BeCommunity Newsletter

BECOMMUNITY

NEWSLETTER

April 2024

BeConnected acknowledges and respects the traditional and unceded territories of the Lkwungen (Songhees), Xwsepsum (Esquimalt), WSÁNEĆ (Saanich), Hul’qumi’numon (Cowichan), and K’ómoks (Comox) Nations on which we provide our services and supports.

Morgan and Brendon in Vancouver cheering on the Vancouver Canucks!

NEWS

Inclusion BC Conference

Everybody Belongs! is a unique opportunity to connect with the latest information and resources on inclusion and diversity.

This years conference will be taking place at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo from May 30th - June 1st

Find more information about the conference on their website.

Accreditation

Every three years surveyors from CARF visit our organization to review our programs against international standards for best practice. Our next survey is scheduled for later this year.

While we patiently wait to hear when surveyors will be visiting us, we have been busy preparing!

Please see our latest Accreditation Bulletins for more information about the Accreditation process.

IN MEMORIUM

Darren Jack

September 2, 1989 - April 10, 2024

It is with profound sorrow that we bid farewell to Darren Jack, who departed from us this past week. Darren's journey touched the lives of many, and his memory will remain with those who were fortunate to know him.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. We wish to express our gratitude to Darren's support worker, John, for his dedicated support and to his Coordinator, Karla, for her care and advocacy throughout the years. Darren will be greatly missed.

A memorial service for Darren was held yesterday with his family in Duncan. Our Place will be organizing a memorial service for his community in Victoria in the coming weeks.

RECENT EVENTS

Monthly OPUS Event

Each month a different home plans a fun activity for individuals receiving Community Inclusion at BeConnected. Last month Forrester hosted an Easter themed bowling party and lunch in Sidney! This month Carey is hosting a Spring into a Sing-Along!

Spring Food Drive

Each year local food banks receive an increase in donations around the holiday season but by Spring the donations have run out and their shelves are often bare.

For this reason, we run our Annual Food Drive in the Spring to help those in need in our communities.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our annual Spring Food Drive! This year we were able to provide a car full of donations to the Mustard Seed Food Bank.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Challenger Baseball

Baseball season has started!

Each year, BeConnected sponsors and organizes the Challenger Baseball team at Hampton Little League.

Challenger Baseball provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball in a Little League. A team of buddies and adaptive equipment support each individual with their specific needs.

Join us at Hampton Little League each week until June 15th to cheer on our three teams!

Art Therapy

Art Therapy with Vahini will continue on this Spring! Please email jkiesman@beconnectedsupport.ca if you are interested in attending!

Friends and Family Picnic

Please save the date for our annual Friends and Family Picnic in celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day!

This years event will be held on Saturday June 22nd.

Stay tuned for more information!

Wednesday Drop In

Individuals in our Multiple Complex Needs program are invited to join our Outreach Workers each Wednesday at the Launchpad! Washroom facilities, computer access, games and TV are available.

On the first Wednesday of each month a hot meal will be served and use of the shower/laundry facilities will be available. Every other Wednesday drop in for a coffee and a snack.

PERSONNEL

Welcome New Personnel!

23 new employees and contractors joined the BeConnected team in the past few months - welcome!

Employees

Brenda U.

Faris K.

Gagan A.

Glecel J.

Harjit S.

Inderjeet S.

Jenna R.

Jennifer G.

Jennifer H.

Jimmy S.

Kayode O.

Lakhwinder B.

Lucy H.

Mercy S.

Opeyemi F.

Sahal M.

Simranjit S.

Taiwo A.

Yadwinder B.

Yvounne B.

Contractors

Diane T.

Jeff W.

Mandy L.

Contractor Corner

CLBC has announced two new programs for Home Share Providers!

Funding for WorkSafe BC Coverage

CLBC has announced that as of April 1, 2024 Home Share rates increased to help cover the costs of the required Personal Optional Protection (POP) coverage with WorkSafe BC. POP provides coverage in the event a Home Share Provider is injured as a result of providing home sharing supports.

Home Sharing Property Support Program

CLBC has invested in a new program to provide home sharing providers with comprehensive insurance coverage against significant property damage and protection from occasional minor property damage (outside of normal wear and tear) caused by individuals supported in home sharing. The Home Sharing Property Support Program is a specialized program consisting of two key components:

Minor Damages Program which provides reimbursement for minor damage caused by the individual.
Insurance Rider for Significant Damages which mirrors a Home Share Providers own policy and offers coverage caused by the acts or negligence of the individual.

For more information on the Home Sharing Property Support Program, speak with your Coordinator!

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Canadian Guide for Community Care & Supports for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Affected by Dementia

The Canadian Dementia project team will be offering several webinar opportunities to learn about, and put into action the new Canadian Guide for Community Care and Support for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Affected by Dementia.

This webinar is being held to provide interested adults with intellectual disabilities, family members and employees of organizations supporting adults aging with an intellectual disability

Registered Disability Savings Plan Webinars

The RDSP is a Canada-wide registered matched savings plan specific for people with disabilities. It is designed as a long-term savings plan to help the holder be better financially prepared for their future.

The Level 1: Intro to the RDSP webinar is for those who want to learn what an RDSP is, who qualifies, how to apply for the Disability Tax Credit, and how to open an RDSP.

The Level 2: Advanced RDSP webinar is for people who have an RDSP or have already taken Level 1 and would like to deepen their knowledge of the RDSP and learn how to maximize its growth.