Community Care for the City of Kawartha Lakes E-News

The Community Health Centre (CHC) for the City of Kawartha Lakes is moving forward.

Since the provincial government’s announcement last fall that Community Care has been selected to lead in the development of a local CHC. The CHC will provide services to treat illness and promote health. Central to the philosophy of care is that it is delivered in an integrated team approach, where physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers and other professional disciplines as well as volunteers work together to improve the health of a community. CHCs strive to reduce the burden of acute care, offering client-centered primary health care in an accessible, fiscally responsible manner.

The first phase in the development process is the Community Engagement Phase, a key opportunity to engage CKL residents regarding their perceptions of priority services which should be available at a community health centre – both primary care and health promotion. The thoughts of both knowledgeable providers and those in need of care regarding gaps in services or opportunities to expand services combine to provide a picture of potential service delivery. Typically, consultants are hired to assist in facilitating the Community Engagement Phase, since they bring a neutrality and objectivity to the gathering of the information.

Last month, the board of directors for Community Care awarded a contract to the Osborne Group to conduct the Community Engagement Phase. The decision to work with Osborne was based on the firm’s previous involvement in this community - with the Fenelon Falls Family Health Team and the Omemee Medical Centre.

Work has commenced and a local steering committee has been formed. For further information about the Community Health Centre, contact Community Care executive director Valmay Barkey at 324-7323, ext. 232.

Foundation update

The newest organizational entity of Community Care has launched, as the agency’s foundation board is up and running.

The Community Care Foundation (Kawartha Lakes) received incorporation late in 2006, and application for charitable status has been made. While we await the official charitable stamp of approval from the province, the foundation has put some things in motion. A preliminary board of directors has been established, and in early 2008, the Foundation will begin short- and long-term planning for overseeing and managing the agency’s financial holdings, as well as consideration and planning of a future capital fundraising campaign, perhaps in support of a new housing project.

Initial board members of the Foundation include: Pat Jensen, also a member of the Community Care board of directors; Dense Scully of Ross Memorial Hospital; longtime agency volunteer Carol De Grace from Kirkfield, and; Bill Charlton of Investors Group in Lindsay. Staff support comes from executive director Valmay Barkey, finance manager Linda Burgess and director of development Mike Puffer.

The Community Care Foundation is currently seeking more individuals who would be interested in sitting on the board. If you know a person who is interested in learning more about requirements and expectations of Foundation board members, they can contact Mike Puffer at 324-7323, ext. 222.

Income Tax Program Returns

Once again this year, Community Care offices in Lindsay and Bobcaygeon are offering free income tax return preparation for low-income earners. In Lindsay, people may bring their income tax returns to the administration office (34 Cambridge St. S.) on Mondays between 10 a.m. and noon. Returns are prepared by trained volunteers and take approximately one week to complete. In Bobcaygeon (71 D Bolton St., 738-5300), returns are being accepted on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Christmas Solicitation Results

We are grateful to the many generous donors who responded to Community Care’s mail solicitation at Christmas in support of the agency’s specialized transportation program. More than $4,800 was received in gifts from supporters!

Upcoming Events

Volunteers – “From Compassion to Action”
The theme for 2008’s National Volunteer Week in April says it all about the 700-plus volunteers that give their time and talents to Community Care each year. Our agency’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Tea and Awards Ceremony will be held Sunday, April 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Dunsford Community Centre. Invitations to volunteers will be sent soon!

Little Caesar & the Consuls Return
Dunsford will also be the site for the 5th annual Community Care fundraising dance with Little Caesar & the Consuls. On Saturday, May 31, the Canadian rock & roll band that performed at Greenhurst Pavilion in Dunsford throughout the 1960s will perform at the Community Centre. Tickets to the dance are $25/person and are available through Community Care. We accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as cash or cheque. Get your tickets before they’re gone!

2nd Annual Community Yard Sale
The second annual giant community yard sale at our 34 Cambridge St. S. parking lot will be on Saturday, June 7 (June 14 rain date). Up to 20 different vendors will be at the sale, and tables can be rented by individuals or groups for just $25. Call Mike Puffer to rent a table.

For further details about Community Care in the City of Kawartha Lakes please visit www.community-care.on.ca