| Strategic Plan |
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VISION That young people with acquired and late-onset disabilities and complex care needs will have inherent value as members of our society, with access to services and accommodation that support their health and well-being. MISSION To foster the development of the next generation of services and solutions that promote the health and well-being of people with acquired and late onset disabilities and empower them to participate in the community.
WHAT DO WE WANT We want a range of creative and innovative solutions to enable young people in nursing homes to actively participate in the community and have a real choice about where they live. In Victoria, approximately 70 people under 50 are admitted to aged care each year. There needs to be systemic change and a dramatic increase in the number of supported housing options in this state to stem the flow of young people into aged care.
WE ARE A CHANGE AGENT The key aim of the Summer Foundation is to change human service policy and practice related to young people in nursing homes (YPINH). We utilise a range of strategies to influence health, housing and disability services policy and practice related to this target group, the strategies are depicted in the figure below. The Summer Foundation is not able to implement all of these strategies in isolation; we collaborate with other organisations and government to achieve this aim.
HOW DO WE WORK The Summer Foundation is committed to growing a movement that will resolve the issue of young people living in nursing homes. Supporting, informing and empowering people with disabilities and their families is key to resolving this issue. Supporting and collaborating with government to achieve the targets set for the current COAG Young People in Residential Aged Care initiative is also critical. We build the capacity of this sector rather than focus on building our own organisation. We share knowledge, skills and leadership with other orgnaisations. We collaborate with other non-profits to increase funding for the disability sector rather than compete for scarce resources. We share credit and power within the organisation and with other organisations. Preserving our credibility is paramount; we are committed to integrity in our relationship with others and the presentation of facts.
WHAT ARE WE DOING ABOUT IT? Creating a movement: supporting people with disabilities to provide leadership to existing stakeholders and engage the corporate sector and general public Empowering: enabling young people in nursing homes and their families to be informed, make choices and tell their stories Evidence Base: conducting and fostering research that provides and evidence base for policy change Building expertise: fostering innovation and collaboration to improve the quality of services Integrated supported housing: increasing the range and number of supported accommodation options
PHASES OF ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Summer Foundation was established in January 2006. The three year establishment phase was from 2006-08. The current three-year strategic plan focuses on building the capacity of the organisation. This phase will establish a diverse community of supporters and establish partnerships to develop pragmatic alternatives to young people living in nursing homes.
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