Tamarack is Accredited With Exemplary Standing!
Tamarack strives for excellence in programming. Three years ago, with support from the Winnipeg Foundation, we embarked on the Accreditation Canada program as a way of demonstrating our commitment to high quality client care. At that time the agency underwent its first survey, called the Primer, to determine readiness for Accreditation.
This year, again with the financial support of the Winnipeg Foundation, Tamarack underwent the next stage of the process, called Qmentum. Following an extended visit to the agency by Accreditation Canada and an in-depth review of policies and procedures related to all aspects of the organization's governance, operations and program delivery, the results were impressive. Tamarack achieved Accreditation with Exemplary Standing, the highest level performance that can be attained in the Accreditation Canada program.
Philip Grandmont, Tamarack Board Chair states, "this is a milestone achievement for our facility which has been very much under the radar as we have quietly tried to offer hope to people with addictions for almost 40 years. Such an outcome speaks to the quality of Tamarack's addictions treatment programming, client support and the high standard of staff and leadership".
Read more about Accreditation here.
Out of the House, Into the Community
On February 25th and 26th Tamarack staff attended the Knowledge Exchange Forum organized and hosted by the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, offering a valuable opportunity to connect face to face with other addiction and mental health agencies. The theme and focus of the forum was partnership and client resilience and involved participants exploring effective ways to foster inter-agency support and communication.
Many business cards were exchanged and we left with a better understanding of how we can best support the clients we serve.
The Stats Are In
Completion rates, Client Satisfaction and Staff Satisfaction: How does Tamarack Measure Up?
We are proud of our program and our ability to provide a safe nurturing environment for clients as they develop skills for recovery, begin their healing journey and make changes towards a new healthier life. Our completion statistics speak to this.
With average completion rates for addictions treatment programs in North America sitting at about 44%, Tamarack's completion rate of 91% is certainly something to celebrate. An example of Tamarack's responsive, client focused approach that has had a positive impact on completion is highlighted by Executive Director Lisa Cowan, "our staff work closely with prospective clients when they first make contact with the agency giving them an understanding of the program and staff right away. By the time they're here they already have a sense of comfort and connection which helps them stay committed during the challenging times". (Interested in finding out more about our program?, click here)
It would seem that this approach is working very well. Client exit survey data for the last 12 months shows that 100% of clients completing the program are satisfied or very satisfied with the intake process, counsellors, the treatment program, overall management and staff support after hours. 100% of all respondents said they would recommend the program to others.
If it's true that the best agencies have a dedicated team of staff who truly enjoy what they do and are able to share that enthusiasm with those they support, then it should come as no surprise that 100% of Tamarack staff in an anonymous staff feedback survey report that they are proud to tell people where they work and 100% report positive relationships with their co-workers and with senior management. This compares to the national average of 80% reporting positive relationships with coworkers and 67% with senior management. (Like the idea of working or volunteering here? Read more.)
Celebrating Client Success
At Tamarack we have a lot to celebrate and we do it often. Aftercare Counsellor, Joanne talks about how we celebrate our clients as they complete the program and during Aftercare:
Every client that graduates our program is celebrated with a "pinning". The unusual and long-standing name relates to the small Tamarack pin that every graduate is given during their ceremony. Pinnings typically take place on a Friday afternoon and are a great way to wrap up the week. The pinning begins with Executive Director, Lisa offering words of encouragement to the graduate and reflecting on what they've accomplished in the program before providing them with their certificate of achievement. The graduating client's counsellor then presents the Tamarack pin and well-wishes and supportive feedback continues from all staff and clients. Opportunity for the graduate to address the group with their plans and hopes is provided and the celebration is wrapped up with a standing ovation for the departing client followed cake and ice cream.
Such events are not only an important way of showing graduates that we recognize the hard work that they've put into treatment but they also serve to encourage the other clients in their journeys. Says a current client: "I think it's really cool that we can all celebrate this milestone together. We worked together so it's great to see each other succeed in completing this piece of recovery".
Honouring our Alumni and their accomplishments is another way we celebrate year round and this usually involves fun activities every couple months. We challenge each other to beat high sores at the bowling alley, or we may laugh until our sides ache at a comedy club. At other times we stay in to enjoy each other's company with pizza and games. Commemorating milestones and sober anniversaries are an incredibly important way of giving each other encouragement and inspiration and such events are regularly on the agenda. This year, along with several one year celebrations, we've recently had the honor of presenting a year five cake to one of our graduates!
