Annual Report
Message from …
Board Chair & Executive Director
September 12, 2011
Welcome to AGM 2011. We are trying a few things differently this year. Gone will be the lengthy program reports, replaced by a more succinct overview of each program. We have a wealth of information about our services including survey feedback, statistics and stories of success and it is difficult to share this information with you without overwhelming our audience. Should you wish more information than is provided in our presentations, we would be more than happy to provide as much as you can absorb. Please contact Jim Fisher or Lynnene Lewis if you wish to receive more detailed information on any of our programs.
The AGM is a natural time to recalculate but also review, reflect and celebrate the past year. Below, are but a few of the highlights of our past year.
Following our successful re-accreditation last June we did a ‘cost benefit’ analysis of our next steps in meeting our accreditation standards. It became clear to us that maintaining our COA accreditation would require more effort than we would be able to reasonably maintain. We have explored the CARF standards and find that they will work well for KFP and allow us to fully accredit our Ministry for Children and Families program’s as well as keep up our Quality Assurance practices in our other programs. Overall, this shift should lessen our workload and yet ensure our commitment to quality services and program improvement.
This summer there will be a lot happening at the Castlegar Skate Park. KFP was successful in obtaining a BC Gaming Grant to operate “Summer at the Skatepark” a supervised drop in and mentoring program. Watch for announcement in the next few weeks on this exciting and fun program.
A very long process led to the retendering of all Employment Programs in BC. A complex and daunting Request for Proposals was rolled out and KFP has had numerous discussions with potential partners in an effort to ensure services to youth continue in our community. In the end, there was not an opportunity to continue and so the program will close at the end of December 2011. We are encouraged by other funding opportunities and hope to have a new program in place to support youth in gaining valuable work experience and pre employment training. More details this fall.
This year, a wonderful collaboration began between Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL), Selkirk College Adult Basic Education (ABE) and KFP. The partnership allows for better access to the ABE program in the downtown area with added bonus of child minding on site. Feedback from the students attending has been extremely positive and the program will run again next year. Who knows, If we can find just a little more funding, we may be able to expand the scope and duration of the program. A big thank you to Brad from Selkirk, Alana and Margaret from CBAL
Who would have dreamed that a program, designed to reach out to new Canadians in our community, would be so successful. The Community Engagement Program, funded by has proven to be just that. The program has only been operating for the last six months and we have seen over a 100% increase in those attending. Programs like this are essential in assisting new comers to our community.
We have seen a very marked increase in program attendance at the Neighbourhood House, CAP-C and CPNP. On average we are seeing an 80% increase in program participants, drop in and new referrals. You likely have noticed the increased activity and general increase in the energy and noise level within our building. Mainly through word of mouth and participant referrals, the news of the value and effectiveness of these services is reaching more and more families in our community. All of which is a testament to the efforts of all programs and staff in supporting the outcomes for the Neighbourhood House model.
We would like to acknowledge and celebrate with Irene Cavalier having completed her 10th year with KFP. Irene currently works at Hobbit Hill Children’s Centre and we thank her for her dedication and commitment to the children in her care. Congratulations Irene !!
Last, but certainly never least, is Janice Keillor. It is, as they say, bittersweet and truly the best of times and the worst of times as we will bid a fond farewell to our Janice this July. Janice will be retiring on after years with Kootenay Family Place. Her cheerful manner, ‘Jane of all Trades’ approach and positive attitude will be sorely missed around KFP. And to be honest, we are all extremely jealous as she takes all of these attributes and mixes them with a heavy dose of freedom and the kind of time that a woman of leisure should enjoy. Please join with us in wishing her health and happiness as she boldly moves into her new role. Bon Voyage Janice and please, do not be a stranger!
Board Chair Executive Director