This is Message from the executive director:
The strength and unity of the Centenary-Queen Square Care Centres continues to propel us forward as the years go by.
In 2017, CQS continued to play a vital role in strengthening families and communities in Saint John, particularly for some of the City’s most vulnerable residents. The Board of Directors value the rich diversity of cultures in our City, strive to be a champion for the social services sector and envision a strong social safety net protected and enhanced by a collective community response representing a broad continuum of service providers.
As I reflect on what this organization has accomplished over the past year, I realize that it has been a productive and creative period of transition, revision and rejuvenation.
Caring for Adults
Our Goal: To support adults and seniors with physical and/or intellectual disabilities through a system that is based on equal access to social and recreational opportunities within a positive and encouraging environment.
In 2017, we continue to provide 16,500 hours of social and recreational programming to adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. Moreover, we are establishing community partnerships and have 1 dedicated client and 1 Staff volunteering at our Community Food Basket. This year we had on average 11 adult clients per day. We have a total of 18 adults enrolled in our program, some come full-time and others on a part-time basis. We are presently working on providing a Community Kitchen for our clients first and then to reach out to our Community.The clients are enjoying the patio area provided through a grant from Mind Care. The plans and proposed expenses are complete for expanding the area with a garden area connecting the Adult and Children’s recreational area. Partnership was made with the Food Mentor Program who is helping to acquire funding through grants.
We have partnered with YMCA Newcomers who provided us with 6 Volunteers, 2 Staff who required help with English. A win – win situation!
We have also created a partnership with the School of Nursing where students do their practicum with the Adult Clients. In 2017 we had the pleasure of hosting practicum opportunities for 12 students.
With happy clients, we get happy caregivers who appreciate the respite and seeing their family members finding daily enjoyment and having positive relationships with other clients, staff and community members.
Caring for Children:
Our Goal: To support families through a system that is based on equal access to childcare in a setting that is both inclusive and affordable, and provides a high quality learning environment to support children in their healthy development.
In 2017, 95% of our attending children came from families with financial needs. That means 31 children living in poverty received a safe and caring environment with 8560 snacks and 18,200 breakfasts and hot noon meals (following the Canada Food Guide) being provided over the year. This is a substantial increase from 2016 as we are meeting the needs of our clients by providing half days enabling program or school attendance. Enrollment has maintained an average of 27 clients per day with licensing of maximum 24 children per day.
All of children are being assessed by Speech and Early Intervention. We have partnered with the Newcomers and have children from different parts of Saudi Arabia, China, Philippines, Syria, Korea and Africa enrolled at the Centre. We continue our partnership with Social Development in accepting referrals, especially for providing Day Care for those clients taking various classes and/or educational programs to better themselves.
Partnership
One of the most important things I have learned is the powerful force of a caring community and our mission is at the heart of our community. When people who care come together they can accomplish their vision with greater ease and more satisfaction. I graciously thank all who have donated directly or indirectly to our mission here at CQS Care Centres! I continue to witness and experience God’s graces, far beyond what words can express.
We continue to partner with the Province of NB (Work Ability, Work Force programs and NB Enhanced Support Workers), NBACL’s Early Inclusion Facilitators, NBCC, Saint John School of Nursing, FACE, Community Living, the Saint John Learning Exchange, Talk With Me, District 8 Literacy Program, the Food Basket and the YMCA’s Newcomers providing practicum and experience opportunities within our community.
Honoring the Past, Taking Care of the Present, Looking toward the Future
A Special Thank you to our 2017 Board Members
Board of Director Members gave of their knowledge, their skills and hours of volunteer time to ensure CQS Care Centres fulfills its mission in the community. Thank you for your dedication and sharing of your gifts. Your support is invaluable.
Mrs. Lauren Wiezel……….President
Mr. Jim Crooks……….Past President
Mr. Christopher Boudreau……….Vice President
Mrs. Amanda van Malsen……….Secretary
Ms. Ashley Jefferson……….Treasurer
Mr. Eric Marr
Ms. Deborah Tremblay
Mr. Shannon CreamerA Special Thank you to Staff:
Marilyn Gallant, Program Director Adult Care Centre – 28 years of service
Tracey Roberts, Cook – 33 years of service
Jennifer Wilson, Early Child Care Educator – 19 years of service
Tara Hebert, Early Child Care Educator-1 year of service
Gordon Dickison- Adult & Child Care Educator- 1 year of serviceThose who joined us this Year;
Genessa Piscos Early Child Care Educator
Gerald Salta Early Child Care Educator
Latifa Aldher Early Child Care Educator
Odelia Ben-Mosh Enhanced Support Worker
Sujing Du Early Child Care Educator
Samar Al Khatib Early Child Care Educator
Muhanad Al Khatib Relief CookA Special Thank You to our Funders and Donors who help to make these Programs Possible:
Maritime Conference – United Church of Canada……………………..$15,000.00
Sir James Dunn Foundation………………………………………………………..$15,000.00
Saint John Community Foundation…………………………………………..$4,654.14
As well as private donors ……………………………………………………….$7,916.42Our 2017 annual audit was generously provided by Deloitte & Touche.
The work of the past year could not be achieved without the support of the community, a dedicated Board of Directors and committed and engaged Staff and Volunteers. Thank you!
Our community is stronger because of their generosity, wisdom, and vision.
Respectfully submitted,
Bev Galbraith
Executive Director