The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but building on the new. ― Socrates
In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic struck and 2020/21 became a year that no one will forget. Looking back it was a scary time, which grew far more frightening than we could have imagined. Our greatest concern was for the most vulnerable people and families that we serve and for our staff delivering essential support in our shelters, transition homes and other residential environments. Despite the pandemic, staff exemplified Options ’ core principles of Diversity, Integrity, Collaboration, Excellence and Resourcefulness. They lifted the heaviness of the times for the people who sought our help, paying close attention to their individual needs. Staff summoned their resourcefulness to uphold our service delivery, learning innovative ways of meeting client needs, some of which will likely forever shift the way that we work. We are grateful that we fared well as a collective team; when clients or staff did contract the virus, we responded quickly to avoid outbreak. At the same time, we want to acknowledge that some staff did lose family and friends to this pandemic. To our colleagues, we share our deepest condolences. Last winter, we proudly opened the doors to Nichol Place, a much-needed 48-bed Mental Health Assisted Living residence in Surrey. It has been wonderful to see residents settling into their new home in this beautiful facility. In addition, we have begun the work of establishing Maple House, a 6-bed Assisted Living/4-bed Supported Living residence in White Rock. In February 2021, Options launched a capital campaign called 50 Women of Options which is committed to raising $1.5 million toward our affordable housing development at 81st Avenue and King George Blvd. Fifty amazing women stepped up to raise $25,000 each towards our $1.5 million goal, and did so in a record breaking time of four months!
CHAIR | Kamaljit Lehal
CEO | Christine Mohr
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