Home and Community Support Services Grey Bruce (HCSS) is excited to announce the hiring of Stephen Musehl as the new Executive Director of HCSS.
Board Chair Dave Zago says after an in-depth recruitment campaign, they are glad to welcome Stephen, ““The board is excited to welcome Stephen into this leadership role. He brings hands-on operational experience, he relates well to the local needs of clients and caregivers and he has ideas that will advance home and community support services as a core component of the health system for the residents of Grey-Bruce.”
Musehl, who was raised on a farm just outside of Chesley says he is excited for the opportunity, “HCSS offers an amazing assortment of services that help people live in their homes and stay in their communities longer. Day Away-Program, Hot and Frozen Meals on Wheels, Respite programs, Transportation, Housekeeping and Volunteer visiting are all programs designed specifically to help people live well where they want to – in their homes and communities. I am excited to work alongside over 100 amazing staff and 700 volunteers at HCSS to provide these services to the residents of Grey and Bruce Counties, as well as work alongside our healthcare partners in Grey Bruce and Ontario Health to strengthen healthcare for everyone across the counties.”
When discussing the impact Covid has had on people, Musehl says, “The isolation and medical challenges people have faced over the last 14 months has been extremely difficult. HCSS has been able to continue all programs throughout the pandemic, with modifications to ensure client and staff safety of course. As with all healthcare and essential workers, our front-line staff have certainly been heroes throughout this pandemic, continuing to support people to the best of our ability.”
As Grey Bruce has a large demographic base that is seniors, Musehl anticipates a continued increase in demand, “HCSS services have grown vastly over the past decade. Many of our programs continue to grow in numbers due to the increased demand, but we continue to work closely with our funding partners to ensure equitable access to all and find creative ways to support people in the community. Research has shown that people who can access our services are able to stay in their homes longer, reducing the strain on our Hospital and Long- Term Care partners. Support from Ontario Health, our Volunteers and our Donors is greatly appreciated.” Musehl has spent the last 14 years working with different community service organizations, most recently as the Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce.
Andy Underwood, who announced his retirement in January, has been serving as the Executive Director since 2000.
Zago says, “Andy has been a leader and a steady-hand for the past 21 years. He and the team at HCSS have met the many challenges posed to the community support services sector – all with the impact on the client and caregiver in mind. He has forged many lasting relationships with other local and regional health and municipal partners. We wish him a long and satisfying retirement – he has earned it.”
For more information on HCSS programs and services, visit their website at https://hcssgreybruce.com/ or call at 519-372-2091.
HCSS serves over 2500 clients and their families across Grey and Bruce Counties. Year End 2020 included over 22,000 days of day away support, 58,000 meals served, 50,000 rides given, 15,000 hours of housekeeping, 475 overnight respite nights, 600 friendly visitor visits, and more!
