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The Challenge
Firefly’s typical service environment has a number of challenges. Firefly is a multi-service organization that serves children and families across an expansive geography. Connecting with families and ensuring they have information about the service and a relationship with Firefly is a continual goal for the organization. The COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing requirements made it more challenging than ever to connect with families and caregivers.
The Solution
- Firefly staff put their creativity and innovation for Northern solutions to work and came up with the concept of connecting with families, caregivers and educators via a virtual conference.
- The organization leveraged their existing experience in using technology and virtual solutions to connect with families across the sprawling districts of Kenora and Rainy River.
- Staff recognized families, caregivers and educators were at home and could connect via computer, tablet or smartphone – providing a non-intimidating way to get to know more about Firefly so that families would feel comfortable accessing services when needed.
- Staff worked quickly to pull together a two-day virtual event that provided connection to Firefly team members and shared information services.
- The Virtual Conference provided an intimate in-home experience to build a relationship with Firefly – a chance to learn and ask questions in a comfortable space.
- Also allowed the hurdles of travel costs and time to be bypassed.
- The Virtual Conference was the right innovation at the right time, as indicated with a registration of over 300 registrants from across Northern Ontario.
- The success also highlights the technology gap that exists for some communities, families and caregivers and COVID-19 has increased the focus and opportunity to address these inequities across the North.
- The response to the Virtual Conference has been so great that the Firefly team is already looking at ways to expand, possibly with virtual learning available quarterly around specific themes.
The Process
- COVID-19 requires physical distancing and a shift in how service is delivered.
- Firefly prioritizes connection to families and caregivers through the pandemic.
- Invitation to create and innovate.
- Staff-driven idea to host an open virtual event.
- Firefly IT Team provide assistance in setting up The Virtual Conference.
- 300+ registrants = more connection = stronger relationships with families and caregivers.
Contact
For more information on the Building Connections – Firefly Virtual Conference, contact:
- Ursula Larson ularson@fireflynw.ca
To share your innovation, email mhanorth@hsnsudbury.ca.