I read a great quote recently that was meant to inspire, that it doesn't matter how long you've been heading down a particular path, you can always turn and change direction. That is how it feels now - that we have been on a path heavily covered in disinfectant and personal protective equipment, and it seems that we can finally take another path and turn toward other destinations.

Our Board of Directors has been looking very carefully at its governance and planning after our first five years as an agency. The strategic plan that we adopted in spring 2019 doesn't actually mention navigating a worldwide pandemic. To seek new paths, while also honouring the directions set but unfollowed in our 2019 plan, members of the board are engaging in a strategic renewal exercise; they are doing a comprehensive check-in with established strategic directions and refreshing actions and goals.

As an agency we are so excited to be able to open the doors wide to our Community Participation programs in all three communities, with the aim to reach full capacity by the end of March. Work continues to expand Respite Now for families in all four counties, helping them to find and connect with respite workers. And we again are turning our attention to gaps in our three communities, at how we can expand or create new opportunities that will address needs where they are.

One pandemic change that will stay with us is the ability to meet virtually. While we look forward to resuming in-person meetings when we can, the ability and agility all areas now have with getting together online will allow for less time consuming cross-community meetings. These virtual meetings will continue to maximize the use of time and travel. Training has become far more accessible to many of our staff as it is also offered online, thus not requiring travel. With these virtual options well established, we will be able to offer so much more connection and training to our staff.

In changing paths now, we all have to do a little self-reflection and soul searching. What did we change because we had to, and does the new way do a better job? Do we still know how to gather in large groups and dance, or to drive after 7 pm? What were we forced to stop doing that we should start back as soon as possible, and what did we begin as a method of making things accessible during the shutdowns that could be incorporated regularly to better do the job?

I welcome the new pathways of this spring as we emerge from our pandemic restrained lives to something new, something back to our old ways and something different. Community Living Trent Highlands will continue its journey making wonderful plans for a five-year celebration, for gatherings, for open doors and for dancing. The path is clear - we are renewed, recharged and ready.