A Day in the Life: Rosalie & Debbie — Champions of Inclusive Community Life

At Island Community Services, our team supports adults with diverse abilities through Community Living BC (CLBC) programs that run morning, noon, and night. Two of our champions — Rosalie and Debbie —lead this work with dedication, compassion[RW1] and more than a little ingenuity.

Key elements of the program area include: Community Inclusion; Health and Safety; Self Determination; and Person-Centered Planning (individualized planning and supports so each person can live their own best life).

The programs for adults with support needs at Island Community Services includes the FRIENDS day program, a staffed residential care program for 5 adults (Vesuvius Home), Individual Support for clients living independently, and supervision of the Homeshare programs operating on Salt Spring Island.

It is one of the original program areas run by Island Community Services, starting half a century ago as a day program called ‘The Achievement Centre’. In 2013, the program moved from the Ganges Hill location to its central hub at The Core in town, improving accessibility and inclusion.

Through ongoing evolution over the past 50 years, the program’s impact has grown—helping ensure that community members with diverse support needs can continue to live and thrive on the island, rather than being displaced to access essential care.

Mornings Start Early: Meet Rosalie

Manager, Adults with Support Needs Programs

For Rosalie, the workday starts well before 9 a.m. — and[RW2] sometimes ends long after midnight. With four[RW3] CLBC programs, a team of 30, and a deep responsibility to the people she and her team serve, she’s always on alert.

By 8 a.m., she’s already checked messages, sipped her coffee, and is standing with her team at the in-and-out board. It’s part of a daily ritual that keeps everyone connected — and ensures each person is exactly where they need to be.

Rosalie juggles staff management, budget oversight, licensing with[RW4] Island Health and funding requirements from CLBC, as well as independent accreditation requirements — all while staying trained and ready to step in on the front line when needed.

One ICS’s proudest achievements with this program?

Shepherding a major transition from a home-share with two residents, to a staffed residential care program housing five mid-pandemic.

It involved doubling the team, equipping and setting up the home, preparing the policies, manuals and renovations that enabled two homes to become one and separate people to become a community.

“This home is quite unique in the way that it runs. I’m so proud of what we do here because it’s a step ahead of where most places are,” Rosalie says. “I think we’re above the industry standard.”

Out in the Community: Meet Debbie Rogers

Project Leader, FRIENDS Day Program

Deb’s day begins early at Vesuvius House. From there, she ensures her team will accompany participants to programming across the island: dance classes; coffee chats; puzzles; and arts and crafts — all designed to build confidence, connection and creativity.

She loves working one-on-one, getting to know each person served and witnessing those small moments of joy.

“When someone smiles, that’s the best part of my day,” she says.

Deb and the FRIENDS team also collaborate with local community artists, coaches and performers to create art and build sport and movement into everyday life for their community members. Two of the program participants are part of the Salt Spring swim team athletes attending the Special Olympics Provincials in Prince George in July.

The popular events of Operation Trackshoes ended in 2023 after 50 years, but now Island Community Services is creating a scaled down local/SGI event modelled after it that will debut this autumn. This is all possible because Island Community Services applied for and received funding from Disability Alliance BC.

Unwinding after a hard day

This work is deeply rewarding, and isn’t easy. Staff shortages, combined with the changing needs of team members and people in care present daily challenges. Rosalie recharges by walking in nature and chatting to friends on Facetime. Debbie is a crafter, and her creations help out day to day life around Vesuvius House.

Want to learn more or get involved?

For more information about ICS programs, or how to help with volunteer time or donations, please see https://saltspringcommunityservices.ca or write to volunteer@sssics.ca

Special Olympics is always looking for coaches and volunteers for the programs we are involved in as well. Reach out to Amy Gibb, Regional Coordinator at agibb@specialolympics.bc.ca.

Art Abounds at the Staffed Residence

All food is freshly prepared