Empowering Change: OT Works! Commitment to Community Support
At OT Works!, we take pride in our ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on the community. We are pleased to announce our continued support for three local initiatives that embody the spirit of change, empowerment, and social justice: Project Change, WWF Canada, and Plan Canada.
We belief in contributing to a better world. OTs are dedicated to improving lives, and at OT Works!, we recognize the importance of extending this commitment beyond our professional practice. Each year, we support organizations that share our dedication to fostering positive change.
Initiatives OT Works! supported in 2023
Project Change Foundation provides financial and other support to early-stage charities in Canada with significant potential for creating social or environmental change.
In 2023, Project Change provided grants and support to the Food Stash Foundation. The Vancouver-based food recovery charity collects about 120,000 pounds of food per month that would have gone to waste, delivers to 35 charity partners, delivers Rescued Food Boxes to over 100 households, and serves 140 Rescued Food Market members weekly. Food Stash utilized the grant from Project Change to support professional development for their employees and received guidance from one of our mentors to assist with enhancing business practices and clarifying the goals and direction of the organization through the lens of its values.
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Canada is the country’s largest international conservation organization. Guided by the best scientific analysis and Indigenous knowledge, they work to conserve species at risk, protect threatened habitats, and address climate change. Their long-term vision is simple: to create a world where nature and people thrive.
Plan International Canada strives for a just world that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. They stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are oppressed, exploited, left behind, or not equally valued.
OT Works! will continue to support organizations as they empower people in Canada and around the world.
OT Works! supports Project Change Foundation
As part of our annual efforts to give back to the community, OT Works! continues to support Vancouver-based Project Change Foundation. Change is central to the philosophy of occupational therapy and our therapists facilitate change to promote health and recovery.
Project Change Foundation provides financial and other support to early-stage charities in Canada with significant potential for creating social or environmental change.
Our Business Director, Jason Russell, was interviewed by Project Change and shared the reasons we chose to support the foundation.
“We chose to donate to PCF because of its unique focus on helping local organizations early in their development.”
Read the full interview on Project Change’s website, and donate to their initiatives.
Giving Back to the Community
2020 was a different year for everyone.
More than ever, it is important to give back to our communities and to support initiatives that provide change and promote social justice.
As part of our annual efforts to give back to the community, OT Works! is pleased to support Vancouver-based Project Change Foundation for another year. Change is central to the philosophy of occupational therapy and our therapists facilitate change to promote health and recovery.
Project Change Foundation provides financial and other support to early-stage charities in Canada with significant potential for creating social or environmental change.
In previous years, the Foundation has already provided grants and support to charities such as Chilliwack Restorative Justice and Youth Advocacy Association, The Lipstick Project, Backpack Buddies, and Binners’ Project.
This year, Project Change was able to support two organizations: Inspire Community Outreach and Refugee Women’s Network.
Inspire Community Outreach is an incorporated non-profit social services agency providing evidence and culturally informed, family-centered education and programming, designed to meet the needs of those living with mental health issues and neurological/cognitive differences.
Read more about the Inspire Community Outreach on their website: inspirecommunityoutreach.ca
Refugee Women’s Network empowers refugee and new immigrant women with tools and resources to enhance and develop their skills through education to successfully integrate into Canadian society while still maintaining respective cultural values.
Read more about Refugee Women’s Network on their website: refugeewomensnetwork.org
Learn more about Project Change: projectchangefoundation.com
OT Works! also continues to support other organizations as they empower people in Canada and around the world, such as WWF, Plan Canada and Because I am a Girl.
OT and ICBC Rehab: Getting Kim Back on Her Feet
ICBC’s Hospital Discharge Program requested an occupational therapist to assist their client, Kim. She had a fractured knee from a motor vehicle accident (MVA) which made it difficult to walk. Kim was concerned that she wouldn’t be able to get around like she used to. But by building a rehabilitation plan with occupational therapy and other services. Kim developed the confidence and strength to get out, walk more and socialize with her friends like she used to.
OT Involvement
Referral: 0-30 Days after the accident
Services:
- Assistive Technology
- Home Safety Assessment
- Hospital Discharge Planning
- External Service Recommendations: Physiotherapy, Kinesiology, and Massage Therapy
Introducing Kim
Age: 84 years old
Occupation: Retired, active community member
Injuries: Right tibial plateau fracture with Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF)
How OT Helped
After her accident, Kim wanted to remain active in her community. She sustained a fractured knee and was using a wheelchair at the time that Melissa Ferguson (OT) began working with her.
Melissa planned Kim’s discharge from hospital. When Kim returned home, Melissa had already ensured that her home was safe and accessible considering her injured knee and mobility constraints. Since Kim is a yoga enthusiast, Melissa encouraged her to keep building her strength that way. They also focused on increasing Kim’s walking endurance. She worked with a physiotherapist, kinesiologist and massage therapist as Melissa recommended.
As her ability to walk improved, Kim enjoyed reengaging with ther friends and activities she loved. She no longer felt interrupted by her injuries and looked forward to enjoying more of her retirement.
“I’ve been very well looked after and I am very grateful!”
– Kim (OT Works! client)
Contact Us!
All of our OTs are university-trained and certified by the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC). Many of our OTs have additional training in physical OT treatment, mental health, and goal-planning.
Contact us today if you or someone you know could benefit from an OT, or have any questions about how an OT can help after an MVA.
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000