MEET TEAM Link II
Paw-tners in PositivityLink was bursting with excitement to start his new job at the Chinook Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CCYAC). As a program of the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre, the CCYAC supports children, youth, and their non-offending caregivers who have been impacted by child abuse as they moveโฏfrom the investigationโฏthroughโฏtoโฏthe criminal justice system.โฏย
Link has been spending a lot of time with the kids before their forensic interviews,โฏwhile they areโฏmeeting with Crown Prosecutors, and laying with them as they learn new grounding techniques to help them feel calm. His presence has a remarkable calming effect and children who arrive anxious or fearful often begin to smile, speak, or engage more easily after spending just a few minutes with him. We canโt wait to see him join the kids during their forensic interviews or court proceedings โ whether itโs at our Centre or the local courthouse.ย
Linkโs a social butterfly who loves to visit, but his favourite people to meet are the kids and youth who come to our Centre. Itโs so heartwarming to see their faces light up when Link enters the room with a happy tail, ready to spend time with them.ย
When he isnโt spending time with the kids, he happily attends various meetings with me, my colleagues, and other service providers. He never fails to bring a smile to peopleโs faces when his tail starts wagging as he naps under the table.ย
Link is truly my โpawโ-tner, and heโll follow me wherever I go โ even if Iโm just walking from my kitchen to my living room in the evenings. I couldnโt have asked for a better shadow. His goofy, calm personality makes every day a little brighter.ย
My workplace and I are so grateful to PADS and everyone who helped shape Link into who he is. He takes each day with a positive attitude, a willingness to listen, and an eagerness to learn and help. PADS has made it possible for us to make even easier what might be the hardest time in a childโs life, and for that, we cannot thank you enough. Itโs so deeply appreciated.ย
– Baylee, Link II’s Handler
