December 2014

The
Bethesda
ISSUE 4 • DECEMBER 2014
IN THIS ISSUE
Care Plan & Guidelines
PAGE 2
Board Spotlight
PAGE 3
Bethesda Events
PAGE 4 - 5
Seasons Greetings and Welcome to another edition of the Bethesda Link.
We hope you find the following articles interesting and informative.
Retirees
PAGE 6
As an agency, we have been fortunate this past year to have been able
to invest significant funding into several homes that the individuals we
support are living in. There remains a need to invest additional resources
in other homes, investments we are committed to making.
Chaplain’s Corner
PAGE 7
We are very close to receiving final approval to begin building the Bethesda
– Niagara Family Centre on Schmon Parkway. We are anticipating an April
2015 start to this much anticipated project. Please consider becoming a
financial partner in this wonderful opportunity.
Finally, as the year comes to an end, I want to thank all of you for your
ongoing support of Bethesda and please feel free to use the donation card
found at the back of this issue of the Link. In so many ways, together we
are making a difference in the lives of people.
Brian Davies
Chief Executive Officer
CARE PLAN &
GUIDELINES
Submitted by:
Wade Durling & Nancy Hall
About two years ago, Bethesda, through its clinical and behavioural services, was assisting
a community agency in implementing a support plan for an individual. This particular case
prompted a review of processes and the necessity of collaboration between Niagara Health
System and the community. A more effective support plan and strategy were established
for this individual.
The NHS Mental Health and Community Developmental Services agreed to debrief
following this situation and to make some change on how to work together to better
support individuals and each other. As a result and over a two year period, a “Care Plan
and Guidelines” document has been drafted that will be piloted beginning this fall.
The accepted objective is “to establish a coordinated response of defined roles and
accountabilities between Community Developmental Services within Niagara and the
Niagara Health System (Mental Health Services) on behalf of each individual supported
within these guidelines who is admitted to the St. Catharines Site of the NHS for intensive
short-term treatment and/or crisis intervention and stabilization.” The process is for adult
individuals in residential services within the DS (Developmental Services) community
in Niagara. A copy of the document has been circulated to Managers within each of
Bethesda’s residential services and to the other DS agencies within the Niagara Region.
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The guidelines have received notice and have been viewed with the Regional Office and
upwards to the office of the Assistant Deputy Minister. They identify some core features
including:
• Admission objectives noting admission can be either planned or emergency in
nature;
• Development of a crisis profile that will identify important support and profile
information about that individual, clear identification of the primary contact and
contact information, and will file that crisis profile / plan with the COAST program
and PERT;
• Identify continued roles of the community agency and the hospital following
admission, including:
o Meeting within 24 – 72 hours following admission, and
o On-going conferencing
• The Facilitator of the SNSC (Southern Network of Specialized Care) will:
o Serve as the community contact between residential services and the
hospital for any individual admitted and will ensure behavioural and clinical
services are engaged; and will:
o Provide ongoing training with clear training outcomes for staff at the
hospital;
• A smaller joint committee will continue to meet regularly to debrief and evaluate
specific situations as they occur and to use the results to continue to improve the
guidelines; and
• The process includes a dispute resolution process specific to the guidelines and to
individual situations.
Meetings are now being set up inside the hospital with key personnel to discuss the
guidelines in more detail. These guidelines have also been discussed and endorsed with all
of the Executive Directors of each of the DS agencies in Niagara. They will be identified as
a PILOT for now and continue to be developed and improved over time.
BOARD
SPOTLIGHT
In each upcoming edition of the Link Newsletter, we will be spotlighting one member of
Bethesda’s Board of Directors. We asked each Board Member the same set of questions to help
you learn more about those who proudly represent and are responsible for the governance of
this organization.
Doug Peters
Please provide some history on your professional life.
I am a professional engineer specializing in infrastructure design and project management. Since
1988 I’ve been with Quartek Group Inc., a Niagara design consultancy firm, and I’ve been an
owner/principal with the firm since 1992.
Number of years on Bethesda’s Board?
I’ve been on Bethesda’s Board for more than 5 years, since 2009. I am constantly learning
new things about the wonderful people served by Bethesda, the great staff that we have, and
the programs we offer to the community. I’ve enjoyed serving on the Nominations and Audit
Committee and am now looking forward to being involved on the Fundraising Committee,
hoping to help raise our profile and increase private contributions to enable Bethesda to serve an
even wider population.
What are you passionate about in your spare time, outside of work and
volunteer commitments? (Hobbies, interests, etc.)
Besides the demands of work, my involvement with Bethesda and commitments at Cornerstone
Community Church which include the board of management and children’s ministry, I love to
read and to travel and cycle with my wife, Sharon. Together, we love spending time with our two
children and extended family.
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Why are you passionate about Bethesda?
With very little fanfare, Bethesda has been serving vulnerable people with special needs in
Ontario for more than 75 years. At Bethesda, we continue to be willing to take on challenges
when they are consistent with our mission and vision, even when there is associated risk, because
the need is there and Christ’s example compels us to help.
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BETHESDA EVENTS
Client Picnic
JULY 27, FLY ROAD
Our Annual Client Picnic took place this year on July 27th. Numerous
family members and friends joined as we celebrated summer. Old Thyme
BBQ provided tasty treats and we were entertained by the very talented
musical duo, Slings and Arrows! Everyone managed to enjoy the sunshine
and warm temperatures, and the rain politely waited until we were almost
wrapped up at the end of the day to send a light sprinkle. Thank you to
everyone who came and enjoyed a great time with family, friends, food
and fun!
Golf Tournament
ST. CATHARINES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
On Monday September 8th, Bethesda staff attended
the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce Annual Fall
Classic Golf Tournament at the St. Catharines Golf and
Country Club. Bethesda was fortunate to be a beneficiary
of this event, along with Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and
Rehabilitation Centre. Thank you to staff that contributed
their time and effort to this enjoyable day.
Curriculum of Caring Luncheon
SEPTEMBER 20, CLUB ROMA
At this afternoon lunch celebration, those who contributed to the Curriculum of
Caring - AMS Phoenix Project were celebrated. The afternoon started with an
opportunity to have fun in the photo booth, to voice appreciation at Speaker’s Corner,
and even take a walk down the red carpet! Dr. Kerry Boyd shared videos educating
attendees on the work taking place and finally, those attending were lucky enough
to hear several members of Momentum Choir give
a moving performance.
Bethesda Day
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OCTOBER 8, SCHMON BOARDROOM
On Bethesda Day, Brock University Nursing
students had the opportunity to learn about
providing a healthcare experience specially
geared toward individuals with developmental
disabilities. Bethesda organized this event
that
showcased speakers including professionals in the field, as well as, testimony from
those involved with both Bethesda’s Children’s and Adult programs. Thank you to all
of the speakers and special guests, as well as, the students for making the day such
a success.
Thanksgiving Service
JUBILEE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH
On October 8, Bethesda held its annual
Thanksgiving Service. This year, the service
was held at Jubilee Christian Reformed
Church. Chaplain Mike provided a valuable
reflection for the upcoming season. SpotLight,
under the leadership of Mendelt, gave a
touching performance about the importance
of Community. Thank you to all involved in
planning this beautiful service and to those who
attended!
Balls Falls Fun Day
OCTOBER 28, BALLS FALLS CONSERVATION AREA
On this very warm and windy fall day, individuals and
staff from Bethesda’s Adult Programs gathered for a
day of seasonal fun. With a country theme, attendees
donned cowboy hats for photos, painted pumpkins, got
creative with fall crafts and enjoyed the music selection
in the barn. Thank you to those who gave their time to
organize this day and to those that attended.
Halloween
OCTOBER 31, SCHMON
Bethesda Staff got into the holiday spirit on Halloween
by dressing up and holding their annual costume
contest. Five lucky winners were chosen from those
who participated. The children’s program also enjoyed
the chance to trick-or-treat throughout the Bethesda
offices at Schmon.
NOVEMBER 5,
FAIRVIEW MENNONITE BRETHERN CHURCH
At Bethesda’s Annual Memorial Service, individuals,
staff, and family gathered to remember those that
we have lost in the past. Lester Robinson, Norman
Blanchard, Agnes Nancy Demars, and Clifford
Hipwell were fondly remembered by their Bethesda
family and will always remain in our hearts.
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Memorial Service
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SAVE THE DATE! 2015 BETHESDA DINNER AUCTION
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015
Club Italia, Niagara Falls
Join us as we celebrate together at the 16th Annual Dinner Auction! With special
celebrity guest, Paul Lafrance of HGTV’s Disaster Decks, Decked Out, Deck Wars, and Canada’s
Handyman Challenge; along with his wife Janna.
VOLUNTEERS: Bethesda is always looking for new members for our sub-committee for
this event! For information on how to help in the preparation of this wonderful evening, please
contact Meaghan Ingleby, Community Relations Coordinator, 905-684-6918 ext. 378.
DONATIONS: Bethesda depends on the generosity and support of donors to make this
annual event a success. If you are able to donate an item for our auction, or would like to become
a sponsor for the evening, please contact Meaghan Ingleby, Community Relations Coordinator,
905-684-6918 ext. 378.
Tickets
$75
THANK YOU!
Left to Right: Junetta Neudorf, Bill Tallman, Rosemary Lambert and Neville Johnson
Bethesda would like to extend an enormous Thank You to the following staff, and congratulate them on their recent retirement.
Thank you to Junetta Neudorf, who retired on August 29, from Twin Lakes Clinical Services, after 6 years of service at Bethesda.
Thank you to Bill Tallman for 17 years of dedication. Bill retired on September 26 from Adult Day Programs, Witham Centre.
Thank you to Rosemary Lambert, who retired on October 19 from Adult Residential Services, Twenty-Third Street Group Home,
following 23 years of dedicated Service to Bethesda.
Thank you to Neville Johnson for 19 years of faithful service. Neville retired on July 23 from Adult Residential Services, Victoria House.
JOIN BETHESDA ONLINE
Bethesda’s Community Relations Department is looking for your help to keep our social media pages going strong!
Stay up to date with what’s happening at Bethesda and in the field by “checking in” with us online. Posts range from event
information, to helpful tips for parents, relevant local news and even photos from special occasions. Be sure to visit us on social
media and show your support by spreading the word about the incredible work Bethesda does.
For any questions please contact:
Meaghan Ingleby, Community Relations Coordinator
mingleby@bethesdaservices.com • 905-684-6918 ext. 378
www.facebook.com/BethesdaServices
@BethServices
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
by Mike Gilmore
PRESENTS OR PRESENCE?
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will
call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
Matthew 1:23
You will never guess what arrived at my home. The Sears Christmas catalogue! As I picked it up
and began to leaf through it, my mind raced back to the hours I spent planning and dreaming,
circling the many different toys and items I hoped to receive as a Christmas present, and then
writing every detail and page number down on my Christmas wish list.
How things have changed over the years. Now I find myself dreaming not about what presents
I will receive, but rather wondering who will be present and able to come share Christmas with
us this year and, will this be the last year everybody will be there? Parents age and move on to
their eternal home, and children grow up, get jobs, and sometimes move away.
I have learned in life, as a father, the greatest gift I can give my children is my presence in their
lives. The greatest gift they can give me, is their presence; putting aside the craziness of the
Christmas season to simply sit and enjoy time together as a family.
I wonder if this might be a very small part of what God was thinking after creating us. He could
have given us anything, and indeed He blessed us with so much, and yet, in the end His greatest
gift to us, His children, was Himself. He left the throne of heaven, took on human form and was
born in a barn and laid in a manger! He became Immanuel, “God with Us”. God in the flesh, a
living, breathing Saviour and friend!
How many gifts from the Sears catalogue do I remember receiving, how many broke, wore out,
got returned or lost? How many do I still have? None, but the gift of Presence is a lasting gift!
An invaluable gift. One that never wears out, gets lost or broken. The gift of God’s presence in
our lives just keeps on giving to us even today.
Now some might say Jesus left and went back to heaven. Yes He did, but then He gave us
another gift. His presence again through the gift of the Holy Spirit! Another expression of God’s
great love for us! “Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high
no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God
loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has
given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:5
Will I give and receive presents this year with my family? Yes, but I also will remind them that I
will choose their presence over presents every time.
Chaplain Mike
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Thank you God, for choosing to be present in our lives this Christmas! May we all choose to
receive the invaluable gift of His love and presence and then share His love to others through
our presence!
Christmas Blessings to You and Yours
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MY GIFT
Please accept my gift of :
q $50 q $100 3280 Schmon Parkway, Thorold , ON L2V 4Y6
T : 905.684.6918 F: 905-684-5866
www.bethesdaservices.com
q OTHER ___________________
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Address: City: Postal Code:
Email:
q I have enclosed a cheque payable to the Bethesda Home Foundation Inc.
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OR I want to be a Monthly Supporter in the amount of $________________________ per month
*Tax receipts issued for donations over $10
3280 Schmon Parkway
Thorold , ON L2V 4Y6
T : 905.684.6918
F: 905-684-5866
www.bethesdaservices.com