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Message from the Chair of the Board of DirectorsJanuary 2026 |
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Message from the Chair of the Board of Directors: January 2026 |
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This past year has been one of purpose, progress, and notable achievement at CHIRS. As I complete my fourth year as Board Chair, it remains an honour for myself and the Board to support an organization that plays such a vital role in the lives of people living with acquired brain injury (ABI). CHIRS' mission is sustained by a dedicated team whose expertise, compassion, and resilience define the quality of care CHIRS provides and the reputation it holds. Excellence Recognized: Accreditation Success A major milestone this year was the comprehensive Accreditation Canada audit -- an intensive review involving new and more demanding standards across organizational governance, leadership, service delivery, and risk management. The Board is proud to share that CHIRS achieved the highest ranking of Exemplary status. This outcome reflects the strength of the organization, the calibre of its staff, and the effectiveness of its governance. It was especially meaningful to hear the voices of partners interviewed during the review. Peer agencies described CHIRS as "punching above its weight," while families shared that receiving support from CHIRS is "like winning the lottery." These comments affirm what the Board, management, and staff know to be true: CHIRS is a remarkable organization whose impact far exceeds its size. The reviewers modelled what high-quality evaluation should be: thorough, respectful, constructive, and genuinely invested in elevating care. They also offered thoughtful, forward-looking advice -- to focus deeply on CHIRS' strengths and to continue building depth over breadth. This guidance aligns with the organization's strategic priorities and will shape the organization's decisions in the years ahead. In addition to Accreditation, CHIRS continued to strengthen its governance practices. The organization developed a comprehensive Enterprise Risk Framework along with a detailed Risk Register -- important tools that allow CHIRS to proactively manage clinical, operational, financial, and environmental risks. These efforts enhance accountability and ensure CHIRS is well positioned for long-term resilience and to safeguard clients, staff, and the organization. Growing Reach and Community Impact The organization also expanded its influence as a centre of excellence in ABI care. This year, CHIRS contributed expertise at provincial forums and conferences, provided consultation to agencies in Barrie and Peterborough, and embarked on a new partnership with York Region Behavioural Services. Meaningful collaboration with the City of Toronto and the ABI Network aimed to better support individuals with complex needs. These efforts led to new partnerships -- including with Street Haven, Fred Victor, COTA, and the Salvation Army -- and the launch of an innovative pilot program. The organization continues to demonstrate leadership that drives system-level improvement. Deepening Understanding of the Workforce Experience Recognizing that exceptional care depends on a supported and engaged workforce, CHIRS participated in a Global Workforce Survey. This initiative provided important insight into the staff experience across a range of dimensions, including leadership, safety culture, and teamwork. The survey confirmed many strengths while identifying areas for continued improvement. The Board supports management in acting on these findings as part of CHIRS' commitment to being both a leader in care and an employer of choice. Strategic Investment in Infrastructure The Ministry of Health's Housing division awarded CHIRS $25,000 to upgrade the basement flooring at the St. Georges home. Though modest in scale, this investment improves the daily environment for clients and staff and reflects the importance of continually improving the spaces where care is delivered.Board Renewal and Governance Strength Strong Board membership and governance remain essential to CHIRS' ongoing success. This year, the Board welcomed three new Directors, each bringing valuable skills and experience that will enhance oversight and strategic direction:
Their combined expertise strengthens CHIRS at a time when the needs of the ABI community are complex and evolving. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank a long-serving member of our Board, Ellen Drevnig. Over her eight years of dedicated service, Ellen brought tremendous enthusiasm, thoughtful insight, and unwavering commitment to CHIRS. We are deeply grateful for her contributions and wish her continued success in all that comes next. Looking Ahead A clear theme emerges from this year: CHIRS is evolving with purpose and clarity of mission. The organization maintains high standards, is recognized for quality, continues to build strong partnerships, and remains dedicated to client-centred care. The Board is deeply grateful to CHIRS' leadership and staff, whose commitment to high-quality care enables the organization to achieve meaningful impact. Challenges will always arise, but the culture of CHIRS -- resilient, resourceful, deeply human -- is what ensures continued success. CHIRS is well positioned not only to sustain its work, but to broaden its reach and deepen its contributions to the ABI community and the broader health and social service system. With appreciation and optimism,
 Jenny McAdam |
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