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Volunteers saluted as “Lifeblood of organization”

“You truly are the lifeblood of our organization,” Community Care board of directors co-chair Val Harris told the more than 200 people assembled at the Dunsford Community Centre in April for the agency’s annual salute to its volunteers.

“Not only are you an important component of the Community Care team, but due to the unique nature of our organization’s structure and our community’s demographics and geography, you are often the face of Community Care for the public who may not deal directly with our administrative staff,” Val said in her tribute. Her comments were echoed by Community Care executive director Valmay Barkey, and master of ceremonies Glenn Wilcox, who is also a member of the board of directors.

The theme of the 2008 Volunteer Appreciation Week in Canada was “From Compassion to Action.” Glenn explained that as a relatively new member of the agency’s board, he has quickly come to appreciate how so many of our organization’s volunteers possess a special element of care and willingness to help that indeed moves them from a state of compassion to a willingness to “roll up your sleeves and help out in whatever way it is needed.”

Those in attendance were treated to new agency lapel pins for people who have contributed 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of service. Any volunteers who are eligible for such a pin can get their by contacting their local office, or by calling Community Care volunteer co-ordinator Darren Bailey at 324-7323, ex. 239.

“We hope that our volunteers wear the pins with pride, and that if anyone asks them about the pin, that they tell others about our agency,” Darren said.

Val Harris urged any and all volunteers to avoid ever underestimating their value to the organization.

“Whether you are a volunteer drive who helps enhance lives by getting local residents to where they need to go, whether you bring quality of life by delivering Meals on Wheels, whether you assist by answering the phone and greeting the public’s inquiries in one of our offices, or whether you help out at our various fundraising events, please know how appreciative everyone at Community Care is of your contributions to the agency. We couldn’t do it without you!”

Community Health Centre

The Community Health Centre (CHC) for the City of Kawartha Lakes continues to move forward towards becoming a reality.

Since the provincial government’s announcement last fall that Community Care has been selected to lead in the development of a local CHC. The CHC will provide services to treat illness and promote health. Central to the philosophy of care is that it is delivered in an integrated team approach, where physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers and other professional disciplines as well as volunteers work together to improve the health of a community. CHCs strive to reduce the burden of acute care, offering client-centred primary health care in an accessible, fiscally responsible manner.

The first phase in the development process was the Community Engagement Phase, a key opportunity to engage CKL residents regarding their perceptions of priority services which should be available at a community health centre – both primary care and health promotion. The thoughts of both knowledgeable providers and those in need of care regarding gaps in services or opportunities to expand services combine to provide a picture of potential service delivery. Typically, consultants are hired to assist in facilitating the Community Engagement Phase, since they bring a neutrality and objectivity to the gathering of the information.

The board of directors for Community Care contracted with the Osborne Group to conduct the Community Engagement Phase. The decision to work with Osborne was based on the firm’s previous involvement in this community - with the Fenelon Falls Family Health Team and the Omemee Medical Centre. In addition, a local steering committee was formed to work with the consultants and the board of Community Care.

In the spring, Osborne representatives held several public meetings and focus group sessions with representatives of local service providers, in order to gather input and opinions about the current state of health in the community, and to identify future needs and concerns. Results of the public engagement phase were summarized and presented in a Draft Report in May. The draft report recommends continued involvement of Community Care as the steward of the funding for continued development of the CHC for the City.
For further information about the Community Health Centre, contact Community Care executive director Valmay Barkey at 324-7323, ext. 232 (vbarkey@community-care.on.ca)

Foundation Update

The newest organizational entity of Community Care has launched, as the agency’s foundation board is up and running.

The Community Care Foundation (Kawartha Lakes) received incorporation late in 2006, and application for charitable status has been made. While we await the official charitable stamp of approval from the province, the foundation has put some things in motion. A preliminary board of directors has been established, and in early 2008, the Foundation will begin short- and long-term planning for overseeing and managing the agency’s financial holdings, as well as consideration and planning of a future capital fundraising campaign, perhaps in support of a new housing project.

Initial board members of the Foundation include: Pat Jensen, also a member of the Community Care board of directors; Dense Scully of Ross Memorial Hospital; longtime agency volunteer Carol De Grace from Kirkfield, Lola Hornibook of Fenelon Falls, and Bill Charlton of Investors Group in Lindsay. Staff support comes from executive director Valmay Barkey, finance manager Linda Burgess and director of development Mike Puffer.

Upcoming Events

Little Caesar & the Consuls Return

Dunsford will also be the site for the 5th annual Community Care fundraising dance with Little Caesar & the Consuls. On Saturday, May 31, the Canadian rock & roll band that performed at Greenhurst Pavilion in Dunsford throughout the 1960s will perform at the Community Centre. Tickets to the dance are $25/person and are available through Community Care. We accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as cash or cheque. Get your tickets before they’re gone!

2nd Annual Community Yard Sale

The second annual giant community yard sale at our 34 Cambridge St. S. parking lot will be on Saturday, June 7 (June 14 rain date). Up to 20 different vendors will be at the sale, and tables can be rented by individuals or groups for just $25. Call Mike Puffer at 324-7323, ext. 222, to rent a table.

Annual General Meeting

The 2008 Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes annual general meeting will be Tuesday, June 10 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Lindsay. The event will begin with a BBQ in the parking lot of the church (45 Russell St. W.) at 5 p.m., followed by the meeting in the church hall. Bring a lawn chair and dress casually! Community Care membership ($5/person) is required for voting privileges at the AGM. Memberships can be purchased at any Community Care office or at the AGM prior to the business meeting. To RSVP for the AGM and/or BBQ, contact Mary Lou Pickering at 324-7323 or e-mail her at  mlpickering@community-care.on.ca