Capacity Building Initiative Central LHIN Community Support Network

The CSS Network Capacity Building Initiative is Well Underway

Community support service agencies are vital to the successful implementation of the MOHLTC Aging @ Home Strategy to maintaining people in the community, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life. In recognition of the need to bolster this historically under-resourced sector, the Central LHIN has invested $1M to build a collaborative platform for the advancement of integration, shared processes and service delivery models across over thirty agencies within the sector through a centre of excellence resource “hub”.

Thanks to the significant time, commitment and collaborative effort of the members of the Community Support Services Network, the Capacity Building Initiative is now on the go! The sponsoring agency has been selected – Better Living Health and Community Services; 28 people representing fifteen health service providers have volunteered their time to sit on the Governance Committee or Project Advisory Work Groups; the Director and the Program Evaluation Manager have been hired and the office is set up and ready to take calls.

The community support service providers are partnering with each other through several projects to strengthen the infrastructure necessary to enable the delivery of new and expanded services including:

• Identifying and documenting evidence-based practices in service delivery for seniors in adult day
   programs, transportation, personal supports and home-making;
• Implementing standardized assessment tools;
• Aligning Boards of Directors in their understanding and governing to promote integration and
   collaboration;
• Improving the quality of care and client safety across Central LHIN;
• Developing a human resource strategy for the recruitment and retention of staff and volunteers    across the sector;
• Developing and implementing a common database information system;
• Establishing and maintaining a dedicated website.

This incredibly exciting project has the potential to improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of all community support service partners and to accomplish together what each agency would not be able to manage alone.

There is a lot of work to be done in the next few months and we need on-going guidance and participation from all of the CSS Network. The Capacity Building Initiatve will be promoting open and continuous communication and dialogue through regular e-Bulletin updates, the website and direct contact.

For more information visit: www.cssnetwork.ca