The Olds Association for Community Living (OACL) has higher quality of life scores for its clients than the provincial average, according to a Community and Social Services (CSS) official.
Kim Graham is the senior manager of community delivery for persons with disabilities for the Central Alberta region of CSS, based in Red Deer.
She spoke during the OACL's 25th anniversary banquet at the Pomeroy Inn & Suites Aug. 26.
Graham said according to a personal outcomes index survey for 2014, "the quality of life scores for adults served were higher than the provincial average for several service providers in all eight domains."
"In fact," she added, "in four instances: social inclusion, personal development, interpersonal relations and physical well-being, adults served scored higher in satisfaction than the general population in Central Alberta."
Graham said OACL is "very innovative," in that it looks for ways to partner with other groups to provide supports and activities to improve its clients' lives.
She said according to a website on the matter, "they have skilled and experienced case managers to coordinate service supports and activities and they plan ahead and prepare for extraordinary demands and security issues."
"Many agencies are not willing or able to support these persons because they pose a high risk to themselves or others," Graham said.
"To see that Olds association, a mid-size agency with limited resources, is willing to take on this challenge, is proof enough for me that this is a remarkable organization.
"Thanks for all that you do and all that you will do in the next 25 years. Congratulations on this milestone," she added.
OACL executive director Alane Lashmore said the local organization is a kind of family, with "support members who have become employees, employees who are now board members, parents who are employees or board members and staff trying to support (them). We just keep moving around."
"For some of us, since joining OACL in whatever capacity, we have ended up staying. Many of our employees have been with us for many years," Lashmore said.
She described that as "unique," because in this field, staff turnover is generally high.
During the evening two people were honoured for being a part of OACL throughout its 25-year history. They are staff member David Armstrong and client Brian Johnson. It was announced that two others who were unable to attend -- Bob Rolfe (staff) and Kelly Rolfe (client) will be honoured later.
Mayor Judy Dahl also spoke. She said the town supports OACL.
"Olds Association for Community Living plays a major role in our community," Dahl said.
"And we believe that persons with developmental disabilities have the right to establish a safe home of their choice and should be given the support required to be contributing and responsible members of society. It's very evident that many in this room are."
"The quality of life scores for adults served were higher than the provincial average for several service providers in all eight domains."KIM GRAHAM MANAGER OF COMMUNITY DELIVERY FOR COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES
