519-433-2801
info@southwestcollaborative.org
Working Together
Southwest Collaborative Communities
We're committed to working with individuals and families to ensure the needs, aspirations and wishes of individuals are central to decision-making. Recognizing this is a shift from person-centred supports, we collaborate on training to help our staff, families and individuals have the tools they need to foster these important conversations.
Our members are passionate about providing a valuable quality of life for individuals. By working as a collaborative, we're able to make a greater difference in offering meaningful and individualized supports.
Our partnership with ARCH Disability Law Centre is also helping local self-advocates increase the knowledge of their rights while learning how to have their voices heard.
Person-Directed Supports
Putting people first
We realize the importance of having familiar faces and local leadership in the communities we serve.
By retaining local leadership, each organization's Executive Director is able to:
- Make community connections and develop deeper relationships with other community services
- Respond to issues and opportunities
- Leverage community resources
- Bring the disability lens to other sectors like housing, transportation
- Understand the unique needs of their community
- Improve the organization's local visibility
Our five Executive Directors meet regularly to brainstorm issues, share knowledge of key areas of interest and reach positive solutions. This provides a regional perspective using local knowledge and expertise.
Local Leadership
Responding to the needs of communities
With deep roots in the communities we serve, we have a shared commitment to improving quality of life outcomes for people with developmental disabilities. By coming together, we're able to work on our vision of building a community that's fully inclusive and values all its citizens.
We do this through:
- Prioritizing the needs and dreams of individuals supported
- Proactively including families and contractors in important conversations as well as professional development opportunities
- Supporting community members to understand the needs of people with disabilities as well as their need for inclusion and belonging in all aspects of community life
- Exploring innovative ideas and new ways of working together for the betterment of the people we serve
- Collectively improving the quality of services provided by sharing information, talent and resources
Shared Vision
Creating inclusive and welcoming communities
With rising inflation, tight budgets and increased demands, by working together we're able to maximize efficiencies.
Some ways we continue to achieve efficiencies include sharing:
- Financial services - reducing duplication and providing access to expertise
- Human Resources - accessing expertise on common issues/requirements
- Training - leveraging opportunities for all member agencies to learn
- Legal advice - collaborating on issues such as Employment Standards Act and matters that impact all members
- Payroll/scheduling automation - leveraging joint purchasing power and ability to reduce staff input time
- Bulk purchasing - maximizing our ability to negotiate volume pricing
- Modernizing technology - accessing expertise and group purchase opportunities
Cost Efficiencies
Working together to maximize our efforts
Workforce recruitment and retention is a challenge for all agencies. Our shared values-based training has been warmly embraced by our staff and has been helpful in our recruitment efforts.
By providing training that is open to staff, individuals and families from across our membership, we're not only able to minimize our costs, but also maximize the reach of professional and personal development. This also gives our members access to a wider range of training opportunities than would be possible individually.
Staff Development
Investing in our staff
The reach of our 5 member organizations includes 7 counties. Being primarily based in rural Ontario, we understand the unique needs and challenges of operating outside of an urban centre. This includes transportation, housing and technology limitations that require community-based partnerships and solutions.
We work collectively on sharing information and resources as well as advocating for the supports our individuals and families require. By working together, we're better able to help individuals lead their best lives while navigating obstacles unique to living in rural communities.
Southwestern Ontario
Wide service area with local support
