ANNUAL REPORT 2014 LAKES DISTRICT COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY 40 th ANNIVERSARY of LDCSS TABLE OF CONTENTS LDCSS Board of Directors Mission & Values Statements Messages Chair of the Board Executive Director Year in Review 2013 / 2014 LDCSS Staff Funding Recap 2012 / 2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lakes District Community Services Society BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE: CHAIR - Mindy Vandenberg DIRECTOR(s) at LARGE: Grant MacDonald Ingo Schroeder Lori White Kathy Janzen Shelley Wall Gaylene Neary Cortland Mack Student Liaison VISION & MISSION STATEMENTS We provide professional and confidential support services to meet the social needs of the community to improve the quality of life in the Lakes District. TRUST ETHICAL ACCOUNTABILITY COLLABORATION SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Our Mission: Our Values MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD 40 YEARS Greetings everyone and on behalf of the Board, Welcome to Lakes District Community Services Societys Annual General Meeting! Again, the Agency has had an exciting and dynamic year. We celebrated the 40 th Anniversary of the Agency and a good time was had by all. We continue to take pride in the outstanding services that are delivered by our outstanding staff. They are what make us stand out and make us proud. Their dedication to community is evident not only in their regular work duties, but in the volunteer time that was put into community events such as the Fire Engine Pull at the Fall Fair (Best Dressed YOU BET!), aboriginal days, mall events, you name it, our staff have stepped up! It is an honor to be able to support our community with the services provided and we look forward to continuing far into the future! Sincerely, Mindy Vandenberg Mindy Vandenberg, Chair MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WELCOME! Board members, staff and guests... GROWTH EXPANSION 40 YEARS OF SERVICE 40 YEARS As Executive Director, the past year has been an extremely exciting and rewarding one for me. The agency has celebrated its 40 th year of service, launched its website, expanded existing programs, created new ones and has partnered on some really great projects with other community agencies. One of the most exciting partnerships that has been created is our work with the Lakes District Community Response Network, a first for the Lakes District. This service raises awareness and brings an educational component to our community in regards to adult abuse, neglect and self-neglect. As host agency and coordinator for this service, the importance of ensuring our community is aware of this issue and has access to the tools & resources necessary is critical to the health and wellbeing of our aging population. Our Strategic Planning Session held last fall, really provided the agency with a new sense of direction. Expansion of current services have occurred while ensuring that service gaps are recognized and filled has resulted in new programming for children with special needs, seniors and vulnerable adults. It truly has been a year of growth and expansion! Agency operations continue to be fiscally sound in light of recent cutbacks in funding with efforts continuing during the year through a variety of means; fundraising events and campaigns, granting etc. LDCSS has reached its level of success due to the people who are involved with this agency. Board members that are insightful, creative and motivated. Staff who are helpful, compassionate and share the vision of this organization. It has been a pleasure to work with such a great team of professionals, both staff and Board and I thank you ALL for your dedication, resourcefulness and work ethic that creates this wonderful place to work. Both board and staff continue to work towards realizing our VISION; that the Lakes District become an inclusive community where all people are valued, healthy, safe and empowered Kelly Turford, E.D. YEAR IN REVIEW 2013/14 September 19th, 2014 Event Sponsors: Bulkley Valley Credit Union Regional District of Bulkley Nechako This event was held in celebration of the agencys 40 years of service to the Lakes District. Guests along with LDCSS staff, board members and volunteers gathered to play games, win prizes and welcome the agency into its fourth decade of service provision. Board & staff were honored with a token of appreciation as well, a Volunteer Appreciation presentation was held during our event to honor those who make the MOW program a reality. 40 th ANNIVERSARY EVENT 40 th ANNIVERSARY EVENT / WEB LAUNCH Lakes District Community Services Society WEB LAUNCH 2014 LDCSSs new website was launched in September. The site is user friendly and provides instant information on programs and services, general information about the agency, its board and staff as well as upcoming events such as fundraising events, recruitment campaigns, workshops etc. Please be sure to check us out at;40 YEARS Lakes District Community Services Society 40 YEARS STRATEGIC PLAN Our work on our strategic direction continues... New & Expanded Programming Communication Fundraising Human Resources NEW & EXPANDED PROGRAMMING MOW has expanded to five(5)days /wk The program now provides 8 individuals / wk with a nutritious hot dinner meal Monday through Friday. Expansion is being considered and talks are in progress to expand MOW programming to local First Nations communities. In the past these communities have provided their own similar services to their members. There is potential for another 12+ participating recipients. NEW & EXPANDED PROGRAMMING CYMH has expanded services to include; Parenting Workshop(s) 6 sessions - 60 minutes each Basic components of program be aware of motivations (yours and childs) understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors work together appreciate the importance of encouragement communicate effectively allow child to experience the consequences of their choices NEW & EXPANDED PROGRAMMING LDCSS has expanded their TRANSPORTATION SERVICES to include the availability of our 14 passenger bus. o the bus has been rented for occasions or events; Fall Fair Funeral Terry Fox Event CNC Day Care Summer Program NEW & EXPANDED PROGRAMMING Established in February 2014, AUTISM SUPPORT SERVICES is a first for the agency and community. This program is in partnership with MCFD Autism Funding Program. Our Behavioural Interventionists provide; Art therapy Music therapy Physical activity One-to-one support services NEW NEW & EXPANDED PROGRAMMING The agency has been granted funding by the Building a Better You-Healthier Communities fund for a 3 month SENIORS COMMUNITY INCLUSION PROJECT to be facilitated during the months of January, February & March of This will provide local seniors with the opportunity to attend monthly Lunch & Learn sessions that will cover a variety of relevant topics such as; depression, coping skills, financial planning. Weekly games & activities will also be offered, ensuring socialization during our winter months. NEW NEW & EXPANDED PROGRAMMING The agency is currently awaiting approval for funding to continue the SENIORS COMMUNITY INCLUSION PROJECT into This new funding will enable the agency to facilitate this program for an additional 12 months. Funding will support the hiring of one part time coordinator and materials to facilitate the program. Catered lunches for the Lunch & Learn sessions as well as games / supplies for the weekly activity sessions will also be provided for through this additional funding. NEW NEW & EXPANDED PROGRAMMING The agency is currently in negotiations with United Way of Northern BC to provide (IADL SERVICES) INSTRUMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING SERVICES for Seniors. This is an 18 month pilot project and would provide funding for one part time coordinator and materials to facilitate the program which enables seniors to live more independently and longer in their own homes. Services provided would include; Visiting services Light housekeeping Transportation services Grocery Shopping NEW L.D. COMMUNITY RESPONSE NETWORK LDCSS is the host and coordinating agency for this new service. LD CRN is a network of community members / business / organizations that has been created to raise awareness and provide education regarding adult abuse, neglect and self-neglect This network is comprised of 15 difference community agencies and first nations representatives. PARTNERING L.D. COMMUNITY RESPONSE NETWORK Funding has been applied for to provide the LDCRN with the funds to facilitate an Adult Abuse Prevention & Education program. The program will provide agencies and first nations communities with abuse, neglect and self neglect training, how to identify & report. The program would employ 1 part time facilitator / trainer. PARTNERING FOOD SHARE PROGRAM The R.E.A.C.H. Program has partnered with the Food Share Program with pick up done bi-weekly. Soups, stews, veggie / fruit trays are made weekly for our group sessions. These food items also assist in those participants living who live independently. PARTNERING COMMUNICATIONS RAISE THE PROFILE OF THE AGENCY TO ENSURE THAT THE COMMUNITY IS FULLY AWARE OF THE SERVICES THAT ARE OFFERED. Web launch & 40 th Anniversary Event Aboriginal Days Celebration Heart & Stroke Campaigns Pitch-in-Day COC Health Expo/Health Fair (Burns & Southside) Fire Truck Pull United Way (Fall Fair) Canada Day Parade Draft communications plan is currently under review... UNITED WAY FUNDRAISER PITCH IN DAY ABORIGINAL DAYS WEB LAUNCH CANADA DAY PARADE FOOD DRIVE FUNDRAISING This CHRISTMAS BAKE SALE as well as the spring PURDYs EASTER CAMPAIGN generated several hundred dollars between the two. The 3 handmade fabric CHRISTMAS GROCERY BAGS filled with all the fixings for a Christmas dinner + gifts generated more than $ The crew were fundraising for a WII system.. GREAT WORK TEAM!! HUMAN RESOURCES LDCSSs goal is to attract and retain qualified professionals by making LDCSS THE Place To Work! As an initial step towards reaching this goal, is to raise the profile of the agency through the creation of a recruitment package. Our recruitment package is complete and provides an overall view of the agency and the Lakes District; providing information on housing, recreation, health care etc. The agency will also to continue to use its staff recognition programs to ensure that staff are recognized for their value and contribution. The agency is also in the process of creating a Volunteer Burns Lake program, that will coordinate volunteers, both young and old, in their efforts to volunteer throughout the Lakes District. STRATEGIC PLAN LDCSS PROGRAMS & SERVICES COMMUNITY LIVING BRITISH COLUMBIA Child & Youth Mental Health Counselling Community Youth Justice Youth at Risk Child & Youth with Special Needs Intensive Supervision & Support Seniors Transportation Meals on Wheels Community Inclusion R.E.A.C.H. NORTHERN HEALTH AUTHORITY MINISTRY OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT Child & Youth Mental Health Counselling MCFD MINISTRY OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT Matt McClaskey is a full time clinician and provides child and youth mental health services to LDSS, WKE and storefront locations. Deb Rockefeller, who is filling our mat leave vacancy for Christine Bogora provides these same services to the schools in Francois Lake, Decker Lake and Grassy Plains areas. Our staff provide in-house services as well as weekly attending all district schools including the schools in Decker Lake, Grassy Plains & Francois Lake. Community education, groups sessions, and workshops are also offered. Current caseload: children, youth and their families with services and support. SERVICE EXPANSION: Youth Group Sessions and Parenting Workshops are being added. Child & Youth with Special Needs MCFD MINISTRY OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT This family and child support program focuses on skill development for referred children and youth. Services are structured to achieve goals and to further the childs independence. Services may include the following areas of development: social skills, life skills, communication, social integration, recreation, independence and transition. Children and youth up to 18 years of age receive supports and services from agency community service workers. Contract funding allows service to be provided to 4-5 children. Intensive Supervision & Support MCFD MINISTRY OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT This program is our service link for youth referred by Youth Probation with other agencies and services. The program is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles and choices while working in mentor, advocate and therapeutic roles. This contract is accessed ONLY when a referral is provided by Youth Probation on an as need basis. Young offenders ages 12-17, who are in conflict with the law support and require supervision in developing healthy functioning in education, work, family, and community settings. Community Youth Justice Youth at Risk MCFD MINISTRY OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT This program assists young offenders to be accountable for completion of Community Work Service. Youth at Risk programming participates in case conferencing and provides liaison services with other agencies in conjunction with the supervising Youth Probation Officer. Referrals for this program are provided by the youth probation officer and client numbers can fluctuate depending on need for service. Young offenders, ages 12-17, who are in conflict with the law and are required to complete community work service as part of their court ordered conditions are referrals of this program. Community Inclusion R.E.A.C.H. CLBC COMMUNITY LIVING BRITISH COLUMBIA COMMUNITY INCLUSION The R.E.A.C.H. (Respecting Everyones Right to Climb Higher) program helps adult residents with developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible. Our community service workers provide a range of self-care, social integration, and pre- vocational training services with the goal of inclusion and participation in the community. Referrals are done through CLBC (Community Living British Columbia). The R.E.A.C.H. program continues to provide supports and services to 14 developmentally disabled adults who are supported by 8 community service workers. Seniors Transportation NHA NORTHERN HEALTH AUTHORITY LDCS provides transportation to seniors within Burns Lake every Tuesday & Thursday for a nominal fee of $2.00. The Rambler takes seniors to appointments, shopping, bank as well as to the post office. The bus is wheel chair accessible. Services are provided twice a week to seniors & those with disabilities, or are housebound and residing within the Lakes District. Len Hall & Heidi Larsen provide driving services for the agency. NHA NORTHERN HEALTH AUTHORITY Providing a hot dinner meal 5 days per week. This is a meal delivery service for seniors and individuals with disabilities, who for health reasons, have difficulties preparing their own meals. Gloria Brown, Program Coordinator accepts applications & coordinates the community volunteers who deliver a hot, evening meal prepared by the Lakes District Hospital. MOW ensures that recipients receive nutritious meals and also promotes regular social contact with the volunteers delivering the meals. Recipients are charged $5.00 per meal to offset the meal cost. SERVICE EXPANSION The agency volunteer base has grown over the past year from 4 to 11 and now delivers 5 days/week. THANK YOU to all those who make this program a reality Lyle Graham, Sheri Peebles, Richelle Wellmen, George Hamp, Andrea Thom, Grant MacDonald, Grace Ramnes, Keshia Davis, Maureen Olson, & Gloria Brown. Meals on Wheels R.E.A.C.H. WEEKLY GROUP SESSIONS MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL! CELEBRATIONS & RECOGNITION! 2012 / 13 PROGRAM STAFF People are definitely a company's greatest asset. A company is only as good as the people it keeps. Mary Kay Ash Gloria Brown R.E.A.C.H. Program Coordinator Administrative Supervisor Christine BogoraClinical Counsellor Matt McClaskey CYMH Clinician Debbie RockefellerCYMH Clinician Christina BryantCommunity Service Worker Tanya WilliamsCommunity Service Worker Sandy Cutsforth Community Service Worker Dot England Community Service Worker Denise CunninghamCommunity Service Worker Heidi Larsen Community Service Worker Sheri Peebles Community Service Worker Cindy Sims Community Service Worker Grace Ramnes Community Service Worker Len Hall Driver REVENUE PER FUNDER REVENUE PER CONTRACT AGREEMENT THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE AGENCY IN ITS EFFORTS TO GO GREEN. COPIES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL REPORT ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST AND CAN BE PROVIDED VIAI LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUED SUCESS AND GROWTH! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENDANCE AND INTEREST IN OUR GROWING AGENCY. Sincerely, Kelly Turford, Executive Director THANK YOU!!