2014 Annual Report - Community Connections

ANNUAL REPORT 2014
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
314 Second Street East
PO Box 2880
Revelstoke, BC
V0E 2S0
Phone:
250-837-2920
Fax:
250-837-2909
Email:
receptionist@community-connections.ca
www.community-connections.ca
ite
s in sp
t
s
i
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re no
of peo
a
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e
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e
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ays th
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ity
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n
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n
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the en
e
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stoke
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tors,
unity
ccredi
A
m
”
m
.
o
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c
eed
and n
s
t
n
a
w
CARF
Organizational Profile
C
ommunity Connections is fully
accredited by CARF (Commission on
Accreditation of Rehabilitation
Facilities). We are a not-for-profit agency
providing a broad range of services to the
community of Revelstoke and the surrounding
area. Original services were reflective of the
mandates of the two founding agencies Revelstoke Association for Community Living
and the Revelstoke Family and Youth
Resources Society.
Over the years the number of programs and services have increased dramatically
as a direct response to the needs of our community. Programs range from
services for adults with developmental disabilities (residential and day programs);
clinical counselling and support services; a preschool program; community living
services for children; youth programs; housing outreach; to summer day camps
and the food bank, to name a few. We deliver almost 30 programs and services,
with funding from multiple sources
and donations.
“The success that Community
Connections enjoys is evidenced
through staff who diligently
continue to prepare, empower and
Staffing
support children, adolescents and
Milestones
adults . The staff members at
every level model a professional
15 years
Monica Degerness
demeanor, commitment, energy
Patti Larson
and creativity. The personnel are
10 years
Marydell Allain
clearly the organization’s most
outstanding resource.”
5 years
Diana Gadbois
Accreditors, CARF
Andree Rioux
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
BOARD
“Staff satisfaction is
high as there is a
mutual appreciation
between
administration and
staff.” Accreditors,
CARF
Craig Brown
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Diana Gadbois
DIRECTOR,
FINANCE &
ADMINISTRATIONN
Patti Larson
DIRECTOR,
COMMUNITY
OUTREACH
Gorette Imm
DIRECTOR, FAMILY
SERVICES
Finance
Food Bank
Counselling
Administration
Facilities
Autism
Health &
Safety
Mentoring
Human
Resources
Information
Technology
Christmas
Hampers
Nutrition &
Education
so
e
r
a te to
e
“W una ch a
fort ve su ful
n
ha nder atio .”
wo aniz town
org our family
in lstoke
e
Rev
Jumping Jacks
Parents &
Communities
Together
Infant
Development &
Supported Child
Development
Summer Day
Camp
Kelly Riguedell
DIRECTOR,
COMMUNITY LIVING
SERVICES FOR ADULTS
Assistant Director
8th Street
Residence
2nd Street
Residence
Home Share
Revelstoke Adult
Development
Services (RAD)
LINK Project
Social Justice
Advocate
Tenant
Support
Housing
Outreach
Monashee
Court
Board
ig
Overs
ht
It is true that in the best
enterprises, “leaders
define the boundaries
and their people figure
out the best way to do
the job within these
boundaries” (R.H.
Waterman).”
T
he Board, appointed by the
members of the Society, acts on
behalf of the Society and the
community in developing and delivering
on the goals and expectations of the
Society. This is in consultation with the
Executive Director, staff and the
community in determining what needs to
be done to meet the Mission and Vision
of the Society. The Board recognizes that
the ability to make and change decisions
and move quickly particularly on the part
of those people closest to the actions is paramount. It is imperative that the
Board stays abreast of community issues to ensure that the Society is
meeting those needs.
ns’
nnectio
o
C
y
t
i
un
ning
“Comm
gic plan
e
t
a
r
t
s
ve
f
extensi
Board o
s
t
i
y
ff
b
es
and sta
p
i
activiti
h
s
r
e
rs, lead
an
Directo
clear pl
a
n
i
d
e
sult
proving
m
i
d
have re
n
a
g
as
ntainin
as well
for mai
s
e
c
i
v
r
e
ent s
as of
its curr
tial are
n
e
t
o
p
ors,
ing
Accredit
identify
.”
n
o
i
s
expan
service
CARF
Directors
Chair
Rob Lamont
Treasurer
Carol Palladino
Directors
Connie Brothers
Lyssa Donovan
Brendan Ginter
Kendra Powell
Sarah Windsor
Mission, Values & Vision
ion
Miss
T
he Mission of Community
Connections (Revelstoke)
Society is to support individuals
and families in our community by
providing and advocating for accessible,
responsive social services.
“Th
e
sha enti
re
r
and es the staff
org missi value
s
o
a
Acc nizat n of t
he
i
red
itor on”
s, C
ARF
In providing our services
we value:
on
Visi
B

Diversity

Individuality

Respect

Human Dignity

Relationships

Connection to
Community

Skills and Abilities
of Individuals &
Families
y 2018, Community Connections will
be recognized by our community, the
region and the province as a leader for
the provision of quality and responsive social
services.
Message from Chair &
Executive Director
W
e continue to respond to and address community needs within
significant budget constraints. Nevertheless we saw increased
utilization of many of our programs and services this past year.
Accreditation is an important indicator of performance and we achieved
another three year accreditation award from CARF. This is our fourth 3 year
accreditation award. Our funders and community should rest assured we
operate in a responsive, responsible, effective and efficient manner.
Our community has been very supportive, through donations, food drives,
partnerships, utilization of services and an overall positive assessment of us.
We thank you.
Thank you also to our staff who are the backbone of
the organization and only through their continuous
efforts are we able to be successful.
Rob Lamont,
Chair
Craig Brown,
Executive Director
“On
ba
appe lance, C
ar
omm
un
the p s to pro
v
erso
ide q ity Con
n
n
uali
crea
s ser
ty se ections
ted b
ved.
r
y
T
v
one
h
i
the l
whe
eade e atmos ces to
r
e
p
r
and
s
here
com
pers
mitm hip and
o
s
n
e
taff
child
n
al co
is
ren,
mmi t to the
a
m
t
adul
dole
men
i
s
sion
sc
ts
tt
para and oth ents, the o the
e
i
mou
nt. C r stakeh r familie
has
olde
o
atta
rs ar s,
ined mmunit
and
e
y
a hi
Con
co
nect
bala ntinuity gh level
ions
nc
o
of se
rvice f integri
pers ing the e
ty
s
ons
xpec
serv
tatio while
stak
e
d
ns o
ehol
and
f the
ders
othe
” Ac
r
cred
itors
, CAR
F
Community Outreach
C
ommunity Connections Food Bank provides essential year round
food assistance to children, families and seniors that live in
poverty or that are working poor. During 2014 we provided
services to 205 separate households that included 319 adults and 94
children. That is at least 4 classrooms of children that we help
throughout the year. In total there were 7541 visits and 71 new
applicants. As we enter our 15th year serving this community, we are
reminded on a daily basis what an essential program
Community Connections Food Bank is, providing to so
many and how our clients’ lives would be negatively
impacted if we were not here providing our many
services.
Oper
a
Cam tion Warm
pa
start ign,
ed b
yG
boys
Jayke r. 7
Coue
ff
Brun in & Kob
e
etti
When people come to the food bank they are going
through some of life’s greatest challenges. The food
bank doesn’t just offer food; we offer hope, relief and
support. The reality is we could not help one single
person if not for the kindness of our community
members and the generosity of our funders. The
people who we serve could be our neighbours. They may have school aged children who have
nothing to eat for breakfast. They may be youth trying to get a job or seniors whose pensions
won’t stretch to the end of the month.
Community Connections Food Bank responds to these needs with dignity and respect.
ever be
thought I would
r
ve
ne
I
om
M
s
“A
at I am
rvice and now th
se
is
th
of
ed
ne
in
it.
would do without
I
t
ha
w
ow
kn
t
I don’
ss
d inherent kindne
an
ss
ne
ul
tf
gh
ou
The th
ted and cared for;
da
li
va
el
fe
e
m
e
has mad
ve
of your actions ha
the practicalities
has
are cared for and
ensured that we
e are
immeasurably. W
reduced my stress
e
munity to have th
m
co
er
ch
ri
a
y
ul
tr
made
he food bank has
T
.
re
he
nk
ba
od
fo
in our lives.”
a huge difference
old son
Mom with a 4 year
Although we are well supported by the
community we do not have consistent or core
funding and 75% of our food must be
purchased. We are so fortunate to have the
volunteers that we do and we could not do the
work without them. We are also fortunate to
have strong partnerships with community
members and businesses, however our needs
are not seasonal and we are committed to
providing the
best
services
possible to
our community
members.
Emergency Services Food Drive
Social Justice Advocate
T
he Social Justice
Advocate program came
te
a
c
o
about through a
Adv
fe
“The de our li
community
identified need for a
a
m
s
y
b
a
h
r
service that would assist
bette
t
much us to ge
individuals, families and
ing
help
groups who are struggling
y
bilit
n
e
h
disa
with poverty, life skills,
)w
.T.
sion
B
”
h
(pen
problem solving, illiteracy,
ug
ot to
life g
age or disability by
ensuring they have equal
access to resources,
services (usually government services)
and opportunities they require to meet basic needs.
The Advocate focuses on coordinating community services
and case management of high need individuals both within
our agency and with community partners; such as Mental
Health Services, the Employment Center and the Shushwap
Brain Injury Assoc.
“I had my medical/
prescription coverage
cancelled due to
government foul up. As a
senior on a pension I was
unable to afford my
prescriptions. The
Advocate became involved
and resolved the matter
within a few weeks.” K.C.
Prominent Issues
Disability Pensions
Family Law/Legal Aid
Income Assistance
Housing Outreach
H
ousing Outreach (HOP) is now in its sixth year of
operation. We assist individuals, couples and
families to overcome barriers to accessing safe,
affordable housing.
Developing and maintaining relationships with Community
Service Providers has become an important part of ensuring
clients are able to access services to help overcome barriers
to housing. HOP works with the Revelstoke RCMP, Interior
Health, WorkBC Revelstoke, and Revelstoke Mental Health &
Addictions, among others. It should be noted these outside relationships are in addition to
the many services referred to from inside Community Connections including: Social Justice
Advocate, Food Bank, Tenant Support Worker, and Counselling Services. We also work with
many landlords in the community.
Tenant Support
T
enant Support Worker program
assists tenants of B.C. Housing
buildings to overcome the various
challenges that may arise when living in a
social housing environment. The ultimate
goal for the individuals is to be successful in
their tenancies and in their lives. The
program involves coaching, capacity building, diplomacy, assessment,
service planning, skills teaching, resource identification, referral and follow-up.
In the past year, we have assisted tenants with new tenant orientations, understanding and
solving tenancy issues, applying for income security programs or pensions, moving,
accessing education, employment searches, managing conflict, accessing legal advice,
addressing household cleanliness and acquiring furniture or other resources. We also
assisted tenants in accessing community resources such as the food bank, counselling,
seniors programs, financial services, health care and mental health services, and recreation
programs. In 2015 we will become an integrated program when the overall management of
Monashee Court comes under the direction of Community Connections.
Summer Day Camp
S
ummer Day Camp gives all
children of Revelstoke an
opportunity for social connections:
making new friends, developing social/
leisure/recreational interests and skills,
and participating in activities and trips
they may not otherwise have an
opportunity to enjoy. Each of the seven
weeks of the program features a different
theme; all program activities are related to
that theme. Each child has the opportunity
to participate regardless of their strengths, challenges, and family situation; and each
benefit from staff support to develop strong social skills.
Our camps also enable children with special needs to participate in activities not usually
available to then. They feel included and inclusive and this supports their self-esteem,
growth and development. We provided the additional support they require to fully
participate.
Family Services
F
amily Services has undergone significant changes over
the past year including staffing changes and additional
programs and services. In May of 2014 there was a
shift in the Directors’ position with responsibilities associated
with the position being split between the Acting Director, Karley
Trauzzi, and the previous Director, Doug Egan. In January 2015
Gorette Imm returned from her maternity leave and to the role
of Director for Families Services.
“T
be his h
t
wh ter u elpe
d
an ere nde me
I w rst
d
g
ho
be
ou an et a
w
i
d
l
d
in
Ma n re
I
la wo like g of
le,
to
27 tion uld
he counselling program provides
lik be
sh
ip
s” e to
individual, family, and group
counselling to the community of
Revelstoke. We have a group of skilled and
competent counsellors who are able to provide support to
individuals and families who may be addressing a range of
challenges. In an effort to make services
accessible to the community, individual and
group counselling opportunities have been
increasingly provided at Revelstoke
Secondary School as well as the three
elementary schools.
Counselling
“Talking to you
has really helped
me get a different
perspective”
Female, 24
T
Youth Program
g
din
n
pe
ew
os g n
t
e
n
lik aki ke
g
I
“
e m . I li ethin l”
m
ti nds om hoo
s
e
c
fri ing er s
t
v
ha o af rl
d
i
to yr. g
11
Y
“It’s a way to
meet other kids.
Something to
fill our time other
than video games”
12 yr. old girl
outh Program
provides
accessible
programs for youth
from 8 to 18 years of age.
The program includes communitybased and school-based activities
to ensure youth are able to
access services they require. All
youth programs include youth identified
with special needs.
to
“I
kn
ow
h
f
at er un the
to ho tha stu re’
ki do me n j ff s go
.
t
gir ds m thi It’ ust o d ing
s
n
l
g
y
m si o
ag s w or ttin
e” it e f g
11 h o un
yr th
. o er
ld
ot
be
Parent Support
P
arent Support Program offers a number
of group experiences for parents where
they can bring their children with them.
The intent of the groups are to provide an
opportunity for parents to connect with other
parents as well as receive support and information from group facilitators.
Currently group experiences include:
“It
is g
re
s
p
ace at to h
Parents and Children Together A drop-in group for parents
a
t
kids o go w ve a
and care-givers and their children offered two mornings a week at the
he
ca
play n be s re the
Community Connections office and now twice a week at the Baptist
afe
and
can
lear to
hav
Church in the Columbia Park Community.
n
e
con
nect some t and I
ime
wit
par
Bellies and Babies-1 and under A drop-in group for
t
h ot
ents
her o
”
(
M
B
ellie
expectant moms and moms and their babies from birth to 12
ot h e
s&
r
B
abie of 2
months.
s 2)
Bellies and Babies-2 and under A drop-in group for
expectant moms and moms with babies from birth to 24 months.
Evening Playgroup A drop-in evening group for parents
and caregivers and their children.
Family Fridays A parenting information series for parents
on various topics with free child-minding provided.
Autism Support Group A monthly support group for
parents with children whom have been diagnosed on the Autism
Spectrum Disorder.
I
Autism Program
n collaboration with families and community professionals we
continue to provide programming and support for children diagnosed
with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our work with children and their
families begins shortly after diagnosis. The focus of individual and group
programming is on the development of critical social and life skills. This past year The Autism
Support Group continued to meet once a month to provide support to parents of children
diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Supported Child Development
“My experience working with Community Connections has been the
greatest pleasure, joy and blessing for my son and I. Shortly before my son
was formally diagnosed with “needs that are special”, I was referred to
Community Connections by Interior Health. Community Connections has
opened so many doors for my son and I to participate in “typical”
activities that at first, I didn’t think would be possible. Community
Connections has made preschool possible, weekly intervention is possible,
building relationships is now possible. My son has developed the most
amazing bond with his support worker. He feels supported and
understood, safe and most of all respected. Knowing his support is fully
dedicated to his best interest and success has put my mind at ease. I have
every confidence in his support system. As a parent, I am able to
participate in a monthly support group facilitated by Community
Connections staff. This group has been very beneficial for me. It has been a
wonderful opportunity to feel connected to others on a similar journey.
From my initial visit to what has become nearly every day contact, I
have felt respected, supported and truly heard by the staff at Community
Connections. As a single mom, it is beyond amazing to work with an
organization that truly has the philosophy of a family centered practice.
I cannot say enough about the services provided. Amazing and truly life
changing.”
Mother of SCDP client
S
upported Child Development Program (SCDP) is a community-based program that assists
families of children with extra support needs to access services that meet family
needs. The Revelstoke SCDP program is intended to serve children from birth to 19.
SCDP operates under the principles of inclusion and family-centered practices and uses a multidisciplinary team approach. SCDP provided support to children attending Jumping Jacks
Preschool and Corner Stones Childcare Centre and Preschool during this past year. The SCDP
Coordinators offer children and families developmental screening and monitoring. The
Coordinators support the family in developing Family Service Plans, access to physiotherapy and
occupational therapy, parent support and education, and support in kindergarten transition.
Infant Development
I
nfant Development Program (IDP ) is a voluntary home-based
program that offers support to infants (birth to three), who are
born with a special need or are at risk of developing a delay in
their development, and support to their families and caregivers.
“Th
i
goo s was
d to
aw
cla
e
rifi get s some
om
,
how cati
e
on
s
he
ab
dev
elo is do out
p
in
Mo
the menta g
r
ll
Clie
of n
nt
ew y”
IDP
The average caseload of the Infant
Development Program for 2014 was
twenty-one families. IDP continues to
support families by offering home
visits, developmental monitoring using the
Ages and Stages Questionnaire and Ages and
Stages Social-Emotional Questionnaire, developmental
assessment using the Gesell and Battelle Developmental Inventory, support in
developing Family Service Plans, access to physiotherapy and occupational therapy,
parent support and education, group support and seamless transition from IDP to our
Supported Child Development Program.
Children & Youth with Special Needs
n
bee
s
a
h
w
ons the Lo
i
t
c
e
r
onn ess fo lstoke ps,
C
y
e
u
c
t
c
uni the su at Rev ch gro
m
n
e
s
Com ral in
ent The lu ps hav eir
d
u
g
h
t
inte ence s chool. s grou w in t
y
o
d
S
r
i
Inc ndary and bo s to g d
t
n
o
s
n
Sec d girl stude
al a n't do
i
c
o
d
de
our and s
oul of
gui
c
d
e
e
e
t
w
c
W
por ank
p
allo enden ills.
u
Th
es
sk
ep
ind ional out th tions! nued
t
c
th
ti
emo ob wi Conne r con
u
j
y
o
our munit
or y
f
h
Com o muc
s
you ort.
p
sup
C
hildren and Youth with
Special Needs Program
provides services to
those children and youth up
to 19 years of age who
require significant additional educational,
medical, health and social environment
support to enhance or improve their
health, development, learning, quality of
life, participation and community
inclusion. Services are provided both in
the community as well as the schools
children and youth may be
attending.
School Outreach
T
he School Outreach Program
is a collaborative effort with
School District # 19 where
programs and services are offered
within Revelstoke Secondary School
as well as the three elementary
schools. The intent of the program
is to provide services to youth and
their families which are
accessible and to support youth
through their educational journey.
“Hav
ing yo
ut
like a
lways here is
havin
someo
g
ne tha
t you
talk t
can
o tha
t you
and g
t
r
ust
ives y
ou he
advic
l
p
ful
e” 14
yr. old
Stude
nt at R
SS
e
th
t
ul
ta
or elpf
p
p
su lly h we
g
a
vin is re know to d
a
“H ool we ome g an
c
sch ause ays thin hing s
l
y
t
c
be alw h an ome ” Gir
n
s
t
y
ca
wi ave o sa SS
u
R
yo ’ll h ive t ant
u
p
t
i
yo por rtic
a
p
su up P
o
Gr
Parent Support Services Participation
BELLIES
AND
BABIES
UNDER
12
MONTHS
BELLIES
AND
BABIES
UNDER
24
MONTHS
PARENTS
AND
CHILDREN
TOGETHER
PARENTS
AND
CHILDREN
TOGETHER
EVENING
PLAYGROUP
FAMILY
FRIDAYS
AUTISM
SUPPORT
GROUP
TOTAL
@
COLUMBIA
PARK
TOTALS
979
707
4167
1121
211
49
14
7248
Mentoring Program
M
entoring provides opportunities for youth to
develop and strengthen a continuum of skills and
to experience healthy and fun activities with their
mentor and their community. The two components include
the community based mentoring program and school-based
mentoring program. Both programs provide individual and
group opportunities for youth where they are matched with a
mentor based on interests, goals, needs, and past
experiences. The program works towards building a strong
foundation of skills for youth identified in the community of
Revelstoke as potentially benefiting from a role model and
from connections with their community. Possibilities may
include outdoor activities or games, indoor projects, crafts,
cooking/baking, or just casual conversation.
The community-based
mentoring program
recruits, trains, and
supports adults in the
community who wish to
volunteer their time as a
mentor to youth.
"It's a fun rewarding
experience that feels
good to give back to
the community" Grade 11 student
"A great learning
experience, helps
both people improve
on social skills with
different age groups"
Gr. 11 student
The school-based mentoring
program recruits, trains, and
supports older youth from
Revelstoke Secondary School
to be mentors and matches
them with youth from the three
elementary schools.
"its a great way to
connect and create
positive relationships with younger
students" Grade 10
student
Pre-School Program
es
ld lov
i
h
c
“My
ng to
comi
”
hool.
c
s
e
r
p
t
Paren
J
umping Jacks is an
inclusive preschool
for children 3 to 5
years old. We offer two
programs: a Monday,
Wednesday, Friday class
and a Tuesday, Thursday class
with 20 children per program. This year
we are operating with two staff and
additional support is being provided by the
Supported Child Development Program
when requested by parents. We operated at full capacity throughout the year.
A few parents comments upon registration were: “Wow you just made my day - I’m so happy
she got a spot!” Recently a grandmother asked if she could come and stay for the day
because her granddaughter told her she loves coming and talks about it all the time!
Throughout the year we plan many themes full of activities, songs, exploration and more.
Currently we have been exploring our Five Senses. We culminate the theme with our
Pancake and Pajama Day where children come to school in their pajamas and we get to use
all of our senses in the process of making and eating pancakes! This is just one of our
popular events!
Community Living Program for Adults
Group Homes
S
econd St. Group Home is a semi-independent home that offers
supports to 3 individuals ranging in age from 49 -70. We recognize
that everyone has their own unique strengths and skills, and working together as a team
helps them to succeed. Each person attends RAD (Revelstoke Adult Development Services)
Monday-Friday. The extra supports at home offer them a place to unwind & relax after their busy
work days. Evening and weekend activities are determined by personal preferences.
E
ighth Street Group Home is designed to offer more support to each individual. Each
resident has been facing new and unique challenges as they age. For example one of
the residents in particular met a number of new challenges in
2014 with regards to mobility and independence. Having an
"I liked watching
individualized focus in this group home has enabled staff to tailor their
baseball and see
support and routines to address these changing needs.
people hit home
2014 saw a shift towards more independent activities for each resident
runs"- Allan on
of the 8th Street group home. They were still very social in the
supporting local
community, however each resident showed less interest in pursuing
softball teams
activities as a group and instead enjoyed being supported to do more
individualized activities. This empowered each client to work towards
their strengths, interests and goals, and also
supported them with their individual
challenges. Typical activities on outings
include grocery shopping, swimming, and
bingo at the senior’s center.
"I liked hearing
my friend play the
bagpipes and
seeing my brother
Gordy"-Ian on his
70th Birthday party
C
ommunity events are well attended
each year by all, some examples being
movies & concerts at the Revelstoke
Performing Arts Center, visits to our local
Museum’s, music in the Plaza, Holiday Train
and exhibits at the Art Gallery. Community
inclusion is a valuable part of the program; staff
work hard to ensure everyone feels they are part
of their community. Two individuals belong to
local service groups. They meet approximately
once each month for volunteering, socializing &
dinners out. One of the 8th Street residents
celebrated his 70th Birthday in 2014. He rented
the Knights of Pythias hall
and invited a number of
friends and family from both Revelstoke and out of
town to join him for a party. One of the 8th Street
staff members organized her dad to come from out
of town to play the bagpipes as a surprise which was
very well received and the highlight of the evening.
Family connections are extremely important for
these individuals. Visits are anticipated with high
enthusiasm. One individual looks forward to parental
& sibling visits. Others build relationships via emailing, writing cards, coffee outings & phone calls.
Socializing with group home friends is part of the
lifestyle, and rarely a month goes by without a visit.
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his year through the RAD
program we had the
opportunity to expand our
friendships and connect with a
Community Living group in Vernon.
We joined our new friends in their
regular bowling activity, scheduling
trips twice a month. These trips
helped break the feeling of isolation
living in Revelstoke.
The RAD Program has been working in partnership to support the Revelstoke Self
Advocates, which was created late summer. Their meetings are held monthly at the
Revelstoke Community Centre and thus far have been very successful in its endeavours.
We also were able to continue with our Monday afternoon group
for young adults. This group of individuals have been dedicated to
exploring new activities geared towards the younger adult
population in Revelstoke. They have been doing everything from
playing board games, enjoying light exercise and even executed a
camping trip during the
summer! Creating friendships
and improving social skills is
the main focus of this group.
“I like spending
time at the hair
salon and lunches
out with my
special friend.”
Charlyne
C
ustomized Employment Program that operates through
the RAD office (Revelstoke Adult Development Services).
It has expanded in the past year with eight more business
partners coming on board in the community. This equates to many
more hours of paid employment as well as the countless intrinsic
rewards inclusion brings to the individuals.
Customized Employment is a person-centred approach to assisting
individuals with disabilities to prepare, obtain, and maintain
integrated, paid employment. A variety of supports are tailored to
individual requirements such as the use of visual cues and check
lists as well as focussing on current skills, abilities, and talents
that the individual has to offer. Employment is successful based
on creating lasting, satisfying, person-directed situations beyond
the confines of traditional job development. Individuals continue
to foster new friendships and mentors on the job.
The program has become more refined as individuals have the opportunity to claim
ownership over specific tasks that arise in the community - transforming the opportunity into
their own business initiative. For example we have Cam’s Pick Up & Recycling Service and
Dick’s Poster Delivery. These individuals provide much needed services to their customers
and absolutely love to go to work in the morning.
Revelstoke employers who have hired people with a range of disabilities have worked with
RAD staff to come up with innovative solutions that benefit their business, customers, and all
of their employees - not just the individuals with disabilities. In the coming year our goal is to
define RAD as an integral source for dedicated employees in
the community.
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Community LINK Project
C
ommunity Link Project is a new program
providing opportunities for individuals with selfidentified diverse abilities (disabilities) to
become more included in all levels of community.
In 2014, eight individuals participated in Community
Link, taking part in a variety of group and individual
activities. Some of these activities included: crystal bowl
meditation; sample Tai Chi class; volunteer opportunities
(including the Revelstoke Coffeehouse, FreeRide World
Tour and Revelstoke Roller Derby game); visiting the
Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre; an evening drop-in group
and speakers series; attending a board games night at a
local business.
“Being part of the Community Link
Project did make a difference for me
because someone was able to meet
with me when it best "fit" with me. I
think the best part of Community
Link Project is that I had a great
sounding board to bounce ideas off of
and someone to point me in the right
direction as well as someone to find
information on things when I wasn't
able to figure out where I needed to
look." Susanne Community Link
participant
Finance & Administration
F
inance and administration’s
job is to process and provide
information, both of a financial
and procedural nature to all interested
parties. These parties include staff,
funding partners, board of directors,
community partners, and any other
person or group in the community
requiring information.
“Financial planning and reporting
of Community Connections’
programs allow it to have a clear
financial record of program assets,
revenues and expenditures, which
provides a sound overall
perspective of the organization’s
financial health and assists in
determining its future growth.”
Accreditors, CARF
This past year was definitely a
reflection of the numerous technical
and process changes implemented in
operations during the last five years as
we posted a stellar year end with little
to no issues. As with any change it
takes time to see those efforts come to fruition and we am comfortable in saying
for the most part we have achieved our goals as this past year was a relatively
calm ebb and flow of daily activities.
This coming year will be about improving how we manage our Human Capital. Of
our total annual costs 80% is wages, benefits, and other staff related costs. All
of our staff are valuable assets to the organization and it is in the best interest
of all parties to ensure we manage this well. Though our intention was to
implement a fully integrated HR program in 2014 we were unable to get into the
implementation queue until very late in the year. The revised timeline to go live
is now later in the spring of 2015.
Success is never achieved without the
support and cooperation of those that are
involved in making the changes as well as
those it affects. Thank you staff for their
ongoing support and for their patience as
new processes are introduced and
integrated into our daily work.
Unaudited Financial Statement
Funders' Contributions (unaudited)
Revenue Source
2014
2013
$ 1,227,040
$ 1,166,780
Ministry of Children & Family
515,977
524,896
BC Housing
153,050
153,050
Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General
148,435
141,563
Donations & Donations In Kind
140,053
136,798
BC Gaming
90,000
67,000
CBT funding
76,561
119,200
Fees
70,145
65,030
Rent Group Home Residents
62,554
62,940
Grants - One Time Only
38,787
0
Autism Revenue
31,125
40,794
Other Contracts (Whitevalley - CapC)
28,036
24,370
United Way
16,274
13,563
Subsidized child care
7,526
8,482
Interest
5,651
3,788
Revelstoke Community Foundation
5,260
10,170
Revelstoke Credit Union
3,500
5,000
Fundraising & other
3,165
2,402
BC Housing for 5th-8th .St. Homes
3,060
3,060
0
11,055
$ 2,626,199
$ 2,559,941
Community Living BC
H.R.D.C
Total Revenue
Unaudited Financial Statement
Specific Program Expenses (unaudited)
Program Expenses
2014
2013
$ 32,240
24,738
$ 39,229
23,759
CLS for children
84,151
84,866
Social Justice Advocate
38,758
40,803
Children Who Witness Abuse
50,831
45,383
358,785
369,905
32,590
0
Family Enrichment
238,270
239,375
Residential Group Homes
859,342
809,979
Residual Administration Costs
(31,528)
51,162
Homeshare
64,934
2,427
Housing Outreach
88,637
86,359
Infant Development
55,697
57,041
180,232
163,361
6,151
8,259
Preschool - Jumping Jacks
76,326
75,636
Stopping the Violence
59,163
60,792
Summer Day Camp
32,895
65,630
127,567
137,316
Tenant Support
65,218
64,092
Women's Outreach
46,555
40,718
Youth Services Program
44,911
46,537
$ 2,536,463
$ 2,512,629
$ 89,736
$ 47,312
Autism
Cap-C
Community Inclusion & Supported Employment
Community Link Program
Outreach (Food Bank)
Parents and Children Together
Supported Child Development
Total Expenses
Surplus (Deficiency) of Revenue over Expenses
Partners & Contributors
W
ithout the incredible support of our community we could not
offer the programs and services we do.
Some of the many corporations, businesses and
organizations whom have supported us are:
 Balu Yoga
 BC Assoc. of Farmers’ Markets
 BC Gaming
 Beta Sigma Phi Preceptor Delta Alpha
 Big Eddy Machine Shop
 Canadian Pacific Railway
 Cenovus Energy
 City of Revelstoke
 CMH Revelstoke
 Columbia Basin Trust
 Downie Timber
 Food Banks BC
 Food Banks Canada
 Glacier Building Supplies
 Gold-Range Lodge
 Hallicor Construction
 Home Hardware
 Int. Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, #99
 Knights of Columbus
 La Baguette
 Louisiana-Pacific Canada Ltd.
 Mountain Meals
 Pharmasave
 RBC Foundation
 RCFC Holding Company Ltd.
 RCMP
 Revelstoke Arts Council
 Revelstoke Community Choir
 Revelstoke Community Foundation
 Revelstoke Credit Union
 Revelstoke Fire Rescue Service
 Revelstoke Hospital Auxiliary
 Revelstoke Lions Club
 Revelstoke Rotary Club
 Revelstoke Senior Citizens Assoc.
 Revelstoke Snowmobile Club
 Rodrick Properties
 Royal Canadian Legion
 Selkirk Mountain Experiences
 Show Kids You Care
 Snow Creek Canyon Holdings
 St. Peter’s Anglican Church
 Sutton Place Hotel
Some of our Supporters
T
hank you to all of the many individuals, families,
businesses, organizations, charities and
foundations who have contributed to our success.
Hundreds of you have supported us and we are incredibly
appreciative of that.
City of Revelstoke
Fire Rescue Services

Community Connections (Revelstoke) Society
PO Box 2880 • 314 Second Street East • Revelstoke BC V0E 2S0
Phone: 250-837-2920 • Fax: 250-837-2909
receptionist@community-connections.ca
www.community-connections.ca
Main Office Hours
8:30am - 4:30pm Monday - Thursday
8:30am - 12:30pm Friday
Closed Statutory Holidays