November 2021 Highlights
Photo submitted by Devon Stearns
Frog Island Photography
What does accreditation mean?
Submitted by Jeanne Jewell Quality Assurance & Planning Manager
Accreditation is formal, third-party recognition that an organization is competent to perform specific tasks – the work for which they are accredited.
Accreditation is voluntary and it is a continuous quality improvement process to demonstrate that nationally prescribed standards have been met.
In the Developmental Services sector, the FOCUS Quality Improvement and Accreditation Program prioritizes internal organizational alignment and transparency as a way to create a culture of continuous learning and improvement that will translate into more than just a “check” on an annual ministry compliance inspection – it will help us become a robust organization on many levels.
Endorsed by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services as a best practice, accreditation can help us improve our quality of services and assist with meeting ministry standards. FOCUS takes a human-centric approach that evaluates the qualitative and quantitative aspects of our services, and most importantly, spends time with people supported.
For organizations working in the Developmental Services sector, the FOCUS Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program help to identify where we can qualitatively improve our services, and provide validation of our existing practices through interviews with the people who use your services as well as internal and external stakeholders.
By participating in the FOCUS Quality Improvement and Accreditation Program, we will create a culture of transparency, openness and continuous improvement that goes beyond compliance – it simply becomes a part of what we do every day. The accreditation process is positive, uplifting and inclusive.
A Note from Brady Psychotherapist
“Awareness and healthy relationships take practice, so be sure to check out the strategies in the attached article to help you improve your relationships with the individuals that you support.
Three relationship dynamics that you may recognize in those you support, include Co/Dependent Relationships, Overly Independent Relationships, and Interdependent Relationships. This knowledge will help you better analyze the helper–client relationship and stop potential mishaps before they even happen. It’s important to understand these three main categories as they apply to ourselves and our relationships.
Resource Center Now Open
The Resource Center is back in business opening its doors to service users this past month. Everyone is very happy to have somewhere to go where they can socialize and participate in activities. Welcome back everyone!
Research Snapshot: Despite Facing Numerous Challenges, People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Show Resilience During Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially hard on marginalized groups, such as people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). To get a better sense of how they have been affected, researchers interviewed nine people with intellectual or developmental disabilities about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Responses centred around three main themes:
- The pandemic had impacted participants’ daily life and well-being, but many had developed strategies to help them cope. They expressed a need for more accessible and easy-to-read information, as well as financial supports.
- They felt a need for more connection to family, friends, peers and the community, but many had found ways to connect virtually for support and socialization.
- They wanted more mental health supports that were tailored to their needs. They identified virtual technology as a critical tool in accessing care.
A reminder to everyone of our Employee Referral Program. If you refer someone to work at Community Living and they are hired and work 300 hours, you will receive a $150 employee referral payment. Email Dana the name of a friend that you think would be a great fit at CLFFD!
Employee referrals are our highest recruitment source for candidates.
Thanks everyone for your assistance with our recruitment efforts.
CLFFD is Hiring!! Please click the button below for details on the various employment opportunities currently available.
