It is hard to believe that I have been at ESS for over a year now. It has been busy. Next year promises to be just as hectic but, with this, full of opportunity.
A major milestone reached this year was the adoption by the Board of a new Strategic Plan. This will be instrumental in guiding our work over the 2019-2021 period.
Much time this year was spent strengthening existing relationships and forging new partnerships, especially joining with hospitals, other primary and community service providers as part of Ontario Health Team (OHT) proposals. ESS is a member of the OHTs being led by William Osler and Trillium Hospital. Since this will be the new structure through which health and community support services funding will be channeled, real engagement in these teams is critical to our future.
Looking ahead, work has been completed on our training and development priorities for the coming year. One of the goals of this plan is to give our team members, especially those involved in direct care delivery, the opportunity to learn more about palliative respite care. This will enhance our capacity to serve clients and caregivers confronted with end of life situations and experiences. An important part of this training will be on self-care for staff touched by such work.
Early in the New Year, we will open a new Caring Centre facility on Rosemount Avenue allowing ESS to serve even more clients in this, beautiful and ‘built just for us’ new home.
In 2020, we will be taking a hard look at our fund development strategy. We look forward to engaging you, our friends and stakeholders, in this important process.
So, as you can see, much was accomplished in 2019 and 2020 promises to be just as exciting.
All the very best to you in the New Year!
Kindest regards,
Alison Coke, CEO