THE VALUE OF VISION; THE MEANING OF MISSION

“Language is the house of being.”
Martin Heidegger

Words are not only our response to experience (the means by which we interpret, represent, express) they shape, guide, and inform.

Much of how MAPCL presents itself and creates itself can be found in the words that form our policies, our Charters of Rights, Code of Ethics, Statement of Principles, and of course, our Mission Statement.  

Until very recently and since MAPCL came into being (April 1st 1998), we had operated using the Mission Statement of Mainstream Society.  That statement served us well but it was born of a different time in the evolution of the community living sector.  We have come a long way, and there remains a long way to go.

In the later part of this past spring, we undertook a series of strategic planning sessions involving staff and stakeholders across the board.  Much was accomplished as a result of these planning sessions, including an ambitious and detailed 3-year operational plan.  Two key statements also came from those meetings.  For the first time in our history MAPCL has a Vision Statement, we also have a new Mission Statement.

When I was in the army, I had a friend (“a buddy” in the parlance of a soldier) who would frequently say, “Wherever you go, there you are!”  This was more than 20 years before the publication of a book by that title, authored by Jon Kabatzinn.  My buddy’s meaning was clear to me, take a good look around and reflect…this is who you are!

Vision and Mission statements are reflections of what an organization is about, and where it intends to go (into the future).  They serve as departure points for planning and actions, and touchstones for orientation during difficult times.  They announce to the world who/what we are, and what can be expected of us.  They ground us and pull us forward. They are powerful messages.

We are proud of our new Vision and Mission Statements. We will refer to them often and state them when asked.  This is who we are.  This is where we are headed!

MAPCL Vision Statement

Opening doors to a world of possibilities
Believe   Empower   Inspire

MAPCL Mission Statement

We assist persons with developmental disabilities to lead healthy meaningful lives by partnering with the community to provide a comprehensive range of person-centered services for individuals and the families who care for them.

By: David Livingstone