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A Message from SARC’s Board President and Executive Director
A Message from
SARC’S BOARD PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As we reflect on the previous fiscal year, we see a year filled with accomplishments and exciting progress. Endeavours undertaken were framed by our 2016-2020 strategic plan, SARC’s 2020 Vision, and built upon the energy, progress and knowledge gained throughout this strategic cycle.
Over the course of the year, our teams launched new initiatives, completed capital projects and explored new technology. We also began the exciting process of planning for our next four-year strategic cycle; a plan for which we have been taking a deep, qualitative and exploratory approach of our areas of strength and what is working well.
This annual report provides an overview of a number of initiatives that demonstrate our commitment to stay on course for what we set out to strategically achieve.
You will read about numerous education and training initiatives that span across the organization and reach a wide range of learners. Through the work of our Member Services Division, and the expansion of the COMPASS Training Package, we have seen incredible growth in participation numbers. Learners that work or govern within the disability service sector are gaining essential skills and competencies that support them in their chosen profession.
Within the SARCAN Division, we continued to invest in the training, education and skills development of all employees across the system. Just a few short years ago, we provided a handful of in-person training opportunities per year and now, through the use of technology, we are able to provide a full suite of programs to all SARCAN employees.
Investments in communication technology have changed the way we interact with employees and conduct business. Investments in recycling compacting, lifting and counting equipment have helped to further reduce our carbon footprint and increase efficiency in SARCAN depots and processing plants.
Advocacy for SARC Members on issues that can affect their ability to effectively provide services was a priority during the year. SARC worked with Members and the Ministry of Social Services to modernize contracts, financial reporting processes and client admissions. We also continued to work with the Ministry of Social Services towards the establishment of a predictable, equitable and modern Human Resource Plan for the disability service sector.
SARC, through our SARCAN Recycling Division, negotiated a new four-year contract with the Ministry of Environment to operate Saskatchewan’s beverage container recycling program. The thirty-one year partnership established with the Government of Saskatchewan for the operation of SARCAN continues to cultivate environmental, economic and employment successes.
As we entered our fourth quarter, we began to see announcements from the World Health Organization of a virus that had the potential of becoming an international health emergency. On March 12th, Saskatchewan reported its first case of COVID-19. The arrival of the virus in Canada thrust all businesses into unchartered territory, Saskatchewan included. SARC suspended all in-person events, closed our administration office and shut down the SARCAN system. While all of this was unfortunate, we found ourselves reasonably prepared. Our investments into online training and communication technology have proven to be vital to sustaining operations through these unprecedented times.
Although we do not know what the next year will bring, our teams are resilient and resourceful. They have adjusted our sails and are discovering new ways of providing services and doing business.
In closing, SARC cannot even begin to express the admiration we have for our Members. In such exceptional times, SARC Members have continued to demonstrate strength, innovation, professionalism and the commitment to providing the highest quality of services to people they support. On behalf of the SARC Board and staff, thank you.
