Outcomes Report 2017-2018
Message from the Executive Director
What stands out for me more than anything else this last year is the complexity of circumstances that people face as they come to our door, and the remarkable capacity of OCS staff to provide what is needed by working together across the broad array of services and supports we offer. I hear story upon story of individuals and families involved with multiple OCS services working in unison, leading to incredible results. But, it is not just the continuum of services that we are able to provide, it is staff and volunteers living OCS values in the way they do their work that really makes the difference. And, it is our valued community partnerships that make a difference for the people we collectively serve. For the first time in many years, our Family and Children’s Interventions Services were expanded to include three new programs to: address families needing counselling and support in their own language; support families where domestic violence is a risk; and, to provide life skills for youth transitioning out of government care. Exciting developments this year include OCS Immigrant Services opening the doors to the Newcomers Employment Services Program which has effectively dovetailed with OCS Whalley Employment Services Centre to provide services to newcomers. On the shelter and housing front, Bill Reid Place opened its doors, we have learned much through our new venture at Ted Kuhn Tower, and progress continues on our 81 st Avenue facility development. In our Early Years Service, our CCRR program has become a valued resource for the new government’s Ministry of State for Child Care as it looks at enhancing child care. We are also proud of the partnership we have grown with psychologist Vanessa LaPointe and our work together to implement a unifying philosophy and approach across our parenting support programs. In recognition of the complexity of issues our clients are dealing with, training on trauma informed practice was made available to all OCS staff. As well, we have provided Overdose response training to staff across our continuum of services. Key challenges that we continue to work on include: addressing the ongoing growth of our community; developing innovations to address housing needs for citizens, and deepening our ability to work collectively to inspire hope and belonging for all. Christine Mohr Executive Director
Thank you to our staff, volunteers, Board, donors and other supporters for your ongoing commitment to community and the work that we accomplish together!
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