What does "WJS" stand for?

Our parent company is named W.J. Stelmaschuk and Associates Ltd., and our logo is an oval with  "WJS" in gold script on a maroon background with a gold rim.  Since "W.J. Stelmaschuk and Associates LTD." is quite a mouthful, it became easier to use the initials.

How can I access WJS services?

Because of the way our programs are funded, our funders control access to them and all referrals must come from them.   If you believe one of our services is appropriate for you or for a family member, contact your facilitator, social worker or probation officer. Attendance and open custody programs for young offenders also require a court order.

I noticed that WJS has services available in BC, Alberta and Ontario.  If I want to move, can WJS make services available to me in my new area?

That depends on where you are going and the service you require.  We have many services available, and we've transferred people across services in and out of provinces on occasion.  If you wanted to implement a transfer, you'd have to help us write up your transition plan and agree to us giving information about you to the service you'd be transferring to.

Do I have to pay for services from WJS?

There are no charges for base services that are contracted with government ministries or crown corporations.  Community living/PDD clients are asked to pay a portion of their housing and support costs, something your referring worker will discuss with you.

What's the difference between your fee-for-service agency and a non-profit agency?

There are essentially no differences to the service provided.  We all have to meet the same standards, operate under the same kinds of contracts, and work with the same ministries and crown corporations.  In addition, WJS must comply with corporate/commercial/business law, which means we have to be directly accountable to more people than a non-profit agency does.

How do I choose which WJS services to get involved with?

WJS promotes individual choice to the greatest extent possible. We'll give you all the information about our services in words you can understand, give you names of reference people you can contact, and work with you to determine what you want to achieve through your involvement.  Your answers will determine the services you may wish to ask for.  If we can't assist you with the goals you set for yourself, we'll give you information about other agencies you can contact who may be better able to help you.

My family is involved in helping me with my service choices and with advocacy.  Does WJS support that kind of involvement?

WJS promotes the active involvement of all persons you consider significant and want to have involved in helping you.  We have a family council that works closely with us to make sure people receiving service get what they want/need, and your family can be part of this council if they wish.

I might needs to have some things in the living environment changed.  How does WJS accommodate such requests?

We work with individuals to determine what changes need to be made to accommodate people's needs.  These changes can range from changing door widths to accommodate a wheelchair to changing processes to make your individual plan easier to understand.  Although some changes take longer to implement than others, we provide reasonable accommodations whenever possible.

Sometimes I have good ideas that I think might benefit and agency.  Does WJS have a way for me to share those ideas?

We conduct regular surveys, host groups and forums where you can talk about your ideas, discuss how you see your ideas benefiting others, and let us know what roles you might wish to play in making things happen.  We welcome input and feedback from everyone involved in our services.

If I'm not happy with your service, how can I tell you without being afraid?

WJS has a clear and simple complaints process which guarantees that your concern will be heard and dealt with quickly, and ensures you will not be punished in any way for bringing your concern forward.  We also give you information about how to contact advocates outside WJS if you're not happy with what we say.  As well, sometime we'll ask an outside advocate to assist you.

What rights do I have when I am in your services?

You have the same rights as any other Canadian has.  We can help you make decisions about risk versus rights if you need help with certain aspects of your life.  Sometimes we have to help you to make sure you abide by a court order or a safety plan than keeps you safe.  In these cases, we make sure you understand what the issues are, how we can work together to keep you and the people around you safe, and when we might be ab;e to change or eliminate these plans.  We also have self-advocacy groups so you can participate and discuss rights with peers and staff.