Robert’s Story as told by Mona
Robert’s Story
Written by Sandra Trolian
Written by Sandra Trolian
Robert is my son who lives in Redonda
house now. He has a younger brother who
was very good to him when he was just a
baby and often liked to hold him. Robert
talked when he was three years old. But
when he started school, he was disruptive
and talked too much, so I taught him at
home. Then in Grade two there was a
special class set up with about four or five
other children. The parents started this in
Cranberry with Jean Pike who described
these children as “less than perfect sons.”
Then other parents were called to invite
them to bring their children to attend this
class. The parents would drive the
children to school at Dwight Hall and
volunteers worked there. That was the
beginning of inclusion Powell River.
My name is Robert and I was born here in
Powell River in 1948. I lived at home with
my parents and brother, Gary. He is really
good to me. I went to Brooks School for a
while as well as Henderson, J.P. Dallas
and lots of other schools, but I think the
teachers had trouble with me. They used
to call me a “spoiled brat.” So my mom
did some home schooling so I could learn
to read. I read a lot and I really like to read.
I'd like to go to university, if it would work
out.
Gerry Gray was there for probably 45
years. We used to have raffles and such to
raise money for the center. Gerry used to
work at the newspaper and would
advertise the group as the Society for the
Handicapped.
Then Robert went to Ladner to the farm
training program when he was 13 years
old. He worked hard at picking beans, but
he didn’t like it. He then lived at home with
us until a group home was ready for him.
Robert likes to read. When he visits me he
always looks through my books to see if I
have read what he has given me to read.
He knows my birthday and remembers it
every year. He comes to Kiwanis Manor
on Wednesdays to have a visit and have
dinner with me. I think he knows
everybody’s name here.
After high school, I left home to the
mainland for some help with my
disabilities, but I didn't like it there very
much, and then I went to a farm to work. I
didn't like this very much, and came back
to Powell River to live in a group home. I
can't live on my own. I was 45 years old
then. I lived at Joyce house first and then
Redonda with three other people.
I used to work at Walmart for about two
years as a greeter and I met Rick there. He
still comes by for visits once in a while.
I go to my mom's place in Kiwanis for
dinner every Wednesday and I know a lot
of people there, too. I like people and can
remember their names really well. I get
spoiled there because they often give me
extra desserts which I love! I also like to
use their library to borrow books.
I have lived in Redonda for years. I like it
here very much. Sometimes, I help in the
kitchen because I like eating. I also help
with the recycling. Sometimes, I go out for
dinners or for drives all over town. I pretty
much have my own life. I really like the
staff here because they are so friendly.
THE PEOPLE WE SERVE: INDIVIDUALS...FAMILIES...CHILDREN
Child and Family
Services
Residential Options
Community
for Adults/Children Inclusion Services
Infant Development
Program
Home Sharing
Community Life Program
Early Intervention and
School Aged Therapy
Supported Apartments
 Respite
Personal Networks /
Community Connector
Group Homes
Powell River Community
Preschool
Special Resources
 Chilco Residence
Community Inclusion

Home Support

Groups

1:1 Supports
Employment Services
Skills Link
Better at Home
 Golden Residence
 Joyce Residence
Supported Child
Development Program
 McGuffie
Residence
 Nootka Residence
Family Support (0-19)
 Redonda
Residence
Just for the Fun of It!
 Saanich Residence
FASD/CDBC Key Worker
Services
Staff
Program Managers / Co-Ordinators
Directors and Administration Team
Executive Director
Board of Directors
Inclusion Powell River Members and Friends
1
Cover Page
2
Mona and Robert’s Stories
3
Organizational Chart
4
Contents
5-6
Report from our Executive Director & our Board President
7-11
Child & Family Services
12
Residential Services
13
Community Inclusion
14
Self Advocates
15
Community Connector
16
Employment Services
17
Skills Link & Better at Home
18
Home Sharing
19-21
Human Resources
22-26
Performance Report
27
Financial Overview
4
Our name has changed many times over
the years and was originally the Powell
River Society for the Handicapped. In
1955, we were a founding member of the
BC Association for the Mentally Retarded.
Each name change reflects the changing
attitudes and best practices of the time
and indicates an organization that always
strives to be the best it can be.
The results of our annual staff survey
show 7% improvement in staff morale and
job satisfaction. We are pleased with the
steady improvement, as we know that
happier staff results in improvements to
service quality. Thank you to our hard
working and conscientious employees for
their contribution to the organization’s
success.
Lilla Tipton, Executive Director
Annually, we ask the people we serve how
we are doing. Child and Family Services
results show 100% satisfaction and Adult
Services results show an average of 83%
satisfaction. In addition, we measure
effectiveness and efficiency and these
results make up our performance report.
We use these results to develop an action
plan to improve the outcomes for the
people we serve, under the categories of
emotional well-being, material well-being,
inter-personal relations, personal
development, social inclusion, selfdetermination and rights.
Bruce Anderson, Board President Inclusion Powell River is pleased to
celebrate 60 years of providing advocacy
and support services to people with
developmental disabilities. Our society
was incorporated in June 1954, after a
number of families decided that they
would like to work together to put in place
a school and supports for their children.
Unlike today, children with developmental
disabilities were not welcomed into our
public schools. Thus families who were
passionate about keeping their children in
the community, not wanting to send them
away to institutional care, had no services
of any kind in their home community.
5
Surprisingly, our poorest results, were in
the area of social inclusion. This was also
true for all agencies that did the Quality of
Life Survey across the province. In
response, we partnered with three lower
mainland agencies and received a grant
from the McConnell Foundation, along
with support from CLBC, to hire a
……………..6
…….Con’t community connector. Our connectors
are taking a new approach to ensure that
individuals with diverse-abilities have
meaningful relationships and are well
connected into the community. The
connector introduces individuals to others
in community and assists them to develop
reciprocal, sustainable relationships. It is
exciting to see her success in using the
Asset Based Community Development
method of practice to improve the lives of
the individuals we support. This method
is not new to the agency and was
originally brought to the community
through the work of John McKnight in the
80’s. The early work laid a wonderful
foundation for us to build on.
However, we know that we are very
challenged to maintain past levels of
connection with clients and community.
This makes it more challenging to
maintain a positive atmosphere in our
workplace as everyone is so stretched.
Eighty eight percent of our funding is
allocated to wages, benefits and staff
training, leaving 12% for program
supplies, food, utilities, maintenance and
professional fees. These changes are
hard for all of us to accept as we worry
that our clients are not getting their needs
met.
Our dedicated Board of Directors
continues to work with our company,
PRISE (Powell River Innovation and Social
Enterprise), to increase our revenues, to
maintain and furnish our group homes and
other buildings, and replace and maintain
our vehicles. We are grateful for the many
hours they contribute to govern the
society. In addition, thank you to our
members for your continued interest, to
the community for its ongoing support
and to the self-advocates, families and
their children for your support.
Last year, we won a contract with United
Way to deliver the Better at Home program
for seniors and began providing support
services to seniors at the beginning of
April this year. This allows seniors to stay
longer in their own homes because they
get help with transportation for shopping
and doctor’s visits, some basic
housekeeping and yard care, as well as
friendly visitors. The majority of supports
are provided by a group of volunteers in
conjunction with some contracted
services. The Program Manager is
assisted by a wonderfully generous,
volunteer advisory committee. We are
pleased that there is strong indication of
ongoing funding for this program.
Respectfully submitted by Lilla Tipton, Executive Director
and Bruce Anderson, President of the inclusion Powell
River Board of Directors and the Powell River Innovation
and Social Enterprise Board of Directors.
Due to government not funding the
collective agreement, we had to reduce
our administrative team again this year.
There is a general belief that cutting
administration does not impact the clients.
6
The Infant Development Program worked hard this past year ensuring other professionals
and families with new babies are aware of the services we provide, and educating them
about the importance of early intervention with developmentally delayed children. Last
year, In partnership with Powell River Child Youth and Family Services Society and Family
Place, we offered two Mother Goose programs that were very well attended. We also hosted
two Sign With Your Baby sessions at the Jean Pike Centre and continue to offer the Roots
of Empathy program in two kindergarten classes at Westview Elementary School. We do a
weekly playgroup on Wednesday mornings, at the Jean Pike Centre, for families that are
registered in our program. In addition, we worked with our community partners to support
the Ages and Stages event at the community recreation complex, including provided
questionnaire training
Playgroup Roots of Empathy Our team attends ongoing training, ensuring that we are up to date with the best practices
in our field. We attended assessment tool training with a new tool called DAY-C 2, which
helps us ensure we are doing the best assessment process possible. We switched, along
with the whole region, from the older Gessel tool. In addition, staff attended the UBC
Summer Institute course on Prematurity and Attachment. We share our learning with the
whole Child and Family Services team, ensuring that all of our staff is knowledgeable
about best practices.
7
Our Supported Child Development team supports many children and families within
local childcare centres and preschools. They host a weekly Kids Kreate afterschool
program for children ages six to twelve. The group is well attended and children
practice social, play, and life skills. Kids Kreate also ran a summer program this
year one day a week for three and a half hours. The children had the opportunity to
go out into the community and do a variety of summer activities. The Supported
Child Development program also hosted a Preschool Summer Enrichment Program
for three days a week at the Jean Pike Center. Staff attended the DAY- C 2
Assessment training in Vancouver and plan to use this tool with the families they
support. This year in Powell River, Co-Ordinators facilitated the “Best ChoicesEthics Training” that was attended by the Supported Child Development Team.
These services continue to be a valuable service in our community that encourages
the inclusion of all children.
Our Occupational Therapy services assist a large number of families in our community.
We support both preschool and school age children in need of service. We provided
community and parent education sessions focusing on food and behaviour. These
“Food for Thought” workshops will continue to be offered in the community. During the
last year, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (F.A.S.D.) staff cohosted a five week parent
group focusing on practicing the principles taught in the Food for Thought workshops.
Our physiotherapist continues to assist many families at home and at the Jean Pike
Centre, besides working with therapeutic riding, which makes a marked difference in the
physical wellbeing of many children in a fun and educational way.
8
The Family Support Program is a community-based program offering one to one child
and youth support and group activities. This service is goal focused, encouraging skill
development and independence that fit with the plans developed with youth and their
families. We also help families and youth plan for their future needs for the transition to
adulthood.
Group and peer activities are encouraged to build positive interactions amongst the
children and youth. Group activities have been initiated by offering Spring Break camps
and social skills groups.
Our goal is to enable families to make the best use of their own community resources.
This program is funded by the Ministry of Children and Family Development and referrals
are made through the Children and Youth with Special Needs (CYSN) Social Worker.
From July 7 to August 15, 2014 “The Just For The Fun Of It” summer camps were once
again offered this year to two age groups, 6-12 years and 13-18 years, from July 7 to
August 15 2014.
We planned activities around themes including Nature Week, Science Week, Water Week,
Build an Adventure Week, Flying Week and Health and Fitness Week.
We collaborated with the Recreation Complex camps for the younger group in
community activities.
The older group participated in the Outdoor Learning camp at Haywire Bay, that brought
many different experiences for the youth, such as canoeing.
The camps were a lot of fun for the children and youth, providing them with opportunities
to experience different activities in their community.
9
The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder/ Complex Developmental Behavioural Conditions
Key Worker program has received many referrals over the last several years. The
number of families receiving services is growing. The Key Worker hosts many parent
groups throughout the year, providing families the opportunity to connect and support
each other. This past year, the Key worker group hosted two youth programs focused
on self-esteem and nutrition. The Key worker sits on the Powell River FASD Steering
committee that brings FASD and FASD Prevention education to the public. This year,
the Key Worker met with the City of Powell River to discuss passing a by-law requiring
that local establishments selling alcohol post warning signs about the dangers of
drinking during pregnancy. FASD Awareness Day 2014, brought Rita Marshall, from
the SOAR program, to discuss supporting women who may have FASD, or are at risk
of having a baby with FASD. Forty people attended the event.
Every year inclusion Powell River’s Children Services helps host the Ages and Stages
event with other groups in the community. The event gives parents of young children
the opportunity to learn about development and activities to encourage development.
Parents travel to various rooms at the Powell River Complex where they fill out the
different sections of the Ages and Stages questionnaire. The event has been running for
many years now and we look forward to our continued involvement in the annual event.
10
POWELL RIVER COMMUNITY
PRESCHOOL
The Powell River Community
Preschool is proud to have servied
the community for over thirty
years. Our friendly and
knowledgeable team have helped
countless children make their first
tentative steps into the world of
education. We continue to nurture,
stimulate, and feed the imagination of
young people. We are dedicated to
creating a safe and secure
environment in order to teach each
unique child through play and
discovery.
Our preschool is licensed with the
Child Care Licensing Branch of BC to
offer programming for children from
30 months to five years. We operate
our program at the Jean Pike Centre,
where we have two dedicated play
spaces for all our program activities
and a large playground for outdoor
activities.
11
During this past year, April
2013 to September 2014, our
seven homes were more stable
then in the past. However,
there was some change.
We have been able to offer
respite to several individuals
and families, as well as crisis
support and / or in medical
situations. In April, one of the
people accessing respite was
able to permanently move in,
making a total of 26 adults
living in our residences.
Generally, we have an aging
population and with that
comes more serious and
frequent health issues. Our
staffs are continually learning
new skills, so that people can
continue to age in their homes.
We are excited to be able to
replace one of our older
residences with a new fully
accessible home. Plans are
completed and the sod should
be turned this fall.
Throughout the year we
celebrate holidays and special
occasions and always
welcome family and friends to
join us. Check our website for
events throughout the year at
www.inclusionpr.ca
12
Contributed by Lynn Roberts
The Community Inclusion program
continues to provide a wide range of
supports based on people’s wishes,
goals and dreams. Many require
increasing medical support as they age
or experience health crises. Twelve Self
Advocates Group members attended
the inclusion BC AGM again this year
with dollars fundraised from the annual
Yard Cart Raffle and hot dog sales.
They continue to hold monthly
meetings and welcome new members.
The Tuesday evening Friends and
Company drop-in is very popular. The
mainstays are various games, both on
and off computer, as well as dances
and monthly birthday celebrations. The
Cook Club and Gamers’ group ended to
make way for new activities and events.
The yearly camping trip to Haywire Bay
was successful and Operation
Highjump was another popular event. A
special thank you to staff that go above
and beyond to provide opportunities for
people to be fully involved in the
community. It has been a very eventful
year and we look forward to another
twelve months of providing the best
support for our clients
The Community Inclusion Program has
had many highs and lows over the past
year of delivery of service to our forty
clients. Some are now temporary, but we
are advocating for long-term funding for
them from Community Living B.C. One
client passed away and another moved out
of town to live closer to her family. One
person was supported to move to
Kelowna, to receive more specialized
services, while another achieved his goal
of moving to Vancouver Island with the
assistance of Community Inclusion staff.
Two clients welcomed new babies to their
families. Two others fulfilled their dream
of an Alaskan cruise. Three new clients
have joined the program this year.
13
Contributed by Dave Percey
will be advertised on social media.
Other self-advocates group activities
throughout the year were two hot dog
sales at Quality Foods, a two day
camping trip, a Courtenay Christmas
shopping trip, a swimming get together
at Powell Lake, the Powell River Home
and Garden Show, Sea Fair, the United
Way Kick Off, Beer on the Pier, Cops for
Cancer and the Purdy’s Chocolates
fundraisers at Easter and Christmas. We
discussed educational workshops, but
in the end decided against them, due to
the cost being much higher than the
interest.
2013/2014 was a year of many
changes, discussions and decisions.
Nonetheless, the group has had a
successful year. Twelve self-advocates
attended the annual Inclusion BC
conference in Nanaimo this year with
six staff, including one-on-one
workers.
The group spent the beginning of the
year working on the annual Yard Cart
fundraiser which unfortunately brought
in only about 70% of the potential
funds. This five month long Yard Cart
fundraiser, requiring many steps by
numerous people and transporting the
cart to sale locations, has proven too
difficult. As such, it consistently
amounts to more than four hours
weekly from the advisor, which is not
sustainable. Therefore, the selfadvocates decided to try a new
fundraiser beginning after Festival of
Trees. It will be a ticket raffle, requiring
a class B license with one grand prize
consisting of a $350 ferry pass, a $200
gas card and one $150 grocery card,
from each major store. It should be
less labour-intensive, being designed
to bring in almost twice the funds,
while also debit/credit accessible. It
The penny drive did not happen in 2013,
but will happen in 2014, and has been
converted into a coin drive starting in
October. The proceeds will once again
be a hamper donated to a family in
need.
The group is also starting another new
fundraiser, called the “cookie dough
fundraiser,” sponsored by Sun Coast
Cookies. This fund-raiser will run about
seven weeks from mid-September
through the first week of November.
Pending the results, it may become
annual or even bi-annual event.
The Powell River Self Advocates group
welcomed a new member who moved
here from London, England!
Contributed by Christine Townley
14
The people we
support in services
are often socially
isolated. This is
shown by surveys and
quality of life indices,
particularly for
persons with
developmental disabilities. At the same time, there
is considerable research showing that social
relationships are critical to our physical, mental and
economic wellbeing. Our goal is facilitating
connections that will develop into friendships and
meaningful relationships.
the connections are made. I am intentional about
what I do and as an offshoot of my work, the
connections I make may not be just between
people we support and the community.
Furthermore, it’s not always about making a lifelong friendship between two parties. It’s more
about decreasing isolation, providing new
experiences, watching the scenario unfold, and
hitting the repeat button until you get it right.
Thus far, our connections include getting a
young man involved with the Cycling
Association. Another young man was introduced
to a hiking group. A young lady spent consistent
time at a local church, eventually leading her to
take the initiative by seeking employment on her
own. Another gentleman was connected to the
potato co-op at the community resource center.
A third has been connected to the local radio
station and some DJ type jobs. Others have had
enjoyable new experiences, such as: getting out
to church, trying out the self-advocates group,
checking out inclusion Powell River’s Drop In,
attending the Community Resource Centre,
visiting the library, inviting friends to a movie,
being introduced to others, volunteering at
various public events and just getting out in the
fresh air. This last believe it or not, proves very
difficult for some for a host of reasons.
We use the Asset-Based Community Development
(ABCD) framework created by John McKnight and
Jody Kretzmann at Northwestern University. This
method focuses on the gifts or assets that are
inherent in every person and neighbourhood.
The social services system often sees people in
terms of the things they “need” while ignoring all
the great things they have to offer. Our work in
building both relationships and community is based
on everyone’s gifts, passions and skills. We work
in neighbourhoods searching for places of
hospitality and looking for ways to support people
in sharing their gifts with others.
Inclusion Powell River is part of the Building Caring
Community initiative. We’ve learned that this
position requires a large commitment to community
involvement and is a gradual process. The
connector’s role is getting involved in the
community and finding opportunities to bring
people together in friendship and support, where
they have things in common that can create
reciprocal relationships.
A connector’s personality is their best tool. They
need to approach others with a healthy abandon:
getting of the comfort zone and thinking outside the
box! Introductions and invitations are important
but the community component is by far the largest
piece. As a connector. I spend a lot of time
LISTENING to people’s stories to discover their
gifts, strengths and interests. These gifts get filed
into a “human library,” of sorts, to be accessed
when needed. I strive to be welcoming, nonjudgmental and trustworthy in order to open doors
for people with diverse-abilities, and to one day say
“Do you mind if ______ comes along?” This is how
As community connector, I became involved with
the following community organizations:
Community Resource Center, Sea Fair, Townsite
Brewing, VIU, Groundswell, RCMP, Sun FM,
United Way, the Powell River Peak, Sliammon
Nation, MCFD, PRCYF, Career Link, Powell River
Mobility Opportunities Society, the Chamber of
Commerce, Powell River Division of Family
Practice, SPCA, CLBC and The Compassion
Club. If you would like to invite me to your
organization you can connect with me at
[email protected]. I look forward to meeting
you.
Contributed by Christine Townley
15
GORD Employment Services have now been in
their new location, 4493A Marine Ave., for
over a year now and staff are feeling more
settled alongside their counterparts, at the
Model Community Project. As mentioned in
last year’s report, the merging of offices has
created a “One-Stop-Shop” for people with
diverse-abilities needing supports to find
employment.
CRYSTAL in some capacity, from Discovery to Job
maintenance. Staff is continually learning
the reporting system of the EPBC Integrated
Case Management [ICM]) and attending
weekly training at Career Link as well as
learning the new Sharevision system of
InclusionPR. Staff is in community building
relationships with new businesses and
supporting existing employers and coworkers
of job seekers placed in employment
positions. We have had 22 new work
placements since our last annual report.
Employment Services runs two streams of
service. Client referral is through CLBC,
while the other is a subcontract with
Careerlink through the Employment
Program of British Columbia. With our
collaborative working group consisting of
CLBC, Career Link, and inclusionPR’s
Employment Services, we provide a quicker
intake process as well as the right supports
for clients to find and keep their
employment. We are one of the lucky
employment agencies in the province to be
able to work with both systems.
Employment Services was invited by the
EPBC/CLBC provincial working group to
present the working collaboration between
the two systems as we, uniquely in the
province, use both systems.
EPBC announced that September is
“Disability Employment Month” and we
worked with Career Link hosting a
complimentary Employer Breakfast educating
employers on the benefits of hiring people
with disabilities. Local employers were our
guest speakers. The breakfast was held on
September 24th.
ES staff should be commended on their
performance this past year. Each staff
member did exceptional work, individually
and as a team. With the dedication of staff
and the willingness to move forward,
inclusion Powell River Employment Services
remains a leader among its provincial peers.
Staff has had a busy year with the intake of
new clients into the program. The service is
at its highest capacity since it began in
1988; forty-nine job seekers use the service
Contributed by Connie Polman Tuin
16
The work placements offered local
employers the opportunity to employ a
participant for up to 8 weeks at 30 hours per
week. The Wired 4 Success program paid
the participant’ wages and WorkSafe BC
costs and provided any job support
required.
The Skills Link Program is part of the
Government of Canada’s Youth Employment
Strategy. This program assists youth to
overcome barriers to employment and develop a
broad range of skills and knowledge to
participate in the workplace.
Last fall, inclusion Powell River, with our partner
Hollyburn Family Services, was able to deliver
the program Wired 4 Success in the Powell River
area. Seven local youth participants applied to
the program. They agreed to participate in a
sixteen week paid program consisting of four
weeks classroom training, two months of work
placements and four weeks of additional
trainings and job search activities.
The youth attending this program acquired
skills and work experience to list on their
resumes. They connected with mentors and
leaders within our community who assisted
them in exploring career paths and gaining
the knowledge that will lead to success in
the work force. Four of the youth
participants completed the Wired 4 Success
program and gained employment in the
community.
Classroom studies involved employment based
activities including: career planning,
networking, job research, resumes, and interview
skills. Other areas of study consisted of learning
styles, self-esteem building, assertiveness
training, goal setting . Practical matters such as
first aid, WHMIS, FoodSafe, nutrition and
financial skills were also incorporated.
The second offering of the Wired 4 Success
program will occur this October, providing
youth with barriers to employment increased
opportunities for success in the workplace.
provide the Better at Home services.
These services are non-medical and are
designed to complement existing
support services in the community.
There is no cost for some services –
others are provided on a sliding scale
according to income. Volunteers are
crucial to the success of the Better at
Home program. Currently there are 12
volunteers delivering services to
seniors and we welcome new volunteers
to join our network!
Better at Home is a new program
designed to help seniors remain
independent at home.
This program is funded by the
Government of British Columbia and
managed by the United Way of the Lower
Mainland. Inclusion Powell River
received the contract to deliver the
Better at Home services in our
community.
Services such as transportation to
appointments, friendly visiting, grocery
shopping, housekeeping, yard work, and
minor home repairs are available to all
seniors 65 years and older, regardless of
income and living situation.
A Better at Home Advisory Committee
of local key stakeholders guide and
advise on program development and
service delivery. This fall the program
will expand to include all seniors from
Lund to Saltery Bay including Texada
Island.
Seniors can contact the program to
request services or be referred by
others. Currently there are 28 seniors
registered for services and the numbers
increase weekly.
Volunteers, paid staff and contractors
The Better at Home program assists
seniors to remain in their homes which
supports diverse, inclusive and vibrant
neighbourhoods for everyone.
17
Contributed by Lisa Daniels
Inclusion Powell River Society is excited to
include HomeSharing as part of their
Residential Services program. The
HomeShare program has seen many
changes this year. Two of our HomeShare
clients moved into local health care facilities.
We were also able to provide two short term
homes for people with complex requirements
who have moved to specialized facilities in
other communities. We currently support 18
individuals in a variety of HomeSharing
models, which are funded through CLBC and
the Brain Injury Society. The contractors in
our program are caring, skilled, and keep the
best interest of the individuals they support
at heart.
This year, with their HomeShare families,
individuals visited friends in other
communities; traveled to California; enjoyed
camping trips; spent time on Powell Lake;
met a new friend while dress shopping in
Vancouver; enjoyed Birthday parties with
friends, including an 80th year celebration;
and have had many other exciting
adventures.
If you are interested in sharing your home or
would like more information about the
program please check out our web site at
www.inclusionpr.ca or contact
[email protected]
18
Contributed by Dale Noseworthy
OUR DEDICATED &VALUED EMPLOYEES ARE THE HEART & SOUL OF
INCLUSION POWELL RIVER SOCIETY
At the Annual inclusion Powell River Staff & Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on May 30,
2014, we recognized 27employees for long term service and 13 volunteers for
contributing their own time. The event was held at Community Living Place, in the
evening, with dinner provided by the Laughing Oyster and door prizes given away. This
year employees nominated one of their peers to receive a recognition award for
employee excellence.
5 YEARS OF SERVICE
Laura Kew, Heather McCullough, Kim Rolland
missing are: Kim Street, Melissa Cain, Mark Shoreman,
Brady Brown, Lee Illing & Cheryl Yungen
15 YEARS OF SERVICE
Brenda Trowsdale, Lee Hauser, Bernie Vecsey
missing is: Dave Harmer
10 YEARS OF SERVICE
Jeanie Fuller, Daniela D’Onofrio, Allison Wilson,
Wanda Shortridge, Kathren Knight, Lori Hansen
missing are: Lis Jensen & John De Gorter
PEER RECOGNITION AWARD
Lori Hansen
20 YEARS OF SERVICE Shirley Gunther, Nancy Mitchell & Dale Noseworthy 35 YEARS OF SERVICE
Juliet Potter receives her award
from inclusion Powell River Executive Director,
Lilla Tipton
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25 YEARS OF SERVICE
Connie Polman Tuin
missing is Antonette Valente
VOLUNTEERS Tracy Bjelica, Megan Brouwer, Susan Butler, Harvey Chometsky, Joan Ga , Jan Hilton, Pat Hull, Georgia MacLennan, Shehzad Somji, Roy Stover, Sandra Trolian, Jody Turner, Theresa Verdiel The Staff Survey Results
Point to 4 Key Recommendations for Improvement
1. Supervisors to address the impacts of staffing decisions within the work unit.
Residential Managers will participate in the hiring process.
2. Executive Director and Director of Human Resources to attend staff meetings
periodically. A schedule will be built for the fall 2014.
3. Introduce employee recognition award at Employee and Volunteer Recognition
Dinner.
4. Continue to highlight service excellence as a driver for improved morale.
Training
Last year residential program staff
underwent training to increase their
service delivery, teamwork, leadership
and communication skills To enable
the Program Managers to uphold those
lessons learned, they will also train in
conflict resolution and employee
management.
This training will be provided by Emma
Van Der Klift and a representative from
the Community Social Services Employers
Association of BC (CSSEA).
20
HOPE
In 2013-14, the HOPE Committee focused on introducing physical activities to PRACL
staff, including two walking challenges.
In June 2014, the HOPE Committee hosted the Big Red
Bike Ride in Powell River for the Heart and Stroke
Foundation.
Over $1247.00 was raised by riders.
Health & Safety
The Joint Health and Safety Committee is made up of union-appointed staff and
management representatives consulting in a cooperative spirit to identify and resolve
health and safety problems to support the planned Occupational and Client Health &
Safety Program. Their responsibility is recommending changes to inclusion Powell River’s
Health and Safety practices. Inclusion Powell River is responsible for considering and
implementing these recommendations.
Contributed by Alex Bjelica
21
Successes & Key Actions Taken Based on Last Year’s Feedback and Action Plans
1. Each Adult Services residence and program has targeted a specific month to host their council meetings rather than setting a specific
date recongnizing that guests need to plan closer to the date.
2. Program Managers have made great strides in ensuring individual support plans are up to date for the adults they serve. Additionally
goals for all clients have been reviewed this year and written in the SMART goal format. Managers will enter data on Person Centered
Plans in a timely manner.
3. Each of the Child and Family Services Programs is using a unique method to reach families in an effort to increase the response rate
to their surveys and get more meaningful feedback. This is working well.
4. Program Managers are supporting their employees to review client goals regularly and report on progress as it occurs. Our new
information management system (Sharevision) is designed to improve the accuracy of reports on goal progress.
5. All individuals living in licensed group homes, who have been identified as at risk in the community when on their own, have a Safety
in Community – Risk Management Plan in place.
6. The agency has worked to provide personal networks for individuals interested in that process. We have 2 volunteers facilitating 2
networks for 2 individuals but have been unsuccessful in finding volunteer facilitators for the majority of people. We have hired a
community connector and are taking a different approach to ensuring that individuals with diverse-abilities have meaningful
relationships and are well connected into the community. The connector is introducing individuals to others in community and
assisting them to develop reciprocal relationships that are sustainable. We are excited to watch her success in using the ABCD
method of practice.
7. Better at Home is a new program being coordinated by InclusionPR. The objective is to provide supports to seniors to enable them to
live longer in the own residence and the services are provided by a volunteers. Currently we have 15 volunteers and 23 seniors
receiving support.
8. Adult Residential Services is focusing on social connection and community inclusion for their effectiveness measure. The
measurement is that every client in residential services will have a social connection goal. We have social goals in place for every
resident.
9. Inclusion Powell River through its Employment Services program has completed a position paper in partnership with School District
#47 which has been presented to various Provincial ministries and other funders recommending the implementation of a new
curriculum to address the educational requirement of high school students with challenges. This recommendation is a follow-up to a
pilot Wired for Success that was undertaken in 2012 which proved very successful. The objective is to provide young adults with the
skills and opportunities to live more independently upon graduation.
10. Employment Services is a member of a number of provincial working groups that are exploring alternative methods of creating
employment opportunities for the people we service, such as the BC CEO Network Employment Services Working Group as well we
have joined with CBI (Communication Behavior Instruction) in their Self-Determination project for youth. We have also expanded
the services provided under the Employment Program of BC to provide a broader base of supports for our clients. InclusionPR
works collaboratively with Model Community Project, sharing resources and providing services to the community.
11. In addition to the usual required training to provide support clients our Program Managers have attended training called Thriving in
Community sponsored by CLBC which has increased their knowledge of available resources and confidence in their decision
making around client health and safety. We have also successfully completed team building and customer service training with
every team in adult services. Children’s’ services attended MANDT training together as a team building exercise. We have also
begun the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) training with the Communication Behavior Instruction Co. As a result of the PBS
training critical incidents have decreased significantly. There will be a continuing focus to build conflict resolution; team building
and performance management skill sets in the program management team in 2014-15.
12. The Director of Human Resources implemented employee focus groups in 2013 to increase the agencies understanding of what is
needed to improve based on the feedback from the staff survey.
13. The agency has implemented two General Staff meetings per year to share important agency information with our employees and to
get feedback from them that will help us with continually improving our services. All Directors attend these meetings. Up to 40
employees have attended these meetings.
Key Plans for Further Improvements for 2014-15 (See individual program reports for specific action plans)
1. Supported Child Development to increase its Summer Enrichment program, for children 3-5 years of age, from 4-6 weeks.
2. Supported Child Development will add content to their website page once per month.
3. Infant Development Programme and other Child and Family services programs will meet to do case reviews once per month.
4. Will use new methods to increase response to family survey to 25%.
5. Early Intervention Occupational Therapist will ask for feedback after each training session.
6. Early Intervention Physiotherapist will change service access measurement to gather more meaningful data.
7. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder /Complex Developmental Behavior Conditions program will adjust their service access target
to spend 70% of time on direct services with families; 15% of time on community building and 15% of time on support
services.
8. Family Support Services will adjust their target for efficiency which is that 80% of the children served will be involved in peer
group activities that support skill development.
9. Community Living Place day program for adults will improve service by reviewing each client’s S.M.A.R.T. goals quarterly or
as frequently as the individual requires a review.
10. Community Living Place day program to coach staff to seek feedback from clients and families as a great opportunity to
improve services.
11. Community Inclusion & Supported Living Program Manager will review client goals with staff at regular check-ins to ensure
that goals continue to be meaningful to the client and to monitor progress.
12. Employment Services Program will ensure that all new clients have completed the Discovery Process.
13. Employment Services Program will set a target and tracking system for transfer of clients from paid support to natural
supports within their worksites.
14. Employment Services will consider ways to increase opportunities for client feedback.
15. Employment Services will use client and stakeholder feedback to improve services.
16. HomeShare Program will set up at least one training opportunity for individuals and families offering HomeShare to our
clients.
17. HomeShare Program Manager has set a new efficiency target to measure the time required to complete paperwork and
orientate new contractors.
18. HomeShare Program Manager will set a target for the number of resources to maintain for the program.
19. Residential Services experiences considerable disruption to services due to staff changes. We want to improve the stability of
staff in order to improve quality of service to clients. HR to assist to figure out what and how to measure this.
Supported Child Dev. Infant Develop. Occupa onal Therapy Physiotherapy Family Support Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Summary of Child and Family Services Performance Outcomes for 2013‐14 66% 92% 90% 94% 87% 2013‐14 79% 90% 100% 95% 100% 2012‐13 n/a 74% 82% 100% 87% 96% 90% 75% 80% 80% 90% 90% Tar‐
get 72% 72% 81% 67% 62% 87% 2013‐14 75% 81% 80% 66% 63% 88% 2012‐13 Direct 64% 67% Direct 81% Direct 71% 57% 83% 2011‐12 50% 35% 75% 60% 60% 80% Target 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 2013‐14 100% No data 100% 86% 93% 97% 2012‐13 No data 91% 100% 83% 100% 75% 2011‐12 75% 75% 75% 75% 75% 75% Target Sa sfac on 89% Eﬃciency 95% Eﬀec veness 2011‐12 These programs are highly eﬀec ve, eﬃcient and the families are sa sfied with the services. Summary of Adult Services Performance Outcomes for 2013‐14 These programs are highly eﬀec ve, eﬃcient and the families are sa sfied with the services. 76% 62% Now Sup‐
100% 100% 100% 83% 76% 80% 100% 88% 2012‐ 75% 63% 92% 80% 100% 100% 2011‐ 90% 75% 90% 75% 75% 90% 100% Target 88% Now Sup‐
No Data 88% Now Sup‐
18% 18% 2013‐ 46% 48% 100% Changed indicator 78% 78% 23% 6% 2012‐ 46% 47% 33% 7% 2% 11% 6% 0% 2011‐ 80% 50% 90% 80% 5% 2/80% 15/80
30% 3/8% Target 67% 75% 127% Now Sup‐
100% 83% Now Sup‐
67% 100% 2013‐ N/A 75% 96% 90% 89% 90% 90% No 100% 2012‐ N/A 77% 100% 100% 97% 89% 77% 64% 78% 2011‐ 75% 75% 75% 75% 75% 75% 75% 75% 75% Target Sa sfac on Now Sup‐
100% 50.1% N/A Eﬃciency 100% 100% N/A Eﬀec veness 83% 97% 88% 2013‐ 100% 75% CLP 100% N/A Community N/A Supported Group Employment ABI Homeshare Residen al FSLC 63% Last July, we found out that the 3% increase to our unionized employees wages , starting April 1,
2014, was not going to be funded by government. We developed a plan to reduce our expenses by
eliminating two administrative positions starting in October 2014 and made a conscious effort to keep
other costs contained.
During this last fiscal year, total revenue and expenses were almost the same as the previous year.
After our asset depreciation we ended with a $25,551 loss for the fiscal year.
After year end, we made a significant purchase of a new 16 passenger bus that can convert to six WC
passengers with a remaining six seats left for ambulatory passengers. This beautiful new bus was
paid for with our reserves and donations, and the Variety Club paid 50% of the cost was paid for by
the Variety Club, for a total cost of $90,000. This vehicle is a huge asset, arriving in time to allow
wheelchair using children to participate in summer camp.
Sean Melrose, Treasurer 27
Our mission is to foster a safe inclusive community where
everyone belongs and lives a good life.
OUR VISION is that children, individuals, and families with diverse-abilities have
choices and power in decision-making as well as friends and rich personal
support networks. Our employees are well trained and professional. We are
recognized for our high standards both locally and nationally. There are
cooperative efforts in the community to reduce barriers to access for all.
CONTACT US
NAME
Lilla
Tipton
Executive
Director
Business
Phone
Cel Phone
Site & Mailing Address
Email Address
604-485-6411
604-414-9881
201-4675 Marine Ave
Powell River BC
V8A 2L2
[email protected]
604-414-8868
201-4675 Marine Ave
Powell River BC
V8A 2L2
[email protected]
604-414-5203
201-4675 Marine Ave
Powell River BC
V8A 2L2
[email protected]
604-414-9798
201-4675 Marine Ave
Powell River BC
V8A 2L2
[email protected]
604-307-3055
4493 Marine Ave
Powell River BC
V8A 2K3
[email protected]
Ext 227
Dave Harmer Director of
Finance &
Facility Mntc
604-485-6411
Alex
Bjelica
Director of
Human
Resources
604-485-6411
Lynn
Roberts
Director of
Adult
Services
604-485-6411
David
Morris
604-485-2688
Director of
Emp Serv and
Advocacy &
Innovations
Dale
Noseworthy
604-485-5663 604-414-5814
Manager of
HomeSharing
& Redonda
201-4675 Marine Ave
Powell River BC
V8A 2L2
homesharing@
pracl.ca
[email protected]
Dave
Percey
Manager of
Community
Inclusion
604-485-9219
604-223-5289
201-4675 Marine Ave
Powell River BC
V8A 2L2
comminc
@pracl.ca
Lisa
Daniels
Coordinator
Better @
Home
604-485-4008
604-414-9879
201-4675 Marine Ave
Powell River BC
V8A 2L2
betterathome@
pracl.ca
Ext 226
Ext 222
Ext 224
Inclusion Powell River is accredited by CARF.
An international accrediting body that ensures we meet a high standard of
service. Check out their website for more information at www.carf.org