At their Walk Against Violence event at Memorial Park on Thursday, the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) announced a new name for the organization.

VIP will now be known as Envision Counselling and Support Centre to better represent the services that they offer. Envision will continue to support people affected by abuse and sexual assault through counselling and group support. Over the last three years programming has expanded to include Children Who Witness Violence and In-Home Support programs.

"Over the last several years, the Violence Intervention Program has grown to include new programming," said vice-president Michelle Gilchrist. The board also felt the word "intervention" was misleading as many of their programs focus on "prevention."

The board of directors and staff began a strategic planning process two years ago and out of the planning a decision was made to implement a needs assessment throughout southeast Saskatchewan to explore programming needs, gaps in service and evaluation of the present goals and objectives of the program.

In addition, an ad-hoc committee of the board members and staff was formed to revise the program's vision and mission statement and name. Executive director Patt Lenover-Adams said they are thrilled with the new name and the feedback they have been given is very positive.

The new mission statement reads, "We encourage and support healthy choices in individuals, families and communities by offering innovative programming and diverse counselling and support services." Envision's new vision statement reads, "We envision all individuals living in a happy, healthy environment."

Lenover-Adams also related that the priority of the program has not changed. Engaging and enriching children, youth, adults and families so they can live healthy successful lives is still the main objective of the program.

Envision Counselling and Support Centre will be promoting the new name and website (www.envisioncsc.com) over the next six months.