As I prepare to leave the role of IPS Business Development & Communications Coordinator after three years and three months, I would like to express my gratitude to the IPS Family. I will miss being a regular part of our work circle with staff, contractors and board members. I feel very fortunate to have found my way to IPS and the communities and extended networks that I have had the opportunity to work with in these past few years.
Despite the COVID-19 Pandemic and the isolation of remote work, IPS has not only maintained our staff levels, contracts and CARF accreditation, it has also seen continuous positive growth. IPS has increased social enterprise activities, diversified services, delivery options and income streams. This was made possible through the dedication, commitment and hard work of our team and leadership and I am proud to have been a part of the journey.
For me, personally, one big highlight of the work has been mentoring and supervising four temporary Indigenous Youth positions and supporting one Indigenous student practicum. Working alongside the team to help support and grow the IPS Youth Circle has been a great honour. I look forward to what lies over the horizon for IPS, especially the further development of Youth programming and opportunities for Indigenous Youth at the Society.
It is with much appreciation that I hand over this position and department to Aaron Nickol, Business Development & Communications Coordinator and Tasman Fitzmaurice, Client Services Coordinator. I am thrilled to see both Aaron and Tasman take up the work and lead it going forward.
I have been working remotely with IPS since last June, when I relocated to Ontario to be closer to family. I last visited IPS in early May this year to attend our Strategic Planning 2023-2025 workshop. I had the opportunity to sit in circle with the team and say final words, for which I am very grateful. My dear friend, Sari Alesh, also came to share some beautiful violin music with us as we said….’not farewell but so long for now’.
With Gratitude,
Karman Lippitt
