the bethesda · 2019-06-12 · bethesda’s supports as they have assisted our family with our son,...

The Bethesda

ISSUE 11 • DECEMBER 2018

IN THIS ISSUE

Board Spotlight

Golf Tournament

PAGE 2

Pathways to Employment

PAGE 3

Strategic Plan2018-2022

PAGE 4 - 5

Events

PAGE 6

Chaplain’s Corner

Retirees

PAGE 7

Save the Date

My Gift

PAGE 8

WHY PLAN FOR THE FUTURE? HOW CAN WE PREDICT WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN? We asked these and many other questions over the past few months as we went through the process of establishing Bethesda’s 2018-2022 Strategic Plan. The fact is no one knows the future, no one can predict what’s going to happen. Strategic planning is about creating your future, to the best of your abilities, not predicting it. Over two hundred and forty people invested their time in helping Bethesda create its future. We paused to reflect on our Vision, Mission, and Values, establishing what is important to us. Then, in broad terms, we identified five strategic directions. Directions we trust will help us to support children, youth, and adults in the most effective way possible! Have a look at what we came up with, and enjoy this edition of the Link.

Sincerely, Brian DaviesChief Executive Officer

In each upcoming edition of the Link Newsletter, we will be spotlighting one member of Bethesda’s Board of Directors. We asked each Board Member the same set of questions to help you learn more about those who proudly represent this organization.

Bill Janzen, Director

Please provide some history on your professional life. I am the owner of Future Access, which I started in 1995. Future Access is

a web development and digital marketing company based in St. Catharines. Our team serves a large variety of clients in Niagara and beyond, offering web design, software development, digital marketing services and much more. My wife April and I also purchased a second business in 2017, a yoga studio called Yoga by Sarah. April runs the studio and I manage some of the backend functions like finance and marketing.

Number of years on Bethesda’s Board?2.5 years, since February 2016.

Why are you passionate about Bethesda?I am passionate about Bethesda because I believe that the work Bethesda does fills some extremely important needs in our community, serving others in the Spirit of Christ. We have experienced first-hand some of Bethesda’s supports as they have assisted our family with our son, Josiah, who has Down Syndrome. Josiah is 8 now and we are very thankful for the assistance and encouragement we have received from Bethesda.

What are you passionate about in your spare time, outside of work and volunteer commitments? (Hobbies, interests, etc.)We have a very busy family life with our three children, and we enjoy the time that we spend together with sports, activities, etc. I enjoy biking, hockey, yoga, reading, and serving at Bethany Community Church doing sound with the media team. April and I enjoy travelling and we look forward to exploring other parts of the world as our family gets older.

BOARD SPOTLIGHT

46TH ANNUAL ANDY KOSCHOCK MEMORIAL NIAGARA REGIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

DONATED $27,000TOTALING OVER $86,000 FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS!

THANK YOU!

PA

GE 3

PATHWAYS TO EMPLOYMENTGRADUATION In Spring of 2016, Bethesda and March of Dimes were approved for the Developmental Services Employment and Modernization Fund. From April 2017 to present, there have been 30 people enrolled in the program, Pathways to Employment. Of those 30 people, 25 have volunteered or are still volunteering with various community partners throughout the Niagara Region. We are excited to announce that 7 people have transitioned to Employment Support Agencies and 4 have paid work experiences!

Long Term Benefits:

For Individuals: • More meaningful and purposeful days, enhanced quality of life, increased integration in the

community• Enhanced work related skills to secure employment • Increased income

For the Community:• Employers and employees will enjoy the benefits of new relationships with individuals who have a

developmental disability • Local businesses will have skilled and dedicated employees on their team

For Bethesda:• Greater connections with the local community (community services and supports, as well as

organizations and businesses)• A fully integrated Pre-Employment stream and a clear pathway to link individuals to employment

supports • Staff trained to deliver the pre-employment curriculum and to support individuals seeking and

securing employment

Where are our graduates now?Gilles: In October 2018, Gilles began work at Dillon’s Distillery in the packing department 2 days a week! Congratulations Gilles!

Dorothy: After submitting an application to West Niagara Community Care and going through the interview process, Dorothy was chosen to help volunteer on a regular basis in the clothes sorting room! Community Care appreciates her excellent abilities and desire to serve her community!

Chris: Chris began volunteering at Calvary Church in the weekly Kid’s Club! His genuine care, and compassion, has led to an increased responsibility at the Club! Chris is starting his journey towards competitive employment with a fresh outlook, a big smile and a new found joy in his eyes!

Ready to Transform

STRATEGIC DIRECTION 1

Person and Family Centred SupportsPartner with people and their families in the design, delivery and evaluation of our services1a. Provide services that give information, choice and control to people

and families1b. Develop systems, processes and policies that sustain high levels

of “customer” service and satisfaction1c. Invite people and families to co-design and evaluate current and

future services, supports and approaches1d. Develop supports aimed at strengthening family capacity1e. Reflect the diversity of the people and the community,

in services provided


Holistic and Flexible ServicesOffer flexible supports and services that reflect a person’s emotional, intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual needs and preferences at any given time2a. Offer innovative, holistic, flexible services for children, youth and

adults with complex support needs2b. Develop and adopt evidence-informed practices in

clinical services2c. Provide meaningful, individualized day supports in the

community2d. Offer a range of housing options that enable people to live in ways

that best suit their needs


Simpler Access and Pathways to SupportMake it easier for people and families to access and navigate through services, with particular focus on times of transition3a. Streamline processes and reduce barriers within Bethesda so

people have easier access to service3b. Work closely with community partners to make services more coor-

dinated and integrated3c. Look for ways to support people and families while they wait for

service3d. Improve pathways for Transitional Aged Youth

IntroductionOver the past several years, Bethesda has focused

on gathering input from a range of stakeholders into

the development and transformation of several of its

services, including children and adult clinical services,

and adult day services. The strategic planning process

intentionally built on this input. Additionally, staff

members, Bethesda’s leadership team, community

partners, and the Board of Directors provided input

and insights into the strategic planning process by

participating in focus groups and e-surveys, and by

taking part in a one-day planning session.

The infographic below captures the total number of

participants from each stakeholder group that were

involved in Bethesda’s community consultations and

strategic planning process.

VisionA community of support that inspires, encourages and empowers children, youth, and adults with special needs to live fulfilled lives.

MissionBethesda provides, in the Spirit of Christ, collaborative, flexible and holistic supports, empowering people tobuild their personal capacity throughout life.

Values• Respect for the privacy, choices, decisions and

rights of people and families

• Diversity and inclusivity

• Collaboration with people, families, our partners & communities

• Providing compassionate, quality service to the people we support

CommunityEngagement Process

Focus Groups Review ofDocumentation

InterviewsE-Surveys

Bethesda Strategic Plan 2018-2022


Collective Impact Through Partnership, Learning and Leading Work alongside, learn from and share our learning with our partners, for greater collective impact4a. Strengthen connections, collaborations and partnerships with

people, organizations and companies - locally, nationally, and internationally

4b. Build capacity within community partners to enable them to better support children, youth, and adults with complex support needs, at home, school, work, and in the community

4c. Invite in expertise, insights and opportunities for research and new initiatives


An Inspiring and Responsive OrganizationBe able to quickly respond to the changing needs of the people who use services, inspire our employees to build on their expertise and strengths, and fully utilize our assets and resources5a. Attract, develop and retain talented employees who are

committed to supporting people to live their good life5b. Continue to evolve the organization’s governance framework to

align with and support future directions5c. Diversify revenue by identifying and developing services people

and families wish to purchase5d. Take full advantage of technology that improves the effectiveness

and efficiency of service delivery and operations5e. Increase sustainability by evaluating how Bethesda’s

resources, property, and intellectual assets are currently used, and how they might be best used in the future

BETHESDA’S EVENTSJULY 22 – ANNUAL FAMILY PICNIC: Copper and Iron provided awesome musical entertainment and Ole Thyme BBQ provided a fantastic meal. We enjoyed great weather and great company. Thanks to everyone who helped make the day special!

SEPTEMBER 9 – 12 CAMP CROSSROADS: A mix of 25 veteran and rookie campers enjoyed crafts, wagon rides, horse experiences, archery, boat rides, tubing and campfires as well as meals that were second to none. Thanks to Chaplain Mike who supplied inspiration and music.

SEPTEMBER 19 – FREE FAMILY BBQ: Thank you to everyone who helped make the Free Family BBQ a success! People from the community were able to enjoy the evening, get to know staff and learn more about some of our

community organizations!

OCTOBER 3 - THANKSGIVING SERVICE: The service began with Kermit the Frog welcoming family and friends and then focused on communication, and how it relates to prayer being communication with God.

OCTOBER 29 - DENTAL CLINIC: We had the privilege of working together with Niagara College & McMaster Children’s Hospital to help brighten the smiles of children with special needs!

OCTOBER 29 - FAMILY CELEBRATION DAY: We had over 150 family members attend our function. The smiles and giggles from the children, and the ability for families to let their children be themselves in a safe environment was incredibly rewarding.

OCTOBER 30 – BALLS FALLS FUN DAY: Always a special day enjoying a great lunch and lively music.

OCTOBER 31 - HALLOWEEN: It was a fun day here on Halloween! Thank you to all of the staff who participated - you made us all smile.

NOVEMBER 14 – TAKE YOUR KID TO WORK DAY: Nine students enjoyed a day including a presentation on Bethesda, a tour of the Fly Road property, and a music therapy session at one of our group homes.

NOVEMBER 28 - MEMORIAL SERVICE: We gathered in the Henry Wiebe Chapel for a time of personal reflection and remembrance. We took time to pause and remember special friends who have left an imprint on our lives.

Family Day

Halloween

Thanksgiving

Dental Clinic

UPCOMING EVENT!

SEE LAST PAGE FOR DETAILS!

CHAPLAIN’S CORNERby Mike Gilmore

PA

GE 7

CELEBRATING JESUS;THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6As we head towards Christmas, let us focus on the reason for the season which is Jesus. Let us focus on Him and the names given to Him long before His lowly birth.

Wonderful Counselor: How often, like Mary, do we find ourselves misunderstood, feeling lost and overwhelmed? Yet Jesus is our support, encourager, the one who brings us hope and understands us.

Mighty God: How often do we feel inadequate, weak, fearful, or overwhelmed, perhaps Joseph felt like this having the responsibility of raising God’s son. Yet, in Jesus, we find strength for today and every day, we find purpose and meaning for our lives. In Him we can be strong and courageous.

Everlasting Father: Consider the Wisemen, men of great knowledge, wealth and reputation and yet still searching for the missing piece the missing relationship in their lives. In Jesus they found everlasting life. A gift that wisdom, wealth, works or reputation cannot buy or find. A gift freely given in Jesus, a gift for eternity!

Prince of Peace: Consider the Shepherds loneliness, rejection and spiritually impure would be words to describe their lives. Yet the angel came to them first to announce Jesus’ birth. In Jesus they found love and acceptance and most of all peace with God as they declared the good news of all they had seen and heard.

Jesus’ birth was the start of something history will never repeat. Christ’s birth, His life, death and resurrection, and our relationship with Him, is the reason we celebrate Christmas.

RETIREES

We extend best wishes and a heartfelt thank you to Christine Garrett and Joanne Guetter.

Christine started at Bethesda in 2004 and retired from Cottage Cove on August 1, 2018 after 14 years of dedicated service.

Joanne began her journey with Bethesda in 1982 and during her 36 years of dedicated services contributed greatly throughout Bethesda; Joanne retried from her position as Family Home Case Manager on October 30, 2018.

SIDEWALKS! WE HAVE SIDEWALKS! The individuals supported by Bethesda would like to say a big THANK YOU to the City of Thorold for providing safe walk ways to help us access our local community.

Entertainment by

Dually Noted Jazz Duo

Celebrating 20 years of shining the spotlight on the people we support.Celebrating 20 years of shining the spotlight on the people we support.

Master of Ceremonies

Mike Krause AND

TICKETS: $90 per person ($45 charitable tax receipt) For tickets contact: Gillian Dunkley 905.684.6918 Ext. 271

[email protected]

Friday, April 12th, 2019Club Italia, Niagara Falls, 2525 Montrose Rd. | Doors Open: 5:15 P.M.

Fabulous Live & Silent Auction


[email protected]




[email protected]



3280 Schmon Parkway, Thorold , ON L2V 4Y6T : 905.684.6918 F : 905.684.5866W : www.bethesdaservices.com

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MY GIFTFor your convenience, donations

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the bethesda · 2019-06-12 · bethesda’s supports as they have assisted our family with our son,...

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