Articles

11/08/2021

Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy Grants Safehaven $100,000 to Expand Infection Prevention and Control Programming

The Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy assists regional not-for-profit organization in expanding and improving the services delivered to vulnerable individuals

TORONTO, ON (November 5, 2021) – Safehaven received $100,000 donation from the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy (OFCP), at their 74th Annual General Meeting Virtual Event. This donation will enhance infection prevention and control outreach and access to community-based agencies through technology who care for individuals with complexities across the province. The funding will augment the technology and digital platforms for IPAC support and education to ensure agencies are able to develop sustainable solutions for the future. This donation builds upon current programming that has been funded by the Covid Residential Relief Fund (CCRF) from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services since May 2020.  Accreditation Canada will be partnering with Safehaven on the introduction of this community based IPAC programming that will elevate safe care practices for sector. The donation from OFCP will ensure the outreach and improved access to this programming will help improve the care for vulnerable individuals struggling with cerebral palsy, neuropathic genetic disorders, and intellectual disabilities receive.

“OFCP is excited and honoured to partner with Safehaven, building on the leadership and expertise they have clearly demonstrated in the past 20 months of the pandemic. Prevention and safety are the cornerstones of infection control. Providing training and support to vulnerable people will positively impact our members and their families. We look forward to the outcomes of this initiative and a safe future for us all.”

The comprehensive IPAC program has provided over 70 agencies across 600 sites with education and services and is aiming to reach agencies outside of Ontario and increase the range in which this program is offered. Despite the obstacles this pandemic has created, Safehaven has been able to virtually extend their services to agencies across Ontario. The evident and significant gap in community care can be decreased through the implementation of this program, allowing for the delivery of services to vulnerable clients.

Safehaven’s partnerships with Accreditation Canada and IPAC Canada have ensured the alignment and development of the IPAC program that has been implemented and utilized by many agencies in Ontario. With the support gained through these partnerships, individuals and teams working in health and social service organizations further drives the IPAC program in delivering exceptional care to clients with developmental disabilities.

“We are grateful for this donation as it will help us move forward with our IPAC education and services across Ontario. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way in which we all work to care and protect vulnerable individuals in the community sector. Our IPAC program has been very beneficial during the global pandemic and supporting the changes that were necessary to keep our environments safe residents and staff from the COVID-19 virus. We realize that this work has to continue, and improvements need to be sustained over time as there is a new norm evolving as a result of the pandemic where we need to keep these important infection prevention and control practices going. This generous donation will further expand our program by providing resources to advance our outreach through technology and digital platforms,” said Susan Bisaillon, CEO of Safehaven.

For more information about Safehaven’s IPAC program, please visit:


About Safehaven

Safehaven is a not-for-profit organization that has provided residential and respite care to individuals with medical complexities and developmental disabilities for over 30 years. At the core of this organization, its mission is to increase accessibility within community as a means of providing support to vulnerable populations. This essentially goes in hand with the goal of building an inclusive community – one where clients, regardless of their abilities and background, can flourish and live their lives. With five locations across the GTA, Safehaven continues to serve thousands of individuals diagnosed with cerebral palsy, down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, genetic disorders, and other medically complex care needs. Partnering with clients, families, agencies, and other organizations, Safehaven continues to provide exceptional care. For more information, please visit https://www.safehaven.to/ or connect with Safehaven on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn

About OFCP

The Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy (OFCP) is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to supporting people with cerebral palsy (CP) in Ontario for over 70 years.

The Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy is committed to supporting the most advanced and highest quality of Cerebral Palsy research, including the cure, cause, prevention, improved treatment and/or understanding of cerebral palsy.

We are an organization committed to supporting independence, inclusion, choice and full integration of all persons with cerebral palsy.

The OFCP does this by providing and initiating a wide range of services, resources and programs for people with CP and their families as well as professional organizations.

These services can range from funding assistance for much needed equipment and life enriching activities, to assistance with system navigation.       

The OFCP’s programs and services are funded almost entirely as a benefit of the collection and resale of used clothing and other used goods, as well as corporate and private donations and bequests.  For more information about OFCP, or how to donate, please visit OFCP.ca or connect on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ema Gradascevic

Communications Coordinator

Safehaven

egradascevic@safehaven.to

C: (416) 455-0151