President Chris introduced Lisa Talbot and Linda Kenny from the Kidsability Centre, and their update on programs there.
Linda updated us on new procedures given the pandemic – everyone is working in spite of closure of centre but no face to face as employees are working from home. There are no known cases of the virus connected to the Centre. Staff have started planning for safe return to the site, but currently 100% of staff and families are connected, but no new clients. Staff are also planning for new ‘fee for service’ model that was to be launched in Aril 2020, but is since delayed.
Current programs include:
1 virtual support group which kids are good at with ramped up website; using retired teachers to help; some are doing bedtime stories; also facebook live sessions.
2 physio at a distance – with Katherine; The Record sat in on a session and did a story on it; Centre is working to ensure privacy.
3 virtual playdate – 2 kids meet virtually supported by therapists; kids are really excited to see their friends.
What does the future look like? –
0-45 days is pandemic; 30-180 days is semi-normal; >180 days is new normal.
Although trying virtual sessions at the moment, this is not ideal for all; it means no new clients and no assessments, so there will be a flood of these when the new normal happens. Staff are working on this transition and setting up the space to comply with new normal. A lot has been learned over past 6 weeks, like virtual offers more choice for families but face to face is best. The organization is excited for the change.
Lisa outlined the challenges for the Foundation, given cancelled fundraisers, etc. Community support continues; very grateful for Rotary support. It is understood that times are challenging for clubs as well and the Foundation knows numbers for clubs will not be same next year as in the past but not sure how to budget this. Good news is there was a small surplus at end of last fiscal year. Foundation staff are looking at all kinds of new ideas, like working with Canada Helps for online donations and re-working the sponsorship package.