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NEWS FROM KHCAS
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New Executive Director Appointed
The KHCAS Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Wilson as the new Executive Director. Ms. Wilson is a dynamic leader with 22 years' experience in the child welfare sector, including four years as Local Director/Director of Service at the Children's Aid Society of the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin.
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Incoming KHCAS Executive Director Jennifer Wilson.
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"We are very pleased that she has accepted the position and strongly believe she will provide thoughtful, engaging leadership during this turning point in the agency's history," says Tim McLaren, President of the KHCAS Board of Directors.
Jennifer begins in the position February 6, 2012.
Strike Resolved
Approximately 130 child protection and administrative support staff at the Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Aid Society were back on the job Monday, December 5 after almost eight weeks out on strike. During the strike, management and non-union staff performed essential duties.
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CENTRALIZED INTAKE
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What's New at KHCAS? The creation of the Centralized Intake Team. Four dedicated staff are now situated in the Peterborough office to receive initial reports regarding all child protection matters for the City of Kawartha Lakes, the County of Haliburton, City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.
The new model resulted from feedback received from staff and client strategic planning process. Currently, all calls related to child protection and kinship services will first be assessed by the Centralized Intake Team. In the near future the agency will move to a single telephone number to receive all calls. Stay tuned for more.
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CREATIVE STUDENTS TAKE PART IN CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
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In an effort to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month and engage teachers, students and parents to talk and learn about child abuse, the Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Aid Society partnered with the Peterborough County-City Health Unit to invite students in grades 5 through 8 to take part in an art contest. The challenge: to create original art work illustrating "a time when you felt safe and cared for."
Students in Debbie
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Queen Mary students win art contest with images of "a time you felt safe and cared for"
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Thomas-Amaral's grade 4/5 class at Queen Mary Public School emerged victorious, and were presented with certificates for Pita Pit pitas.
Special thanks to members of the Child Abuse Prevention Month Committee: Jennifer LeSurf, Tania Nanni, Miriam Stucky Lyall, Jennifer Rodman, Barry Rodman, Susan Milligan; and to Doug Fisher of the Pita Pit for the generous awards.
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FOSTER FAMILIES HONOURED
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The Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Aid Society (KHCAS) announced the recipients of the following important awards to foster parents in our community: - Joanne Baal: "Bell Lifetime Achievement Award" for her generous nature, brilliant teaching ability, quiet activism, and work nurturing and improving the quality of life of the children she fosters.
- Barb & Wayne Dyer: "Foster Parent of the Year Award" for their unwavering commitment to navigating difficult situations, motivated by their deep love for children in their care.
- Barb Spence: "Dion Children's Lifebook Award" for her work in creating wonderful, creative Lifebooks, capturing key aspects of the lives of children in her care.
Following a recognition dinner, KHCAS Resource Supervisor Marion Duguid honoured the families, saying "their commitment to the foster children in their care, day in and day out, through whatever life puts in front of them is truly outstanding." To see CHEX coverage of Foster Parents of the KHCAS Foster Parents of the Year, click here.
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| KHCAS STAFF IN PROFILE: JULIE WILKIE |
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Having worked with the KHCAS for the past 10 years, Julie Wilkie has served on Intake teams in both Lindsay and Peterborough, as well as the Children's Services team. In October, Julie moved to the Family Services team. Julie is known for her positive and interactive spirit, especially in her relationships with her colleagues.
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KHCAS Intake Worker Julie Wilkie
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She has a great sense of humour and never seems to slow down; her workmates wonder if she ever sleeps! Julie and her husband Doug run A Frame Studios which profiles Doug's painting and Julie's fabric creations and other hand made goods.
Expert Advice
Having raised pigeons, goats, chickens, puppies, kittens and rabbits -- as well as their six dynamic children (now between the ages of 14 and 23), Julie is an expert on the subjects of parenting, life skills, and accessing resources.
Julie's colleagues report that she is an "overflowing fountain of knowledge; always has time for people, and appreciates what people have to offer. She is a learner of life and is always offering a helping hand." She challenges others to look at their situation differently, with the idea that a person's perspective may positively impact their choices, and regularly shares her confidence that people can achieve what ever they set their mind to.
Contributed by Jacqueline Brooks, BSW., MSW
Intake Services & After Hours Supervisor
Lindsay Office
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'I AM YOUR CHILDREN'S AID': KHCAS EDITION
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Barry Rodman with Michelle McCarl, featured in KHCAS 'I Am Your Children's Aid' campaign
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KHCAS developed and launched a mini, local
'I Am Your Children's Aid' campaign. Images and stories of nine KHCAS staff, former clients, foster parents and volunteer s are now on line! Click the link to read our stories. If you'd like copies of the posters for your organization, email Rachelle Foster. |
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SUCCESSES FROM K-H CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION
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There's been tons of great news from the Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Foundation in recent months. Please click the links below to learn more about their many successes in support of children and youth in the care of the KHCAS.
Dream Ball
Approximately 300 people danced the night away at the Foundation's 17th annual Dream Ball. This year's theme was "Carnivale," complete with live music, dinner, and salsa lessons from three Brazilian dancers clad in feathers and sequins! This year's event raised just over $48,000 to help children in the KHCAS community to camp.
A Giving Community
Hundreds of local people and numerous businesses and service clubs opened their hearts and contributed towards making Christmas merrier for children in the KHCAS community. Their deep generosity reflects the true sense of caring that Peterborough is known for.
Through Rain, Wind and Thunder... They Ride
In 2003 a small group of motorcycle enthusiasts had an idea: they wanted to help send children involved with KHCAS to summer camp. And thus was born the "Kawartha Kids Ride for Charity". To-date, this dedicated group has raised $62,500 and made it possible for 125 kids to go to camp. To get involved in the 2012 ride, contact Lisa Mason.
Donna J. Barry
Fundraising Coordinator
Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Foundation
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NEWSLETTER PUBLICATION SCHEDULE
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Wondering when the next newsletter will be out, or what the deadline is for submitting your great story ideas?
The e-News is a quarterly publication, with each issue covering the previous fiscal quarter. We aim to send out the e-news within one month of the end of the fiscal quarter. For example, the winter/spring issue will cover Jan 1-March 31st. Anticipated publication date would be by the last week of April, and likewise for future issues.
We welcome your story ideas.
KHCAS Newsletter Committee
Diren Narendra, Tania Nanni, Erin Hentig, Miriam Stucky Lyall
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If you have any feedback on our newsletter, or would like to suggest things you'd like to have covered in the newsletter, please email us; we're all ears. |
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