SARC Update Fall 2011

FALL 2011

In this issue...

MEMBER NEWS 2 SARC/SARCAN NEWS 6 PAYROLL & BENEFITS 10 TRAINING CORNER 11

A Quarterly Publication from the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres

Minister McMorris visits Harvest Community- Page 3

Sakitawak Group Home Opens in Ile-a-la-Crosse Page 5 KEN HOMENICK:

Meadow Lake Opens New Group Home; Expands SARCAN - Page 2

SARCAN’s Director of Operations Says Farewell After More than 20 Years - Page 8 The SARC Update is published by: Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres 111 Cardinal Crescent Saskatoon, SK S7L 6H5 www.sarcsarcan.ca Editor: Sydney Smith, Communications Officer

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SARC UPDATE FALL 2011

New Group Home Allows Space for Four Adults With Intellectual Disabilities On September 8, 2011, Multiworks Corporation celebrated the Grand Opening of the brand new group home constructed on 7th Avenue in Meadow Lake. The new home will be the residence of four adults with intellectual disabilities.

Touring the expanded area: (L to R): Amy McNeil, Executive Director, SARC;

The Grand Opening featured speeches by the Honourable Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Enterprise Saskatchewan and Meadow Lake MLA, as well as Jeff Fechter, Meadow Lake’s Acting Mayor and Amy McNeil, SARC’s Executive Director. The emcee for the day was Unita Esau, Chairperson for the Multiworks Board of Directors. After the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, attendees were invited to tour the new home.

The home’s focal point is accessibility; featuring large bathrooms with easy access to bath and shower, wide hallways, and lowered kitchen counter tops, all designed to be wheelchair friendly. This home is Multiworks’ fourth in Meadow Lake.

Dave Thickett, Executive Director, Multiworks Corporation; Beverly Smith, Executive Director, CLSD

Cutting the Ribbon at the SARCAN Grand Opening: (L to R): Justin Ouellette, SARCAN Depot Supervisor; The Honourable Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Enterprise Saskatchewan and Meadow Lake MLA; Sheldon Arlett, SARCAN Employee

SARCAN Expansion Necessary to Handle Increasing Return Rates in Northern Saskatchewan Meadow Lake’s SARCAN Depot has been classified as extra-large sized in the SARCAN system since 2009. To become classified as extra-large, a depot needs to return at least nine million beverage containers a year. By 2010-2011, the Meadow Lake Depot had far surpassed this, with 11.5 million containers returned.

Cutting the Ribbon at the Group Home: (L to R): Erin Schitz, group home resident; the Honourable Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Enterprise Saskatchewan Meadow Lake MLA; Bonnie Lemaigre, group home resident; Erin Heddon, group home resident

Acting as a hub for north-west Saskatchewan, the Meadow Lake expansion was created to accommodate additional trailer loads. In the busy summer months, the depot can fill anywhere from 15 to 25 loads a day.

The expansion occurred in the back loading area, so there is now space to accommodate three trailers (instead of merely one). The expansion brings this depot to a full 5,000 square feet.

The new expansion allows three trailers to load at once

Employees of the depot are very happy with the expansion. Several of the depot’s employees have made SARCAN Recycling a career of choice. At this year’s Employe Recognition Day, staff members at the Meadow Lake depot will be celebrating milestones of five, ten, and 15 years. Sheldon Arlett (pictured above) will be celebrating a career of 20 years with SARCAN. Both SARCAN expansion and the new Group Home allow Meadow Lake to expand services offered to people with disabilities in north-western Saskatchewan. The Multiworks Corporations’ Vision Statement is: Maximized opportunities, personal growth, and happiness for people with disabilities.

SARC UPDATE FALL 2011

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The Honourable Don McMorris visits Harvest Community Inc.

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n June 27, 2011, the Honourable Don McMorris, Minister of Health and Indian Head-Milestone MLA , visited the Harvest Community Farm, part of the Harvest Community Inc., located in Kronau, SK. The tour was well enjoyed, especially by the participants of Harvest programs, as they were given the chance to show Mr. McMorris the variety of products that are currently being assembled.

Products made at Harvest:

• Wiping Rags • Handi-Flags • Die-Cut custom manufacturing such as cable markers and wildlife guards • Light industrial assembly such as Test Lead Assemblies, Hantivirus Protection Kits, and Splice Cleaning Kits

In the picture (L to R): Alex Banga, Harvest Community Inc. Board of Directors; the Honourable Don McMorris, Minister of Health and MLA for Indian Head-Milestone; Gwen Herman, Executive Director, Harvest Community Inc.

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SARC UPDATE FALL 2011

This year’s 7th Annual ‘Lend A Hand’ Saskatchewan Charity Golf Classic was held on June 1, 2011 at Dakota Dunes Golf Links. Months of preparation goes into this fundraising event from both CDBA and our corporate sponsor, MacDermid Lamarsh. It was a fantastic day, with good weather and great spirits for everyone involved.

the ‘Intervenor of the Year’ award to Kristy Somerville. She has been with the agency for five years and has been a very positive and professional presence in the Tucker house. Congratulations, Kristy!

The CDBA Sask. Chapter Annual General Meeting was held on June 15, 2011. All the reports gave a positive look back at a year that held many changes for the agency. The Board of Director’s Membership was voted in for the 2011-2012 year. We are very excited to report that three new Board Members have joined CDBA Saskatchewan; bringing the Membership to its full capacity of 10 Members.

This year, CDBA acknowledged one of our finest and gave

A big THANK YOU goes out to the Saskatoon Community Foundation for awarding CDBA with a grant through the Quality of Life program. This grant will upgrade the agency’s computers and internet access for each of the homes. Technology is now integral to daily living for everyone, and we anticipate this will allow those we support to have access to the internet and the benefits it brings.

A memorial was held on June 27, 2011 at Michael’s Manor Home to acknowledge one year since the passing of our friend, The final result was an outstanding tally of $25,600 that Michael Matheis. At this gathering, there was an unveiling of a everyone was delighted with. This brings our seven-year commemorative water fountain total to $100, 000, an amazing accomplishment for our small and plaque – it will remain at nonprofit agency. Thanks to everyone who helped out; we the house for all to enjoy and couldn’t do it without you! reflect around.

SARC UPDATE FALL 2011

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Ile-a-la-Crosse Opens First Group Home in Community

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n August 15, 2011, a dream came true for many who have worked diligently to see a group home in Ile-ala-Crosse become a reality.

Sakitawak Group Home Inc. (SGHI) oďŹƒcially opened their new group home on August 15, 2011. The home will serve five individuals with intellectual disabilities as well as provide community supports and day programs for other individuals with disabilities in the Ile-a-la-Crosse region.

New residents of the group home are very excited to see it open. Armand Kenny and Robert Dejarlais, two long-time roommates, are currently preparing to move from Meadow Lake to Ile-a-la-Crosse. Both Kenny and Dejarlais are from Ile-a-la-Crosse, but had to move south, to Meadow Lake, in order to receive supports. Desjarlais and Kenny are happy to be going back home and being closer to their families.

The Grand Opening event featured a tour of the facility and an oďŹƒcial ribbon cutting ceremony.

Entertainment and refreshments were provided under the big tent.

Cindy Hodgson,Executive Director of Sakitawak, said the Grand Opening was a fantastic day and a wonderful celebration for many.

Cutting the Ribbon at the Grand Opening Ceremony: In the picture (L to R): Albert Dejarlais, group home resident; Armand Kenny, group home resident; the Honourable June Draude, Minister of Social Services; Cindy Hodgson, Executive Director, SGHI; Duane Favel, Mayor of Ile-a-la-Crosse and Chairperson, SGHI.

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SARC UPDATE FALL 2011

Terry Welch was a Member of the SARC Board of Directors from 2009-2011 and was the President of BTEC from 20042009.

We are very saddened to announce the passing of Terry Welch, a North West Regional Representative Member of the SARC Board of Directors since August 2009.

He was passionate about the status of people with disabilities in Saskatchewan, in particular, day programs that offered improved quality of life for people with disabilities.

Terry passed away on September 18, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Terry was married to his wife, Linda, for 40 years. They have two daughters and four grandchildren; three girls and one boy. He is predeceased by one son.

Terry’s infectious smile and good humour will be missed, not only by the SARC Board of Directors and SARC staff, but with all of those who were lucky enough to interact with him.

A grain elevator manager for 27 years, Terry stayed active in retirement, by serving as the Mayor of Denholm. Terry was on the Board of Directors for Battlefords Trade and Education Centre Inc. (BTEC) from November 2003, and served as President from 2004 until 2009.

A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at the Denholm Community Centre in Denholm, SK. Terry’s Celebration of Life included fond memories and warm stories of family, friends and fishing—all things Terry deeply loved.

We will miss you, Terry!

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Saskatchewan’s Long Term Investments in the Disability Support Sector are at Risk It is time to show value to our employees by implementing consistent compensation and training strategies

S O I

ervices for thousands of individuals with disabilities in Saskatchewan are at risk due to staffing challenges being faced by many agencies in the disability sector. SARC Represents over 80 Member Agencies that offer a variety of services to promote community inclusion and quality of life. pportunities from residential to day programs to employment, that have been successful in Saskatchewan communities for decades, are being threatened without the appropriate number of qualified staff. Without a secure employment base, new investments may not succeed.

t is time to implement sustainable training and compensation strategies for staff at SARC Member Agencies, and invest in human capital. Individuals with disabilities rely on employees in the disability support sector to assist with daily living, every single day of the year. Providing community inclusion, employment support, and the capability to make a house a home are all part of what we do everyday.

Disability support is not a 9-5 job. It’s about seeing potential and supporting development. It’s about dignity, respect, and above all, it’s about people.

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SARC CONTEMPORARY UPDATE FALL MAGAZINE 2011 MONTH 20XX

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Ken Homenick: Looking back at more than two decades as SARCAN’s Director of Operations s I get ready to retire, I find myself looking back to the “good old days” or “bad old days” since I started with SARCAN. I have made a lot of friends in the depots and the plants. These are the people that helped get us through the difficult times. When I started in January, 1991, I was told that SARCAN Recycling was a very prosperous business and all of our depots were equivalent to being the Dairy Queens of recycling. Unfortunately, the truth of the situation was somewhat different.

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he first few years were probably the most difficult time for SARCAN, but our SARC members, our employees and our suppliers supported SARCAN above the call of duty. This was the worst of times, but it also was one of the best of times, as we all pitched in together, for SARCAN.

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he thing that kept me excited about SARCAN was the enthusiasm and pride our employees and our SARC Members had in their jobs and their depots. During our difficult times, many SARC Members used their own money to buy containers to relieve SARCAN of some of its cash flow problems. SARCAN employees did without raises for three years.

Everyone pitched in to keep the dream alive.

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he SARCAN dream of real work for real wages had become a reality.

SARCAN was creating jobs for persons

We provided an improved level of recycling to the people of Saskatchewan and we were finally making money. By 1993, SARCAN was providing raises for its staff, good pensions and benefits, and improving the depots.

Ken addresses the K dd th crowd d att th the 2010 S Saskatoon k t Processing Plant Sod Turning Event

“We e ha ave e truly y be ecom me the e be est reccycling g sy ysttem m in Nortth America a thankss to our sttaff” - Ken Home enick 2008 SARCAN 4 billion container celebration

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he Government of Saskatchewan has been a great partner to SARCAN. They supported us and had the patience to allow us to become much better at the services we provide.

From L to R: Ken Homenick; the honourable Brad Wall, Premier of Saskatchewan; Tammy Wall; Nancy Heppner, former Minister of Environment

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am very proud to have shared this growth and progress with SARCAN. We have truly become the best recycling system in North America thanks to our staff and their continued dedication to SARCAN.

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he 20 years that I have spent at SARCAN has been one of my best work experiences. This is a good company with great employees. The great work done in our depots and processing plants has made the difference. It has been my personal privilege to have worked at SARCAN. -Ken Homenick

Ken’s last day was September 2, 2011 Kevin Acton, SARCAN’s new Director of Operations, conducts business as usual amidst decorations

SARC UPDATE FALL 2011

New Saskatoon Processing Plant Nears Completion

SARCAN, in Partnership with the Ministry of Environment’s Go Green Fund, has worked hard to see this new processing plant become a reality in Saskatoon. Construction is nearly complete; move-in date is October 2011

SARCAN’s new Processing Plant in Saskatoon is located in the newly developed section of the North Industrial Business District, at 3720 Kochar Avenue.

The new Plant features: • 36,000 Square feet (over double the size of the former plant) • Design accommodates split-stream processing of trailers • New equipment includes an Excel baler (model 2R9), three REM high-volume glass crushers, and in-floor conveyors • The construction of the plant follows a LEED model and features: glass in the sub-base; recycled, reground asphalt; electronic sensors; capacitors; lowflow water systems; thermal design; high-efficiency boiler heat and forced air • Additional room for offices and meeting spaces

The Saskatoon Processing Plant will also be the new home of the SARC Store

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CONTEMPORARY MAGAZINE MONTH 20XX SARC UPDATE FALL 2011

Update from: Payroll and Benefits

1 Enhanced Health Care Insurance through Plan Direct for a minor. There is no annual contribution

An employee who is retiring and is between the ages of 50 and 70, and who is currently enrolled in the Group Benefit Plan through GWL, has 60 days from last day worked to apply for Enhanced Healthcare Insurance through Plan Direct.

Visit: www.greatwestlife.com/plandirect.

2 Reminder: Employees on LTD, SGI, WCB, or Maternity Leave

limit; however, the lifetime contribution limit is $200,000. Friends and family can also contribute to a plan with written permission of the plan holder. Money contributed to the plan accumulates tax free, until it is withdrawn. To encourage savings, the Government of Canada introduced the Canada Disability Savings Grant and the Canada Disability Savings Bond.

The Canada Disability Savings Grant is a matching grant that the Government deposits into the RDSP. Each year, the Government will match contributions made by paying up to $3 for every $1 paid into the plan, depending Have you remembered to register these on the amount contributed and on the employees with Great West Life? Please beneficiary’s family income. The Government contact Crystal Kalyniuk by email at will deposit a maximum of $3,500 each year, crystalkalyniuk@gwl.ca for more details. with a lifetime limit of $70,000. Grants will be paid into the RDSP until the year the beneficiary turns 49.

Example: If the beneficiary’s family income is less than or equal to $83,088, government will deposit $3 for every $1 on the first $500 and $2 Attendance for individuals who administer for every $1 on the next $1,000. benefit plans is strongly encouraged.

If the beneficiary’s family income is over Registration forms are now available, for $83,088, government will match $1 for every more details please visit www.sarcsarcan.ca $1 contributed on the first $1,000. Income amounts shown are for 2011 and will be updated yearly based on the rate of inflation.

The Government of Canada will also pay a Canada Disability Savings Bond of up to $1,000 In December 2008, the Government of a year to low-income and modest-income Canada launched the Registered Disability Canadians. No contributions are required to Savings Plan (RDSP), the Canada Disability receive the bond; simply open an RDSP and Savings Grant and the Canada Disability fill out an application form at the financial Savings Bond to help Canadians with organization where you have your RDSP. disabilities and their families save for the Bonds will be paid into the RDSP until the future. If you are a Canadian resident year the beneficiary turns 49. The bond limit is under the age of 60 and are eligible for the $20,000 over the beneficiary’s lifetime.

Disability Tax Credit, you can open an RDSP. For example: If the beneficiary’s family Plans can be opened at several financial income is less than or equal to $24,183, organizations across the country. Parents or government will deposit $1,000 each year legal guardians may open an RDSP into the RDSP. For beneficiary family incomes between $24,183 and $41,544, government will deposit a portion of the $1,000, as income

3 Annual Benefits and Pension Review

4 Government of Canada RDSP

Income amounts shown are for 2011 and will be updated yearly based on the rate of inflation.

The Government of Canada has introduced new measures to the RDSP, the grant and the bond that provide more flexibility to Canadians with disabilities and their families for the future.

If you or a loved one currently has an RDSP or are thinking about opening a RDSP, this is important news for you: Beginning in January 2011, you can claim unused grant and bond entitlements from the past 10 years (starting from 2008, the year RDSPs became available).

This applies to new and existing plans.

If you have a child or grandchild with a disability, this is important news for you: As of July 2011, parents or grandparents can arrange for some or all of their retirement savings to be transferred, tax-free, to the RDSP of a financially dependent child or grandchild when they pass away.

Money paid out of an RDSP will not affect a person’s eligibility for federal benefits, such as the Canada Child Tax Benefit, the Goods and Services Tax credit, Old Age Security or Employment Insurance benefits. In addition, RDSPs will have little or no impact on provincial and territorial social assistance payments. For details, contact your provincial government.

Canadian residents under age 60 who are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit can open a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and can receive money from Government to encourage savings.

The Canada Disability Savings Grant is a matching grant that the Government deposits into the RDSP, based on contributions and family income. The Government will deposit a maximum of $3,500 each year, with a lifetime limit of $70,000.

To find d ou ut iff you are e eliigiible e: 1 800 O-Can nad da (1-800-6222-622322) TTY: 1-8 800-926--910 05 ww ww.disab bilitysavings.g gc.cca

SARC UPDATE FALL 2011

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For more information on upcoming Professional Development opportunities, please visit our on-line Events Calendar at www.sarcsarcan.ca or contact Mindy Bonderoff, SARC’s Facilitator of Training and Education, at mbonderoff@sarcan.sk.ca.

Stan ndard dize ed Ad dmisssion n Trainiing: Six regional training events for Program Coordinators (Agencies) and Community Service Workers (CLSD). There is no cost to attend. Regional Events are scheduled for the following dates: • September 19 - North Battleford • September 21 - Yorkton • September 28 - Swift Current • September 29 - Regina • October 4 - Melfort • October 6 - Saskatoon

SARC Fall Conference 2011: Diversity Embracing the Changing Workplace Please join Pl j i SARC SARC, and d it its M Member b Ag Agency Managers and Program Coordinators, for this

Perfforrmancce Ma anagem ment:

province-wide, interactive learning experience.

The SARC Marketing department will be providing a

Facilitated by SARC’s Labour Relations Advisor, Gary Crawford, this seminar takes place on October 26 at the Park Town Hotel in Saskatoon, and will provide attendees with training on: Overview of a performance management program; the technical elements of the investigation process; discipline process, and grievance/complaint/dispute resolution process; harassment and bullying; the investigation and discipline process; the grievance/complaint/dispute resolution process, and tribunals.

Smita Gary, from the City of Saskatoon, and

presentation on the changes to SARC Marketing.

Adv van nce ed Labou ur Relatiions for Supe ervissorss & Man nag gerrs:: Facilitated by SARC’s Labour Relations Advisor, Gary Crawford, this seminar will take place on November 14 at the Park Town Hotel in Saskatoon, and will provide attendees with training on: • Absenteeism management; • Duty to accommodate; • Obtaining medical documentation; • Hours of work; • The lay-off process; • The bumping process, and • Case Law.

Proffesssio ona al Asssau ult Resp ponse e Train ning (PA ART): PART is designed to help agency staff identify, and appropriately respond to, potentially assaultive situations. PART principles support

Dr. Valerie Pruegger will be presenting at this

The Conference will be held on October 18-19 at the

professional development session.

Travelodge Hotel in Saskatoon.

the emphasis of self-control, assessment skills, and verbal crisis intervention. PART interventions are to be used when the primary and back-up treatment plan does not work, and there is an immediate threat of injury. There is no cost for this training thanks to Provincial Training funds; however, a fee of $45 will be due upon registration to cover refreshments and meals.

There are four PART Training Dates in Saskatoon, and three in Regina: October 11-14 – Regina; October 18-21 – Saskatoon; November 7-10 – Regina; November 21-24 – Saskatoon; November 28-December 1 – Regina; December 5-8 – Saskatoon, and January 9-12 - Regina.

Tran nsferr Lift Re epo osittion n (TLR)): The TLR program is designed to help agency staff identify and manage risks associated with client handling and moving objects.

TLR includes a thorough assessment process of self, environment/equipment and client/ object. TLR is developed to assist licensees with meeting minimum requirements of Saskatchewan’s Occupational Health and Safety legislation related to safe patient handling and musculoskeletal injuries.

Dates for TLR Training are currently being

determined, and will occur approximately from January through April. There is no cost for this training thanks to Provincial Training funds; however, a fee of $45 will be due upon registration to cover refreshments and meals.

Basiic Skiills Train nin ng (BS ST) Tuto or Train ning Wo ork ksh hop: This workshop is a train-the-trainer event that enables a staff member to teach the BST program in- house. Tutors attend this training, and then teach the BST program to staff at their respective agencies. Learners (and Tutors) may apply to PLAR and receive four course credits towards the SIAST Disability Support Worker Certificate Program upon successful completion of BST. This train-thetrainer workshop is on November 2-3 at the Saskatoon Travelodge Hotel. Registration fee is $300 per Tutor. Bursaries are available.

Grea at Supe erviisio on Levell 1: Great Supervision Level 1 will take place on November 15-16 at Temple Gardens Mineral Spa in Moose Jaw, and November 17-18 in North Battleford at the Western Development Museum. There is no cost for this training thanks to Provincial Training funds; however, a fee of $45 will be due upon registration to cover refreshments and meals.

SARC Members are all across Saskatchewan

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