Survey Result: Three Year Accreditation

Alternate Shelter Society is led by a talented, experienced managing director. She is fully committed to the mission of the organization and is well respected by persons served, staff, members, and other stakeholders.

The organization, which has had as many as twelve service programs, has been able to survive cutbacks in funding from the province that have led to the closure of all but two of these service programs. The organization is seeking to develop and enhance its capabilities in fundraising in order to enhance its financial viability and secure the future of its mission.

Strategic planning is taking place and includes plans for the development of these capabilities in fundraising, which it is hoped will lead to a broadening of funding streams for the organization.

Development of a thrift store is in the planning process.

The organization’s senior staff leadership is highly involved in direct service provision and supervision and day-to-day management.

An independent, chartered accountant selected by the governing body conducts an annual audit of Alternate Shelter Society. The audit report is analyzed by the managing director, and copies are reviewed by the governing authority and provincial authorities.

Staff members at Valley House and Murrayville are competent and dedicated to the persons served. They display patience and tolerance, providing an excellent role model for the youth served.

The resources are warm and welcoming, providing a homelike environment for the youths.

Youths served spoke highly of the resources, staff, and services. They spoke of feeling safe, enjoying the meals, liking the recreation, and being satisfied overall.

Both of the resources enjoy a good relationship with the neighbourhood and work to maintain this through good communication with the neighbours, including the local schools.

The staff members at both resources and administration display a constant and unwavering dedication to the youth they serve.

Alternate shelter should seek improvement in the areas identified by the recommendations in the report. Consultation given does not indicate non-conformance to standards but is offered as a suggestion for further quality improvement.

On balance, Alternate Shelter Society is a well-respected organization that is serving a very difficult vulnerable target population. Leadership has long tenure and is dedicated to the mission of the organization. Financial resources are scarce for the organization, and there have been occasional difficulties in retention of staff members, but this is reportedly improving. Due to the scarcity of financial resources, the managing director as well as others of necessity wear many hats and set priorities on a daily basis. The chief vulnerability of the organization is the limited financial base, which the organization is trying to overcome with initial efforts at fundraising. Opportunities for improvement include transition planning; quality record reviews; and “tightening” up the administrative support documentation, including the development of an enhanced system to measure and report on service program outcomes. Notwithstanding these difficulties, persons served are receiving excellent services provided by a very dedicated group of staff members. There is a commitment to maintaining high standards of operation.

Alternate Shelter Society has earned a Three-Year Accreditation. Those involved with this fine organization, including persons served, leadership, staff members, and other stakeholders, can take much pride in this accomplishment, Encouragement is offered to utilize the tenure of this accreditation to follow up on the opportunities for improvement noted and to continue to maintain high standards of operation.

For more information please e-mail info@alternateshelter.com.