About Us » Our Focus

Mission Statement

To empower adults with disabilities through self-determination, dignity and freedom of choice within a secure and stimulating environment.

Vision Statement

To create a society that values and respects the diversity and contributions of people with disabilities as equal participants of the community.

Codes of Ethics

1. The individuals we support will always be treated with dignity and respect in a safe and secure environment that fosters self-determination, choice, trust, compassion and honesty.
2. The input of those we support is paramount. Each person will be supported in their personal choices to develop and function as unique individuals.
3. The people we support are entitled to the same human rights and equalities valued by any other Canadian citizen. These rights will be advocated for and preserved at all times.
4. The individuals we serve will be empowered and provided with the tools to participate in their homes and communities.
5. The Society will be proactive and responsive in approach to services and care to ensure an individual�s physical and mental well being in all aspects of their daily lives.

Daily Work Ethic

1. I will exercise common sense and sound judgement to ensure safety and security of the individuals I support.
2. I will respect the intrinsic value and dignity of all individuals.
3. I will do my best to create a healthy environment that is sensitive to the needs of those I support.
4. I will support a positive working environment where every person is treated with respect.
5. I will embody a spirit of understanding and compassion when working with individuals.
6. I will strive to speak to everyone in a friendly, positive and courteous manner.
7. I will work as a team member to ensure the best possible care for the individuals I support.
8. I will practice constant communication with fellow employees, while being conscious of the need for confidentiality.
9. I acknowledge that a positive attitude makes for a better work place.
10. I will uphold all provincial and federal laws in the course of my duties.
11. I will strive for personal and professional growth to improve my effectiveness.
12. I will be conscious of the public perception of my personal and professional actions and the affect my actions could have on Howe Sound�s reputation in my community and elsewhere.

Board of Directors

1. I will use my position and undertake the duties of my office honestly, in utmost good faith and in the best interest of the Society. In doing so I will exercise, at the minimum, the care, skill and diligence of a reasonably prudent person in comparable circumstances.
2. I will observe and uphold the Society's:
   1. Constitution and By-laws
   2. Policies adopted and approved by the Board of Directors
3. I will publicly support the policies and positions of the Society as approved by the Board of Directors.
4. I will keep confidential all information I learn as a result of my association with the Society as laid out in the Confidentiality Policy. Where I am uncertain in determining whether something is a matter of confidence, I will seek direction by way of a resolution of the Board of Directors.
5. I will publicly support actions taken by Society�s management to implement programs and achieve objectives contained in approved plans and budgets.
6. I will not attempt to exercise individual authority over the Society except as explicitly set forth in Board policy. I, as an individual board member have no authority to speak for the Society when I interact with staff, the public, the press or other entities unless granted this authority by board motion.
7. I will, at all times, strive to place the interests of the Society ahead of my personal interest. This loyalty shall supersede any conflicting loyalty such as that to advocacy or interest groups or constituencies and membership on other boards or staff.

Administrative Practices

1. Administrative practices will be undertaken with the intention of supporting the effectiveness and accountability of the Society's operations.
2. Financial practices shall be conducted within commonly accepted sound financial practices and in accordance with provincial and federal laws and will comply with Society by-laws, constitution and relevant policies.
3. All marketing and fundraising activities will respect the privacy and dignity of those receiving services.
4. Marketing and fundraising activities will represent the integrity of the Society and will never intentionally mislead or misinform the public or misrepresent the Society.

Treatment of Community Members

1. Community members will always be treated with respect and dignity.
2. Requests for information from the community will be responded to quickly, ensuring that the individual rights of those we serve are respected.
3. Concerns or complaints from community members will be addressed in a professional and timely manner.
4. Input is solicited from the community and is considered in a respectful manner.