SARC Update Fall 2017

SARC Update

Training

Consulting

Services

Spring 2017

1

Leadership

SARC U P D AT E Fall 2017

From Vegas to Victoria - Travel Adventures at Cypress Hills Ability Centres p. 8

Celebrate Success Awards 2017 Photos and details from this year's event p. 16 DEAM 2017 Celebrations at SaskAbilities - Swift Current p. 6

2

SARC Update Fall 2017

Contents 3 News from SARC Members

Read updates from Member Agencies such as Futuristic Industries, Interlake Human Resources Corporation, and Cypress Hills Ability Centres Inc.

15 Are Your Vehicles Plated Correctly?

Butler Byers shares advice on ensuring your vehicles are registred correctly for possible future claims.

16 Celebrate Success 2017

Details and photos of each of the Celebrate Success Award recipients.

20 SARC Learning Central Updates

Includes a recap of the SARC Fall Conference, 2016-17 Leap Graduate information, as well an update on the SARC Learning Central Resource Area.

23 It Pays To Be Inclusive - DEAM 2017 Learn about SARC's partnership with Farm Credit Canada and SaskTel this Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM).

At this year’s Fall Conference, we had the pleasure of having Dr. Nick Nissley provide the opening keynote on the power of personal story.

It was impactful to have attendees start off the two-day conference by thinking about how their stories and experiences can be developed to build relationships and create strong leadership.

Our sector is full of amazing stories. Stories of innovation and community, and – our favourite – success stories! This edition of the SARC Update is just a glimpse into the many stories that SARC’s Membership of over 90 community based organizations have seen over the last few months. As we continue to focus on community inclusion and person-centredness, these stories are a fantastic tool to lead us to our goals as a sector.

With the holiday season approaching, it’s a great time to slow down from the busy fall months and appreciate the accomplishments that have been collectively made as a sector.

I hope you enjoy reading this edition of the SARC Update. If you haven’t already, follow SARC on Facebook or Twitter. You can also visit www.sarcsarcan.ca and subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter. @sarc_sk facebook.com/SARCSaskatchewan facebook.com/SARCLearningCentral Nicole Linzmeyer, Communications nlinzmeyer@sarcan.sk.ca (306)933-0616 ext. 252

Read about Cosmopolitan Industries' Grand Openings of their two satellite locations - p. 13

SARC Update Fall 2017

3

busy days at SAKItawak Group home

Spring, summer and fall have been very busy for the residents at the Sakitawak Group Home in Ile a la Crosse. In June the residents attended Camp Easter Seal for a week in Watrous. They enjoyed various activities from horseback riding, campfires, and hay rides to the ice cream place, casino night, sing-a-longs and also a talent show. We also went and participated in activities with the youth at the Ile a la Crosse Youth Centre in which the prizes were gift cards.

site, and they relished the days of soaking up the sun and breathing in the fresh air.

In August we went blueberry picking and the residents made their own blueberry pancakes after the cleaning process was finished. We also attended the South Bay Youth Camp where we saw a fashion show and listened to the comedic tellings of Don Burnstick.

After the show residents got to meet him and have their pictures taken In July the Sakitawak Group Home held with him. There were people from all its first carnival. Attendance was 200-300 over Canada in attendance! We also people. The duck pond was our biggest attended the community feast that hit and runner up was the fish pond. was held afterwards. We picked all of Everyone came out to enjoy our games the vegetables from the garden, and and awesome carnival foods. This was a used them for cooking meals. We made wonderful learning curve for both staff homemade salsa and chili with the and residents. We plan on holding this abundance of tomatoes. Everyone’s event every 20th of July and we would favorites were the beautiful sunflowers. love to welcome anyone who would like to attend.

At the end of September we hosted a going away dinner/party for Corporal We decorated our van and participated Tara Norman who is a dear friend of ours in the Canada day float parade. We and comes to visit us often at the Group didn’t place this year but we had a lot of Home. She has helped the residents fun decorating and just being a part of with their pin collections by collecting the festivities. pins from other RCMP members from The residents enjoyed picnics at the other detachments all across Canada.

South Bay War Veterans camp She is leaving Ile a la Crosse and going

back to her home of Nova Scotia. Tara and her friends from the RCMP joined us for an evening of fun, laughter and also a little sadness that she is leaving.

We continue to work at various business places here in Ile a la Crosse, the residents love getting out every morning and talking to the community members and doing their part in helping out.

We sold 50/50 tickets at the radio station to help offset the costs for fundraisers that we are doing. We also had a craft and bake sale at the end of October with Halloween treats. We go to the high school on Wednesdays to do crafts with their program coordinator and different students that stay after school. The residents' favorite craft over there so far has been the pumpkin carving.

We are very excited in looking forward to our annual trip to Saskatoon to do Christmas shopping and getting pictures taken with Santa and his elves again.

Christmas is everyone’s favorite time of year as they get to see and visit with their many loved ones, and we like to attend the Christmas events that are posted at different places in the community.

4

SARC Update Fall 2017

DO LOVE FIRST At Futuristic Industries we recognize that all people live their best lives when they are involved in healthy, meaningful relationships; therefore, Futuristic has embraced a new philosophy and mission: DO LOVE FIRST.

• • • • • •

Express & Focus on the Positive Be Content Use Self-Control Be Self-Sacrificing Assume the Best Not be Easily Offended

This philosophy is based on the knowledge that all meaningful relationships are rooted in a true understanding of love.

In today’s society, love has become a complicated word with many meanings.

We want to be clear in our meaning of love, so we have defined it through ten central attributes.

• Be Patient • Be Kind • Be Gentle • Be Empathetic

The feelings that come when practicing the attributes and actions of love are byproducts of love, not love itself.

We have adopted this philosophy believing that love is a choice within the understanding of all individuals, and a commitment we will make to each other.

Along with revitalizing our philosophy, we have spent the last several months developing interdependent partnerships with local organizations in Humboldt: The

Good Neighbor Store, Humboldt Museum and Art Gallery, the SPCA, Humboldt Public School, the Community Gathering Place and St. Andrews church.

The volunteering and relationships formed have been an excellent experience for the individuals, and a wonderful way to give back to our community.

It has been an eventful year with trips to Drumheller, Calgary and Banff, along with outings to attend an NHL game in Saskatoon, WWE event, professional bull riding and an archeological dig!

We are looking forward to 2018, a year that will entail renovations at our day program, fully utilizing the Quality of Life Assistant program and participating in weekly Aquacise and curling games.

CHRISTMAS AT INTERLAKE

SARC Update

Fall 2017

5

HUMAN RESOURCES CORPORATION

Last winter season, Interlake had a lot to be thankful for. We received help in many forms, all of which we are grateful for. Myrna Gray gave us numerous hours of her support and skills. She helped us create an amazing gingerbread village display. We had tons of fun working with Myrna and her time and talents are truly appreciated.

Daniel Bushman, from the Watrous Manitou, came to our gingerbread village lighting ceremony. He took pictures and wrote a lovely article for the newspaper

detailing all of our participants' hard work.

We were all very excited to see our pictures in the newspaper and share our village construction story with the community.

Many members of the community came to our open house last December and to tour our gingerbread village. It was a miserably cold day and we valued all of the attention that community members gave us.

This upcoming winter season we have started to make handmade cards. We are

A JOURNEY BACK HOME Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop did so many amazing things over the summer - it was our best year ever in terms of connecting with communities and achieving goals for our participants.

One of the things that resonated most was seeing two of our most long term fellows take a journey back to their home communities. For both of them it was their goal to go back to their hometowns as they hadn’t been back in many years.

Two of our staff took them on this road trip and stopped to take lots of pictures.

They also stopped for coffee and lunch on the journey and did some sightseeing in the various communities. One of them was able to reconnect with siblings he hadn’t seen in years! It was a long day and they both fell asleep on the ride home. They still mention the trip and the exciting day that they had!

selling them at various craft sales and of course they are available at our Interlake Main Office. We make cards for all occasions, but are very excited to have had several big orders for Christmas cards.

We value all support we obtain and would like to thank all of our volunteers and community members for their interest in our organization. We truly appreciate all the help and support that we receive. It is important to us to be a valued part of our community.

6

SARC Update

SARC Update

Spring 2017

6

Fall 2017

SASKABILITIES - SWIFT CURRENT

PROUD TO CELEBRATE DEAM SaskAbilities in Swift Current celebrated Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) during the month of October.

SaskAbilities was honoured to highlight many inclusive employers as DEAM supports the sharing of the individual, economic and societal benefits of diversifying the workforce by employing people experiencing disability.

The Youth Employment Program at SaskAbilities participated in MentorAbility Day. A participant of the program was able to spend the day at a local early learning centre where she was given the opportunity to work alongside staff and see firsthand what her dream job as an Early Childhood Educator entails. MentorAbility is a valuable program that provides individuals with the opportunity to learn

more about a desired field alongside an employer mentor.

A co-hosting opportunity found SaskAbilities joining forces with the United Way to host a networking event for employers with the Swift Current and District Chamber of Commerce. The event focused on DEAM and highlighted 3 inclusive employers in the community: Pioneer CO-OP, Original Joe's, and Home Inn & Suites. Don Fedorowich, the Floor Manager of Pioneer CO-OP Home Centre said, "It is good business sense to hire the people who are capable of doing the job we want them to do. We have a diverse society nowadays and our workforce should relate to that too. They are proud employees and we are proud to have them as employees.”

It was with great honour that SaskAbilities was given the opportunity to sponsor the “Employer of Persons with Disabilities” award for the Swift Current and District Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Swift Current Business Excellence Awards. With three very deserving businesses highlighted in the community, SaskAbilities was proud to recognize Super 8 and Pioneer CO-OP, with the award going to Chinook Golf Course for their outstanding efforts in employing persons experiencing disabilities.

SaskAbilities is proud to create opportunities for employers in Swift Current to showcase their commitment to community and promote inclusion in the workplace.

SARC Update Fall 2017

7

VOCATIONAL & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM CHANGES AT RANCH EHRLO SOCIETY Ranch Ehrlo Society’s Community Vocational Education Program (CVEP) is in the process of making enhancements to the program that will better meet the needs of this group of young people and adults.

Employment Program (SEP).

These three programs are based on specific goals relating to each area. For LSEP, the focus for clients is on life skills, leisure and recreation opportunities, training, and skill development.

The program provides a variety For the new VTEP program, the of pre-vocational and vocational focus is on life skills, vocational services designed to assist people training and skill development, with mental and/or psychological and supervised vocational disabilities develop and improve activities. Employment work skills and work attitudes. opportunities and training is the driving factor behind the SEP Following an operational review program. last spring, made up of a crosssection of agency 20 employees, “Clients are moved to the several recommendations were new programs based on their released and acted upon. assessments,” explained Corinna Hayden-Fidler, vice-president of The biggest change was the education at Ranch Ehrlo Society. creation of three distinct “Treatment will be consistent programs to replace CVEP. The with the Ranch’s philosophy new programs are: Life Skills and approach of being person Education Program (LSEP), centred with transformational Vocational Training Employment service delivery focused on Program (VTEP) and Supported outcomes.”

Did you know the Prince Albert and District Community Service Centre runs the Prince Albert Supported Employment Program? The program started in October of 2002. Over the years, the program has been funded by various provincial and federal entities. The project addresses the employment needs of people experiencing disability. The following supported employment services are provided: • Service needs exploration interview • Job search assistance • Establishment of an action plan • Labour market information • Employment matching and job coaching • Ongoing support and follow up • Vocational and psycho-educational assessments Employment Specialists and a Job Developer provide these services. The Employment

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT IN PRINCE ALBERT Specialists work directly with participants seeking employment opportunities. These individuals arrange for vocational assessments and develop and implement work readiness plans of action. The Job Developer makes contacts with potential employers and implements a public education and awareness strategy regarding the employment of individuals experiencing disability in the community. Sustainable employment is achieved as a result of making appropriate matches between participants and employers, providing appropriate supports and adequately following-up with employer(s) and employee(s). The Job Developer matches individuals needing work supports with a Job Coach, Mentor or other sources of support.

Last year, 16 people benefited from psychoeducational assessments, 13 people received vocational assessments, and out of the 13, 11 people secured sustainable employment.

8

SARC Update Fall 2017

TRAVEL ADVENTURES AT CYPRESS HILLS ABILITY CENTRES INC.

VIVA LAS VEGAS!

included, going to see the “Legends” (including Elvis), visiting the shark reef at In the past year, Cypress Hills dedicated staff member for Mandalay Bay, watching Ability Centres Inc. (CHACI) making this a possibility! the water fountain show has been able to offer some at the Bellagio, touring the exciting travel opportunities, While in the fabulous “Viva gardens at the Pink Flamingo, including a trip to Las Vegas!

Las Vegas”, the participants touring the Luxor, and touring For four participants it was a got to experience and see Planet Hollywood, which once in a life time experience many things for the first time. was reported to have the that they will never forget.

The participants started their best shopping! The M&M Everyone worked very mornings venturing out, and Store was also a big hit for diligently in organizing and getting on the ‘Deuce’, but everyone. You can not simply planning such a big trip, and by day's end, were ready go to Las Vegas without we want to extend a big thank for some time to kick back putting a couple of dollars in you to Phyllis Edgington, by the pool. Some of the the slot machines, and doing CEO, CHACI, and the things they got to experience

a tour of Freemont Street.

The participants found this to be enthralling! They even ran into Elvis Presley and KISS impersonators for a photo while on Freemont Street.

When one participant was asked to describe what going to Las Vegas meant to her, she said, “It was so awesome, and I will never forget it!”

Thanks to everyone who took part in putting together this amazing opportunity!

SARC Update Fall 2017

BEAUTIFUL VICTORIA!

made sure they got souvenirs so they would never forget!

Four clients of CHACI chose the meal cart: their seats had Later on, they toured Victoria on a charter bus, and got to travel to Victoria, British turned into beds! They had to experience China Town, Columbia this summer. one rest stop along the way Beacon Point, Butchart They first traveled by car to in Jasper, where the clients Gardens, and toured around Edmonton and had one heck enjoyed the scenery and residential properties that of a sing along and dance picked up some souvenirs. were no less than $5 million. party all the way there!

Once the train arrived in And who can go to the coast Upon arriving to Edmonton, Vancouver, they were off to without experiencing fresh they went straight to the catch the ferry. The ladies seafood? Next they were West Edmonton Mall, where were excited to go out onto off for some fresh crab and they did a little shopping and the deck to check out the lobster. Now when we say checked into the Fantasyland ocean views. fresh crab and lobster, we Hotel for the night. After mean it! Their eyes got as big examining the water park When they reached Victoria, as saucers when they saw the and the amusement park, the they went to check into the whole crab and the whole ladies decided that it was best Victoria Regent Hotel and to order some supper in, as Suites. They had the privilege lobsters come to the table. they had a very early train to of staying in a beautiful suite Afterwards, they boarded the water taxi and took a tour catch the next morning. all together, with a balcony around the harbour taking in Everyone was excited, and and views overlooking the the views. They saw floating up bright and early the next harbour. The ladies said they morning. All the ladies got felt like they were staying in a houses, and the fisherman’s wharf, finishing off the their own window seats to castle! While in Victoria, the travel through the mountains. ladies got to experience many evening with a twinkle tour around the city by a horse The concensus was that it was things for the first time. One drawn carriage. absolutely breathtaking, not of the ladies' specific goal of to mention the meals served seeing a castle was fulfilled, as while on there were to die they toured the Craigdarroch The next day the ladies chose to go whale watching. This for. The ladies had quite the Castle, and felt like royalty! surprise when returning from This was a highlight and they was another highlight of the trip! They saw sea lions, hump

9

back whales, and orcas. They still can’t get over how big they were in person! Later that evening all the ladies got glammed up in their best dress and ventured out for a very fancy meal. After, they decided to go for a walk downtown to take in the views one last time.

The next day it was off to the airport to fly back to Edmonton. Everyone was a little nervous but overall thought that flying on a plane was amazing! The ladies stayed another night at the Fantasyland Hotel before venturing home.

All in all, the ladies say this is a trip that they will forever remember, and are ever so grateful to be able to take part in. Thank you to everyone who made this possible, in particular Taylor Watkins, our Day Program Supervisor!

It is so fantastic to see so many goals fulfilled, and so much joy!

10

SARC Update Fall 2017

RESTORATION OF PLUS STUFF JUNCTION PLUS Industries is giving new meaning to the phrase “old is new again”. The PLUS Stuff Junction building, owned by PLUS Industries, has recently been renovated and rehabilitated, all the while carefully preserving the building’s historical significance.

community for supporting people experiencing disability.

The restoration of the Clift Building is one way of expressing our gratitude.

When completed, PLUS Stuff Junction will be a source of pride for all of us associated with PLUS Industries,” Bourassa said, adding, “PLUS Industries wants to “The talk of renovations recognize and appreciate the started three years ago, as we historic significance of the began to develop our fiveClift Building as a landmark year strategic plan. One of the on Melfort's Main Street. Our goals within the strategic plan goal was to restore many of focuses on the renovation the architectural features of of all of the facilities that we the building to the look it had own,” explained Ed Bourassa, when built in 1907. The trigger Chair of the Board of Directors for the work on the building for PLUS Industries. was the announcement of the Main Street Saskatchewan One of those facilities was the grant program in Melfort. That building that houses PLUS really got us talking about the Stuff Junction, located at possibility of it happening.”

109 Main Street. Historically, it was the first commercial PLUS Industries received a building in Melfort, owned $20,000 matching grant from by the Clift Brothers, and Main Street Saskatchewan for operated as the Pioneer the lower half of the building, General Store. PLUS and were planning on applying Industries has owned the for further work during several property since 2004, and the grant intakes, in order to be building was recognized as a able to complete the project municipal heritage property in in phases. After grant funding 2015. It is occasionally referred was suspended provincially for to as the Clift Building, Main Street Saskatchewan, due to both the historical the commitment was significance, and the visibility made by PLUS Industries to of the Clift Brothers’ name on continue the work, and finish the front cornice. the project on their own.

“The Board of Directors, staff and participants of PLUS Industries are always looking for ways to contribute to the community as a way of saying thank you to the

return the windows to their original look, maintain the architectural features of the building, and to restore the brick.”

The removal of the paint from the brick was very successful, and a noticeable transformation. The paint was removed by applying chemical to the painted bricks, leaving it to sit, and then scraping the paint off after the chemical had worked its magic.

the lower transom windows looked like, the architectural elements on the side, and working with the features that still exist,” he said.

Bourassa explained that with the guidance of John Jonasson of Greentree Engineering, who is also a PLUS Industries board member, they were able to reach out to many valuable contacts for assistance with the project.

“One of the big learning The Clift Brothers sign, as well experiences is that you as the 1907 sign, have both need to be careful that you been restored to their original are paying attention to the look, utilizing the same font historic details of the building, and same size of lettering as by looking at pictures, by originally used. Interestingly doing the research, and by enough, the lettering that working to understand what could be seen on the building the architect was trying to in years past, faintly spelling accomplish when the building out “Clift Brothers” was in fact was first built,” Bourassa said. residual glue from the original General Manager of PLUS letters.

Industries Lanny Baerwald and Jeff Zenner, chair of “The signs are a feature the organization’s Building that we wanted to be sure Committee, played a key to bring out, because they role in ensuring the historical are historical,” Bourassa details were considered in the explained. The group sourced renovation. “PLUS Industries out lettering in the same font wants to acknowledge the and style as the original, and role of the Main Street Melfort worked within their colour program for the vision it scheme to make the signs provided and for being a pop. catalyst for the work done on the Clift Building,” he Bourassa acknowledged that working with a historical added. “We have been looking forward to the completion “In the lower half, we replaced building had its challenges. “It of the work, and beginning wasn’t easy, and we had to do the windows and doors to try a lot of research, such as going discussions at the board level and return the building to its back to the original pictures to about potential further work original form. The big idea on the building,” Bourassa see what the upper transom for the restoration was to concluded. windows looked like, what

SARC Update

CUMFI MEntoring & wellness supports

A photo showcasing the 10 x 10 event that the CUMFI Wellness clients take part in every year

The CUMFI Wellness Center (315 Avenue M South in Saskatoon) provides mentoring services for older youth and adults with FASD and other cognitive disabilities. Mentoring is defined as providing support according to the unique needs and goals of each individual built on a relationship of trust. Mentoring may include assistance with housing, accessing income security and health care, budgeting and shopping, dealing with justice issues and all other aspects of daily living. Equally important is assistance to build on strengths and interests to become involved in recreation, obtain and maintain employment, develop prosocial relationships and build self-esteem.

One-on-one supports are individualized according to their unique strengths, needs and interests. The CUMFI Wellness Center strives to address the needs of our clients with a holistic and culturally relevant approach to an improved quality of life.

The resource room is a great place for the clients to drop in between the hours of 9:00am – 4:00pm. Clients are able to participate in making crafts, playing cards, board and video games, access a computer for resume writing and applying for jobs, and participate in activities hosted by the staff.

Resource room for the CUMFI Wellness Center

CWC Mentor chopping wood at Candle Lake Camping trip

The summer months have been very productive in terms of activities! Clients and mentors collaboratively worked together in adopting a garden plot inside

Fall 2017

11

the Saskatoon Food Bank garden. The clients and staff then began fundraising for a chance to go on a summer camping trip to Candle Lake.

There were many fundraiser BBQ’s hosted by the team, and even a steak night, where we were able to raffle off many donated prizes from other organizations, and crafts and paintings from our many talented clients. After all the hard work the clients were able to reap the benefits with another successful camping trip. Cabins were rented out and two nights were spent at a wonderful resort in Candle Lake. S’mores were crafted over camp fires, games of golf were played, friendships were formed and memories shared that will last a lifetime.

Fishing and boat rides were able to be offered to the clients that have never experienced such things thanks to the generosity of one staff member in particular.

Clients took part in the festivities offered at Wanuskewin for Culture Week. There were many workshops and things to learn about, a medicine walk and even the chance to watch the Solar Eclipse through tools that made it much more breathtaking.

Along with this there were numerous BBQ’s held for clients, Pow-Wow’s, and even Yoga in the park!

Vegetables that were grown in partnership with the Saskatoon Food bank by the staff and clients of the CUMFI Wellness Center

12

SARC Update Fall 2017

Summer at Handiworks

Well, summer has come and gone!

Handiworks had a summer full of experiences; we went to Torch Trail Bible camp for the first time this year and had an amazing time. Some of us rode horses, rode on pedal cars, and enjoyed a walk around the grounds. A wagon pulled by horses was also a great hit. We had a wiener roast which always tastes better over a camp fire. Next year we may take advantage of their swimming pool.

We celebrated Canada 150 in August with Porcupine Opportunities Program and PLUS Industries. We were lucky to have great weather and enjoyed all of the amenities at the Nipawin

Regional Park. We continued with our BBQ fundraisers for the Rec Club. We are very fortunate to have a great town of supporters that come and buy a burger or smokie from us. We use this money to do the extra things we do like big trips and outings.

Once again this year we bagged wood for the Regional Park, and watered and maintained the flowers for the Co-op and the BID Project. Nipawin was fortunate to get a new pool this summer so many of our group home residents were able to take advantage of the great weather and the beautiful, accessible pool.

This summer the participants wanted to give back to our community so the Rec Club asked a property owner if he would allow us to put up a Pop-up Park on three of his conjoining lots. He was thrilled to be a part of this and said yes. With the help of some donations from Holmes Redi Mix, Lenard Turtle, Walls Sod farm, and Nipawin Art Club as well as some pallets and the hard work of our participants, we were able to build a great place for the community to enjoy. We have gotten lots of positive feedback from this and we are glad it worked out so well. Now to plan for winter, enjoy!

SARC Update Fall 2017

13

Cosmo Community Satellites Open in Saskatoon

Two satellite locations operated by Cosmopolitan Industries celebrated their Grand Openings on Sept 14, 2017.

Cosmo Arlington (2310 Arlington Avenue in Saskatoon) creates life enrichment activities for approximately 30 adults with intellectual disabilities who have chosen that program. With ample green space in the neighbourhood and in close proximity to many amenities, the quality of life is greatly enhanced for these program participants.

Immediately following the Cosmo Arlington event, a large crowd was waiting for the opening of

Cosmo Market Mall whose focus is on Supported Work. Over a dozen program participants begin their day at Market Mall and transverse the city to attend to vocational opportunities available in the community. Cosmo appreciates the warm reception participants, and this program, have received from the tenants of Market Mall and the customers from the surrounding neighbourhoods.

opportunities. The number of people in attendance was a true testament to the acceptance from the community for these programs.

A special thanks to Paul Merriman, Minister of Social Services; Lisa Lambert, MLA for Churchill-Wildwood; City Councillor Bev Dubois; and Betty Anne Fisher who is the Vice President of the Board of Cosmopolitan Industries and Manager of Market Mall for bringing greetings and congratulatory remarks.

The participants proudly showcased their program space and all their activities such as art, sewing, community garden, recycling with the Saskatoon Video of these events can be viewed on Symphony and various vocational YouTube and Facebook.

SARC Update 2017 SARC Update 14 Spring 14 Fall 2017

NEW BOWLING LEAGUE

Fills need in the community Elmwood Residences Inc. is home to 123 individuals experiencing intellectual disability, with 12 locations throughout Saskatoon. The Recreation Department works hard at meeting residents' personal recreation goals and promotes inclusion within the community of Saskatoon and area.

behind this is that many of the bowling programs in Saskatoon are unable to accommodate more than three wheelchairs and have long wait lists. This spring after the regular league bowling had ended, and with the help of the Eastview Bowl and the Saskatoon Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon, we were able to start up the very first Elmwood Wheelchair Bowling League. This league has Many residents have personal goals of 16 members and each member has a staff bowling but were unable to join a league or volunteer assisting them. We bowl once because they are in a wheelchair. The reason a month from April to October. Normally,

16 bowlers would take up four lanes but with wheelchairs, we need eight lanes as the wheelchairs need more space to move around. Eastview Bowl helps make this possible and only charges for four lanes. The Saskatoon Kinsmen Club volunteer four-six members for each time we go bowling. They have no trouble getting volunteers for this program as the Kinsmen found this program very rewarding and personal. Without the Saskatoon Kinsmen Club we would not be able to expand this program to 16 bowlers.

SARC Update Fall 2017

15

ARE YOUR VEHICLES PLATED CORRECTLY? It is important to ensure that your organization’s vehicles are plated correctly, as improper registration could result in insurance coverage issues in the event of a claim.

The following information outlines the requirements as set out by SGI Motor Vehicle Department that pertains directly to the operations of Community Based Organizations.

Vehicles that are used to transport passengers where compensation is paid to the organization may require commercial vehicle registration.

The definition of compensation in provincial vehicle legislation is very broad, and includes payment in any form regardless if the compensation is for profit or not. Vehicles

transporting passengers for compensation would need to be registered in a commercial vehicle class of either Class PC or Class PB. Scenarios where the passenger is paying per trip, monthly or yearly transportation fees would be considered compensation. This would also apply in scenarios where a third party was being billed or was providing transportation specific funding.

If the cost of transportation services were simply coming from a general operating budget or non-specific grant funding or payments, then the transportation could be considered without compensation. Therefore, vehicles transporting passengers where there is no compensation may be registered in Class LV.

Driver’s Licence Considerations: Vehicles registered in Class PC or Class PB that have a seating capacity of 24 or less may be operated by a driver that holds a Class 5 driver’s licence when used exclusively for transportation of passengers with a disability and their attendants.

Vehicles registered in Class PC or Class PB with a seating capacity of 24 or less that are being used outside of the allowance above require a driver that holds a Class 4 driver’s licence. When the seating capacity exceeds 24, a Class 2 driver’s licence would be required.

Vehicles registered in Class LV with a seating capacity of 15 or less may be operated by a driver that holds a Class 5 driver’s licence. Vehicles between 16 and 24 passengers would require a Class 4 licence. Lastly, a vehicle with more than 24 passengers would require a Class 2 licence.

CLASS PC (PERSONAL CARE)

Class PC plates are often further regulated at the municipal level, and as a result a municipal certificate of approval may be required before a PC plate can be issued.

Class PC plates are normally restricted to operating within 25 kilometers from the municipality that issued the approval. However, a vehicle registered in Class PC that is used for the transportation of people that have a disability (including any attendants travelling with the person) are not subject to this restriction.

CLASS PB (PUBLIC BUS)

Class PB is only required if there is compensation for transportation of persons with no disabilities.

The process to obtain Class PB is currently quite involved and the cost can be much higher than Class PC. A Class PB plate requires an Operating

Authority Certificate (OAC) from the Highway Traffic Board. The OAC issued by the board lists the allowances and restrictions of how the vehicle may be used, and each certificate issued by the board is unique to the holder.

ADDITIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

Vehicles with a seating capacity of 15 or less registered in Class PC or PB are required to have a minimum of $1,000,000 in third party liability insurance by the government. Vehicles with a seating capacity of more than 15 would require an additional $3,000,000 in third party liability insurance.

CLASS LV (LIGHT VEHICLE)

Class LV vehicle plates may be used without any further approval or insurance requirements when the transportation is being provided without compensation.

Should you have further questions, you can contact your local SGI Motor Vehicle Department. Also, organizations that are part of the SARC Insurance Program can contact the team at Butler Byers: Hernard Chan, Lynn Cross, Caitlin Uzelman, Zabrina Greke, Doug Cummine or Kathie Cummine at 1-877-467-7272.

Interested in joining the SARC Insurance Program?

Contact Roxanne Peters, SARC’s Director of Finance, at (306) 933-0616, ext. 226 or at rpeters@sarcan.sk.ca.

16

SARC Update Fall 2017

CELEBRATE SU From left: Bob Martinook, Eugene Kucharischen, Keaton Cooper, Bronwyn Lenton-Young, Josie McGuire, Laurie Adrian

EMPLOYER OF EXCELLENCE:

Farm Credit Canada From left: Faith Savarese, Miranda Klinger, Danielle Calibaba, Connie Cossar, Greg Honey

SARC Update Fall 2017

17

UCCESS 2017 On October 25, 2017, SARC held its annual Celebrate Success banquet in Saskatoon. What a wonderful evening of laughter and celebration as we recognized the four Al McGuire Award recipients as well as the Employer of Excellence and Volunteer of Distinction Awards. We were fortunate to have special guests in attendance, including Bob Martinook, Executive Director, Community Living Service Delivery, Disability Programs Division from the Ministry of Social Services who brought greetings on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan.

We started the evening by recognizing our DEAM Sponsors, Farm Credit Canada and SaskTel. We shared our video that promotes inclusive employment, featuring FCC CEO &

President, Michael Hoffort, and Doug Burnett , Acting President & CEO of SaskTel. Since the banquet date falls during Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) each year, it was great to share the value these employers see in inclusive hiring with the audience.

FCC was also the recipient of the Employer of Excellence Award. This business has demonstrated strong leadership in supported employment.

They currently have five employees that have been hired through Creative Options Regina’s 4to40 Initiative. All of the employees work in a variety of roles from human resources, to marketing, compliance, and accounts payable. It is so great to see a large business like FCC show such strong leadership in inclusive hiring; they

are a wonderful example for other businesses.

We then presented the Volunteer of Distinction award to southeast Saskatchewan resident Rob Hill for his long-term commitment to the Redvers Activity Centre. Rob has been a volunteer on the Board of Directors for over 13 years and currently serves as the Board President. He has dedicated countless hours to the clients and staff at Redvers Activity Centre. Rob is a devoted member of the community, and is always there to support the Redvers Activity Centre in any capacity he can. He is an advocate for the clients at the Redvers Activity Centre and not only donates his time, but also provides major gifts that are needed at the activity centre, such as kitchen appliances or televisions.

18

SARC Update Fall 2017

VOLUNTEER OF DISTINCTION:

ROb Hill

From left: Cheryl Zander, Rob Hill, Marsha Goforth, Heather Gilbert, Donna Beaver

Josie McGuire then introduced this year’s Al McGuire Award recipients. We began by presenting the Life Skills Enhancement Award to Laurie Adrian. Laurie previously preferred to spend more time on her own and preferred to stay at SaskAbilities’ Quality of Life Centre in Saskatoon instead of going on outings. In recent months, she has grown to enjoy spending time with the friends she has made at the program and has started trying out new activities that previously made her uncomfortable. The staff at the Quality of Life Program have

been supportive of her growth; however, the achievements that she has made are due to her own initiative and her ability to remain open and positive towards trying new things.

Way to go Laurie!

This year’s recipient of the Transition to Employment Award was Keaton Cooper.

Keaton has seen tremendous success and growth over the last year in his fulltime job at WildWest Steelhead in Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan.

He has become a valuable part of the WildWest Steelhead team. He now helps to train new employees

LIFE SKILLS ENHANCEMENT laurie adrian From left: Laurie Adrian, Miranda Wood-Sparrow

SARC Update Fall 2017

and both he and his managers see a bright future for him there.

It’s so great to see how much Keaton has grown from this independence, fantastic work Keaton!

TRANSITION TO EMPLOYMENT Keaton cooper From left: Bob Martinook, Keaton Cooper, Ashley Grenier, Derek Somogyi

MOVE TO INDEPENDENT LIVING Eugene Kucharischen From left: Michelle Organ, Eugene Kucharischen, Alvina Urick

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT bronwyn lenton-young From left: Aleashia Breen, Bronwyn Lenton-Young, Ben Morris, Rory McCorriston

Eugene Kucharischen was presented with the Move to Independent Living Award.

Eugene made his first move to live independently at 75 years old with the support of Columbian Industries. At 77, Eugene continues to live in a home that he takes great pride in. Eugene keeps his home in pristine condition and loves to have company over. He is very happy living in his own house, and impeccably maintains his lawn and yard himself. Eugene is a very active member of the community, attending events and participating in the day program at Columbian Industries. Congratulations on accomplishing your goals Eugene!

To end the night, Bronwyn Lenton-Young was presented with the Al McGuire Award for Community Involvement. She has been volunteering at the Regina Health Region’s Meals on Wheels program as well as at the Regina Food Bank for the past three years. Her role at Meals on Wheels involves delivering meals to clients twice a week on her designated route. At the Regina Food Bank, Bronwyn sorts and portions food, and helps out with other duties as needed. Her involvement is valuable to both organizations, as well as to the people her work is helping. Thanks for your ongoing dedication and hard work, Bronwyn!

Before presenting each Al McGuire recipient with their award and $300 cheque, we show a video vignette to give the audience a glimpse into each of their lives and to show off their accomplishments.

These videos can be found on the SARC website at sarcsarcan.ca/ celebrate_success.

Thanks to everyone who attended the banquet this year, we can’t wait to celebrate success stories again next year!

19

20

SARC Update Fall 2017

FALL CONFERENCE 2017

SARC’s Fall Conference features professional development sessions for nonprofit Executive Directors, Senior Management, and Board Directors.

We are pleased to report record attendance at this year’s annual Fall Conference! Around 150 nonprofit leaders from across Saskatchewan came together to learn and network with peers from fellow CommunityBased Organizations. We are thankful that SARC’s Membership is such an amazing network of organizations that support one another to be leaders in the sector.

The topics selected for this conference were based on recommendations from past conference attendees and individuals who provided feedback on unmet training needs in the sector. We were thrilled to hear that some of our conference attendees have been attending SARC

conferences regularly for over 20 years! This shows just how much of a strong and experienced network we have. We also enjoyed welcoming those who were here for the first time.

To open the conference, Dr. Nick Nissley shared his personal leadership story, and encouraged us to learn our own stories. He explained how one can never change ‘the beginning’ of the story, and urged conference attendees to explore their own stories and change them if they are not working.

Attendees learned the powerful message of how to create and adapt their own story and lead with it.

Concurrent sessions throughout the two days included ‘Conflict

Resolution and Difficult Conversations’, and the ‘Partnership Between an Executive Director and Board of Directors’ – how this relationship is crucial to the success of an organization. We also discussed the concept of ‘Mindfulness’ and how it can assist with one’s wellbeing – both professionally and personally. Other session topics included ‘PersonCentred Recruitment’, ‘Exploring Social Enterprise Experiences Across Canada’, ‘Board Performance’, and ‘Ethical Everest’ which focused on strengthening decision-making in stressful situations.

To close, Jennifer Sanford brought together the concepts learned throughout the conference and touched

on leadership, conflict, motivation, and mindfulness.

She shared where change originates from, and how we all play a role in shaping the experiences we have.

Thank you to all of our conference sponsors, especially our Platinum Sponsor, Hornoi Leasing, as well as our Gold Sponsors, Merlin Plastics and Secure Retail POS Systems. With your generosity, we were able to keep conference registration fees affordable again this year.

Thanks to all of you who attended, we cannot wait to see you next year on October 24 & 25, 2018 at the Regina Travelodge Hotel, so save the date! Watch SARC Learning Central (www. sarclearningcentral.ca) for all our education and training

www.sarclearningcentral.ca Professional Development for Nonprofit Excellence

SARC Update Fall 2017

CONGRATULATIONS 2016-17 LEAP GRADUATES! As part of SARC’s Fall Conference, all 2016-17 Leap Graduates were recognized and presented with their Certificates of Completion at a Leap Luncheon, during the second day of the conference. Congratulations to: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Angela Dumont - Community Service Centre Kathy Fuchs - Chip and Dale Homes Marilyn Jonas - Porcupine Opportunities Program Kim Leslie - Chip and Dale Homes Sanjay Sarkar - Maidstone Group Home Society Donna Schell - Chip and Dale Homes Shaun Silzer - Ranch Ehrlo Society Tania Smith - Weyburn Group Home Society Eunice Washkowsky - Prairie Branches Pam Yates - Handiworks Sherlyn Birtles - Porcupine Opportunities Program Vanessa Dillin - Variety Place Association Lorie Goffinet - Cypress Hills Ability Centres Holly Neilson - Prince Albert Group Homes Society Jacqueline Tisher Hope’s Home Lisa Wyatt - Hope’s Home Brenda Heisler Independent

Thank you for your commitment to management and leadership excellence!

For those of you who are not aware, Leap is a management skills development program that provides practical information, principles, best practices, and tips in a variety of management areas including Communications, Human Resources, and Financial Management.

There’s still time to register for Leap’s newest module – Financial Responsibilities!

If you’re interested in attending the Leap Financial Responsibilities session, please check SARC Learning Central at www.sarclearningcentral.ca for registration dates, locations, and availability.

21

22

SARC Update Fall 2017

SARC’S ONLINE RESOURCE AREA HAS MOVED TO SARC LEARNING CENTRAL SARC is committed to providing top quality professional development opportunities to our Members and nonprofit organizations from across the province. As part of that educational component, SARC has moved its Board and Front-line resources (formerly housed in the passwordprotected Online Resource Area), to Learning Central.

We invite all nonprofit Board Directors and Front-line staff to visit sarclearningcentral.ca/resources to find a variety of helpful resources, templates and links.

What will you find?

• Front-line staff will find information for working in a client support role in the nonprofit sector (i.e. employee wellness, advocacy, aging, person-centredness, etc.)

• Board Directors will find sample policies, templates, and checklists in a variety of governance areas (i.e.

Board framework, recruitment and orientation, financial oversight, etc.)

The Manager Resource Area will remain password protected and available to SARC Members. It contains policies, templates, links, and resources in the following areas:

HUMAN RESOURCES: • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Employment Terms End of Employment HR Management Leaves of Absences Recruitment and Retention ○○ Realistic Job Preview ○○ Structured Interview Toolkit ○○ Employee Orientation & Onboarding Guide Training and Development Job Description Templates Recruitment and Staffing Immigration and Employment Performance Management and Coaching Employee Engagement and Coaching Volunteer Services

PENSION AND BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION:

• Employee Assistance Program • Group Benefit Plan Information • SARC Pension Plan

EMPLOYEE/LABOUR RELATIONS:

• Employee/Labour Relations Basics ○○ The Principles of Natural Justice ○○ The Employment Relationship ○○ Management Rights • Collective Agreements and Bargaining • Collective Agreement Examples • Collective Agreement Information ○○ Best Practices in Collective Agreement Administration ○○ Communicating with Employees During Bargaining ○○ Preparing for Bargaining • Duty to Accommodate • Obtaining Medical Documentation • Immigration and Employment • Performance Management and Coaching • Employee Engagement and Retention • Lay-offs • Harassment and Bullying • Grievances and Arbitration • Investigations, Discipline, and Termination • Legislation and Case Law • Workplace Investigations

CLIENTS: • • • • •

Abuse Prevention Client’s Rights Client Orientation Client Finances Client Grievance and Appeal Process • Standardized Admission Procedure

FACILITY MANAGEMENT:

• Annual Inspections Policy • Maintenance Calendar • Various articles

OPERATIONAL: • Administration • Finance

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

• Occupational Health and Safety Regulations • Emergency Preparedness • SARC’s Safety Management Program

To view a sample of the resources available in the Manager Resource Area, visit SARC Learning Central.

Not already a SARC Member? Learn more by visiting the SARC Website.

SARC Update Fall 2017

23

IT PAYS TO BE INCLUSIVE

DEAM 2017

If you tuned in to CTV, Rogers, or CBC in October you may have seen one of the commercials featuring either Farm Credit Canada (FCC) or SaskTel - two champion employers in the province.

compliance and accounts payable to human resources! All of their employees have an important role that is valued by the whole team.

also seen an employee receive an Al McGuire Transition to Employment Award. What we love about SaskTel is that they have employees that work in so many different roles within their store, We interviewed Michael Hoffort, office, and warehouse. The variety of roles This year for Disability Employment President & CEO of Farm Credit Canada. that SaskTel has hired really demonstrates Awareness Month (DEAM), we wanted to Michael sees the real value of hiring to other employers that you can hire any reach new audiences across the province, employees experiencing disability and this person experiencing disability for any role; and highlight the business case for enthusiasm was key in getting the buy-in the key is finding the right fit with the inclusive employment to employers who from the entire organization. From there right employee. may be unaware of the benefits of hiring the human resources department has people experiencing disability. done a fantastic job in seeing the vision They have been hiring people come to life. Donna Flaman-Johnson, experiencing disability for many years, We were fortunate to partner with Senior Workforce Planning Manager, and their program continues to grow. We FCC and SaskTel on this project. Both told us that this initiative “has been the interviewed Acting President and CEO, businesses are stellar examples of what highlight of her career” and that shows Doug Burnett, who sees their employees an inclusive workplace truly is and you can through all of the employees thriving in as a valuable part of their workforce. see how their inclusive hiring practices their roles and being a part of the FCC Thank you SaskTel for your partnership! have really made an impact on their community. Thank you to Farm Credit corporate culture. It was a blast to film The theme of this year's campaign was Canada for partnering with us on this at Farm Credit Canada (also this year’s "It pays to be inclusive," highlighting the project!

Employer of Excellence Award recipient). economic advantages that hiring people We had the pleasure of meeting the SaskTel was also fabulous to partner experiencing disability has for businesses. five employees they have hired. Their with on this project. Not only have they You can find these commercials as well as employees are spread out across various been the recipient of the Employer of a longer video on SARC's YouTube channel departments from marketing to Excellence Award in the past, they have or the EmployLink website.

Fall Conference 2017 - October 25&26 - Saskatoon, SK.

Thank you to our sponsors for helping us create another successful event!

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors