In 2022, the Empower Simcoe Board of Directors approved our strategic plan, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for our agency.
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We are incredibly proud of the significant strides we have made in pursuit of our three key priorities: Service Excellence, Our People and Culture, and Strong Partnerships.
Priority #1: Service Excellence
Service Excellence has been the cornerstone of our unwavering dedication to providing quality customer service. We are thrilled to announce the completion of a specialized transition home in Orillia, designed to empower individuals in developing essential social and living skills.
We’ve optimized our housing stock to align with the goals of those we support, and the launch of fee-for-service (FFS) programs has brought immense benefits to the people and families we support and the community alike. In 2024, our integration of Microsoft platform technologies like Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, and SharePoint has greatly improved our ability to track key performance indicators, streamline passport budget management, and enhance operational efficiency.
In addition, the introduction of a content submission portal for employee engagement and the inclusion of profile photos on internal platforms have significantly elevated communication within our organization.
Priority #2: Our People and Culture
The tireless efforts of our Empower Simcoe People and Culture team have led to the successful launch of a comprehensive orientation program for new employees, aimed at fostering a deep understanding of our services and strengthening our organizational culture and values.
We are delighted to have offered diverse training programs, including Essential Skills for Today’s Leadership, Direct Support Leadership, and Conflict Management. Furthermore, our listening and brainstorming sessions on customer service and equity, diversity, and inclusion have contributed to a more inclusive workplace environment.
Priority #3: Strong Partnerships
At Empower Simcoe, we deeply understand the importance of forging strategic partnerships. Our collaboration with the Intentional Community Consortium and the Local Immigration Partnership is a testament to this unwavering commitment. These partnerships have allowed us to advocate for supportive housing and the National Housing Strategy on Parliament Hill and present our services and job opportunities to newcomers in Simcoe County and beyond.
In collaboration with developmental services agencies and experts in Simcoe County, we have developed an Emergency Management and Pandemic Response Plan for congregate care settings. This comprehensive plan, coupled with an annual tabletop exercise, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the people and families we support, along with our employees, during unforeseen circumstances.
The extraordinary progress achieved over the past year serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication of Empower Simcoe’s leadership team and employees. With one more year left in our strategic plan, our commitment has never been stronger.