CLBC announces its new strategic plan
After months of meetings, presentations and community visits to gather input, a new strategic plan has been approved by the Board of Directors to help guide CLBC until 2020. It sets goals for better quality of life outcomes and improved individual and family experiences, as well as more efficient operations and enhanced service provider partnerships. See the plan here and see the web announcement here.
Thank you to everyone who provided input on how to better serve individuals and their families. The new plan reflects the feedback and perspectives collected from individuals, families, service providers and other stakeholders. The plan takes effect in April 2017, and CLBC is now identifying projects for implementation in the first year.
Province approves an increase in funding for CLBC
On February 21, 2017 the provincial government announced an operating budget of $953.8 million for Community Living BC in 2017/18, which includes an increase in provincial funding of $58 million over last year. The increased funding is an important strategic investment that will help strengthen services.
The new funding will maintain ongoing services implemented in prior years, and help meet service level demand by providing new services or increases in services to an estimated 3,000 individuals. It will also help CLBC meet increased funding commitments to service providers related to the Economic Stability Mandate. Find more information here.
Include Me! quality of life survey: What we’ve learned 2012-16
CLBC has been conducting its quality of life survey since 2012, and has recently published provincial data on our web site here.
Over the past four years 3,000 individuals served by more than 70 agencies have participated. The survey has been well received by those invited to participate. Participation has ranged from 54 per cent to 65 per cent and most of those who agree to take part complete the survey (response rate of 76 per cent to 97 per cent).
This year, CLBC is working to complete approximately 1,500 more surveys. The include Me! team is continuing to actively survey in the Vancouver Coastal, South Fraser, and Interior regions and is also expanding to new communities in the Kootenays. See a related story here.
CLBC-BCGEU Scholarship open for applications until March 31
Applications are now open for a scholarship that enables BC adults with developmental disabilities to pursue jobs training or personal development. CLBC and the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU) co-sponsor the $100,000 scholarship fund, established as part of their 2012 collective agreement.
The fund is open to adults who are eligible for CLBC supports, and is being distributed over five years, starting in 2014. Help spread the word – the deadline for applications is March 31, 2017. Find more information, including application forms, by clicking here.
