What’s Happening :: Executive Director's Update

It is once again an honour and pleasure to update you on our activities over the past year.

It's always a challenge deciding on what to tell you about. I could tell you about the implementation of the Developmental Service Organizations which are the access points for individuals and families; or that we are still serving more individuals with the same dollars; or how the staff in this sector as a result of Bill 16, The Public Sector Compensation Act continue to be poorly paid and falling behind; or my worries about merger, amalgamation and the discussions on centralized bargaining. Although these issues and other will impact the sector in the coming years, I want to focus our attention and thoughts to our most important resource.......our staff.

These men and women continually go above and beyond to support and include our individuals in their communities. They will use skype to connect families when travel or other issues do not allow more intimate contact, plan cruises and go with the resident to ensure their enjoyment, assist individuals to travel cross country to spend Christmas with family and let's not forget the medical, dental and nutritional care our individuals receive as a result of the coordination of our staff. Our oldest and newest resident is 84 and fully participates in his community. The staff of Mary Centre truly make our mission a reality!

Over the past year the demand for our supports has continued to increase as we support over 200 individuals with 87 staff and 102 volunteers, board and committee members.

• Outreach programs support 134 in Respite, Parish Outreach, Long Term Care, Community Support, Local Integration Health Network day programs;
• 42 individuals are supported in our homes and apartments;
• 173 inquiries were received for services;
• And over 150 individuals and their families attend the Christmas Celebration at the Double Tree Hotel.

The coming year is expected to be very challenging for all social service agencies. The economy's recovery has been slow and the Provincial deficit has resulted in a salary freeze in the sector. The service challenges will still be there and we will do our best with all our partners to respond to individual and family needs.

Dominic Conforti
Executive director, Mary Centre