblaw Companies Ltd.

 

Directors

Surendra Shetty

Global Head, Business Technology Finance, ScotiaBank

Gerry McNeilly

Consultant: Alternative Dispute Resolution

Sunny Khaira

Labour/Employment Lawyer, Hicks Morley

Amanda Galbraith

Principal, Navigator

Paula Hodgins

VP, Worldwide Cloud Sales, VM Ware

Pamela Schott

Vice President, Procurement Integration, BMO Financial Group

Barbra Miller

Senior Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP

Brandon Marek

Managing Partner, Harlo Entertainment

 

Leadership

Photo of Carly Kalish

Carly Kalish

Executive Director

Carly is the recipient of the Toronto Police Services “Leading the Path Award,” Toronto Foundation’s “Vital People Grant,” and Attorney General’s “Victim Services Award” for her dedication to working with survivors of gender-based violence. Carly holds a Master of Social Work from the City University of New York. She attended the Non-profit Management Program at Harvard University.

Photo of Kiran Brar

Kiran Brar

Associate Executive Director

Joining Victim Services Toronto in 2009, Kiran now has over ten years of experience in the social services sector. She speaks five languages and holds a diploma in social work, a degree in Business Management, and specialized training in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and harm reduction. Kiran sits on various committees to implement an emergency response protocol.

Photo of Wendy Castanha

Wendy Castanha

Director of Finance

Wendy has extensive experience in the Education, Healthcare, Government, and Social Services sectors. She holds an MBA, is a certified CPA and holds a degree in Accounting Science.

Photo of Julie Moore

Julie Moore

Director, Crisis Response Program

Julie brings over 13 years of experience supporting individuals who have experienced crime, trauma and tragic circumstances. With extensive front line experience, she recognizes the importance of immediate support being available when tragedy or crisis happen. Julie is a member of several community committees that strive to provide seamless, timely and coordinated responses. She is committed to enhancing community partnerships to ensure that all individuals are able to access support barrier free.

Alyson Joseph

Program Director

Alyson has extensive front-line experience in various social services roles, and is passionate and intention in affecting lives through her many interactions. She now serves as Director of Neighbourhood Client Services, and leads Victim Services Toronto’s program, Exit Route, which focuses on gender-based violence, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault. Alyson holds a Social Service Worker Diploma from Centennial College and a BSW Honors Degree from York University.

Photo of Lindsay Upton

Lindsay Upton

Program Director

Lindsay joined Victim Services Toronto in 2007, and has extensive experience in crisis intervention, assisting clients navigate complex bureaucratic systems. Lindsay holds a degree in social work from Toronto Metropolitan University. She is an active volunteer and has served on numerous committees, public speaking engagements, and is dedicated to developing community partnerships and response protocols that challenge barriers experienced by vulnerable populations.

Photo of Tasmine Fraser

Tasmine Fraser

Manager of Community Programs and Projects

Tasmine develops and leads numerous projects and committees that enhance response strategies to cyberviolence, human trafficking and community outreach and management strategies. She supports the T.E.A.R.™ Program and Trauma Dog Program. Tasmine holds an Honours BA in Criminology from the University of Toronto and a SSW Diploma from Humber College. She is currently completing her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Windsor.

Photo of Jacqueline Thorsen

Jacqueline Thorsen

Manager of Students, Volunteers, and Compliance

Jacqueline uses her extensive experience in violence against women, addiction and mental health, child welfare and victim-facing work to support the communities that Victim Services Toronto serves. Jaqueline holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto and she fills educator roles, fostering inclusive and safe learning environments. Jaqueline brings this work to over 100 volunteers at Victim Services Toronto, mentoring the next generation of social workers.

 

Annual Reports

VST Annual Report 2022
VST Annual Report 2021
VST Annual Report 2020
VST Annual Report 2019

Will You Join Us?

Four ways to take action.