As inclusion Powell River Society (iPRS) enters a new phase of existence, the most recent one closed in June with a celebration retirement dinner for former CEO Lilla Tipton, who guided the organization for 26 years.
Throughout all the accolades during the evening, the word “legacy” was most frequently noted.
It was included in speeches by people attending in person and in written statements from City of Powell River mayor Dave Formosa; Inclusion BC executive director Karla Verschoor; BC CEO Network chief executive officer Brenda Gillette; Kim Lyster, consultant and friend; and Corrine Hunter, former iPRS employee.
Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons told attendees Tipton was a “superstar around the province and here in this community.” He added that she had been a mentor to him in his career.
Community Living BC regional manager Doug Ashcroft described her as a transformative, creative, collaborative and driven leader who could reduce “six degrees of separation with two phone calls.”
The best line of the night came from Tipton’s two daughters Carla and Emily Gable, who spoke after everyone else. “Listening to everyone tonight, we realize how we got to be so amazing.”
After the laughter, they added that they were proud to see what their mother had created in this community.
“This has been so much more than a job,” said Tipton. “It has been my heart and soul and I’m so grateful for that. Relationships are what this work is all about and so much a part of doing this work.”
She added that she felt free to leave because there is someone to carry on that work with Corinna Curtis taking on the CEO position as of April 2022.
Focusing on successes
While there were some “very rough spots” over her tenure as CEO of iPRS, Tipton prefers to focus on the many successes achieved during that time.
During her leadership, the majority of group homes owned by inclusion Powell River were replaced with fully accessible homes and other special amenities to meet the needs of the individuals inclusion serves.
She worked with a seniors independent living home provider to build a 72-suite development called Coastal Breeze and worked with BC Housing to build a 42-unit affordable housing project that opened January 2022.
The society has expanded its services to seniors and created Gerry Gray Place, where any senior can drop in and enjoy social and recreation time. It also operates the Better at Home program to assist seniors to remain in their own home longer.
More recently, iPRS expanded its group home services to include children and youth, ensuring that families living in the qathet region don’t have to send their children out of town to have their needs met.
OneLight fire starter manufacturing is an inclusion-supported social enterprise project that employs people with and without disabilities, the majority having a barrier to employment.
This summer iPRS is starting up another social enterprise, called Kindred Rebuild, that will sell recycled building materials and be located beside the Powell River Health-Care Auxiliary Economy Shop on Alberni Street.
Tipton expressed gratitude to her partner Harvey, her family, the iPRS board of directors and all the employees for their support over the years.
In appreciation for her service, the iPRS board presented Tipton with a travel voucher; one of her granddaughters told her a couple days later “you should go to Hawaii. It’s a very nice place.”
Tipton responded that she had never been there and would consider it.
She also received a seal carving from Debra Bevaart of Tug-Guhm Gallery.
A name change for inclusion Homes was the final gift with the announcement that it will be changed to Tipton Place in acknowledgement of her many years of service to people with developmental differences in both her personal life, following the birth of her sister Carol, and professional career.
“I was very touched by the gifts I received,” said Tipton, who will remain connected to iPRS serving on the board of its subsidiaries.
