(Photo by Robyn Brady/CKXS News)
A local agency is improving communication and accessibility, thanks to new funding.
Linck Child, Youth, and Family Supports recently received a $39,400 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Executive Director Teri Thomas-Vanos says the funding helped to upgrade the organization’s old phone system.
“We’ve modernized our communications system, it was about 20 years out of date. We’ve been able to discard our legacy system, and move to something that is more reliable, ensures confidentiality, and accessibility for our staff to be able to take calls when they come in from children, youth, and families in the community.”
Thomas-Vanos says that while client calls weren’t being missed, the new VoIP system allows for greater accessibility.
“Our staff, because they are working out in the field, they are in the community, and they’re working not always at their desk, this allows them the capacity to receive calls that are coming in through their computer, and be able to have more efficient access to calls.”
“Upgrading their telephone system and enhancing site accessibility will help ensure timely, reliable connections to the programs and services families depend on,” said Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones in a news release. “This investment strengthens Linck’s ability to continue building brighter futures for young people across our community.”
A portion of the Trillium Foundation grant also helped to make improvements to the Linck parking lot, increasing accessibility and reducing barriers for staff, clients, and visitors.
Linck Child, Youth, and Family Supports is an accredited multi-service non-profit agency delivering evidence-based best practice mental health, protection, and developmental services to children, youth, and their families.
