SFCS Digital Transformation

Southern Frontenac Community Services | Apr 14, 2021

Like many organizations, Southern Frontenac Community Services Corp. (SFCSC) has had to adapt to the ‘new environment’ that the Covid-19 pandemic has created. Knowing that the health and social support services they provide are vital to the people in South Frontenac who depend on them for help, they had to take steps to upgrade their digital capacity and move everything online.

This was a major undertaking that required significant expertise, materials and resources. The first thing needed was funding and support. Enter the Emergency Community Support Fund through Community Foundations of Canada and delivered by the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area (CFKA). They provided just over $16,000 for the Digital Transformation project.

Community member and IT expert Kelly Krumreich from Act 2 Services, waived fees and helped to develop a digital strategy covering technology, resources and procedures. With her help hardware and software needs were determined, and vendors and service providers were chosen. Basically, SFCSC told her what they wanted to accomplish and she told them how to get there.

Once we had the technical needs addressed, the transition to online programs and services had to be as easy and accessible as possible for clients, volunteers and staff. Just before the pandemic started, the Retired Teachers of Ontario District 20 gifted SFCSC $2,100 for a ‘Tech Savvy Seniors’ that allowed SFCSC to buy tablets for senior clients and teach them how to use them. This was the starting point for what has become the SFCSC ‘Lending Library’. With part of the CFKA funding, along with $3,700 through the Ministry for Seniors & Accessibility Seniors Community Grant Program a Lending Library with 30 tablets available for use was formed.

Now, in the final stages of their Digital Transformation, SFCSC is working with Connected Canadians, a non-profit group dedicated to helping older adults develop digital literacy skills. ‘Train the Trainer’ sessions will help volunteers and staff learn what they need to know so they can help seniors with the setup and use of the tablets.

This was a big project. Many, many weeks in the making with well over $20,000 in funding and support from community partners and volunteers. All to ensure that SFCSC programs and services continue to be accessible to people in the community and help seniors stay connected and feel less isolated.

To learn more about the SFCSC Lending Library call 613-376-6477 x310.