My mental health case worker has been diligent and efficient in their efforts to understand my situation and needs and in directing me to resources. I would describe my worker as organized, knowledgeable, insightful, thoughtful, and kind. My worker is excellent in her follow up and I believe has my best interests at heart.”
~ J.B. (client)
2021-2022 was a busy year, despite the ongoing challenges presented by Covid-19. We have been able to maintain continuity of service and support through both virtual and in-person contacts through much of that time. We have been very fortunate to have a strong and committed staff team that has enabled our ability to do this.
Of note during the fiscal year: we have expanded both our mental health and developmental services through partnerships with our community partners and funders. This covers all the services we offer: children’s services, case management, Passport, and Developmental Services Ontario. We saw especially significant expansion of housing-related navigation and case management supports in early 2022, the onboarding of a new Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Urgent Response Service, and expansion of our OAP Foundational Family Services offerings.
The reports from each of our program areas provide additional detail on activities of the past year.
As we begin a new fiscal year, we are excited to continue the new ventures we have started, and to explore new ways to serve our communities, now with a variety of in-person and technology-based service options that will allow us maximum flexibility for families’ needs.
~ Gary Whetung, Director of Services
Adult developmental and mental health case management services were integrated focusing on six priorities areas (in no particular order):
Standardizing the processes and procedures within these areas has provided more ready access to cross sector information, reduced duplication of documents by using one document that can be used across case management, more staff with capacity to meet quality standards of MCCSS by completing SORs and increased understanding of and reduced errors in meeting Finance standards and best practices.
Mental health case management expanded specialized services by partnering with Evergreen Hospice for hospice case management and Addiction Services Central Ontario for brief case management for individuals with mental health challenges waiting to access concurrent disorder and withdrawal management services. This resulted in reducing service access wait times for some of these individuals and increased collaboration and connection with the community.
With Housing Navigation through DSO, we collaborated and shared resources with 19 organizations regarding creative housing for individuals with a developmental disability. We shared 114 Provincial Housing Tool Kits with families, and 665 people attended presentations to learn about person-centered housing planning.
The utilization rate for 2021-2022 Passport funding was 71% as of May 13, 2022, compared to an average provincial utilization rate of 60%. From November 2021 to March 2022, the Passport program undertook an “Electronic Claims Submission Project” with the goal to increase electronic claims and reduce future Passport Coordinator workload. We saw a 2.33% increase in electronic claim submissions in January-March 2022 compared to October-December 2021.
“I was absolutely blessed to have [my case manager, Ana-Maria] come into my life… I was in desperate shape with both my mental health and my hoarding issues… However, when Ana-Maria came in, that completely changed… I never, ever felt judged. [She] was truly there for me and to help me work through not only my mental health issues with hoarding, but to help me move forward with my life.” ~ B.H. (client)
“Working with Iffat has been one of the great supports in my life during a very difficult period dealing with mental illness. I’m a sensitive person and I can really sense that her heart is in her work, and she genuinely wants people to heal and succeed and that this is more then just a job for her but a service. She is also very grounded practical and a great resource and to the point when she needs to be. I have only good things to say about this amazing human being. I wish we could replicate her.” ~ S.T. (client)
“While we know that there are many people who work as a team at YSSN, we have to recognize two individuals who go far above and beyond in their support of our son as a client and us as family members.
Kathy C. has been our salvation in several instances where the challenges of living through Covid seemed overwhelming. Her calm presence and professional demeanor helped us navigate through a number of difficult situations. She is always very prompt in replying to all three of us when we contact her. We just can’t say enough about how much her support has meant to us during these very trying times.
Alice J.’s professional knowledge and incisive suggestions have been invaluable in directing us to resources that have made a huge impact on our son’s daily life and well-being. He is now attending a terrific day program that Alice suggested. This has made a huge difference, as it has enabled him to work to acquire valuable life skills and experience in the community.
Without the extraordinary support from both of these dedicated women, we know that our son’s quality of life would not be nearly as positive as it is now. We are so grateful for everything Y.S.S.N has done for our family and are so glad to share our experience.” ~ S.M.S. (client)