by Betty Bardswich
MINDEMOYA—Community Living Manitoulin (CLM) board chairperson Melissa Peters had barely started the organization’s annual general meeting on September 29 when CLM member Carol Nesbitt rose to question the board on the legality of the meeting as there were not enough “paid up” members. As Ms. Nesbitt pointed out, the bylaws state that there must be a quorum in order to pass motions and therefore CLM would have to have a future meeting when motions could be passed. Ms. Nesbitt suggested, however, that this meeting go ahead as planned.
Josh Blasutti of Freelandt Caldwell Reilly LLP reported on the financial audited statement for CLM and it was decided later in the meeting that this firm would also be used in the future for auditing and reporting on the financial statement.
Wendy Freisen, the coordinator of client care, also reported at the meeting and talked of a new proposal for day services at CLM. She stated that she is having a hard time as families come into her office looking for services and she is disheartened in knowing that there is not much to offer and that the programs are not individualized. Ms. Freisen has set several goals including changing the structure of services, creating an environment and giving opportunities not only to individuals, but also to staff, giving opportunities for all to be out in the community, reaching out to families, staff and outside services for their input and, as a fifth goal, follow the rules, taking into consideration the Ontario government Quality Assurance Measures (QAM), CLM, the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) and Development Services Ontario (DSO).
Ms. Freisen also outlined the services that are in place now for individuals including learning, health appointments, finances and case management with all supports beginning in Mindemoya. She proposed to the board that CLM make changes to that style and offer more opportunities to individuals in the surrounding communities. The objectives that Ms. Freisen outlined for CLM to adopt include meeting CLM and MCSS standards, for CLM to add a functional structure to the program by changing the style and creating a better opportunity for choice in services while at the same time offering education to staff with the supported individuals and increase morale and enhance knowledge. The final objective would be to provide an additional community-based operation on Manitoulin thus increasing the community supports and awareness and creating a volunteer pool.
Ms. Freisen offered several proposals on how to achieve these objectives including setting up an outreach base of CLM in Little Current, communicating with the staff union to change the number of shift days as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement to the number of hours, preparing individualized plans for individuals, offering activities from day services in Mindemoya, providing transportation from Little Current to Gore Bay and Kagawong areas a few times a week and offering on the job training in employment supports and other education.
Ms. Freisen believes that if CLM reaches these objectives, the outcome will be an approach that is creative and unique, that will offer more supports to individuals and their families that need it, will create a greater possibility in reaching out for funding, will provide a greater opportunity to create a network of volunteers from communities and will provide more opportunities for staff and individuals.
Ms. Freisen also reported on the Day Program at CLM as it stands now with 22 individuals involved who work at CLM consignment store Everything Under the Sun and do odd jobs such as shovelling snow. Ms. Freisen would like to see changes made to the program including making visits to nursing homes, having some cooking, singing and art classes, having the fire department come in and also providing more opportunities to be out in the community. She suggested that a calendar of events be created so people will know what will be provided and when these activities will take place.
Ms. Peters also spoke at the meeting and said, “Overall, we are poised to do some great things” as she went on to thank board member Karlene Scott and her volunteers who came up with a great appreciation dinner. Ms. Peters concluded her remarks by saying, “We have a wonderful board and we will be sad to see Stan (Drystek) and Judy (Olacke) go.”
Interim Executive Director Wayne Janzen also spoke at the meeting. “We want to make the services more accessible,” he spelled out. “We have to be flexible to deliver those services when an individual needs them and capitalize on a person’s interest. We know that the ministry wants us to bring services to Little Current so that is what we have to do.” Mr. Janzen also noted that he has been getting some very good comments about CLM lately and that he has been working very closely with the board. Board members include Ms. Peters, Steve Clark, Ron Kenney, Tyler Madahbee, Karen McGraw, Karlene Scott, Janyn Towns and Kathy Size.
CLM advocates for, promotes and facilitates the full participation, inclusion and citizenship of people who have intellectual disabilities.
