December 15, 2020: Please see the communication below:
December 8, 2020: Hello! Thanks for checking-in to see what's happening at CSCL. Over the past month we have continued to adapt and change as required to keep everyone safe. We are well tuned into the ever changing safety requirements as outlined by the Provincial Health Officer and the Provincial Government. It is important, however, to note that CSCL services are essential, therefore, we have not paused or halted any service delivery at this time. We have COVID-19 Safety Plans in place for all programs and services ensuring that safety is at the forefront of what we do.
Please be sure to wear a mask when you are at CSCL! We are on a strict mandatory mask protocol right now in all of our programs and sites.
Remember, if you are feeling sick or unwell, stay home! We all have to do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Please be sure to wear a mask when you are at CSCL! We are on a strict mandatory mask protocol right now in all of our programs and sites.
Remember, if you are feeling sick or unwell, stay home! We all have to do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19.
November 9, 2020: Here is the lates message from our CEO, Brandon Arnett:
Good day all,
I hope this message finds you well and that you are washing your hands, wearing your masks and keeping your social bubbles small and safe. The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is strong and scary - to say the least. We continue to ensure that our service delivery is safe and that all employees are following protocols that have been put into place to ensure the safety of all.
Most recently, CSCL has put a mandatory face covering policy in place for all employees and, where possible, persons served. This does not apply to those living in CSCL homes, rather those accessing services such as Supported Employment and Community Inclusion. This does apply, however, to all employees regardless is they work in community programs or staffed homes.
CSCL's leadership team is dedicated to ensuring our services remain safe and we will do so by adhering to all Provincial Health Orders, all WorkSafeBC guidelines and by working closely with our provincial funders and other key stakeholders. The health and safety of those we support and their families along with those we employ and their families remains our top priority.
With this, I would be remiss not to take a moment to recognize our hard working and dedicated employees. I am personally amazed how those we employe have continued to adapt and change to the uncertainty in which we currently live. Working in an environment where protocols are forever changing is no small task - it is exhausting and confusing. Having said this, the entire CSCL team has continued to adapt and changes as required.
To those we support and your families alike, thank you for your ongoing resiliency. You have been strong and dedicated over the past several months - taking charge of your own health and safety and caring for your peers and support staff. You have proven to be adaptable and flexible; even when it is so hard to do so.
Though the past nearly ten months have been exhausting and confusing, we have pulled together as a group to navigate these uncertain and trying times as a collective. As we move forward through the unveiling unknown, we will continue to depend on one another - not only for guidance and feedback, but support and compassion. Together, we are better.
Thank you,
Brandon Arnett
Chief Executive Officer
Good day all,
I hope this message finds you well and that you are washing your hands, wearing your masks and keeping your social bubbles small and safe. The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is strong and scary - to say the least. We continue to ensure that our service delivery is safe and that all employees are following protocols that have been put into place to ensure the safety of all.
Most recently, CSCL has put a mandatory face covering policy in place for all employees and, where possible, persons served. This does not apply to those living in CSCL homes, rather those accessing services such as Supported Employment and Community Inclusion. This does apply, however, to all employees regardless is they work in community programs or staffed homes.
CSCL's leadership team is dedicated to ensuring our services remain safe and we will do so by adhering to all Provincial Health Orders, all WorkSafeBC guidelines and by working closely with our provincial funders and other key stakeholders. The health and safety of those we support and their families along with those we employ and their families remains our top priority.
With this, I would be remiss not to take a moment to recognize our hard working and dedicated employees. I am personally amazed how those we employe have continued to adapt and change to the uncertainty in which we currently live. Working in an environment where protocols are forever changing is no small task - it is exhausting and confusing. Having said this, the entire CSCL team has continued to adapt and changes as required.
To those we support and your families alike, thank you for your ongoing resiliency. You have been strong and dedicated over the past several months - taking charge of your own health and safety and caring for your peers and support staff. You have proven to be adaptable and flexible; even when it is so hard to do so.
Though the past nearly ten months have been exhausting and confusing, we have pulled together as a group to navigate these uncertain and trying times as a collective. As we move forward through the unveiling unknown, we will continue to depend on one another - not only for guidance and feedback, but support and compassion. Together, we are better.
Thank you,
Brandon Arnett
Chief Executive Officer
July 14, 2020: CSCL leadership and staff have been working with our community partners to ensure our relaunch plans for Phase Two of service delivery are safe for all participating. With this, we have clear guidelines around service delivery/participation as well as in home visits at group homes. You will find more information in the two documents below. If you have questions or concerns, please send an email to: info@cscl.bc.ca or call 250.426.7588.
Please note that our administration office on 13th Avenue in Cranbrook remains closed to the general public while we undergo safety updates to our front office. Furthermore, our office hours have been changed to: Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays) from 9:00am to 5:00pm - closed from 12:00pm to 1:00pm for lunch.
Please note that our administration office on 13th Avenue in Cranbrook remains closed to the general public while we undergo safety updates to our front office. Furthermore, our office hours have been changed to: Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays) from 9:00am to 5:00pm - closed from 12:00pm to 1:00pm for lunch.
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June 7, 2020: CSCL is actively working on our re-open planning. Our primary focus is to get ensure individuals are receiving the supports they need to be safe - especially where families or caregivers are returning to work. We are also focussed on safety: ensuring all service delivery is safe for individuals and employees alike. More information and a transition to Phase Two is expected this week.
May 19, 2020: On May 14, 2020 CLBC issued the following bulletin for Individuals and Families:
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Welcome to the May 14 edition of CLBC's Update for Individuals and Families. As a reminder... read more... (click to read more) |
May 12, 2020: As BC prepares to "re-open", so does CSCL. We are actively working on our Re-Open Plan to make sure we keep our staff, our supported individuals and our community safe. Our plan will be much like that of the government's - it will have several phases and will look different according to the service area (i.e., community inclusion services vs. shared living, etc.).
Our plan will follow all Provincial guidelines and will focus heavily on the the health and safety of persons served and their families, employees and their families, and our community et al.
As plans come to fruition and timelines are established, we will share accordingly. In the mean time, please keep connecting with our staff to make sure we are meeting your needs.
Our plan will follow all Provincial guidelines and will focus heavily on the the health and safety of persons served and their families, employees and their families, and our community et al.
As plans come to fruition and timelines are established, we will share accordingly. In the mean time, please keep connecting with our staff to make sure we are meeting your needs.
Wash your hands, physical distance when going out, and stay home where possible!
April 20, 2020: CSCL has decided to move our annual general meeting (AGM) to September of 2020 rather than our typical June date. We will circulate more information once a new date has been selected. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
April 3, 2020: On April 2, 2020 the Province of BC announced their continued support to supported individuals by way of increased PWD funds. Those eligible individuals on PWD will see an increase of $300 per month for April, May and June.
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Along with this welcome news, Community Living BC, along with Minister Simpson, held their second call with individuals and families. Inclusion BC captured a few very important questions and answers:
1. What happens if a supported person gets sick? Will they continue to get needed support? Answer: Yes. Ross Chilton said that each person's situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and that CLBC will continue to provide supports as needed. For example, CLBC is already supporting people who are positive for COVID-19 — some people can safely self-isolate in their homes with reduced support, while others require ongoing support, which CLBC is continuing to provide. |
2. If agencies are no longer offering day-programs, will these funds be transferred respite?
Answer: No. Ross Chilton said that 80% of the costs for support go to agency staff costs. Most of these staff members are continuing to work and providing one-on-one support as part fo the COVID-19 response. Ross said CLBC understands and appreciates the extra efforts that family members and home-share providers are making during this time, and are prioritizing services for those more in need.
3. If I lose my job, will I still have access to CLBC employment supports funding?
Answer: Yes, but it will change. Ross Chilton said that if a person loses their job, CLBC will work with them to provide the support they need when they need it. Initially, it may be emotional support, and in the future, it may be support helping the person find a new job!
For the latest information from CLBC, visit CLBC Information on COVID-19.
*CLBC with publish a transcript in the next few days.
CSCL continues to follow our pandemic plan inclusive of restricted access to all homes and programs to essential visits only. We appreciate that this is challenging for individuals and families; however, we do it with safety in mind. CSCL is committed to those we support, their families, our employees and their families with health and safety being our biggest concern.
On March 26, 2020 the Province of BC declared Community Social Service employees essential. We must comply with all orders as given by the Provincial Health Officer to ensure safe operations and to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. CSCL is complying with all orders and will continue to do so. Full information on this is below.
Answer: No. Ross Chilton said that 80% of the costs for support go to agency staff costs. Most of these staff members are continuing to work and providing one-on-one support as part fo the COVID-19 response. Ross said CLBC understands and appreciates the extra efforts that family members and home-share providers are making during this time, and are prioritizing services for those more in need.
3. If I lose my job, will I still have access to CLBC employment supports funding?
Answer: Yes, but it will change. Ross Chilton said that if a person loses their job, CLBC will work with them to provide the support they need when they need it. Initially, it may be emotional support, and in the future, it may be support helping the person find a new job!
For the latest information from CLBC, visit CLBC Information on COVID-19.
*CLBC with publish a transcript in the next few days.
CSCL continues to follow our pandemic plan inclusive of restricted access to all homes and programs to essential visits only. We appreciate that this is challenging for individuals and families; however, we do it with safety in mind. CSCL is committed to those we support, their families, our employees and their families with health and safety being our biggest concern.
On March 26, 2020 the Province of BC declared Community Social Service employees essential. We must comply with all orders as given by the Provincial Health Officer to ensure safe operations and to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. CSCL is complying with all orders and will continue to do so. Full information on this is below.
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March 24, 2020: Effective immediately, CSCL has shifted all of our sites to "essential visitation only". This means CSCL employees and medical professionals only within programs - this is in effect until further notice. CSCL takes the safety of persons served and employees very seriously which has driven us to make this decision. Families are welcome to have persons served move home in order to provide family-driven care. CSCL will endeavour to support this decision to the best of our ability. Families should be aware, however, that should COVID-19 present itself within one of our programs, all supported individuals residing within will become quarantined; therefore, removal from the home would not be permitted.
All CSCL employees are required to complete and Alternate Employment questionnaire. You can do so here:
All CSCL employees are required to complete and Alternate Employment questionnaire. You can do so here:
Again, CSCL takes the health and safety of each person we support, each person we employ, and their families alike very seriously. We are committed to being proactive in these extremely trying times.
Are you a person served or family member? Are you feeling anxious about this situation? Please don't hesitate to contact us. We have dedicated Inclusion Counsellors that are committed to those we support and their families during these times. They are available Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm at 250.489.3768.
Are you a person served or family member? Are you feeling anxious about this situation? Please don't hesitate to contact us. We have dedicated Inclusion Counsellors that are committed to those we support and their families during these times. They are available Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm at 250.489.3768.
March 18, 2020: Today, CSCL made the difficult decision to close all of our community inclusion (CI) and employment services. We did not make this decision lightly but in the best interests of those we support and those we employ. With this said, effective Friday, March 20, 2020 at 3:00pm MST, the Community Living Center and CSCL Supportive Employment will be closed to persons served and the general public until further notice. CSCL will be altering the way we provide services to ensure persons served and their families remain in contact with our Organization. A full MEMO is found below.
Our Administration office will also be closed until further notice; however, all Leadership staff are working so please continue to communicate with us as you normally would through e-mail and telephone.
Our Administration office will also be closed until further notice; however, all Leadership staff are working so please continue to communicate with us as you normally would through e-mail and telephone.
| MEMO Individuals, Families, Caregivers - March 18, 2020.pdf |
March 16, 2020: CSCL's Leadership Team met today for a planning meeting. During our meeting we focussed on how we can continue to provide services in a safe and effective fashion. Furthermore, we continue to work with our community partners and funding bodies such as Community Living British Columbia. Under their advisement, CSCL will continue to operate all programs and services with increased education and cleaning practices. As per our MEMO of March 13th, we urge anyone that is unwell to stay home and not access any of CSCL's programs and services.
We have further asked that visitors to our programs and residences be that of necessity. If you don't "need" to visit, we would ask that you refrain from doing so at this time - strictly for the safety of those we support.
All of our Community Inclusion (CI), Supported Employment and Community Outreach/PSI services will continue to operate at this time; however, this is subject to change. We will, however, be reducing our community access and participating in more localized, indoor activities for the safety of those involved individuals and employees alike.
For more information about COVID-19 you can call the dedicated COVID-19 line at: 1-888-COVID-19 (1-888-26843-19) or text 1-888-268-4319. Unsure about your symptoms? HealthLink BC is available 24-7 at 8-1-1.
Community Living British Columbia is updating the public regularly. Visit their website by clicking here.
We have further asked that visitors to our programs and residences be that of necessity. If you don't "need" to visit, we would ask that you refrain from doing so at this time - strictly for the safety of those we support.
All of our Community Inclusion (CI), Supported Employment and Community Outreach/PSI services will continue to operate at this time; however, this is subject to change. We will, however, be reducing our community access and participating in more localized, indoor activities for the safety of those involved individuals and employees alike.
For more information about COVID-19 you can call the dedicated COVID-19 line at: 1-888-COVID-19 (1-888-26843-19) or text 1-888-268-4319. Unsure about your symptoms? HealthLink BC is available 24-7 at 8-1-1.
Community Living British Columbia is updating the public regularly. Visit their website by clicking here.
March 14, 2020: CSCL’s Leadership Team continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic over the weekend. No new developments have presented in our community and we believe the risks still remain low. As of today, with increased precautions, CSCL’s services are operating without disruptions.
We continue to gather credible information from the Interior Health Authority. You can access their most current information here.
We continue to gather credible information from the Interior Health Authority. You can access their most current information here.
March 13, 2020: CSCL has distributed the following MEMOs to individuals, families, caregivers, community partners and stakeholders. CSCL continues to monitor the COVID-19 situations and believes risks to our organization remain low at this time.
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March 12, 2020: CSCL is committed to the health, safety and overall wellbeing of those we support and their families along with our employees and their families. We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation very closely and continue to follow the direction of our funders and community partners such as Community Living British Columbia, the Interior Health Authority and the Ministry of Health. We will post all communications regarding COVID-19 and its impacts on our services here so please check back regularly.
Page created March 10, 2020
