A service review is underway for a Trail organization that provides support to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
In conjunction with Community Living British Columbia (CLBC), a provincial crown agency, Trail Association for Community Living has hired an external auditor who will look into how the oldest association in the province can strengthen or improve.
Kim Lyster of Warren Helfrich Consulting is asking for input from individuals, family members, community partners and staff at this time.
“The board and the senior management of the organization had brought forward some concerns, saying that they felt they were struggling,” said Lynn Middleton, CLBC director of regional operations for the Interior.
“I’m not in a position to say what the organization has felt were some of their key concerns – specifically – but mostly they wanted to look at their overall operations and make sure that they’re board clearly understood its role, what senior management was responsible for and how they could enhance their overall service delivery to make the best possible outcomes occur.”
Starting up in the early 1950s as the Kootenay Society for Handicapped Children, the Trail Association for Community Living’s name has changed to reflect the services it provides.
The direct service and advocacy organization - comprised of those who live with developmental disabilities, their families, friends, professionals, business representatives and other community supporters - provides residential settings, life skills, recreational opportunities, community support, advocacy and family support to Greater Trail residents.
The review is scheduled for completion by the end of October and though the report delivered to the board will not be made public, a summary of the key highlights will.
“The report might have confidential information in regards to individuals in services at the organization and we wouldn’t disclose their names to anyone in the public,” said Middleton.
Those who would like to share information with Lyster, can leave a message at Trail’s sister organization in Castlegar at 1-800-668-2249 or contact her via email at kplyster@telus.net