Rainbow Residence in Carman is repositioned for the future now that a new board of directors is in place. The entire previous Board quit this past winter and the organization, which provides services and programs for individuals living with an intellectual disability, was being operated by the province until new leadership was established.

Board Chair Robert Bryson says members are moving ahead with a renewed model for delivering care.

"The government has a terrific view of where they want to go with it. It's really progressive, well thought out and they have a very clear mandate of where they want to go and how they want the service delivered."

He goes on to say that has a board of directors all members had to do was listen and really understand what the province is looking for and what the needs of the community, the individuals and society at large where and then step back and examine what the organization already had in place.

Bryson adds the government is also quite forward-thinking in the type of care and the type of environment it wants to create.

Raising the level of care offered at Rainbow Residence is another priority of the new Board. Bryson says included in this category is a focus on individuals and identifying what it will take for each resident to live a purposeful life.

"It's now a very much focus on each person's emotional, physical, mental and spiritual well-being and it's up to us to step back, look at the supports that we have, find the support systems that we don't already have and put it all together to make it work."

He adds the staff is also going the extra mile to be involved and look for ways to improve.

"We've had a number of staff meetings where staff come forward with ideas for improvement, suggestions and initiatives. So the whole atmosphere is exciting and progressive."

Additional priorities include training and development of staff, and accessibility for an aging resident population.

Meantime, Bryson says the Board is searching for a new General Manager. He explains because this is a complicated job with lots of moving parts, the Board is looking for someone with strong leadership skills.

"Our staff members deal with a lot of challenges and a predictable work environment at times. (The new General Manager) would need to understand the needs of the residents but equally understand how employees are empowered and what they need for support."

Overall Bryson says there is a good feeling around the board table and directors are working hard to live up to the community's expectations.