new directions - guelph independent...

Spring 2015 Page | 1

Summer 2015

Quarterly publication for GIL clients

www.guelphindependentliving.org

Inside: • Editorial: Celebrating 40

Years (pg 2-3)

• GIL Board Meeting Highlights (pg 3)

• 2015 Service Awards (pg 4-6)

• Meet the Board (pg 6)

• You Said... We Did (pg 7)

• Glove FYI (pg 8)

• Leisure Events (pg 10)

• Upcoming Client Town Hall Meetings (pg 10)

• Important Dates (pg 10)

Mark it in Your Calendar! October 7 - Cambridge Butter-fly Conservatory

November 17 - Client Town Hall Meeting (Willow)

November 18 - Client Town Hall Meeting (87 Neeve)

December 3 - Christmas Shopping Trip

December 10 - Agency Christmas Dinner & Party

New Directions

Agency Updates

New DirectionsPage | 2

Celebrating 40 Years...By Janet Redman

On June 18, 2015, Guelph Independent Living (GIL) hosted our Annual General Meeting, agency Awards Night and celebrated our 40th Anniversary. Everyone in attendance had a wonderful evening! After the formal business portion of the meeting concluded, we awarded eight employees with Service Awards for length of service ranging from 5 – 25 years. Thank you to the clients and staff who presented awards to front-line employees in attendance: Wes Sprague (25 years), Pamela Polfuss-Schmidt (15 years) and Lindsay Lennox (10 years).

To celebrate GIL’s 40 year anniversary, we were honoured to have singer-songwriter Justin Hines entertain and inspire us. He performed a number of original songs intertwined with stories about courage, hope, pursuing personal goals and embracing each moment. The audience was brought to tears and laughter by Justin’s casual banter. Justin is a Canadian author who has released five albums, performing worldwide including a North American charity tour in 2013. In 2014, he received the honourable Order of Ontario for his charitable work and international success.

From our roots of advocacy for persons with physical disabilities in 1975, the organization has grown to a multi-program agency providing support services for over 600 individuals. Within all of our programs, GIL continues to be committed to its mission: “clients living with dignity by delivering quality programs, housing and supportive services”.

The 2014-2015 fiscal year saw continued success and community partnerships, including the completed expansion of our Outreach Attendant Services program through funding from the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (WWLHIN). The Outreach Program numbers doubled to over 400 hours of service provision per week and now serves over 30 clients with physical disabilities throughout the City of Guelph.

In the summer of 2014, we successfully negotiated a three year Collective Agreement with our front-line employees. We also welcomed the Alzheimer Society

Justin Hines performing at the 40th Anniversary celebration.

Display of old photo albums and newspaper clippings at the 40th Anniversary AGM.

Agency Updates


GIL Board Meeting HighlightsThe GIL Board of Directors held meetings on May 27, 2015 and June 18, 2015; highlights include:

• Approval of the 2014-2015 audited statements for both the Housing and Health portfolios; a small surplus occurred in the Health portfolio as a result of the two new Assisted Living units not being filled until April 1, 2015, this surplus will be returned to the WWLHIN,

• Approval of the five-year Capital Plan for 238 Willow Road,

• Completion and approval of the new Guelph Independent Living Bylaws,

• Update on the Strategic planning process – next

steps are to arrange the information collected into Strategic Directions and Performance Standards,

• Update on the recruitment of new Board members for September – one new appointment (J. Doyle) plus two resignations (J. Wilson and N. Moisan),

• Approval to execute the revised Service Manager Delegation Agreement with the County of Wellington,

• Approval of the Board Executive and Signing Officers for 2015-2016, and

• Scheduling of new mandatory Human Rights training for all Board members in September.

Waterloo Wellington – Guelph office to share our Woodlawn Administration location.

During the fall and winter months, there were several noteworthy events at our building on 238 Willow Road. Precision Property Management Inc, through the required tendering process, was awarded the contract to manage the building and tenant relations. We renovated two units to be fully modified for tenants with accessibility needs; bringing to 23 the number of units that offer accessible living accommodations, of which 16 have 24-hour support services. This was the first increase in these specialized units at GIL in 20 years and was made possible by funding and approval from the WWLHIN and the County of Wellington – Housing Services.

As an additional service for our clients this year, GIL

contracted with outside agencies to offer our longest term residents a thorough cleaning of their homes; a seemingly modest initiative, but one that adds significantly to the quality of living experience.

Looking forward, GIL is actively developing a strategic plan for 2014-2017; this will continue to align with the missions of its funders including the WWLHIN and the County of Wellington. We continue to commit to work with our community partners and, to collaborate and look for efficiencies that will enhance our services.

We could not provide these valuable services without our dedicated employees and volunteers, community partners and the financial support of funders and donors. Thank you to all as we look forward and build upon our successes into 2015.

Agency Updates


2015 Service AwardsWe would like to thank the following people for their years of dedication and commitment to Guelph Independent Living:

Nicole Laderoute-Olson – 5 yearsNicole is a worker dedicated to her clients and the team of people she works with. Nicole is always looking at ways to improve the work environment and help problem-solve issues. Nicole supports the Joint Health and Safety Committee by participating in monthly workplace inspections and has served on the union negotiating committee. Thank you Nicole for the enthusiasm you bring to the team; we wish you every success in the future.

Stephanie Louttet – 5 yearsStephanie joined the GIL Team 5 years ago. She began with us working nights at Willow Place, before transitioning to the Outreach Program. Stephanie is dedicated to her clients and a valuable member of the Outreach Team. We look forward to Stephanie returning to GIL in October! Thank you Stephanie for all of your hard work with GIL, and we wish you all the best!

Darlene Mallany – 5 yearsDarlene started out in the GIL Outreach program and recently transitioned to the 87 Neeve Assisted Living program. Darlene brings warmth and dedication to her job and has become a valued member of the NV team and those receiving GIL services. Darlene has previously served on both the Joint Health and Safety Committee and the union negotiating committee. Thank you Darlene for your willingness to share and learn and grow, always with your warm smile.

Sasha Hodge - 10 yearsSasha is a warm and dedicated member of the Willow Place team. Sasha brings her warmth and humour to every shift she works. Sasha shows great care and compassion to the clients she serves. Thank you to Sasha for the amazing job you do!

Lindsay Lennox – 10 years

Lindsay is a hard working dedicated member of the WP team! When she is not working frontline, one can find her participating on the Joint Health and Safety committee, the Back Safety Mentor Program, the Employer-Employee Relations Committee, or completing monthly workplace health and safety inspections of the various work locations. Lindsay also serves as treasurer on the union executive. Thank you for all you bring to your job and committee work at GIL.

Lisa Gadbois – 15 yearsLisa is one of our anchors for the Willow Place Assisted Living program. Lisa lends her knowledge and experience to clients and coworkers alike. She

Agency Updates


is a valued member of the team and is dedicated to the clients of GIL! Lisa has served on the executive of the union and on the negotiating committee as well. Thank you Lisa and congratulations on your 15 years with the GIL organization.

Pamela Polfuss-Schmidt – 15 years

Pam, like many of us, has held numerous positions within Guelph Independent Living over the years – most recently as Manager, Human Resources. In December 1994 she was hired as the Outreach Coordinator, working in that position until she left GIL to work for Lifeline Canada for a number of years, She returned to GIL in 2004.She is a valuable member of the Administration team and Senior Leadership team who is always willing to pitch in and help wherever she is needed. Among her job duties, she assists with building and maintaining a positive relationship with our Union President, provides clerical support at Board meetings, oversees all of the information and databases related to Employees (rotation postings, documentation/letters, and payroll), is the Management Chair of the Joint Health & Safety committee, and conducts GIL’s

mandatory training sessions for all new employees.

Wes Sprague – 25 years

Wes, the man who can open the empty coffers in the kitchen and still create gourmet delights much to the amazement and gratitude of the clients he serves! In all that Wes does, he always has the clients’ best interest at heart. Wes is very attentive to the clients, always striving to leave them better than how he found them, either with a joke or a tune or some fun-loving teasing. Wes loves to play little practical jokes on his coworkers so when Wes is working, one is best advised to be on their toes…never a bad thing to check for banana stickers that mysteriously appear on your clothing before leaving the office… Wes is a highly respected veteran of the 87 Neeve team and Guelph Independent Living as a whole.Thank you Wes for everything you bring to the GIL organization. Thank you for being a great trainer when new staff start and reminding us how important it is to keep our clients’ autonomy at the center of all we do.

Agency Updates


Joanne Doyle has worked in the community health care field for 25 years, and before that she worked in long term care and hospitals. She has a passion for working with individuals who have a variety of abilities/disabilities. Jo-anne joined the Guelph Independent Living (GIL) Board of Directors be-cause she admires and respects the work that GIL does and the contribu-tions we make to the community.

Joanne has previous experience on boards as Treasurer, President, and Human Resources among other positions. She enjoys involvement at the Board level and hopes to contrib-ute to the continued success of GIL.

On a personal level Joanne is most proud of raising

3 children to adulthood, all of whom are success-ful in their own ways. On a profes-sional level she is very proud of the contribution she made to establish a community health company, Therapy Partners, along with several of her colleagues. She loves to walk, read, golf, work out at the gym, go out to dinner and volunteer for the Encore program at the YM-WCA.

As a Social Worker Joanne ap-preciates the challenges that both GIL staff and clients experience. She has also had personal experi-ences supporting family and friends through medical issues, including disabilities, which she believes pro-

vides her with a balanced perspective regarding the dynamics of these relationships.

Meet the Board - Joanne Doyle

Guelph’s covered bridge is one of only 2 lattice covered bridges in Ontario! In 1992, volunteers from the Timber Framers Guild worked near the confluence of the Eramosa and Speed Rivers building this covered bridge using an 1880’s design. The building of the bridge included 400 people raising by hand the two large side trusses of the bridge, assembling the roof, and then winching and pushing the completed bridge into position over the river.

Fun Guelph Facts

Agency Updates


Feedback from clients, at the May 2015 Town Hall meetings and via GIL workers, has brought forward the topic of Guelph Mobility transportation services, including concerns and recommendations for improvements.

In response, GIL contacted Leanne Warren at Accessibility Services with the City of Guelph to discuss this feedback. Leanne suggested that it would be helpful for GIL to meet with John Alves who is the Supervisor, Mobility Services, since January 2014. John was pleased to meet and hear feedback from GIL clients. At this meeting, John shared a number of ideas that he is considering and/or will do to improve Mobility Services, including:

• Reducing the number of trips booked but not used, by holding passengers who do this often accountable (no-shows or cancellations at the door use up seats that other passengers can use);

• Upgrading the booking system to PASS which offers:

• Improving van schedules and passenger booking times

• Mapping of trips to reduce backtracking and trip length

• Ride reminder calls to passengers who have trips booked;

• Asking Council for more funding to add more drivers, buses (including Community buses) and another dispatcher;

• Replacing older lift-style buses with low floor buses with side entry ramp; and,

John also asked that GIL clients (and staff) be reminded that:

• Trips for employment and medical appointments/dialysis are given priority;

• Trips are booked on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis;

• Additional service was added earlier in 2015 including: 6 am start to Mobility service Tuesday-Saturday; as well Mobility vans being available until 11 pm Monday – Friday;

It is important to bring forth concerns so improvements can continue to be made and data can be collected to support requests made to Guelph City Council for additional funding. Please contact Leanne at 519-822-1260 ext. 2670 or by email at: [email protected] with details as close to the time of the concern as possible.

John and Leanne have volunteered to attend our Client Town Hall meetings scheduled on November 17th at 2 pm (Willow Activity Room) and November 18th at 2 pm (87 Neeve Recreation Room) to hear your feedback first hand. Please plan on joining us!!

“You Said ... We Did”


Health & Safety

Glove FYIIn community health-care, gloves are used for two main reasons:

1. To reduce the risk of contamination (infection) of attendants’ hands from blood and other body fluids

2. To reduce the risk of spreading germs to the environment, and from attendant to client, client to attendant, as well as from one client to another

Therefore, GIL requires that our attendants use gloves for all client-care activities that may involve exposure to blood and other body fluids to minimize and/or eliminate risks.

Community health-care agencies generally use three main types of gloves: latex, vinyl and nitrile. Each type of glove has its own benefits and disadvantages.

Latex gloves are often not recommended due to many attendants and clients suffering from latex allergies; these severe reactions are common with latex. Vinyl gloves, while a cheaper option, are more suited to low risk tasks such as food preparation, where durability and protection are less of a priority.

That’s why GIL considers nitrile gloves the superior option. Nitrile gloves are made of a synthetic rubber and are considered more puncture resistant. They are often considered “medical grade” based on testing by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure their durability.

Other qualities of nitrile gloves include:

•Latex-free (so fewer allergic reactions)

•Allow sensitivity to touch for care provision

•Mold to the attendants’ hands for a better fit

•Good for wearing for an extended amount of time

•Work well for high-risk situations involving

infectious material

•Resist many chemicals

•Have a long shelf-life

•Blue or black colour helps to identify if the glove has been punctured

For all these qualities, GIL highly recommends nitrile gloves for client and attendant safety.

These gloves are available for purchase from GIL for the at-cost rate of $8.00 per box. Clients wanting to purchase gloves elsewhere should contact their Program Supervisor to ensure that the brand being considered meets all GIL standards, including being latex and powder free.

https://www.b4brands.com/blog/latex-vs-nitrile-vs-vinyl-gloves-which-to-choose/


News Updates

Agency Updates


Wednesday October 7 - Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory (11:00am-2:00pm), cost: $10.00, guests $15.00

Thursday December 3 – Christmas Shopping Trip. Location TBD (*Let us know if you have a preference!), cost: $10.00, guests $15.00

**Please contact Kathleen to register for an event at 519-836-1812 ext. 20.**

Upcoming Leisure Events

Thursday December 10 - Agency Christmas Dinner & Celebration, 1:00-4:00pm

Join GIL at the Elliott Community Centre where we will enjoy a turkey dinner, penny table and entertainment.

Important Dates to Remember

!

238 Willow RoadTuesday, November 17, 2015

from 2:00 — 4:00 PM

(In the Activity Room on the lower level)

87 Neeve StreetWednesday, November 18, 2015

from 2:00 — 4:00 PM

(In the Recreation Room on the main level)

Upcoming Client Town Hall Meetings

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