Doreen Young, executive director of Caledon/Dufferin Victim Services, was recently recipient of a national leadership grant from a PriceWaterhouse Coopers LLP (PwC) foundation.

The foundation selected 100 Canadian charity leaders, providing grants of up to $2,500. PwC understands that there is significant need in the charitable sector for funding of leadership and professional skills development. The charitable sector just does not have sufficient funds available to them for honing their professional skills.

Ms.Young, who provided early psychological intervention and care in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, last fall following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, will be attending the 32nd annual North American Victim Assistance Conference in Orlando, Florida.

The conference consistently attracts the most knowledgeable and experienced in the fields, enabling conference attendees to learn how to be better

victim advocates and allied professionals; all with the purpose of easing the pain of victimization and bringing to victims, a fair measure of justice and practical assistance. It is sure to provide advanced thinking and practice not just among victim services professionals but also those in law enforcement and the disaster assistance community.

It is a search for excellence in teaching, as the National Organization for Victims Assistance (NOVA) conferences often include those whose lessons have come from the worst possible experience - their own victimization.

The PwC Staff Selection Committee stated that "they are excited and inspired by the terrific work that Doreen Young and the organization performs in their community".

The committee expressed an interest in how the development program will contribute to the achievement of Ms. Young's personal leadership goals and to the advancement of the organization's goals.