The CAMROSE BOOSTER June 28, 2011
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CAFCL recognizes Champions of 2011 By Dan Jensen
Camrose Association for Community Living recognized Brian and Colleen Nelson, Darryl Rott and Vanessa Barr as Champion individual, business and volunteer donors respectively at its Together We Shine annual meeting June 13. "Without them we wouldn't be able to do the work we do," said CAFCL chief executive officer Esther McDonald. Brian Nelson is a former CAFCL employee, while his wife Colleen is well acquainted with the organization's work as principal of Ecole Sifton School. "They have a long history relative to the clientele that this organization serves," said CAFCL board member Dave Kotyk. The Nelsons have been longtime supporters of the CAFCL charity auction, going back to the time it was held at the Elks' Hall and most of the items that were sold were used. They were also supporters of the Burgess Building campaign, and were generous enough to donate one year's crop from their farm. "There was volunteer effort at the farm during the year, so it was a good use of the community's contribution," explained Kotyk. The Nelsons have contributed to CAFCL in other ways as well, most of which are unseen. "If a youngster can't afford the camp fees, somehow or other the camp fees get paid and the youngster can attend the camp," said Kotyk. "They do a lot of the little things that are understanding and helpful to an organization like this." Darryl Rott, owner of Pics Photographics, has been a supporter of CAFCL for the last seven years, providing the photography for the annual theme displays and posters. "He is very concerned about pleasing the customer," said
CAFCL board member Dave Kotyk (left) presented the Champion individual award to Brian and Colleen Nelson.
CAFCL staff member Robin Good presented the Champion business award to Darryl Rott, owner of Pics Photographics.
Stacey Olstad (left), of CAFCL, presented a quilt made by Bernice Dragland to Vanessa Barr, who was named Champion volunteer.
CAFCL board member Carolyn Andersen presented a $1,000 scholarship to Vanessa Tellier, a student at Augustana.
award presenter Robin Good. "It doesn't matter how much time it takes him to do something, as long as he gives you the result that you are looking for." Rott is also a friend to the
clients of CAFCL who are on the other end of the camera. "He helps to make them really proud of the work they have done," said Good. Vanessa Barr has been vol-
unteering with CAFCL the last three years. "We are all of different ages, different backgrounds; we all have different jobs and hobbies, but it is certain that we all have
one thing in common, and that is our admiration for this young woman," said award presenter Stacey Olstad. After getting started with the CAFCL summer camp, Barr became involved with the organization's respite program and several other activities and events. "When she started working with a family here we saw her true passion," said Olstad. "Vanessa developed a relationship with the family, as well as with a lot of kids we have here within camp and the respite program. She brings energy and compassion and enthusiasm, as well as the gift of friendship to many people." CAFCL presented a $1,000 scholarship to Vanessa Tellier, a mother of four, a part-time employee of the association, a community volunteer and a fourth-year student at the Augustana campus of the University of Alberta. "She has done extensive volunteering," said award presenter Carolyn Andersen. "More recently she initiated a project in an attempt to make Camrose a greener city, and made a presentation to Camrose City council." In her application to work at CAFCL, Tellier said she enjoys helping and making a difference in the lives of others. "At the end of the day I want to go home and know that somehow I have helped the individuals I have worked with," she said. The purpose of the CAFCL scholarship is to foster awareness of those who work with persons who have developmental disabilities. "Working in the industry of helping people is truly more than passion – it is a profession," said Andersen. "It is meaningful work that makes stronger communities. The association is proud to offer these scholarships to continue investing in the staff of tomorrow."
CAFCL receives accreditation for additional three years By Dan Jensen
The Camrose Association for Community Living has been granted accreditation for another three years. Persons with Developmental Disabilities Central Region CEO Wayne Morrow presented a level two accreditation certificate to association CEO Esther McDonald at CAFCL's annual general meeting June 13. Level two accreditation is the highest level that can be achieved through the Alberta Council for Disability Services. "The three-year level two accreditation tells us that the board and staff have worked very hard and continue to work very hard in striving for excellence," said Morrow. "It tells us the association focuses on quality of services and quality of life. It also tells the people that are supported, their families, and the community that it is a quality, caring and reputable organization that is second to no other." Camrose Association for Community Living serves a large portion of east central Alberta, with satellite offices in Tofield, Killam, Viking, Wainwright and Provost. The association has 110
CAFCL executive director Esther McDonald accepted a three-year accreditation certificate from Persons with Developmental Disabilities Central Region CEO Wayne Morrow.
employees and 50 volunteers, including the board of directors. "We worked at increasing the skills of staff and developing quality staff," said McDonald in her CEO report. "We piloted a project with four other organizations in east central Alberta for training staff in the foundations of the industry using video over computer networks and distance education techniques. It was
hugely successful and is being accepted by the Alberta Council of Disability Services as a provincial strategy for recruiting and training staff." In addition to adults with developmental disabilities, CAFCL serves adults with acquired brain injury, children with special health and developmental concerns, and families at risk. The TIPS program
CAFCL executive director Esther McDonald accepted a Community Spirit Grant for $19,453 from Alberta Justice Minister and Attorney General Verlyn Olson.
teaches pregnant moms to be aware of the dangers of drinking alcohol, and shows them that some disabilities (FASD and those caused by shaking the baby) can be 100 per cent prevented. "We have a couple of our staff who are going into the schools and making presentations," said McDonald. CAFCL's vision is to be a
community focused organization that provides services to people to develop skills and build quality of life. "We want each person to be an accepted and participating member of the community," said McDonald. The majority of funding CAFCL receives (86 per cent) comes from provincial and federal sources.