Updates

A key role for human service professionals and community leaders is to create opportunities for community participation and success for the folks they serve. Yet, many vulnerable people remain isolated and struggle with the social ramifications of poverty, unemployment, housing and transportation. It is clear that traditional approaches have not brought many successes. To this end, this interactive session will explore the macro challenge and examine ways and means to greater community success for the people being supported or served. Clear strategies will be outlined and explored as we examine a more macro perspective on the notion of community building. This event takes place at the Four Points Sheraton at 1150 Wellington Road from 9:30 - 2:30 on October 10, 2024 The $80.00 fee includes lunch. You, or your agency, will be billed following your attendance. There is NO FEE families and people supported. Contact Helen at 519-433-2801 for more information

The Alice Saddy Foundation, as part of their annual Susan Shepherd Educational Talks, is excited to be hosting a World Café with Dr. Al Condeluci. Al Condeluci has been an advocate, a catalyst for building community capacities and a leader in understanding social culture since 1970. Al has emerged as a national leader and consultant on human services and community issues. He speaks annually to national and international audiences, reaching some 15,000 people each year. The theme of this World Café is " Creating a more inclusive and welcoming community. " A World Café will allow people with different perspectives and experiences to come together and to engage in facilitated conversations, with an intended outcome of positive changes in our community. We look forward to lively conversation on October 9th from 4-7 pm . Please contact Helen at helenf@alicesaddy.com or 519-433-2801 X 254, with any questions.

Ontario’s developmental services organizations are facing a critical challenge – providing quality services and supports to people with developmental disabilities while dealing with a 0% budget increase. “Like many families and organizations across Ontario, Alice Saddy Association is struggling with increased costs to keeping the heat and lights on, putting gas in vehicles, and buying food to feed people,” explains Executive Director, Marg McLean. “With rising inflation and skyrocketing costs, it’s getting harder to provide the support individuals with developmental disabilities deserve.” Adding to this struggle is the challenge of recruiting qualified staff. All while having funding increase. “Recognizing the escalating crisis, we’re joining developmental service agencies across the province in the #5tosurvive campaign which calls upon the Ontario government to provide an immediate 5% increase in base funding, including Passport and Special Services at Home,” says McLean. Vision vs reality Ontario’s current developmental services strategy envisions a future where individuals with developmental disabilities are supported by their communities, networks and government to lead inclusive lives. However, the organizations tasked with turning this vision into a reality are shackled by a lack of resources. The gap between the envisioned support and reality on the ground is widening, leaving developmental service organizations on the brink of crisis. “Alice Saddy Association, like many other agencies, finds ourself caught in a paradox,” McLean explains. “While demands for our services are increasing, funding remains stagnant. Rising costs, including essential services and recruiting qualified staff, are pushing developmental service organizations to our limits.” “Despite the dedication and passion of our staff, we’re concerned that a 0% budget increase means we’ll be unable to meet the growing needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.” Lend your voice We encourage community members to share their concerns by joining #5tosurvive . Contact your local MPP to ask for the immediate 5% funding increase and sign the online petition . Make your voice heard alongside ours.

In 2023, Alice Saddy Association celebrated its 50 th anniversary. While we enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on our past, we also took the time to plan for our future. A key part of this planning was updating our strategic plan. The pandemic brought about many changes, some challenging, some positive and others transformational in how we support people with developmental disabilities. The process of creating a strategic plan gave us space to pause, reflect and plot the future we want for our families, individuals we support, staff and community. After much consultation and vigorous discussions, we determined the following strategic priorities will guide our work from 2024 to 2028. Person-directed supports Staff engagement Responding to community Streamlined operations You’ll notice three of our priorities are internally focused. Coming out of the pandemic, we recognize the need to strengthen how we operate and support individuals. Empowering people For individuals, it’s about ensuring they’re directing decisions about the support they receive. This means strengthening their self-advocacy skills and helping them know their voice is being heard. Like many businesses and organizations, we’re dealing with labour shortages. To help retain our valued staff, and recruit new faces, we’re focusing on how we train, recognize and communicate with staff. We’re also looking for ways to streamline our operations to maximize the quality of supports provided to individuals, families and staff. Finally, we know there are many more individuals who are seeking support than our current capacity allows. That is causing stress for families. We’re committed to working with our community to find creative and flexible ways to respond to their needs. We look forward to updating you on the progress on our strategic priorities. Watch for updates in our newsletter. It’s an exciting time for change.