 |
|
|
Q & A with
Paragraphic: What do you feel has been the most positive change over the past 50 years? Melanie Crombie: 50 years ago people on ventilators didn’t survive or didn’t ever leave the hospital. Today, quadriplegics on ventilators are working and accessing their communities. People today enjoy a much higher quality of living than 50 years ago and BCPA has been a major catalyst for that change. Paragraphic: Moving from the past into the future, where do you see BCPA going in the next 50 years? Melanie Crombie: I see the need for BCPA increasing as the health care system needs to compress the time in hospital and in the rehab centre. People will need our support and assistance to develop their skills and to re-integrate into the community of their choice. And BCPA will be there to do that. Paragraphic: In your three years as Executive Director, is there one instance where you thought, “This is why I do this”? Melanie Crombie: Well, one case sticks in my mind where we truly helped one individual from the bottom up. He was living in horrible conditions and he reached out to us for help. BCPA helped him secure housing and income assistance, while re-connecting him with his family and a social support network. We believed in him and we supported his belief in himself. That was my ‘this is why I do this’ moment. Paragraphic: If you could imagine life in 2058, 50 years from now, what would it look like? Melanie Crombie: What I hope is that people with mobility challenges would be as unremarkable as everyone else. I’d also hope to see that the city or town people live in is inclusive for everyone that lives there—that there are no barriers for people to contribute and access the community where they live. Paragraphic: Many know that BCPA’s vision is a world without barriers, but what is your vision? What are some of your goals? Melanie Crombie: My ultimate goal is to continue developing a sustainable organization which people can count on for support. As with many not-for-profit organizations, donor fatigue is a challenge. Our mission is to continue to distinguish ourselves to both donors and government funders so we can do what we’re good at doing—serving and supporting people with physical disabilities. Paragraphic: What do you think makes BCPA a special organization? Melanie Crombie: Organizations like ours are only as good as the people who work and volunteer there. We have an outstanding group of people that enable us to help others. They are truly committed and dedicated to finding solutions to problems. That’s what sets not-for-profits apart from other organizations: the dedicated staff and volunteers.
|
|
 |
|
