CVNQuinte: A Unique Model of Service Supporting Interdependence and Community Integration
Attracting Provincewide Attention for Its Unique Model of Supporting Interdependence and Community Integration
The best kept secret in specialized service is now attracting attention from the Ontario Government. CVNQuinte is now in its 4th decade of providing support to adults living with intellectual disabilities who may also be Deaf, hard of hearing or have challenges with communication. With its dynamic approach, CVNQuinte has caught the attention of other service organizations and provincial leaders. Its model is designed to maximize interdependence, prioritize choice, and foster deep community connections, making a real difference in the lives of those it serves.
And, according to Executive Director Terri Korkush, this model stands in stark contrast to traditional frameworks driven by the thinking that brought us “group homes.”
Empowering Individuals Through Tailored Choices
One of CVNQuinte’s defining features is the level of choice it offers. This means that the people supported by CVNQuinte have the autonomy to select not only the type of support they need but also the timing and personnel involved. Terri employs a relatable analogy based on her previous experience working in more traditional models. “Other models operate like a cruise ship,” she explains. “People who were being served have a limited amount of options based on what is available on the boat.” These options keep people ensnared in group-based activities with very moderate capacity for self-direction.
“At CVNQuinte, people design their own speedboats,” Terri explains. “They choose where they want to go, what support they need to get there, and who will be on that journey with them. Hypothetically, if someone wants to go swimming, they can have the support to do it on their terms without waiting for a day program to offer it.” This flexibility in decision-making is an essential part of the CVNQuinte experience, allowing people to shape their daily lives according to their personal goals and passions.
Julianne, a Board member and also a person supported by CVNQuinte, echoes this sentiment: “With this agency, I make all decisions about my life. I interview my staff, and if I feel uncomfortable, I can choose someone else,” she shares. This level of choice is transformative, enabling individuals to take ownership of their lives in ways not possible within more traditional models of care.
A Satisfied and Inspired Team
The team members of CVNQuinte, from community support workers to community coordinators, are a crucial element of this successful model. The organization’s flexible scheduling and strong union relationships contribute significantly to job satisfaction. Lori-Ann Sagriff-MacDonald, a longtime Community Support Worker, appreciates that flexibility, noting, “I can pick hours that work for my life, and I know I’m able to make a difference in the lives of people we support”.
This flexibility also translates into a positive, collaborative work culture. Pat Connor, a broadly experienced Community Support Coordinator and Union Steward, describes the relationship with the union as “non-adversarial,” explaining that both sides work together to support the organization’s mission. The collaborative environment at CVNQuinte benefits not only the team members but also those they serve, as the supportive culture reinforces the organization’s ethos of mutual respect and empowerment.
Building Meaningful Partnerships
CVNQuinte’s unique approach also extends to its external partnerships. The collaboration with Quinte Community & Housing First Partnership, which operates the stylish Great St. James building, exemplifies how CVNQuinte integrates support into the broader community. Bob Cottrell, the partnership CEO, values this alliance: “We’ve created a model that includes both affordable and market-rate housing, where people of all abilities live side by side”. Through partnerships like these, CVNQuinte is able to offer diverse living arrangements with scalable support to enable the highest possible level of interdependence.
Encouraging Interdependence in the Community
While CVNQuinte’s model prioritizes individual choice and interdependence, it also emphasizes the importance of interdependence. Community events such as the autumn picnic at Zwick’s Park bring together recipients of service, employees, and community members for a day of music, dancing, and games. Events like these not only provide joy but also help everyone develop a sense of community and belonging.
Pat elaborates on the power of interdependence: “It’s about being part of the community and knowing that there are people to reach out to, whether it’s at a picnic or in a more personal support setting,” he says. A resident of Great St. James echoes this by highlighting the friendships she’s formed through living in a community-focused environment: “The people here are my friends, and it feels good to have a place I can call my own and share with others,” she reflects.
Looking to the Future: Growth and Innovation
As CVNQuinte looks to the future, it continues to innovate in ways that enrich lives. New services include experiential retreats designed to offer additional opportunities for personal growth and engagement sharing passions with other people. CVNQuinte Adventures gives people new ways to explore their interests, develop new skills, and connect with others.
As the province continues to investigate better and sustainable models of service delivery, a whole lot more people may be impacted by the grassroots evolution of CVNQuinte. The organization’s commitment to choice, partnership, and interdependence offers a compelling model for others in the field of developmental services. CVNQuinte’s focus on empowering both the people it serves and its own team members ensures that it will continue to be a place of growth, inclusion, and opportunity for years to come.
