Issues & Trends from the Executive Director
CLV’s General Meeting was held on May 18th. We were pleased to welcome Leanne Dospital, the new Advocate for Service Quality as our guest speaker. Leanne introduced herself and talked about her role going forward helping individuals and transitioning youth and their families resolve issues or concerns related to services delivered by government ministries, Community Living BC and service agencies in the community.
A highlight of the evening was the annual presentation of our Community Awards. The awards recognize individuals, educators and businesses who are making a difference. The stories that go along with the awards are always very moving. This year, we were pleased to honor John Stevenson for his 28 years of service to Community Living Victoria and our Foundation as the recipient of the Legacy Award. For more details on the awards: https://www.communitylivingvictoria.ca/community-recognition-award-winners-for-2016/
Updates to our 2014 – 17 Strategic Plan were also presented to the Board and membership. Updates include: the progress in the replacement of the McRae home with a purpose built home to meet the accessibility of the individuals supported; and the purchase of a permanent home for one of our community inclusion programs in the Reflections Building in Langford. We are very pleased to have an increased presence in the WestShore community. We continue to seek out better physical space for our two larger day services, as well as enhancing opportunities for people who attend these programs.
The 2015 Measurable Outcomes Report was presented at the May board meeting and this comprehensive report provides a great deal of information about individuals and our services. It has specific goals for each service area that improves our efficiency and effectiveness and contains many examples of the difference CLV is making in people’s lives. The full report is available at: https://www.communitylivingvictoria.ca/wp-content/uploads/news-events/2015-CLV-Outcomes-Report.pdf
Our 4th CARF survey is coming up in the spring of 2017. There are over 1200 standards that we must meet as an accredited agency. The senior staff and leadership team have been diligently working to ensure that continuous quality improvement is a priority for Community Living Victoria.
We are working on the transition to the new Societies Act. The Act comes into force in November 2016 and societies have two years to make the transition. An adhoc committee of the Board is reviewing the changes and working with our lawyer to ensure CLV is in compliance.
We continue to support Inclusion BC’s advocacy efforts around two important issues:
- the “Increase the Rates and Save Our Bus Passes” campaign and;
- the Assisted Dying Safeguards. Go to http://www.inclusionbc.org/ for more information.
Our 25th annual Reach for the Sun summer fundraising campaign is now actively underway. Please consider contributing.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to making a difference in the lives of the people we support.
