The Hearst-Kapuskasing-Smooth Rock Falls Counselling Services HKSCS is a francophone community organization that strives to help improve the mental health, wellness and safety of its clientele through quality care and services. The organization is incorporated as a charitable non-profit organization and governed by a board of directors made up of volunteers. In addition to providing services, the organization is an institution whose role also encompasses maintaining the French language, transmitting Francophone culture and fostering solidarity in the Franco-Ontarian minority.
The HKSCS offer, in both official languages, a variety of programs and services in mental health and support to victims of violence and critical incidents in the communities of Hornepayne, Hearst, Kapuskasing, Smooth Rock Falls, Cochrane and Moosonee.
Obtaining its funding mainly from the Province of Ontario, the organization must meet certain requirements in the management of funds and delivery of programs and services. The permanent and annual funding is obtained by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC), Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) and Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG).
The ancestor of HKSRF was established in 1980 under the name of Sensenbrenner Community Mental Health Services, a program administered by the Kapuskasing Sensenbrenner hospital, becoming in November 1988, the Hearst-Kapuskasing-Smooth Rock Falls Counselling Services. Finally, in 2003 the organization has officially confirmed its status as a francophone organization.
HKSCS began with the unique mandate to provide mental health services, until 1997 when the organization amalgamated the Habitat Interlude Program, that still has the mandate to support abused women and their children. In 2006, a Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Service have been added. The integration of these three programs under one roof and more in a francophone organization is unique in Ontario.
The staff of the organization includes 52 employees and 40 volunteers. Of this number, 32 staff members are divided into several teams of professionals in mental health and social work, and the majority of volunteers are involved in providing services to victims of violence and critical incidents.