Sunset Community2019-2020

ANNUAL REPORT

1

ABOUT THE SUNSET COMMUNITY

The Sunset Community provides person-centered services and

offers a variety of program options: Residential, Independent

Living Supports, Vocational, Employment, and Learning. An

individual support plan is designed for each participant

based on their goals and future

We provide safe and supportive living, learning and work

environments so each individual can live a satisfying and

meaningful life.

The Sunset Community is a leader in removing barriers.

2020 marks the 125th year of operations of Sunset Community’s Adult Residential Center.  There have been so many changes over the years as the services and supports provided have evolved from back in the

Message from our CEO, Julie Hoeg

MISSION STATEMENT:

PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE BE THE

BEST THEY CAN BEValues: WE C-A-R-E

Collaboration

We support and encourage the positive involvement of all stakeholders

Accountability

We are responsible for our actions and behaviors, our decisions, our successes and our failures. We are responsible and creative in maximizing our resources. We are honest in answering for our decisions and actions.

Respect , Dignity and Compassion

We first focus on the strengths of individuals. All individuals have the potential to grow and learn. All individuals and cultures deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and compassion.

Excellence

We are committed to upholding the highest quality of service to those

2

early days of the “Poor House”, to the years of custodial care, and in recent years to providing the best in person-centered programs.  We are very proud of how far we have come, but there remains progress to be made. Sunset continues to evolve and improve daily to ensure we are focusing on the choice and desires of the participants in our programs, and to meet the needs of our local community.  Our holistic model of services strive to meet each individual where they are at, to ensure all aspects of ones’ life is full and enriched. 

This year our priorities were guided by our new 2019-2022 Strategic Plan, and we worked hard to make progress in year one of the business plan supporting our Strategic Goals.  “Our Employees. Our Future”: this year we expanded our recruitment efforts through more creative means of advertising, and incentives to reach a broader pool of potential candidates.   To improve retention of new hires there was increased attention to the on-boarding process through new orientation surveys, and the implementation of a Residential Counselor Mentor role to be the main support for new hires in the Client Services Department.  There has been a lot of feedback gathered, and improvements made to the orientation process throughout the year.  Many efforts were made towards improving Employee Wellness through new initiatives and activities.  As well, as the highlighting of staff during Continuing Care Month, and our second annual Fall Festival and Scarecrow Auction raised $1,000 for the Employee Wellness Committee.  This event was a wonderful example of community collaboration, as we welcomed fifty scarecrow entries from local businesses and schools.  Sunset was thrilled to host the students from Cyrus Eaton Elementary School on our grounds as they excitedly viewed and voted on their favorite scarecrow.

“Sustainability and Growth” – our focus on securing alternative sources of funding to continue to enhance and expand our programs, saw more growth and expansion from last year.  Sunset Industries’ full transformation took place, and our new Thrift Store opened in Pugwash.  Additionally, there has been the unveiling of the Sunset Industries’ online auction, and a new Lifestyles program on-site.  This program will include creating goods to be sold in the new storefront – artwork, crafts, dog biscuits, and other saleable items.  These changes have provided additional capacity to increase participation, as well as to attract diverse interests and abilities, far beyond what was offered in the “pre-transformed” workplace.  To increase accessibility at Sunset Industries, several funding proposal requests were submitted, and we were the successful recipients’ of $40,000 to support the addition of a wheelchair accessible entrance to the Thrift Store, and a complete washroom renovation.  It was a great honor to receive the Amherst and Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Non-Profit Business of the Year Award for our Oxford Thrift Store, Café & Laundry operation.  This was a huge accomplishment, and the entire team should be very proud!  The team works hard to give back to the community through various campaigns and fundraisers and has become an integral part of the downtown Oxford business community in the short period it has been in operation.

Diverse Abilities NS (DANS) continues to be a strong leadership and voice in our sector, advocating for better for our clients and staff.  Sunset Community benefits greatly from the sharing of ideas, resources, and planning efforts at the DANS’ table for the betterment of our sector.  Diverse Abilities NS continues to work very closely and supportively with the Disability Support Program to provide guidance and collaborative planning as the province moves towards transforming the large residential programs to smaller community based options.  

Management and staff in all departments continue to work together, in all programs to support “Diversity is being invited to the

party, inclusion is being asked to

3

choice and offer options for all clients’ success; this is the common thread that connects us as a team and brings meaning to the work we do.   Each year brings forth new possibilities and opportunities to not only help our clients to be the best they can be, but also to ensure Sunset Community is the very best it can be.  May we continue to grow and embrace the never-ending changes as we strive towards excellence in our services.

Thank you to all the participants who chose our programs, to the dedicated and hardworking employees, and many volunteers who help to make Sunset an organization to be proud to be a part of.

Julie Hoeg, CEO-Sunset Community

“Diversity is being invited to the party, inclusion is being asked to

4

I have had the privilege of serving as the Chair of The Sunset Community Board of Directors for the past six years. During this period, I have witnessed tremendous growth and progress in the development of new programs and services in the organization. I would like to extend a thank you to the Board Members for their continued support and interest in Sunset.

Our Social Enterprise programs continued to transform to meet the interest of participants, and the services in most demand in local communities. This meant an end to the long-term production of wood pallets and the introduction of a Thrift Store at our Pugwash location, Sunset Industries. Additionally, due to grant funding, the Sunset Industries was able to complete a long-awaited washroom renovation. Our building is now 100% accessible for our participants and members of the public.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a challenge for Sunset Community; however, staff and Management rised to the challenge.

Kudos to the employees who were able to follow many new guidelines and restrictions during this period, while continuing to provide great support to all the residents of Sunset Residential Programs, as well as those living in the Community Programs.

Lastly, on behalf of the Board of Directors, we would like to congratulate and thank our CEO, Julie Hoeg. The 2019-2020 year has been

Message from

BOARD CHAIR,

ALLISON GILLIS

COUNTY WARDEN, ALLISON GILLIS – BOARD CHAIR

COUNCILLOR, LYNNE WELTON-VICE CHAIR

DAVID ARSENEAU-TREASURER

SUSAN MELANSON- MEMBER

COUNCILLOR, BARBARA PALMER-MEMBER

KARMA REID - MEMBER

2019-2020

Board of Directors

5

another successful year. Leadship at Sunset Community continues to ensure we are working daily to meet our Mission of Helping People Be the Best They Can Be.

Sincerely,

Allison Gillis  Chair, Sunset Community Board of Directors

Medical Health Consultant Annual Report

6

7

8

Like most Nova Scotians, Sunset Community was caught off-guard when the COVID-19 Pandemic swept through our country in mid-March. Despite awareness and public health tele-conferences in February, the general perception at that time was that Nova Scotia was not a great risk.

Sunset Community was quick to react on March 13th, 2020, when it became apparent that the COVID-19 Pandemic risk was very real. Our residential programs were closed to any non-essential visitors immediately, our Social Enterprise day programs were closed to participants on March 18th. The last two weeks of our fiscal year were a whirlwind for all involved, as we moved our pandemic planning into full-speed ahead in the face of this rapidly evolving situation. There was a lot of new information and education shared with employees, clients, and family members. COVID-19 Binders containing education and precautionary information were provided to all coves in the ARC, as well as Driftwood Cottage and ILS Program.

This was a very uncertain time, and despite very real fear about the damaging impacts this virus could have, our Sunset Community Employees remained very dedicated and diligent in the weeks and months that followed. Sunset Community took every precaution to keep all staff and clients safe, through extraordinary cleaning practices, thorough education and extensive planning. Isolating procedures as deemed appropriate

were quickly implemented to prevent the spread of the virus, and an Isolation Area was developed on Sandy Cove. There have been additional restrictions and safety measures put in place already to protect all members of the Sunset Community, and strategies will continue as required.

Our day-to-day business priorities quickly shifted to staying up to date and informed on all Public Health Long-term Care directives that were updated daily. Securing appropriate and adequate PPE was a challenge, and daily advocacy efforts on behalf of our sector took top priority. Weekly check-in calls with Diverse Abilities NS and the support received from Health Association Nova Scotia, was critical in our success during the pandemic.

Transitions

The Sunset Community continues to lead the sector in person-centered care and is the Service provider of Choice for many individuals who utilize our services as well as family members and stakeholders. Over the last fiscal year, we have received thirty-two referrals for our Adult Residential Center program. Out of the thirty-two referrals, seventeen individuals were considered for further review and out of the seventeen individuals seven individuals accepted placement. Prior to the onset of Covid-19 we were on track to reach capacity and once things have subsided and we are able to open up for placements again we have 3 individuals eagerly awaiting transition to the Sunset Community.

We are proud to say that working in collaboration with all stakeholders we were able to assist two individuals achieving their goals of moving to a smaller community-based setting. One individual who was offered a smaller placement choose to stay, for the time being; as she has come to feel the Sunset Community is her home.

Our person centred approaches remains our focus and we were excited to have opportunity to share those initiatives with the Diverse Abilities NS Association. It has been my pleasure to take over the Mandt Training for this fiscal year. In the last 12 months I have trained over 140 new and current employees. As Covid-19 has adjusted the way we do things we have devised clever ways to continue the training while maintaining the integrity of the material

Brent Wilson, Manager, Education & Transitions

COVID-19 Response

9

As we are now in the “recovery period” from the first wave, and anxiously aware of the looming second wave; we are able to reflect and focus on the lessons we have learned. All employees were encouraged to complete the “Sunset Community COVID-19 Response Survey” to provide their input and to help focus on our areas of needed improvement. The risk and uncertainty of COVID-19 was difficult, and Sunset Community rallied together to provide the safest and most supportive environment for staff and residents. As the CEO, I am extremely proud of all the Employees and Participants who did exceptionally well during this time, and grateful. We really are “all in this together” and proved that it is true “Tough times don’t last, tough teams do”. – Julie Hoeg, CEO

HEALTH CENTER

The new Proactive Model of Care that was introduced has been very successful and has improved collaboration within the Client Services Team. The focus of this model is early detection, followed by comprehensive communication with appropriate clinicians and staff. Clinical education of new staff and on-going education of existing staff is a high priority of this model of care to continue to provide safe, best practice, high quality client care.

Through the winter, unfortunately, our physician of several years was unable to continue practicing due to ill health. We were able to secure the services of another physician for approximately two and a half months. He also had an unfortunate health issue and to date has not been able to return to work. We are hopeful he will return in September. In the interim, Dr. Igor Semenov has accepted the role of our Physician. He works locally at North Cumberland Memorial Hospital and is familiar with Sunset and some of our clients.

Our staff and clients remained healthy during the annual flu season, with no hospitalizations due to ILI.

The world as we knew, and everyone else, changed drastically at Sunset due to COVID -19. On March 13, 2020, our facility was closed to the outside world. Three more LPNs were recruited into the Health Centre to support the growing demand of nursing support needed for pandemic related needs. Nursing staff were instrumental in providing staff with education regarding isolation technique, proper use of PPE and overall compliance with pandemic policies and procedures, and client screening .The nursing staff have been trained to do COVID-19 swabs, enabling our clients to stay home to have this done. This is ongoing and will be for several months to come. The Public Health Department has several times commented on the high level of commitment shown by Sunset in keeping our clients safe during these unprecedented times.

Jill Peterson, RN – Health Services Manager

10

Driftwood Cottage-This year at Driftwood Cottage, we have moved the medication administration area from the extra bedroom and out of the busy kitchen area. It has moved to the office/laundry space and is behind a locked door. The room itself is very inconspicuous and resembles a closet. This is an opportunity to lessen the likelihood of medication errors and give staff an opportunity to spend some one on one time with clients.

-Our license has changed and we had an availability to have another client reside at Driftwood Cottage. We now have the capacity for eight residents at the group home.

- We are developing looking an additional space for the Manager on-site at Driftwood. This will allow a place to support staff and clients in quieter space with fewer interruptions. We are also looking into areas that may provide clients with an opportunity to have a space for quiet solitude or space to enjoy their activities individually.

-We will be looking at changing the makeup of the basement area to facilitate the different storage and supply rooms to have an availability for the private spaces for client enjoyment.

“That was then, this is now”

Independent Living Support Program (ILS)

-This year we have a client returning to the Village Commission as groundkeeper. Client re applied and was successful again and is still employed with the local co-op.

-Client has remained as day care provider at local day care; and works on an occasional basis with the Sunset Industries.

-Client remains as maintenance man 3 days per week, works 2 days per week at Sunset Industries. During the covid-19 crisis, client has been offered an opportunity to do groundskeeper work with landlord and this may continue into the winter months with snow shoveling, salting etc.

-Client continues to be employed at KGB, as well as grounds keeper work at Sunset Ind. Client has had the opportunity to travel to Maine to visit with family.

-We have a client that is to get married next year. The date is not finalized as of yet.

-Married clients that reside in the community have had extensive home supports to remain in their own home. Supports such as: VON, home care. Physio from staff until registered Physiotherapist is permitted inside of homes, lifeline up and running as of last week, lift chair, support with med administration. Whatever measures is needed to keep away for facility-based interventions and utilize the community-based options to be able to continue to reside in the community.

Community Living Programs

11

-Client from Amherst continues to be employed with Moore’s power sports as well as the Bridge workshop.

-Client who was a bit fearful of the covid-19 crisis, inquired about temporarily moving into the ARC, until crisis is over. When able, client is requesting to move back into his apartment on the grounds. At this time, client cannot enjoy all of the hobbies/work he is used to but enhanced staff have modified the criteria to allow client to maintain his hobbies.

- We have a client that is returning to his hometown in search of employment that better fits his education and his vision of being a plumber. But we have just very recently spoke with an individual that is eager to begin school in Cumberland county and would like to enter our ILS program.

“Never let your past, determine your future”

Bruce Ferdinand, Manager-Community Options

12

I would like to share my reflections upon the past year as they relate to a few key areas of my responsibilities.

Most importantly is the enhanced staffing for the clients we support to be the best that they can be. We are fortunate DCS shares our vision for the clients we support approving 100 % of enhanced staffing funders submitted. Currently DCS is funding 1:1 staffing for 20 clients individually as well as cove funding to ensure fire and life safety and vocational programs to ensure all clients lead personally satisfying meaningful lives. This translates to approximately $1,000,000/annually. While this is amazing, the challenge is recruiting enough staff to fill these necessary positions.

In the past year, I had the pleasure of attending a session with David Pitonyak an American psychiatrist who is known to have a way of understanding and communicating the needs of people with challenging behavior that is profoundly straightforward. He talked about paying attention to who comes through our front doors into the client’s lives. A significant step in supporting clients with palpable outcomes since that time has been to have clients living at Sunset chose their favorite staff to support them.

Further, why staff stay- 1. Active role in decision-making 2. Organization that cares about staff 3.Sense of community 4. Culture that is welcoming to everyone

The aforementioned are all points Sunset Community aspires to.

In regards to contracted pharmacy services from O’Brien’s, we are now in our 3rd year of service things are going well with a mutually collaborative relationship to ensure effective services. Daily deliveries are pretty much the normal with significant reduction in dispensing and delivery errors leading to less risk of error to clients. In 2019, we saw 24 medication events, and so far in 2020 only 9 medication events. Nurses are provided enhanced medication audits post medication events to increase practical knowledge to reduce future errors as well as reminding staff to reach out when they need assistance with medication administration.

This leads me to lessons learned from our COVID experience as Sunset Community now has its second pandemic, first wave under its belt. As a history buff, I think how interesting it would be to peer through the looking glass at what this looked like at Sunset 1918-1920. Perhaps those notes are in the Sunset Community history books. This year in conjunction with Infection Control committee, we will look to an early aggressive flu immunization campaign to increase staff immunization numbers from 30% last fall to ensure protection of staff and clients. Additionally increased infection control awareness throughout the year so that we are always in a state of preparedness. Finally, to further develop inventory management systems created since March to ensure we have real time inventories available at all time along with quota amounts and order minimums including basic stock of PPE even though products may expire if not required.

“Now is the time for us to look after the people who work for us. When a company steps up at a time like this, it builds loyalty, commitment, and long-lasting teams."

Arjun Agarwal

Gina Rushton, LPN, Client Services Manager

Person-Centered Services in Review

13

Highlights from the Lifestyles TeamThis year saw some significant and exciting changes within the Lifestyles department. Our team started focusing on more cove and outside-based activities (weather permitting) rather than having most activities on Sandy Cove.

Any activity that we did on Sandy Cove we took to the coves and did there. That allowed us to engage with many individuals who would not come to Sandy Cove. In addition, we started doing “Range of Motion” exercises with identified clients. Using the wheelchair accessible swing was a great hit this year for many who would not usually engage. Cove Karaoke became a huge hit also. Several clients enjoyed a road train ride in Tatamagouche. We did a beach trip with clients and we had an amazing boat trip in the summer of 2019. We also offered head and foot massages and other sensory experiences on the coves throughout the year.

This year also saw the creation of a new program at Sunset Industries called “Lifestyles @ Sunset Industries”. This program was headed up by Kathy Betts and aimed to create a space for those that do not take part in any of the mainstream programs we offer. The program aims to support up to eight individuals across short time span programs per day. The program creates saleable products that will be sold in our two thrift stores. Program participants will learn the skills required to make all of the products over time. As of writing, the program started on the 3rd February 2020 but ceased when we shut operations due to Covid-19.

As Covid became a major concern for us Lifestyles staff were reassigned to support RC roles however Diane Buckler remained part of the team and was based on the third floor. Diane’s role was to support where needed but also engage clients in meaningful activities. While Diane could not move freely throughout the building we were able to create activities that were then used throughout the ARC.

We created social distancing bingo that was used across the building using a tablet for the bingo caller. The entire game was contained within a cart that is portable and easy to clean in-between games on different coves.

We used a series of games apps to stimulate the mind of those interested in playing games. We planted small herb and flower gardens on several coves that allowed clients to be involved

in the planting and the growth of the herbs and flowers. Wherever possible we encouraged clients to be active and get outside for walks with their staff.

14

Brian Mooring recorded songs and posted them weekly to the Facebook group “Ultimate Online Nova Scotia Kitchen Party” Brian received many rave reviews and comments for his playing. Way to go Brian!

We also created various coloring and puzzle portfolios that included coloring for all ages, math’s puzzles, word search, maze games to keep the mind active for those who enjoy that kind of activity.

Diane continued to support the canteen albeit at reduced capacity. Throughout Covid-19, we have served many additional individuals who would usually go over town to buy whatever it was they required. This included stocking cigarettes, which allowed for less travel to and from Pugwash.

Respectfully submitted,

Dean Pounder

News from Directions Council :  

The Directions Executive is meeting by Zoom three times per week and staff

Highlights from Support Services DepartmentI am very proud to present this Support Services Annual Report for 2019-2020. It has been another busy year with lots of exciting changes taking place in our Sunset Community. We were successful in obtaining a grant of $30,000 from the Windsor Foundation to go toward making our washrooms wheelchair accessible at Sunset Industries. We started a new thrift store there as well and created a space for a new Lifestyles program to take place.

Being a member of the Directions group has been a very positive experience. We are learning from our fellow members and they have been a great support as we move forward with growing our Social Enterprises. We are meeting biweekly with other Direction members from our region through zoom sessions to keep up with current events regarding Covid 19 and how these affect our enterprises.

I would like to thank the many great people I work with each day. They are always such a help, and I appreciate their support in every way. I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve the people who live and work here at Sunset. I believe we will all continue to help people be the best they can be. They inspire me to strive to be the best I can be as well.

Terri Brander, Director-Support Services

“I can do things you cannot; you can do things I cannot: together we can do great things.”

Mother Teresa

15

Financial services are still in place via our agreement with Building Futures/ BJ Burgess. We are participating in virtual meetings with the Department of Community Services three

times weekly. This includes reps from the residential and long-term care sectors. Agencies are experiencing a loss of social enterprise and fund raising revenues due to COVID 19.

This circumstance has been shared with Community Services. The Directions spring conference is cancelled and when this current crisis subsides, we can

collectively discuss what we can do as an alternative plan. The fall conference is booked for October 27th to 29th at the same venue - Oak Island Resort.

Many agencies are creating approaches to provide ongoing contact and support to individuals who live independently, rather than with family or in supported housing. We have heard from the residential sector that it would also be helpful if we could consider creating some virtual communication links between individuals and their vocational support staff, as deemed appropriate.

Directions regions are supporting themselves through holding Zoom sessions or conference calls.

We remain in contact with agencies in the Maritime region. Their circumstances are generally similar to ours.

The Social Enterprise World Forum planned for Halifax in September is postponed until June 2021 due to COVID -19.

Dietary Services

In the last year, much work and education has been done to encourage reduced intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and calorie-dense food choices.

With help from the dietary department, we were able to restructure our 5-week winter menu to allow for enhanced nutrient content. We decreased added sugar on our menu by reducing the amount of sweets/baked goods from having these options every day to only 3 times per week.

Fibre content was increased on our menu by increasing fruit and vegetable availability and utilizing sweet potato and whole grains at least 50% of the time and sodium content was decreased by reducing the quantity of commercially prepared foods.

New recipes have been added to our menu, including fish tacos and potato leek soup, which have gone over very successfully with clients and staff.

Staff education on dysphagia and modified diets and thickened fluids is an ongoing process to ensure clients are not given and high-risk foods or liquids. We were able to give more flexibility to those clients on thickened fluids this year with a thickened ice cream recipe made with a gel-based thickening agent. This product is made once weekly and once in the oral cavity has a mousse- like consistency and does not melt to a thin fluid.

March was Nutrition Month and many activities, prizes and special meals were planned, however I was only able to carry out two Employee Appreciation Breakfasts during this time as plans were cancelled by COVID restrictions. Employees had much positive feedback from the breakfast and got to enjoy protein-packed fruit smoothies and breakfast quesadillas with recipes and nutrition content available to those who wanted it.

16

Angela Ward, RD Clinical Dietitian

Sunset’s Patchwork Garden

- We finished another successful gardening year and have seen the interest grow exponentially since we started this project. Lifestyles harvested many vegetables in the garden to cook on Sandy Cove.

- Lifestyles team along with Edith Mackay, sold tickets for a basket that was able to raise approximately $1000 for our committee.

- 3 coves have started seeds which will be transplanted into the garden. This project has given our clients enthusiasm to watch as their plants grow.

- Fall of last year we held our second annual Scarecrow Festival fundraiser for Continuing Care Month we received tremendous support from a variety of businesses in Pugwash as well as both the Elementary and High School to make it a huge success.

- Oxford Thrift store held an online auction selling off our scarecrows. Almost $900.00 was raised to help our staff that care for our residents.

- Overall, I can say that we have had another fantastic year in Support Services. Every year has it challenges, although no one could have predicted what we have had to endure the past few months. I would like to thank Carol, Dean and Terri for their continued support as well as the entire Sunset team!

Shawn CrouseManager, Support Services

17

Over the years the maintenance department has supported participants in learning new skills who in turn have proven to become valuable members of our team, becoming more confident in their abilities to perform many tasks for example, maintenance and operation of the lawn tractors and yard equipment, minor pipework, and assisting with many other projects.

The Maintenance department strives to provide the best quality services to clients and staff of the Sunset Community. In the background, the maintenance team keep the main functions of the buildings operating to ensure a comfortable environment for everyone. In addition, their collective skills provide us with many other services, from mechanical repairs to building beautiful furniture, fixing leaky pipework, repairing or replacing locks and many, many more.

Maintenance Report

Operational Purchases:

In 2019:

Fibre Op project completed Apr New PC purchased and programmed for

building system controls Driftwood Cottage – new stand by

generator installed Mar/Apr – commissioned in May

Professional cleaning of the Garland Fan in May

New pump installed in the main water tank June

Loading dock roof replaced July South wing roof repairs July Water damage repairs completed by First

on Site July Wheelchair swing pad installed, swing

assembled and completed July New flooring installed for Driftwood

Cottage Aug 125 Maglocks installed throughout the

building, programming completed Aug Maintenance support to Sunset

Industries transformation plan Aug Apartments roofing shingles replaced

Sept Replaced 3 hot water tanks Sept - Nov Cameras installed and completed Oct Clients new smoke hut built by Dec needs

siding and landscaping in 2020 Fire Marshal visit and recommendations

Dec Roof treatment on south wing and third

floor roof DecIn 2020:

Replaced 2 mixing valves Jan Wi-Fi installed throughout the building

for clients and staff early 2020 Ball valve replaced on main water line

Feb Quotes obtained to replace the roofing

on the south wing and third floor roof Mar

Preparations and implementation of Covid-19 requirements, set up of isolation area Mar/Apr

Purchase of 2 new cars

18

Sunset Industries

We continued to make progress on the transition of Sunset Industries over the past year. Our woodshop has been fully transitioned to the space formerly used by the Pallet Shop. We have maintained the same number of participants in that program and overall production of furniture has been more diverse than in previous years. Our clients’ skills have grown greatly this year allowing them to take on more advanced projects.

Contract Services remained very busy with laundry and for the first half of the year had been busy with plug assembly work from Spectra (Debert). Unfortunately, Spectra’s parent Company encountered financial difficulties late in the year, which resulted in the Debert plant having to pause production of plugs. We continue to wait for their planned restructuring before we can resume taking on work from them for our clients. As part of our overall transition, a number of participants have shifted between shops, bringing the total to 12 (our maximum) of clients who take part with contract services work.

A Support Services Group made up of our clients who had formerly worked building pallets and a couple from contract services, has been developed. They took on the task of janitorial duties, exterior yard work and snow clearing (door and walkways) and supported activities of both thrift stores.

We created a new program called “Lifestyles at Sunset Industries.” That program is designed to bring more clients from the ARC to SI to take part in vocational programs. This new development has allowed 6 additional residents of Sunset to engage with meaningful healthy activities outside their home base.

Our Pugwash Thrift Store was organized and opened to the public in December. Early response from the public has been very supportive. We are offering auctions as well. The thrift shop is our outlet to sell Sunset furniture that is produced by our woodshop. The thrift store was just up and running when covid-19 came along. The store was closed in March, to be open again in June.

I am pleased to report that we had a perfect safety record over the past year in all shops.

Covid-19 appeared in March, causing our retail operations to stop, our clients’ programs to be put on pause and some staff to be relocated temporarily. Revenue, although greatly reduced has continued to generate, as we were able to maintain three core contracts: the laundry and waste boxes for the Salt mine, and in Oxford, we kept a staff on to manage Oxford Frozen Foods’ laundry. By doing so, we were able to ensure that our participants will continue to have meaningful work upon their eventual return.

19

The Sunset Community Thrift Store, Laundry & Café – Oxford

Our store operations in Oxford have had a great year of growth. The response from the community has been very positive. Sunset was awarded the Non-profit of the year for Cumberland County from the Chamber of Commerce last spring.

Our café scaled back the menu and added ice cream, which has been very popular. Our laundry had been busy through the summer and we were very pleased to secure a contract with Oxford Frozen Foods in October to process their laundry on a daily basis. This is expected to amount to approximately $20k per year in revenue.

Financial:At the end of our second year of operation, we achieved the following revenues in sales:Thrift Store: $53,796Laundromat: $16,698Lunch Counter: $14,896

Normal operations were stopped in mid-March with the arrival of Covid-19. All client participation was suspended at that time. We maintained one staff at the store to continue to process the laundry for Oxford Frozen Foods. We were successful in maintaining that contract.

When it became apparent that our clients would be remain off for several weeks or months, we developed an alternative program. Partly online and also through a mail out package. Our staff have been able to engage with our program participants with activities, contests, Bingo, socials by video conference, telephone conversations and in – person drop bys (socially distanced).

This has been both a year of progress and towards the end, a year of challenge. Our team have managed through this period very well and we are positioned to begin operations again as soon as regulations permit.

It is my pleasure to work with the staff and clients and my fellow management team at Sunset.

Randy Thompson

Manager Sunset Industries & Social Enterprise

20

Total: $85,390

VOCATIONAL SERVICES General:

At the time of this report, 70 clients are employed (all areas) by The Sunset Community of which:

Employment: Sunset provides programs at Sunset Industries in Contract services including laundry Services, Wood working shop and Reception duties along with our new Lifestyles @ Sunset Industries program and thrift store.The ARC provides programs in Dietary, Housekeeping, Laundry, Maintenance, Lawn care, Garden maintenance, Snow removal, Administration, Lifestyles, Canteen, Reception, Vocational program and on unit work sites. Our Social Enterprise in Oxford, which currently supports 9 participants learning the many varied store operations.

Website/Social media: The website continues to be a useful tool to help promote Sunset and its mission with hits to the site generally growing year on year. Our 2 Facebook pages for Sunset Industries and Oxford continue to grow their presence in the communities they serve. We also added separate auction pages for both locations in 2019/2020.

We are working on a specific website for our social enterprises, which will go live in later in 2020. This website will display all the different services our social enterprise offers to participants and the general public.

Social Enterprise:

Our Social Enterprise in Oxford had a great year with the addition of a contract to wash coveralls for Oxford Frozen foods. This has meant that one of our participants has increased his hours to 65 every two weeks. Morgan effectively looks after all aspects of the Oxford Frozen Foods contract. We are currently supporting 9 clients with 8 applications received and waiting.

Community Inclusion

In addition to participating in these programs above those we support have had the opportunity to be involved in:

1 employee continues working at the Co-op working 2 days per week.

2019 Harbour Fest & Gathering of the Clans where employees helped maintain a litter free environment for the community of Pugwash while the event was taking place. The feedback from this event was fantastic!! Our employees did a wonderful job for the community of Pugwash.

1 employee works with the village commission throughout the year.

1 employee works at the KGB one day per week each on Thursdays.

21

As of writing, we have just completed the refurbishment of the washrooms at Sunset Industries. This includes creating a wheelchair accessible stall in each of the male and female washrooms. We have also created a staff washroom.

Donnie returns for a second year:Donnie Allen’s first year being employed by the village was an amazing success. At the end of the 2019 season Donnie was encouraged to apply again for the 2020 season. Donnie did that in April and was again the successful candidate beating out others who applied. Donnie will again work 30+ hours per week and earn above minimum wage. Donnie will also work at the Co-op throughout the summer.

Joey Timmons Excels

One of Joey’s greatest desires has been to be part of the maintenance team at the main ARC. Over the last couple of years, Joey has worked with the maintenance team throughout the summer months to help support the team with grounds maintenance. Joey generally only worked in the summer months and then returned to Sunset Industries for the rest of the year. 2019 was different for Joey, as he has taken such big steps within the maintenance team that we decided he would continue working with the team throughout the year. Joey now attends the maintenance department program 3 days per week in the summer and 2 days per week in the winter. The rest of the time Joey participates in the support services program at Sunset Industries. Joey has really excelled this last year and can be very proud of his accomplishments. I would like to thank the maintenance team for the support they have given Joey and the others who participate in the program.The year 2019/2020 was truly an exciting time to be at Sunset with all the positive changes that happened throughout the organization. We grew Oxford year on year and have a waiting list for participants to join the program. We added a contract in laundry service Oxford and have bigger plans to expand service offerings in the future once the building has been purchased. We upgraded facilities in Pugwash and added programs to serve more individuals. We continue to raise money and look at ways to grow our social enterprises with services that both the general public and participants want. It is incredible what we can achieve when we all pull in the right direction.

I would like to thank Carol, Randy, Shawn & Terri for the amazing work they do each day in our team to drive their parts of Sunset forward as well as supporting each other when needed. It is a pleasure to work in this team. I would also like to thank Julie for her encouragement and passion to move forward and commitment to Sunset. Last but by no means least I would like to take this opportunity to thank all employees for their hard work throughout 2019. I look forward to working with everyone throughout 2020 and into the future.

Dean Pounder, Vocational Services Manager

22

Human Resource Highlights

Onboarding and training

Since April 2019, Sunset has welcomed 37 new employees.

We continue to learn and improve training and orientation. With the Pandemic in March 2020, we have adapted to a more hands on approach until we can safely host group orientations once again.

Wellness activities 2019 to the present and looking ahead!

October/ November 2019

- Staff Shout Outs Board in the Communication Room- Continuing Care month! Appreciating our dedicated RC

staff and the amazing work, you do everyday!- Staff Hydration Challenge

December/ January

- Participation in Winter Carnival for both Staff and clients during the holiday season

- Healthy potluck to kick off 2020- Second annual participation in the Bell Let’s Talk campaign

February/ March

- Thankful Heart, Helping Hand – Pay it Forward Challenge- Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace

Education with Jenna Brookfield – March 2020 - Some sessions were completed with staff, others postponed due to pandemic.

- Staff Appreciation breakfast and Dietitian Month with our wonderful Angela Ward! Some dietitian month events were unfortunately cancelled due to the pandemic but our staff appreciation breakfast was a hit!

- “Outdoor Walking Challenge” walking competition with Pugwash vs. Malagash/Wallace –was scheduled for March 2020 but postponed due to pandemic

- Good life Health and Wellness Leadership Summit contest – Trip to Halifax – Event date May 12th 2020 – cancelled due to pandemic

April/May 2020

- 10 days of gratitude – took place online on our Employees of Sunset Facebook group during April socially distancing

- Recognizing International Firefighters day! We have quite a few volunteer members of local fire departments

Investments in Education & Training

Medication Training

First Aid Training

Fire & Life Training

MANDT

MANDT Recertification

Supportive Decision Making

Direction Council Conference

Health & Safety Annual Leadership Conference

Communication Training

Good Life Wellness Seminar

Maritime Province Water & Waste Water Association

Life Training

WHMIS

Caring Everyday Conference

Psychological Health & Safety in the Workplace

Member/Representatives of the following:

Diverse Abilities NS

Health Association Nova Scotia

Directions Council

Cumberland Health Board

CASE – Canadian Association for Supported Employment

NS Health & Safety Leadership

23

- Recognizing International Nurses day, Nurses week, all coinciding with 2020 being the International year of the Nurse! We really appreciate our nurses and while this has been a challenging time for all those in the health care field, we wanted to recognize the hard work and dedication of our amazing nurses!

June 2020

- Introducing Zumba Wednesdays for month of June in collaboration with Dietitian Angela Ward - A food truck, Red’s Chip Wagon will be coming June 26th 2020 for an Employee Appreciation

Lunch- Outdoor games and surprises planned for the last weeks of June.

Mallory O’Neill, HR Recruiter