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 DIRECTIONS Council rolls out New Name
Thursday, May 12, 2005
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
May 12, 2005
DIRECTIONS Council for Vocational Services Society, formerly Workshop Council of Nova Scotia, is thrilled to unveil its new name. According to Chris Fyles, Executive Director of LakeCity Employment Services and member of the Board of DIRECTIONS Council, “DIRECTIONS was chosen as our new name because it describes the Council: an organization which provides direction and leadership to 28 Adult Service Centres across Nova Scotia.”
The change is part of a comprehensive public relations campaign aimed at highlighting the opportunities available through vocational centres and drawing more attention to the needs of Nova Scotians with mental, physical and intellectual disabilities. The Council assists and supports member organizations in the delivery of services, provides leadership, and is an advocate for member agencies. It finds creative ways to solve problems, and sets standards of professionalism.
According to President of DIRECTIONS and Executive Director of DASC, Cathy Deagle Gammon, “DIRECTIONS Council is a dynamic and energetic group of organizations that serve the vocational and employment needs of persons with disabilities in Nova Scotia. The opportunity created by this organization to “speak with one voice” and advocate for a continuum of services is exceptional and we aspire to do the best job possible for our members.”
The mandate of the Council is to assist and support member organizations in the delivery of services that promote the abilities and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the everyday activities of their community. DIRECTIONS is committed to providing provincial leadership in support of citizens with disabilities; and has a long history as a provincial advocacy group dating back as far as the 1970’s.
DIRECTIONS Council expects to launch its redesigned website over the coming weeks. The site will offer information on current activities and a comprehensive directory of member agencies. It will be an excellent resource for those looking to learn more about the range of programs offered at many of the member agencies. Keep watching for the new site at www.directionscouncil.org.
As a truly provincial body, representing 28 agencies from Yarmouth to North Sydney, the entire membership meets twice a year to plan for the future and to discuss best practices. Each one of the 28 member agencies is represented by two individuals: the executive director who is a paid employee of the member agency and a volunteer board member.
Speaking with One Voice will be the theme of DIRECTIONS Council’s Annual General Meeting and Spring Conference scheduled for May 12th and 13th, at the Holiday Inn Harbourview, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. This year’s conference will provide an opportunity for dialogue on issues that are important to the advancement of the work of vocational centres across the province.
2005 has been a busy year for the Council beginning with a successful partnership which culminated in the highly praised conference, Innovations and Challenges: Supporting the Employment Aspirations of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. Dubbed ‘Employment 2005’, the conference brought together individuals and groups from across the province and was presented in partnership with Collaborative Partnership Network, Department of Community Services, Disabled Persons Commission, Nova Scotia Association for Community Living and People First Nova Scotia.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
DIRECTIONS Council for Vocational Services Society, formerly Workshop Council of Nova Scotia, is thrilled to unveil its new name. According to Chris Fyles, Executive Director of LakeCity Employment Services and member of the Board of DIRECTIONS, “DIRECTIONS was chosen as our new name because it describes the Council: an organization which provides direction and leadership to 28 Adult Service Centres across Nova Scotia.”
The change is part of a comprehensive public relations campaign aimed at highlighting the opportunities available through vocational centres and drawing more attention to the needs of Nova Scotians with mental, physical and intellectual disabilities.
According to President of the DIRECTIONS, Cathy Deagle Gammon, “DIRECTIONS Council is a dynamic and energetic group of organizations that serve the vocational and employment needs of persons with disabilities in Nova Scotia.”
Speaking with One Voice will be the theme of DIRECTIONS Council’s Annual General Meeting and Spring Conference scheduled for May 12th and 13th, at the Holiday Inn Harbourview, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
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