ABOUT US

In 2005, Community Care for South Hastings celebrated its 25th birthday.

The agency as we know it today began with a pilot project in 1966 to bring Meals on Wheels to the community. It was offered by St. Thomas’ Anglican Church, the United Community Services and the Central Volunteer Bureau. It ran for ten weeks, providing one meal a week to nineteen seniors at a cost of 25 cents each. The program was successful. As more clients began to request the meals, the Volunteer Bureau organized the program so it could continue.

In the seventies, the Ministry of Community and Social Services began a program in Belleville called “Alternatives to Institutionalization.” It offered services to seniors and disabled adults. The Volunteer Bureau oversaw the planning stage, and the committees involved came up with the idea of Community Care for Seniors. It was formed in 1977, employing one paid staff member. The main programs were Meals on Wheels, Wheels to Meals (Diners’ Club) and Pensioners Concerned.

Within the next year more services were added, including the Home Maintenance Program, Friendly Visiting, Activity Program and the Reassurance Call Program. At this point, the Belleville Community Care project was reported as one of the most successful pilots in Ontario.

Community Care became incorporated in 1980, with its own Board of Directors. New programs were introduced in the eighties, including the Grandfriends program, the annual Gift Wrap fundraiser, the “Senior Scene” column for the Intelligencer and the 55 Alive Driver Refresher Course. Information Belleville became a major program until it was returned to Volunteer Quinte in 1997.

Community Care was also associated with foot clinics, nutrition seminars and bus trips. Community Care became an advocate for issues facing seniors. Memberships were offered and fundraising efforts expanded.

In the nineties, Community Care assumed responsibility for the Transportation program.

Community Care Belleville amalgamated with Deseronto Community Care, to form a new agency expanding into the surrounding rural areas. It is now Community Care for South Hastings, serving the area of Belleville, Deseronto, Thurlow and Tyendinaga. A new logo was unveiled to represent the agency. It depicts a red heart in the frame of a footprint, coupled with the slogan “the heart and soul of the community.” It represents the mark made by staff, volunteers and clients and represents feelings of kindness, spirit and enthusiasm.

Community Care for South Hastings has grown tremendously. It now consists of 10 paid employees. Approximately 800 volunteers deliver more than 13 programs to about 2000 clients from two area offices. Community Care for South Hastings prides itself on being an integral part of preventative community healthcare.

A Board of Directors governs Community Care for South Hastings – The Board consists of 12 dedicated volunteers from our community.

OUR BOARD 2010 - 2011

Paul Katien (Chair)
Larry McGlade (Vice Chair)
Leona Hendry (Secretary)
Sharron Bannon (Treasurer)
Nancy Garrod (Director)
Frank Hamper (Director)
Susan Scott (Director)
Nancy Pordham (Director)
Pat Culhane (Director)

REGISTERED CHARITY

Community Care for South Hastings gratefully accepts all donations (memorial, general and bequests). Click here for more information.

MEMBERSHIPS

Buying a membership helps to support the programs offered by Community Care for South Hastings. Click here for more information.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

1. People aged 60 or over with dependencies related to: the aging process, a previous illness or injury, a sustained or periodic impairment; or a physical disability.

2. People who are age 18-59 may be eligible for services if:

    a. They have a physical disability or chronic
    illness; ** OR
    b. They are clients of Hospice Quinte; AND
    c. Family/friends/caregivers are not available
    or able to provide services; AND
    d. There is a demonstrated need for services
    from Community Care for South Hastings.

3. Services that are provided are intended to help the client to maintain their independence in the community.

4. The client resides in the area served by Community Care for South Hastings. (Belleville, Deseronto, Tyendinaga and Thurlow Townships)

5. Other individuals may be accepted with the recommendation of a Coordinator and at the discretion of the agency Executive Director.

6. Eligibility for services is based upon assessed need.

VALUES

1. Dignity and Respect for all by:
    • Empathizing
    • Listening
    • Being compassionate
    • Advocating (for individuals)

2. Excellence
• Offering the highest quality of services

3. Teamwork within the agency
    • Working with full participation of volunteers,
     staff, Board Members
    • Recognizing the experience and contribution
    of both staff and volunteers

4. Accountability
• Making a commitment to efficiency and
effectiveness

5. Meeting Client Needs
    • Helping
    • Making a difference
    • Achieving satisfaction and pride through our
    sense of accomplishment

6. Working within the community
    • Partnering
    • Building Relationships
    • Networking