At the BC Centre for Ability’s Annual General Meeting three distinct Community Partners were recognized for their outstanding commitment and support to the Centre in delivering on its mission.
Brighouse Elementary School, Richmond – The BC Centre for Ability’s Richmond Early Intervention Team has benefited from Brighouse’s generosity for four years. In 2012, their Neighbourhood Learning Centre was made available for the Centre staff to hold clinic and screening visits, workshops and small therapy groups free of charge. This space has allowed for many Richmond families to have alternative home based services and it has also created opportunities for families to meet and connect in a support group atmosphere where many playdates have been the outcome too. This community space has been vital to the Richmond team in helping them serve families in a safe and comfortable space and in turn has served community residents whose children benefit from the Centre’s support. Special acknowledgement to the Richmond School District, Brighouse Elementary School and to former principal Elcombe and current principal Adjei-Achampong for their advocacy in supporting this space.
Nominated by: Judit Spence, Director of Physiotherapy/Acting Director of Occupational Therapy
Photo: Judit and Principal Adjei-Achampong
Burnaby Neighbourhood House – Partners since 1999, BNH staff have always been a strong part of the BC Centre for Ability’s Supported Child Development Program. In 2014, Burnaby Neighbourhood House and BC Centre for Ability moved into Metrotown Community Resource Centre, a newly constructed amenity site by the City of Burnaby, this further strengthens the working partnership between the two agencies. Burnaby Neighbourhood House staff are open to sharing relevant preschool and school age program information that our Burnaby Supported Child Development Program offers. Their staff are open to new ideas and always improving on ways to better serve the community. We are honoured to share space and collaborate on new initiatives and training with such an inspirational team.
Nominated by: Terri Calvert, Manager Supported Child Development Program, BC Centre for Ability
Photo: Kathy and Stasi representing the Burnaby Neighbourhood House with Terri Calvert (middle)
West Vancouver School District – For 25 years the BCCFA has provided occupational therapy services to students in the West Vancouver School District. This longevity of commitment has helped build a strong and respectful community partnership with the Centre staff and educators in the school district. With the support of Sandra Lynn Shortall, West Vancouver District Principal in investing in transdisciplinary work through an innovative self-regulation team children with disabilities in that District are experiencing the best in school therapy care. This kind of dedication at the leadership level is significant in helping the Centre enhance the lives of those they support.
Nominated by: Moray McLean, Occupational Therapist
Photo: Moray McLean and Sandra Lynn Shortall
Woodwards – YMCA of Greater Vancouver – Staff at Woodwards Child Care? have been working collaboratively with the BCCFA staff for the past three years. The teachers and staff at Woodwards have created a calm, loving and enriched environment delivering exceptional programs to children in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver with special needs and socio-emotional challenges. They work hard to identify children who can benefit from extra support from therapists and work with the child, their parents and community partners to get the aid they need. They are great collaborators and always working to improve services to those in their community. The Centre is pleased to recognize the team at Woodwards for their dedication and continued commitment to providing coordinated services to those in need in their community.
Nominated by: Catherine Yoell, Physiotherapist
Photo: Catherine, Liz Mathews, Danielle Lapus, Rose Lipsett
Congratulations to the award winners. Thank you for your dedication to the families in the communities you serve. We look forward to our continued partnership.