Carlington Community and Health Services (CCHS) has finished consulting community members and service partners as part of the strategic planning process. The Board and staff are ready to set the service direction for the next three years and define those activities which are most needed.
A number of common themes were raised at community meetings, in client surveys, and with staff. Participants said they value the existing “holistic” approach and want a range of health and social services to continue. People appreciated programs that were accessible to them, especially those delivered at the four CCHS satellite locations.
New needs have emerged for some people, including seniors, children, youth, and newcomers. Additional outreach to the most needy and isolated members of these groups is needed. For example, seniors, especially the frail elderly or those with mental health problems, find it more difficult to connect with appropriate services.
“Thanks to the creative input from community members and staff, the Board is now ready to consider information, set service priorities, and define how best to deliver both existing and new programs,” said Mary Hegan, Board member and Chair of the Planning Committee. “Initiating new services in an era of strained workloads and limited resources continues to be a challenge, but it is one that CCHS is prepared to deal with.”