Our Mission

Through the generosity of individuals, foundations and corporations we endeavour to provide a violence prevention program to all Canadian children.

History

The Rock Solid Foundation is a registered charity (#89138 2228 RR0001). The Rock Solid Foundation was started in 1997 by a group of law enforcement officials, Victoria Shamrocks and Canadian Rugby Players. There was a need for violence prevention programs in Victoria and Rock Solid was developed to fill the gap. Originally, police programs were developed for grades 6 to 12 however it became clear that the need for anti-violence education begins at kindergarten.

The WITS acronym was introduced by Judi Stevenson, Principal at Lampson Street School in 1993. The acronym became popular with teachers, counsellors and administrators because of its simplicity and appropriateness for young children. In 1997, Cpl. Tom Woods expressed an interest in using the WITS acronym as part of the Rock Solid anti-violence programs. Judi, Tom and a group of counsellors and teachers developed the original WITS Program for kindergarten to grade 3. Dr Bonnie Leadbeater, child psychologist at the University of Victoria, and her research team joined the group in 1998. Dr Leadbeater's studies have proven the WITS Program to be effective in lowering victimization rates.

Since its inception, the Rock Solid Foundation has spoken to over 750,000 young people and is growing constantly. In addition to the WITS Program, the Rock Solid Foundation is currently piloting the WITS LEADS Program for grades 4 to 6. This program is an extension of the WITS strategy with a problem-solving/leadership component. By September 2007 Rock Solid hopes to offer full kindergarten to grade 12 violence prevention and conflict resolution programs to our schools.

Youth and Community development has come hand in hand with school programs. In 2002, Rock Solid created The Trackside Art Gallery (the World's Largest Outdoor Youth Art Gallery) out of a former crime corridor along the railway on the Esquimalt/Vic West border. Formerly a waste dump where violence repeatedly occurred, the Trackside Art Gallery is lit in the evenings to aid in crime prevention.

Awards and Endorsements

American Psychological Foundation - First Place Award
for innovative approaches to violence prevention and intervention (2004).

Quality of Life Award - Community Council
for the Trackside Art Gallery (2004).

Quality of Life Award - Community Council
for the overall improvement of the quality of life in BC (2000).

Victoria West Community Association - Vision Award
for outstanding contribution to the positive vision of the Victoria West Community (2002).

Provincial Capital Commission - Greenways Community Leadership Award of Merit
to recognize efforts to initiate the West Side Rail Project (2001).

Ministry of Attorney General - Regional Crime Prevention Safety Award
for outstanding contribution towards crime prevention and community safety in British Columbia (1998).

British Columbia Youth Police Network Award
for outstanding contribution toward youth crime and violence prevention (1998).

Lt. Governor-General's Award
for outstanding contribution toward youth crime and violence prevention (1998).

CFAX 1070 Community Awards - Teamwork Award
in recognition of valuable combined contribution to an important community service (1998).

British Columbia Chiefs of Police Association
voted unanimously to endorse the Rock Solid Foundation.

Universtiy of Victoria - Presidents Distinguished Service Award

Team Award for Innovation (2011)

Mary Hall, Ph.D - Director of Safe School Manitoba

WITS Program Endorsement

Janet Walsh - President, Canadian Home and School Federation

WITS Program Endorsement

ACCOUNTABILITY

Rock Solid Foundation is committed to operating in a truly charitable manner by staying informed of Canada Revenue Agency rules and regulations and by keeping our administrative costs as low as possible in order to direct maximum funds to the WITS Programs. This ideal is reflected in our 2008/09 Audited Financial Statements which show an impressive 20:80 admin:program ratio.   
 
Click here to view the 2008/09 Audited Financial Statements.

Click here to view the 2009/10 Audited Financial Statements.

Click here to view the 2010/11 Audited Financial Statements.

Click here to view the 2011/12 Audited Financial Statements.