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Fighting to Keep the Doors Open AAM Community Services has already seen its provincial funding cut back, and more may be on the way As the Ontario government deepens its cute into the social services sector, one local agency is left wondering what challenges are next in line. The AAM Community Service Centre has lost a $8,445 grant from the province's Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation. Like the House of Salome's experience the grant was not reduced, it simply disappeared. "No reduction, just
completely eliminated," said executive director Helen Hayward. The Centre receives a significant amount of funding through the United Way, and raises other funds through local projects. However, another main source of income for the Centre is renting office space to other agencies such as the Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, and Hiatus House. Both are continuing their Amherstburg program for the time being. "We could be looking at further losses of those agencies lose funding and can no longer come to the community." Already drastically reduced is the number of hours the Essex County Crisis Intervention Program is keeping counsellors in Amherstburg - reduced from five days a week to just two days. The Program lost $80,000 in provincial funding. "It's going to be as effective as it needs to be," said Hayward. "People are going to be waiting longer then they have to." And having to try and prioritize interviews with those needing emotional counselling may not always guarantee help where it is most needed. United Way support is not necessarily taken for granted either. As the fund-raising agency is faced with deciding which social programs most need additional funds, given government cutbacks, Hayward said AAM Community Services will have to "plead our case" to secure continued support. Hayward said every effort will be made to keep AAM's offices open five days a week to help those needing assistance with financial crises, housing problems and other troubles, even though staff will have their hours cut. "Everybody's facing cuts, everywhere," acknowledged Hayward, who said the centre is looking for ways to make up for the shortfall. What hasn't been cut, however, is the Care-A-Van transportation service for seniors, and Meals on Wheels. "So far, we're safe," said Hayward, but noted programs aimed at aiding seniors at home have been given priority for funding. Hayward herself will be spending less time speaking for the community's needs on various committees, but she admits she would rather be doing "front line work" then attending meetings. "If it comes to a choice between sitting on a committee or working in the community, well, the community comes first," she said. Amherstburg Echo, Wednesday, January 17: Funding Cut Hurts Those Most in Need Last week two members of the county's social support system joined the ranks of Canada's unemployed. Two counsellors with the Essex County Crisis Intervention Program (ECCIP) lost their jobs when the program lost a portion of its funding. At the end of December, the crisis intervention program lost its Ministry of Community and Social Services funding. A cut that hits home here in Amherstburg as this town's branch of the ECCIP went from having a counsellor on staff five days a week to two days a week. For suicidal or emotionally upset adolescents in the tri-community the cut eliminates one more option when they feel they have few left. The funding the ECCIP received from the Ministry of Community and Social Services was there to address the needs of suicidal adolescents between the ages of six and 16 in Essex County says Ron Poole, ECCIP coordinator. All four centres operated by the Essex Crisis Intervention Program are affected by the cuts. Staff has been cut and counselling time slashed. In belle river the program dropped from having a counsellor available five days a week to two. Essex's office went from three days a week to two days. In Leamington, the centre continues counselling five days a week. In Amherstburg, counsellor Shawn Sharkey was at the AAM Community Services building five days a week. Last week he lost his job and now Poole is at the centre two days a week to counsel. Poole works with two full caseload plus he administers the program. "Shawn has established a high degree of credibility. It takes a lot of time to build credibility, so they (the people seeking counselling) know the person and trust them," says Poole. Another unfortunate result of the cuts is that when programs are shut down, cases are lost Poole adds. The program had always and will continue to counsel adults, but now with the exception of suicidal youths 6 to 16, the program no longer counsels youths. They will have to travel to Windsor for counselling, which may mean waiting lists and user fees. Places where the loss of the counsellors may be felt is in the county's high Schools. Between the five counsellors, they arranged to be at every high school in the county one day a week, but now this is gone. Amherstburg Echo, Wednesday, March 6: Volunteers Caring For Our Seniors Since 1984 Meals on Wheels has been a lifeline for seniors of the tri-community. Volunteers roll up with a meal and wheel away knowing they have made a difference in someone's day. The service now has approximately 60 volunteers and serves 30 people. "Our numbers are down right now," says Donna Cauchi,
coordinator of the program. "But we're eager to serve more." Meals on Wheels is a service offered to ill or fragile senior citizens who have difficulty cooking for themselves. Involvement in this program assures that they will receive three to five nutritious meals a week. The volunteers are normally assigned the same route, on the same day each week, so they get to know the people they are serving quite well. Not only does the volunteer bring a warm meal, but they also bring a few minutes of pleasant conversation. Volunteer Jessie Kleinlebbink says, "They're always glad to see you. You can't get a better feeling then that." One advantage of having the same volunteers assigned to a particular route is that they get to know the clients and can make sure that they are healthy and well taken care of. If there is an incident where the client looks ill, this is immediately reported to the AAM Community Services who then contact a family member to get the client the proper care they need. "Another thing people in the community might not realize is that people who live on concessions in the Malden and Anderdon areas may also receive meals. There are even deliveries to Harrow and Colchester South on Tuesdays," says Cauchi. Theses clients will receive one warm meal and four frozen meals that can easily be heated in the oven. This service is also offered on a temporary basis. Someone recovering from surgery or the flu is more then welcome to apply for the service. The meals on wheels kitchen is located at 65 Murray St. The nutritious meals are prepared by cook and dietitian Irene Salmon and her assistant Kathy Ferguson. The meals cost the client $4 each and consist of a roll or bread, homemade soup, protein, one starch, two vegetables and a dessert. No salt is added to these meals and meals following a diabetic's diet are also prepared. Most of the program's fresh purchases are done at supermarkets in the community. During the summer the service even receives donations from home gardens and the contributions are greatly appreciated. The Meals on Wheels program is funded by the Ministry of Health's Long term care division. "Donations from the community are always welcome," says Cauchi. The program has been told that the provincial cutbacks should not affect them because it is less costly for the government to have people taken care of in their own homes rather than an institution. This service is offered to any ill or fragile citizens on a long or short-term basis living in the Amherstburg area or outside it. The only requirement for this service is that the AAM Community Service receives a VON or doctor's referral. Amherstburg Echo, Wednesday, March 27: Caring
Crusaders
Make
Mobility
Easy Some places are just too far to walk. For some seniors and people with disabilities getting to a doctor's appointment poses a problem. The solution is the AAM care a van, which serves the Tri-Community area, Harrow and Colchester South. The van has a routine schedule it follows each week and they quickly
learn client's routines. "If we don't get a call from a client that we know usually uses the care a van, we suspect something is wrong." says Donna Cauchi, Care-A-Van coordinator. The van, which is currently driven by Randy Mitchell, is equipped to transport five wheelchairs and eight seated passengers. "Randy is extremely helpful," says Cauchi, "If clients purchase groceries he will even help unload them into their apartment." One of the regular passengers, Mrs. Munro, who uses the van each week to get her hair done says "I find it very helpful and Randy very helpful. I would recommend it to anyone." Randy Mitchell who has been the van driver for approximately three months feels that the service is a great help to those who are disabled as well as the elderly. It can help them take care of themselves so that a nursing home would not be necessary. "For a lot of people it is their only outing, so I find that allot of people like to talk to me one on one," says Randy. "It really makes my day knowing that I've helped someone live longer by getting them out." Randy would also like to see the care-a-van go farther in other communities. It is a program that can really make a difference to the disabled and elderly in any area. The van provides transportation for senior citizens, 55 years and older and people with restricted mobility, (those who use a wheelchair, walker, cane or have difficulty walking 175 yards without assistance). The AAM Care-A-Van is funded by the Ministry of Health, Long Term Care Division, as well as the generous support of the service area clubs. "The Care-A-Van is trying to raise funds to purchase a new vehicle. The Bargain Bee located in the Fort Malden Mall is selling Nevada tickets to help raise some of the money. We really appreciate Pat Yardley's help," says Cauchi. Donations towards the new vehicle from the Community are also greatly appreciated. River Town Times, Tuesday, May 7: Job
Search by
Computer
Now in
Town Getting information on job listings through the Canada Employment Centre no longer means a trip to Windsor. Amherstburg and area residents can now tap into the center's electronic job listings at a computer terminal at AAM Community Services. Helen Hayward, director of AAM, says that the terminal provides a direct
link to identical terminals at the Windsor Central office. "We can access any jobs that are registered with the Canada Employment Centre," explained Hayward. The job searcher can use the terminal himself, guided through simple on-screen menu prompts. Once they find a listing that interests them, a tap of a key prints it out for following up. "It's very user friendly," said Hayward, noting the only things she has to do are turn the screen on in the morning, and refill the printer when it runs out of paper. Job listings are updated automatically two or three times a day over the computer link. "We're quite happy to have it here," she added. Although it has only been in the AAM office a couple of weeks, Hayward said people are already seeking it out for help in their job searches. "Especially young people," she said. "Students are looking for jobs right now." Saving the time (and expense) of a drive to Windsor, Hayward said it allows job searchers to spend more time following up leads. The computer link can display jobs according to where the applicant is willing to work, whether it's just locally, or across Canada. "There's a few jobs is Saskatchewan, if you want a job out there," said Hayward. Amherstburg Echo, Wednesday, May 8: Job Hunting Made Easier Finding a job for unemployed people in the tri-community just became a little bit simpler. The Community Information Centre recently received a computer kiosk that links job seekers into Canada's Employment main computer system. Those who do not drive find it difficult to find transportation into
Windsor now have access to job postings without leaving the
tri-community. The computer is updated daily and shows job seekers the most recent posting and includes all job vacancies on file at the Windsor office. Included in the job postings is a section just for student employment. Resembling an instant teller bank machine, the screen displays job information and will even spit out a receipt sized printout that provides job seekers with the pertinent details about a particular job posting. "It is very user friendly and we are around to assist people," says Helen Hayward, director of the Community Information Centre. Hayward heard about the kiosk after she started going to meeting last fall to see about bringing social programs and sources of information out into the country to make accessing information simple for people who need help. Because of the meetings, a representative from Canada employment told her that there was a kiosk available of the Community Information Centre site. After learning this, Hayward jumped at the chance to help people find employment and now, for the first time, Amherstburg has a direct link to the Canada Employment Centre Job Bank. "It just fits into what we do here. People can come by and check job postings and at the same time obtain other information about other programs that are available," says Hayward. Besides providing information on jobs, the kiosk also is a resource centre on other federal programs such as Canada Pension Pl, Child Tax, and Immigration. It also keeps people abreast on the latest changes to legislation regarding Unemployment Insurance. Hayward says she is very excited about having the kiosk and its presence in Amherstburg was just in time to help students with job searches. The Community Information Centre is located at 272 Sandwich St. and is open to the public. There is no fee to use the kiosk. Amherstburg Echo, Wednesday, July 3: Care-A-Van Suffers From Old Age The wheel chair lift of the AAM Care-a-van works as Donna Cauchi demonstrates as she raises van driver Randy Mitchell. This 1988 van has seen better days and the Care-A-Van committee hopes to raise funds to buy a new van. Old Fords might strike a romantic chord with some auto fanciers, but
when a particular old Ford is depended upon as a source of daily
transportation, then an old Ford is no more then an aggravator of
concern. Each day the AAM Care-A-Van can be seen bustling about the tri-community picking up and dropping off elderly and disabled people who without the van, might have difficulty leaving their homes. More recently though, the Care-A-Van can be seen with it's hood up and passengers wondering if they will make it to their doctor's appointment on time. Daily trips around Amherstburg and the Tri-Community have taken their toll on the 1988 Ford econoline van. Plus, the van makes regular excursions into Windsor twice a week. These regular trips have helped put them in excess of 20,000 km on the van. Now time and wear are beginning to show. "We've been having quite a few breakdowns," says Donna Cauchi, Care-a-Van coordinator. Lately the van has been experiencing many electrical failures and much of the van's wiring has been re-done due to overheating. As with most vehicles that age, just as one broken part of the van is repaired, another one breaks. "I prey each night hoping that the Care-a-van will start up on time and be running on time for the clients," says van driver Randy Mitchell. Mitchell has been driving the van for about six months. During this time the van has broken down many times in Amherstburg and a few times in Windsor. "When it breaks down, the clients worry about getting home. Their doctor's appointments are really important to them. If the van is broken down at 3:30pm on a Monday, it's not going to be able to make a Tuesday morning trip into the city," Mitchell adds. Another problem with the van, though not detrimental to its operation, is the fact that it is not equipped with air conditioning. "When it's 80 degrees outside it is 100 degrees inside. It's like a sweat box in here," says Mitchell. To keep this current van on the road and to eventually purchase a new one, the Care-A-Van committee is raising money through Nevada ticket sales at the bargain bee store in the mall. This is the only means the committee has to raise funds for the van. It's operation is partially funded by the ministry of community and social services. Area service clubs also support the van. Cauchi says by August, the Care-A-Van Committee hopes to have raised about $42,000, still short of the approximately $60,000 price tag for a new one. With just the sale of Nevada tickets to raise money, a new van might be a few years away. Raising money for a new van could be a project for community service groups to tackle. Cauchi hopes when they can eventually purchase a new van, it will have air conditioning and be powered by diesel fuel. Amherstburg Echo, Wednesday, July 3: Seniors Deserve New Care-A-Van This is a familiar pose for van driver Randy Mitchell I moved to Amherstburg when I was 7 years old and lived there until my mid-twenties. My visits to town always bring back fond memories and feelings of pride.
My mother still lives in Amherstburg. She recently turned 95 and is a
resident of the Richmond Terrace Nursing Home. I would like to comment
the staff there for the excellent care they give to the residents, as
well as for the cleanliness of the building. The seniors of Amherstburg have contributed to the improvement of the town throughout the years and we should be proud of them. Which brings me to my area of concern, the condition of the AAM care-a-van. Recently my mother's optical appointment had to be rescheduled due to a break down of the van. While I was visiting in Amherstburg in early June we used the van to take my mother out for a few hours. Unfortunately the van broke down on the return journey. Even though my mother did not complain I know she was upset and concerned. Luckily the driver was able to restart the van and she was returned without too much delay. I am appealing to the organizations of Amherstburg to have a new AAM Care-A-Van, our seniors deserve it. Whatever method of fundraising is decided upon, I would like to contribute and I am sure there are others who feel the same way. Amherstburg Echo, Wednesday, July 3: Care-A-Van Would be a Super Joint Project Not too many weeks ago four of the tri-community service clubs got together for an evening of interclub fellowship. The evening was basically one of sharing ideas and passing along information on the various activities of each group. At the meeting Lion Harold Bernachi raised an issue that he has raised a number of times at Lion's Club meetings. Harold would like to see the four service clubs - Lions, Rotary, Kinsmen and Optimist - Join together in one common cause for the betterment of the tri-communities. A single project that would see all four clubs band together to provide a much-needed service to our community is Harold's vision. It is my opinion that the perfect project for interclub participation is right in front of our noses. The tri communities is in a desperate need of a new Care-A-Van which will carry a hefty price tag of approximately $60,000. Times are tough and money isn't as easy to come by for such things today, as it was when the current 1988 model was purchased a number of years ago. That van was made available to our senior population through a similar joint effort by area service clubs. We can do it again! We live in a community of generous people who would rise to the occasion if it were put before them. I don't know of a more deserving project that will serve so many who have contributed years of their lives to the quality of life in this community. Our seniors deserve a reliable vehicle, one in which they can travel in comfort. The interclub meeting back in May was not intended to produce a decision on a joint project that apparently is to be discussed at a future time. The clubs have pretty much suspended activities for the summer, but wouldn't it be great if our seniors could be riding in style yet this year? Amherstburg Echo, Wednesday, July 10: Mall Loans Spot for Job Shoppers
Ron Reisch, technology coordinator with Human Resources Development Canada, explains to Nancy Bechard, Fort Malden Mall property manager, how to operate the job kiosk he recently installed in the mall's food court. While shopping for life's little necessities, Fort Malden Mall patrons can now hunt for a job. Human Resources Development Canada installed a job kiosk in the food court at the Fort Malden Mall Friday. This is the second site to receive a job kiosk offering Amherstburg residents a chance to look for employment without having to make the trek into Windsor. The AAM Community Services centre became the first kiosk site in May. When scouting for possible locations for a kiosk of this nature, human resources looks for high traffic areas says Ron Reisch, technology coordinator for human resources in Windsor. "The mall is an ideal location," he adds. Reisch worked with mall property manager Nancy Bechard in installing the Job kiosk. "I called Nancy several months ago and discussed installing the kiosk. She was quite willing to have the kiosk," Reisch says. Bechard says she can see many of the people who frequent the mall using the machine. "Many of the people who sit around the mall are unemployed. Students are looking for jobs but there is no centralized place to go," she says. The Kiosk is similar to a bank machine and is simple to operate. Users follow the instructions that appear on the computer screen and Job listings from local to Canada wide will pop up on the display. Once they find a job that interests them, bib hunters request a printout and then they have their ticket to a potential job. Reisch says as new job postings come into the Windsor office, they are downloaded into the computer system and appear in the kiosks. The computer is updated several times each day. Amherstburg Echo, Wednesday, July 17: Hair
Cuts for Care-A-Van
Cathy Osborne cares about the senior citizens in this community. To help them, Osborne is donating 50 cents per client that comes into Salon 200 this week to the AAM Care-A-Van fund for the purchase of a new van. Seniors like Osborne's client Florence Demcie depend on the van to take them around and into Windsor so they can make medical, hair and other appointments. Osborne will continue the Care-a-Van donation drive until Sunday.
Amherstburg Echo, Wednesday, July 24: Crisis Intervention Services May be Heading in New Direction Shawn Sharkey is starting over again. After losing his job last January when his employer, the Essex County Crisis Intervention Program lost a portion of its funding, Sharkey decided to blaze a new path in the social services field. Sharkey, a social worker, now practices his profession in Tecumseh
working out of a private clinic. He formerly worked out of the Teeter Building on Sandwich Street where he counselled troubled and suicidal adolescents five days a week since 1991. As funding from the Ministry of Community and Social services erodes, Sharkey's move from working for social services to small businessmen might be a trend that will benefit clients. "I think the level of quality will be higher. People will have to be sensitive and caring to the client. There is the accountability to do quality work," Sharkey says. He predicts more social workers will be forced into similar situations if they want to continue to help troubled people. At the general practice he established Sharkey does crisis, relationship, and child and Family counselling. He also does advocacy work. "It's client focused and client directed. I will help them with anything that interferes with their ability to function and cope with life so there is emotional healing. The goal is to help a person get on their feet and be independent." Though his office is located in Tecumseh, he eventually hopes to counsel part time in Amherstburg. "I know this area has a need for it and there is a group of people open to this," Sharkey says. During his time with the crisis intervention program Sharkey also counselled in five high schools located in the area and he became familiar with teachers and students. One reason Sharkey opened his general practice is to give residents of the county an opportunity to receive the services they need without having to travel to Windsor. "I'm hoping to have a client base that is mixed - some who can afford the service and I will take some who are on social assistance." Basically, Sharkey wants to pay his bills, make a living and continue to help people in need. Amherstburg Echo, Wednesday, August 14: Summer Job Sends Students on Info Quest
The Community Information Centre recently finished revising its Community Services Directory, a comprehensive list of area social service organizations. This new edition replaces the present directory, published in 1994. "The directory is two-years-old and a lot of changes had to be made," says Helen Hayward, executive director of AAM Community Services. To make the changes, the centre employed two university students through a summer career placement program funded by Human Resources development Canada. "We made approximately 1,000 phone calls between the two of us," says summer student George Tsakalis. He and fellow summer student, Brinton Sharman called every organization, business and association contained in the old directory to make sure listings were accurate and up to date. The responses they received from some phone polls revealed the directory was out of date. "We were calling places and people were saying - oh, he hasn't been around here for years," says Sharman. They also tracked down new additions to the community and included them in the directory. After making their phone calls, Tsakalis and Sharman entered the updated information into the center's computer and verified old records. The Community Information Centre stores its records using EdiBase, a standard computer program where community information centres across the province store and share records of human service programs. Information compiled by Tsakalis and Sharman will help keep the AAM Community Service's EdiBase records detailed and accurate. It took them eight weeks to complete the new directory and work is in the binding stages now. "This directory is a lot more comprehensive then the old one. We added a lot more information," says Tsakalis. "We basically have everything in here ranging from accommodations to veterinary and animal service." The directory has over 500 records and includes names, numbers, addresses and contacts for social service organizations and other associations. While working on the project, Sharman says he was surprised to learn of the amount and type of information the centre has access to. Most of the listings are of a human service information nature and provide people information regarding health issues, social support groups and government agencies. Sharman says they tried to make the information as current as possible, which is difficult when organizations are constantly evolving. "For example, we have Harrow and Colchester South police as once force, even though technically, the amalgamation of the force is not done yet."
Amherstburg Echo, Wednesday, September 11:
The employees of Met Mart raised $60 towards the Care-A-Van fund. Employees brought pennies to work and deposited them in a jar at the front of the store and then held a contest for customers to guess how many pennies were in the jar. Met Mart employee Pearl Alderson (middle) presents two cheques to van committee chairwoman Donna Cauchi (right) as Linda Lowe, Met Mart supervisor, looks on. One cheque was from Met Mart employees and the second was for $500 from the Jig Builders coffee fund at the Pillett Road Chrysler plant. Windsor Star, Thursday, September 12: Care-A-Van Gets a Helping Hand It was a successful summer of barbecuing for the clan down at Fort Malden Pontiac GMC in Amherstburg. Each Friday afternoon throughout August, a different member of that automobile dealership's sales staff donned an apron and chef's hat and served barbecued fare to anyone willing to make a donation. The barbeques were the brainchild of sales manager Bob Coulson. "Friday afternoons during the summer are pretty dead around here," he said. He figured barbecues would be a great way to stir up some customer traffic, while doing some good for the charitable organizations around town. Originally, it was his intention to raise money for a different charity each week. But, after hearing of the plight of the AAM Community Services Care-A-Van, it was decided organization would benefit from all the barbecues. The white and blue 1988 Ford van is a fixture in the community, ferrying the elderly and those with disabilities around town, and to Windsor on a twice-weekly basis. The years and more then 200,000 km have taken their toll on the van. Care-A-Van administrators have been calling for assistance in raising funds since earlier this year. Coulson said it wasn't just folks from the dealership who got in on the act to raise money for the transit program. The M and M meat Shoppe in Amherstburg agreed to donate the food and a barbecue provided Coulson and his gang took care of the cooking chores. "We've raised about $500," Coulson noted, adding dealership owner Drew Clarke agreed to match that, making the donation in the $1000 neighbourhood. Colson said there were never any set prices for the barbecued goodies - they offered them for a donation. He said many of those donations ranged from 50 cents to several dollars. The Bank of Montreal branch in Amherstburg, along with Greenshield made corporate donations, Coulson added. Amherstburg Echo, Wednesday, September 18 : Care-A-Van Fund Grows
The AAM Care-A-Van fund is growing every day. Pat Thrasher, service manager of Kennedy Chev Olds, presents $1,000 cheque to Donna Cauchi, Care-A-Van fund coordinator, and van driver Randy Mitchell. Thrasher made the presentation on behalf of the dealership. River Town Times, Tuesday, September 24: Businesses Aiding Care-A-Van Project The fund-raising efforts to replace the current Care-A-Van for the Tri-Community are well under way. Several businesses have already made substantial contributions to the fund in order to keep local seniors and those with disabilities mobile. Kennedy Chev-Olds is just one of the businesses who have made donations
to the new van. Les Thrasher at the dealership said that even though the
company donates about $15,000 a year to various charities and
organizations "the Care-A-Van is a special project," he said. "It takes a lot to get it going," said Thrasher, pointing out the local Kinsmen Club helped purchase the first van to get the mobility service up and running. Kennedy Chev-Olds donated $1,000 to help replace the aging van, as well as $1,000 to the St. John the Baptist Church stained glass restoration project. "We sponsor a lot of things," acknowledged Thrasher. Another car dealership, Fort Malden Pontiac, was able to contribute $1,029 to the Care-A-Van project through their weekly charity barbecues. Their cheque was presented to Care-A-Van staff on Thursday. Amherstburg Echo, Wednesday, September 25: Staff Effort for Care-A-Van The entire staff at Fort Malden Pontiac, Buick, GEO backed a fund raising venture to help the AAM Care-A-Van raise money for the purchase of a new vehicle. Every Friday from august to mid-September staff at the dealership held noon hour barbecues, proceeds from which were donated to the van fund. The dealership matched money raised through hotdog and hamburger sales and presented a cheque for $1,029.90 to the van committee. M&M Meats loaned the dealership a barbecue in support of the charity. Rumours bolster numbers at forum. Eighty people jammed an open house Monday, upset by rumours that a report, ambiguously titled the Community Rationalization and Enhancement Project, was a cloaked attempt to take away their Meals on Wheels and seniors' transit programs. That is not what the report's about, but that's what the rumour had been prior to the Essex County District Health Council's open house at the town's Knights of Columbus Hall. But unfounded rumours sure pack the halls as the health council travels through the county trying to explain a report on reorganizing our local health care system. Last week, when the health council held an open house in Belle River, there were no rampant rumours and the event attracted a mere three or four people. But in Leamington, where people wrongly feared the report was recommending department closures, job losses, or even the complete closure at Leamington Memorial District Hospital, 52 people showed up. Monday's meeting in Amherstburg was the best attended yet, thanks to a flyer authored and distributed by Helen Hayward, the co-ordinator of AAM Community Services, which runs the Meals on Wheels program and the handicapped and seniors' transportation programs for mostly older people in Amherstburg and Anderdon and Malden townships. Hayward urged people to attend the open house, warning the report could result in the programs being watered down or taken out of the community to a centralized service out of Windsor or Leamington. And that is probably a good message for the health council to take away from Monday's open house, said CEO Hume Martin. The report actually calls for the reservation of community agencies, although is suggests they share resources in order to direct more of their money towards services. The report recommends more local control of how health care is delivered in Windsor Essex. Instead of having various branches of the Health Ministry in Toronto dole out money and set the rules for 463 doctors, 130 community agencies, and three hospitals, a local board should take the entire $490 million spent here and figure out how to best spend it to improve the health of everyone. Another open house is being held today at the downtown Windsor Public Library from 3 to 7 pm. Because of public demand, a meeting is being set up for Essex (which had be omitted from the original list of open houses), and a French-Language meeting is being organized for Stoney Point. The report goes to the Minister of Health, who will approve the plan, make changes, or scrap it. Windsor Star, Tuesday, October 8:
Executives from the United Way were in Amherstburg recently to officially hoist the organization's flag over the town's municipal offices. After only two weeks, Amherstburg and District donors have already chipped in more then $83,000 toward their overall goal of $171,000. Altogether, they expect to raise more then $400,000 in the county. Here, AAM Community Services Organization Director Helen Hayward, Amherstburg Mayor Bill Gibb, United Way general Campaign co-chairman Don Wilson, United Way Amherstburg and District chairwomen Jeannine Shaw along with United Way County Division chairman Peter Niece get ready to run the flag up the pole. It wasn't long before the gave up in favour of the town's public works department, which will get the flag up sometime this week. Windsor Star, Wednesday, October 9: Youth Centres Band Together in Strength Believing there is strength in numbers, volunteers with the six youth centres throughout Essex County have banded together. The Association of Youth Centres in Essex County was formed in July to address the needs of teens. Last Friday, volunteers with the different youth centres held an open house to advise the public about its formation. St. Clair Beach Teen Action Community Centre board member Fred Stibbard said he believes the association will serve as a resource tool for many of the newer centres. He said the St. Clair Beach centre has only been open since July and therefore is looking for some direction in regards to programming. "We all knew each other and figured it would make sense to get together and pool our resources," he said. "Also some of the centres have been around for 25 years and so hopefully some of the newer centres, such as ours, can benefit from their experiences." He said the association will also serve as a strong voice when it comes to applying for grants to run the centres. One strong body "I think today, with the way amalgamation talks are going the province is going to look more favourable towards one strong body then six individuals," Stibbard said. "That is important since the centres rely on grants and donations." The Association of Youth Centres is comprised of the House of Shalom in Amherstburg, Community Cares Action Committee in Kingsville and Gosfield South Township, youth Action Committee in Harrow and Colchester South Township. Youth for Youth in Leamington, Teen Action Community Centre in St. Clair beach and the Tilbury Youth Council. The Amherstburg House of Shalom has been providing services and programs to youth in the community for 25 years. Executive director Larry Allen said that over the years, the centre has made its share of mistakes while learning a lot about the youth. "To make a youth centre successful, I believe networking is very important," he said. "I also believe a lot of our success is based on the grassroots caring principal we have at the centre. The young people I meet have the leadership qualities and trying to bring it out is a key principal. Tilbury Youth Council executive director Tim Trunks said he is very excited about the new association. He said he believes the association will work as a linkage between Kent and Essex County. Unlike the House of Shalom, which has been a cornerstone in its community, the Tilbury Youth Centre has not yet opened its doors. Trunks said he is expecting to see the centre open in mid-November. The association has focused its efforts on a number of goals which include pursuing resource sharing and program development, exploring co-sponsorship of youths programs in the county, to lobby government and non-government resources regarding county-wide youth needs, issues and trends and to identify community youth needs through the facilitation of need assessments, community consultations and studies. Stibbard said over the next couple of years, he expects to see the association's membership grow. Amherstburg Echo, Wednesday, October 16: Residents Want Strong County Voice Essex County should have a strong representation on a board that will run the countywide health system. Also, individuals from the community should be selected by the municipality so they could insure the health care needs of the people they were chosen to represent. "The municipality was thought to have a strong role in naming people who should be appointed by municipal bodies," says Hume Martin, chief executive officer of the Essex County District Health Council (DHC). This is how people living in Amherstburg think membership of the Health System Board should be determined and Martin told the DHC as much during an open house held in Amherstburg Oct. 7. County Wide Forums Similar forums are being held in other communities across the county so residents can tell the DHC how membership of the board should be determined and who should sit on the board of the new health system. Though the open house was called for public opinions on board membership, Martin and another representative of the DHC found themselves explaining the complicated system to about 100 concerned people. "It's as clear as mud. The only thing I can figure out is they want to make community services bigger and integrate them all," Vi Airriess said. "If they set up a committee, I think a person with a handicap should be involved in decision making," said Mac Renaud. Membership on this board is perhaps the most important aspect of the new system that will replace the DHC. The board is the heart of the new system, which is explained in "Improving Community Health" a 67-page draft final report of the new health system. Controls Money The new countywide system will plan and decide health services in Windsor and Essex County and determine how much and where health care dollars are spent. "What this proposal is about is a broader way of organizing the health board. The proposal tries to have more control and make decisions locally," said Martin. "My concern is how will the people be chosen. That board will have a lot of money and make all the decisions," said Helen Hayward, executive director of AAM Community Services. Last year the province spent approximately $490 million on health care in Essex County, Martin said. This money funds all aspects related to health care and health services in the county including hospitals, OHIP, nursing homes, social planning councils and drug benefits. Doctor Worries "It worries me government appointees can decide where dollars go. I would rather have the people," said Dr. John Greenaway. "It's another layer if bureaucracy that looks expensive to me and will eat of dollars better spent on patient care." The DHC says the new system is a result of input from 250 community groups and 2,200 individuals. But Greenaway who practices in Amherstburg's largest medical clinic said no one from his clinic was asked for their opinion. He received a copy of the report because he is a member of the board of directors at Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital in Windsor. Before any changes to the county health system are made, the report must receive the approval of the Ministry of Health, which may decide to approve, or change or reject the report. Amherstburg Echo, Wednesday, October 16: Citizens Should Have Say in Selection of Health Board In regards to the open house hosted by the Essex County District Health Council on Oct. 7, at the K of C in Amherstburg, and reported on by Brian Cross of the Star in the October 8, edition, there are a few facts I would like to clarify. To begin, the people of Amherstburg area were urged to attend because the consequence of decisions made by the proposed "County-wide Health System Board", as outlined in the proposed structure by the District health Council, will have Far- reaching consequences on all aspects of health care for Essex County people, including home supports such as Meals on Wheels and transportation. Selection of this board is probably the single most important issue in the Ministry of Health, this board of volunteers will make decisions on the distribution of all Essex County Health Care dollars, some $430000000 plus, based on the information that they receive from all the advisory bodies in the community, which I imagine will flow their ideas/concerns/needs via the CEO and staff of this Health System Board to the board itself. Since this is such an important body, every interested citizen should have an opportunity to voice the opinion as to how the board selection process should occur, which was the purpose of the local distribution of the flyer, which announced the open house, and the chance to place your opinion, and have your questions answered on Improving Community Health". Since I had only seen a very small ad in the Windsor Star in a rather inconspicuous place, I believed that more advertisement of this important event warranted my time and attention. The "unfounded rumours" referred to in Mr. Cross' article did not come from a "report, ambiguously titled the Community Rationalization and Enhancement Project". The information, which concerned many Amherstburg residents, arose from consultation which clients of our service to elect their opinion of the documented "Conceptual Model" that was received in my office from the District Health Council Transportation Task Force. That committee was asked to (and did), approve at their Oct. 3 meeting this conceptual model to go forward to the District Health Council. In that documentation, two "Transportation Coordination Centres", one in Windsor and one in Leamington, were identified, with a single governance structure, as well as other stipulations. The clients who used our Care-A-Van had concerns with this plan, and what a wonderful opportunity it was for them to give direct input a subject of great importance to them to give direct input a subject of great importance to them to the CEO of the DHC at this open house! Since this is still in the planning phase, now is the time for users of the service to have their say. We know that the time lines of the District Health Council are short, and it is imperative to get the message to them quickly. After all, is that not a Major concern - consumer services and satisfaction, which will really help people, as well as administrative and fiscal efficiency? Indeed, I was pleased to note that Hume Marin acknowledged he would take back the Amherstburg residents' message to Health Council. After all, isn't that what community consultations are all about? Amherstburg Echo, Wednesday, October 16: Care-A-Van Users Demand Protection of Service They have been heard! Seniors, volunteers, health care workers and disabled people have let the Essex County District Health Council (DHC) know how important home care services are to the people of Amherstburg. After listening to fears raised during an open house session last Monday, regarding the security of such locally run programs as the Care-A-Van in the grand scheme of a local health service overhaul, the chief executive officer of the DHC says these concerns will be considered before a report on transportation is completed. "We have to listen to what the communities are saying. It's clear they want to maintain the local dispatch of the van in the area. Also, they claim it could serve a wider are then it currently does. For instance, it could pick up people in LaSalle that will be considered" said Hume Martin, chief executive officer of the Essex County DHC. A transportation task force, consisting of social planning councils across the county and community service providers, is reviewing the way support transportation is provided in Windsor and Essex County to make the system more efficient, effective, and improve access. The report is still in the discussion stage, but the task force has come up with a conceptual model called the Transportation Coordination Centre (TCC) This model suggests integrating all transportation services and administering them from one office in Windsor and another in Leamington. To arrange transportation, users from across the county and Windsor will call one phone number. Keeping the system rolling will be a "state-of-the-art" computerized system, a technological marvel compared to the telephone, CB radio and schedule book that keeps the AAM Care-A-Van humming. Care-a-Van coordinator Donna Cauchi is afraid the TCC proposal may mean clients using the service will lose the personal contact they now enjoy when arranging for transportation. "I know my clients. I know where they want to go, where they live, they call me and they can go within 10 minutes." Cauchi explained The DHC's intent is holding the forum was to explain how a new local health care system would put control of health care decisions and dollars at the local level, instead of with the province. Also, the DHC sought public opinion on how the board that will run the system will be selected. But for many people who attended, this was their chance to sit down with the CEO of the DHC and tell him how important services such as Meals on Wheels, Home care, the Care-A-Van and the Golden Age van are to their daily lives. Before the health council sends a proposal that will restructure the county health care system to the province for approval, they want to make sure the DHC was aware of how any proposed changes could affect them. "I'm in a nursing home and I get picked up for doctor's appointments," said Mac Renaud who had concerns service for the Care-a-van would be covered by a 1-800 number. "I'm here to make sure they don't take away the Care-A-Van." "It comes down to an issue of trust. I can only tell you what our intent is in the written document. We are talking about planning services, not management," said Gail Matheson, health planner. The DHC's proposal calls for integrating services and while Amherstburg is home to two transportation services, the Golden Age Club bus and the Care-A-Van, Cauchi said both services are essential and do not mirror each other. "Clients who board the Care-A-Van cannot board the Golden Age Bus." To ensure the meeting would have more then three people like a similar forum held in Belle River, Hayward distributed flyers stating the purpose of the meeting was: "To place your opinion, and have your questions answered on Improving Community Health. This is your chance to tell the health planners how you want to be able to access your services, and what is important to you." She took this step because she didn't think many people even knew the forum was taking place. An advertisement stating time and place of the Open House had been placed under the "Help Wanted" section of the Oct. 4 edition of the "Windsor Star" "How many seniors do you know that read the classifieds, looking for jobs?" The DHC did not advertise the forum in local papers. "I'm very pleased with the turnout because people got a chance to express opinions and concerns and even though it wasn't the subject matter the DHC anticipated, the residents got their chance to speak." Amherstburg Echo, Wednesday, November 6: It's Here! Amherstburg's New Care-A-Van Arrives When the new AAM Care-A-Van pulled in front of Paul Diesbourg's house last Friday, his face lit up. Wearing the biggest smile in town, Diesbourg grabbed his walker, headed down the front walk, and quickly made his way to the van to board it for the first time. With a flick of his wrist and a pull of a string, van driver Randy
Mitchell lowered the curbside-loading ramp. Diesbourg rolled onboard and
then marvelled at the new van. "It's a lot more roomy and a heck of a lot better then what we had. The other one broke down every other day," said Diesbourg and then buckled himself into a seat. Diesbourg's reaction to seeing the new van for the first time is the perfect thank you to every person in the community who by purchasing Nevada tickets or making donations raised money to buy the new vehicle. The new Care-A-Van rolled into town last Friday and made its first scheduled route Monday. One of the first rides was reserved for Diesbourg who rode the old van faithfully once a week for seven years to Windsor so he could get to his therapy appointments. Diesbourg helped ensure the van's continued existence in the community by telling the Essex County District Health Council how important the Care-A-Van services is to him and other people with limited mobility. Not only is the van a lifeline to its passengers, but it is also a chance to socialize and catch up with friends as the van makes its rounds. Often during his trips aboard the old van, Diesbourg helped wile away the miles by playing tunes on his harmonica. The new van's passengers can now listen to a radio, ride in air-conditioned comfort in the summer and enjoy a smooth ride thanks to the vehicle's new rear air suspension. The Care-A-Van is a 1993 minibus the Care-A-Van purchased from Overland Custom Coach Inc. There is room onboard for four wheel chairs to fit comfortably and eight seats for other passengers. With its curb side loading system, passengers may easily board the van without having to worry about climbing steep steps. "The van is approximately $100,000 new and this is the demo version so we got it for $69,000. Overland gave us a $15,000 break or we wouldn't be here now. We would still be out raising money," said Care-A-Van coordinator Donna Cauchi. It took the committee nearly two years to raise the money to buy the new van. Most of the funds came from Nevada ticket sales at the Bargain Bee. Storeowner Pat Yardley will continue to sell tickets specifically for the Care-A-Van to offset operating costs. "We've also had major support from the community. We did it with the help of the community and it will stay in the community," said Cauchi. Besides Nevada tickets, the Care-A-Van committee received $10,000 in private donations and donations from local businesses. Kennedy Chev Olds is storing the old van for the Care-A-Van committee until it is sold.
Signed, sealed and delivered - (from left) Care-a-Van committee chairman Harold Bernachi and van coordinator Donna Cauchi present a cheque for payment of the van to Dave Branston, sales and service manager of Overland Custom Coach Inc. Helen Hayward, executive director of AAM Community Services looks on.
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New Care-A-Van
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