SARC Update Spring 2013

SPRING 2013

Update

News from SARC and its Members about the disability services sector in Saskatchewan

Wynyard CARRES Celebrates Five Year Anniversary - Page 5

SouthWest Homes Opens New Group Home - Page 4

Cosmopolitan Learning SakitawakCentre Group HomeShow Opens in Hosts a Fashion

Minister McMorris visits Ile-a-la-Crosse Harvest Community- Page 3The Sparkle Group Gets Glamorous!

-Page 3

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Meadow Lake Opens New Group Government Home; Expands SARCAN - Pageof 2

KEN Saskatchewan HOMENICK:

Announces Wage Increases for SARCAN’s Director Direct Support Professionals - Page 2Says of Operations

Farewell After More than 20 Years - Page 8

The SARC Update is published by SARC 111 Cardinal Crescent Saskatoon, SK S7L 6H5 The SARC Update is published by: www.sarcsarcan.ca Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres Editor: Sydney Smith, Communications 111 Cardinal Crescent Saskatoon, SK S7L 6H5 www.sarcsarcan.ca Editor: Sydney Smith, Communications Officer

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SARC UPDATE SPRING 2013

Government of Saskatchewan Increases Funding for Improved Wages in the Sector On December 17, 2012, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that it would direct an additional $17.34 million per year toward compensation of front-line workers providing critical services to vulnerable adults and children - $8.94 million of that being directed to employees of SARC Member Agencies. At the news conference held at the new Saskatoon home of Menno Homes of Saskatchewan Inc., Social Services Minister June Draude said, “For our government to achieve its goals of improving quality of life for all Saskatchewan people and making our province the best place for people with disabilities to live, we must invest in those who care for others every day.” Minister Draude also indicated that the government was committed to working with its partners on a multiyear plan to help them recruit and retain qualified staff.

In attendance for the event was Amy McNeil, SARC’s Executive Director. “Employees working in SARC Member Agencies are integral in the lives of the individuals they support,” McNeil said. “We would like to thank the Government of Saskatchewan for this commitment, as this is a major step in the right direction in ensuring people with intellectual disabilities are supported by qualified professionals. SARC will continue working with the Ministry of Social Services on the development and implementation of a comprehensive, multi-year, workforce compensation and training strategy.”

Following the announcement, eligible organizations were sent a letter by the Ministry indicating the amount of their funding increase and were asked to submit a reporting template to identify their planned implementation of that funding for review and approval. SARC Member Agencies will receive their approvals/confirmation of funding by way of their 2013-2014 contracts (to be sent out following the Provincial Budget Address). At that time, organizations will be in a position to confirm salary increases for their employees and begin examining the impact that these increases are hoped to have on staff recruitment and retention.

The 2013-2014 Provincial Budget has also provided an estimated 1% increase to CBOs supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities that is to be directed toward salary and benefits for staffing positions not included in the December 17 announcement. SARC Members are also experiencing turnover in supervisory and management staff, and organizations are doing their best to alleviate wage grid compression issues as a result of the targeted increase to front-line staff. The Provincial Partnership of the Ministry and SARC are continuing work on a longterm compensation strategy to provide SARC Members the ability to maintain competitive wage grids at all levels of the organization.

SARC and its Member Agencies are very hopeful that these announcements and the continuing work will produce positive results for staff recruitment and retention very soon. With the significant funding increase for front-line wages, SARC and its Members are pursuing various recruitment initiatives, including: • Social media • Attendance at Career Fairs • Re-designing the Caring Careers website (read more about this on page 9) • Connecting with students of SIAST’s Disability Support Worker Certificate Program through attendance at SIAST Business Dinners and speaking engagements with the Kelsey Campus class Together with the Government of Saskatchewan, we are striving to keep our sector vibrant and responsive to the needs of people with intellectual disabilities in our province.

SARC UPDATE SPRING 2013

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Regina’s Cosmopolitan Learning Centre Provides New Opportunities Through Creation of Special Events Committee

Providing exciting opportunities for the participants who attend the Cosmopolitan Learning Centre continues to be an ongoing focus of the staff and leadership team. The dedication to enhancing participants’ lives is evident in the enthusiasm that employees bring with them on a daily basis.

We have had many events going on around the Centre with the creation of a Special Events Committee. In this committee, participants plan fun activities of their choice for themselves and their peers in the Centre. In November, they planned a Sharing Day; participants were able to bring an item to share with their peers, such as a story book, picture, favourite song, etc. The group also planned events such as a Crazy Sweater Day, Favourite Hat Day, and Wear a Tie to Work Day. The Sparkle Group (pictured below) put together a fashion show that involved many participants and staff from the Centre. Participants got dressed up and “strutted their stuff” on the cat walk as the audience cheered them on!

Cosmopolitan Learning Centre hosted an Appreciation Day in October as a thank-you to the many people who provide transportation to our participants. The Centre invited drivers from Paratransit, cab companies, and Able Bussing to spend some time with our participants and staff while enjoying some refreshments and goodies.

Our annual Craft and Bake Sale was held in December. This event is always a fun time in the holiday season and is a big hit with participants and their family members. We are always amazed at the amount of craft items and baked goods that are donated to help make this event a success. All the money raised goes towards enhancing participant programs.

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SARC UPDATE SPRING 2013

Southwest Homes in Swift Current Opens Seventh Group Home Southwest Homes is pleased to have recently opened our seventh group home. This will be a three-space home for two individuals on our waiting list and one individual from a six-space home we are down-sizing to five spaces.

All of our houses are warm and welcoming and we strive to provide a home for people to be proud to live in. Our children’s program is a very sought after resource we encourage agencies to look at expanding their mandates in this way if there is a need in their community.

We are also excited to be expanding our Supported Employment Program through recent funding from SETI. We currently support several individuals through our Community Connections Day Program and our Supported Employment Program who we hope to be able to assist in working towards some competitive employment. We continue to be very busy in our Day Program and the participants love working in the community!

This has been a big step towards inclusion in our city.

Our Supported Living Program is growing and this is the only program we currently have a waiting list for. The tenants in our apartment building are mainly individuals from our Supported Living Program. Having neighbours and friends to socialize with has had a very positive impact for those living here.

We now have a very diverse staff of 80 caring and hardworking individuals who bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and energy to the lives of the people we support. We are all grateful for the recent salary lift for our Direct Support Professionals. This increase Valerie Tschetter, one of the residents of the new group home, picks was much deserved and we believe it will strawberries in the summertime. help with our recruitment and retention.

We look forward to the New Year and the upcoming adventures and challenges as our agency continues to learn and grow!

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Plus Industries Opens New Group Home in Melfort The official opening and ribbon cutting took place for the new Plus Industries group home on Friday, February 8, 2013, located on McKendry Avenue West, and the grand opening included dignitaries and residents of the group home, amongst others.

“It’s been a really special and exciting day for us to finally be able to officially open the home,” said Ed Bourassa, the chair of Plus Industries board of directors and chair of the residential building committee. “We know the eight residents who will be living in the main floor of this home will be supported in their goals to live independently and contribute to this community.”

The home includes four high level care spaces and four medium level care spaces on the upper floor with each side having its own living spaces. As well, there will be four independent living spaces on the bottom floor of the residence.

“It certainly has been a team effort all the way through. We’ve had such great support from our staff at Plus Industries, the board of directors, all the people associated with the project. Everybody has just done an amazing job,” said Bourassa. “The support from the Melfort community has just been awesome. They’ve contributed, they’ve supported and we really believe that Melfort is a community that believes in caring for people and being an inclusive community.”

June Draude, the Minister of Social Services, was on hand at the official opening of the residence. “I think this is absolutely fabulous not just for Melfort but for the province,” Draude said. “This is an inclusive community and it takes the whole community to make this work.” The provincial government provided $400,000 in one-time capital funding for the group home project. As well, the provincial government is providing an additional $481,000 in annual operating funding and more than $40,000 on an annual basis to assist with mortgage payments.

A Summit Action Fund grant of $137,900 was also provided by the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation to help develop the four self contained basement apartments within the group home. “We are grateful to partners like Plus Industries that are helping people with intellectual disabilities play an active role in their communities,” said Draude. It was announced at the official opening that the residence will be called Greentree Home. The company Greentree Engineering supported the project and provided professional services at no cost throughout. “Right from the outset, it was obvious that it was a very worthwhile project and Plus Industries was a very worthwhile organization,” said John Jonasson with Greentree Engineering.

Wynyard CARRES Celebrates Five Year Anniversary On March 8, 2013, Wynyard CARRES Group Home celebrated our fifth year in operation with a dinner and dance. There were 125 people in attendance for the evening event including management, volunteers and supporters from throughout the community.

The program began after a wonderful catered meal. Kevin Hoseasson, one of our group home residents, was the emcee, with the help of Executive Director, Melinda Hall. The program started with the national anthem played on the piano by Tarin Tomblin, a resident of the group home, who is deaf. Ted Czarnecki, the Mayor of Wynyard, graced the stage with a welcome and congratulations on behalf of Wynyard. Following Mayor Czarnecki was Lou Coderre, the Chair of the Board of Directors for Wynyard CARRES, who gave us a history of how CARRES came into existence 17 years ago with a group of parents looking for summer respite. It blossomed into a day program eight years ago and then five years ago we opened our first group home.

The evening ended with the residents of CARRES and the Executive Director giving out five-year service awards to the four staff who have worked with CARRES since the group home opened; Donna Moroz, Lynette Latoski, Maria Celles, and AnneMarie Hansen. They were given engraved clocks in appreciation of their dedication to CARRES over the years. At next year’s AGM we will celebrate three more five-year service awards. This long term staff team has allowed CARRES to provide the residents with great stability and excellent care throughout the years. The evening ended with a very lively dance which was put on by two Wynyard-area bands who volunteered their time, the Shades of Bleu and the Tufnell Circle Jammers.

CARRES thanks all the residents, staff, board of directors, volunteers, and dedicated supporters who came from far and near to celebrate our evening. Here’s to another five years!

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SARC UPDATE SPRING 2013

Biggar and Wilkie Agencies Amalgamate On March 1, 2013, the Board of Directors for both Biggar Community Connections Inc. and Wilkie Independent Living Services Inc. held a joint Board meeting to sign the official amalgamation agreement papers and to officially elect the new Executive for the Board of Directors for the amalgamated agency named Prairie Branches Enterprises Inc. The amalgamation will take effect on April 1, 2013.

Both organizations’ primary purpose is to support individuals with intellectual disabilities through the provision of residential, day programs and supportive independent living services.

The new agency will consist of seven 24-hour homes and three day programs in the communities of Wilkie, Biggar, and Unity, as well as two supportive independent living programs within those communities and surrounding areas.

Prairie Branches will support 49 individuals with varying levels of disabilities.

The combined agencies’ mission statement is “Every person is entitled to a safe, inclusive environment; therefore we provide individualized services and opportunities to people with special needs through community awareness and partnership.”

The two agencies began discussing the concept of amalgamation over a year ago and quickly realized the intensive work and analysis that would be necessary to ensure a successful outcome for all involved.

With funding support from the Ministry of Social Services, the agencies worked with SARC, which contracted an external consultant to lead the process, and SARC staff also were involved in supporting the areas of L to R, front row: Jacklin Andrews, Maureen Gutting, Larry Kirk, Gordon Laycock (Treasurer). policy development, human resources, and Back row: Janice Sander (Executive Director), Karen Itterman, Rosemary Fenrich (Secretary), labour relations.

Cheryl Irvine (Vice Chair), Gordon Martin (Chair), Shari Stadnyk, Lynn Jones (Associate Director).

The new Board Executive consists of Gordon Martin, Chair; Cheryl Irvine, Vice-Chair; Gordon Laycock, Treasurer; and Rosemary Fenrich, Secretary. The remaining members consist of Shari Stadnyk, Larry Kirk, Maureen Gutting, Karen Itterman, Jacklin Andrews, and Arlene Southgate.

The main office of Prairie Branches will be located in Wilkie at 104 7th Ave West with a second office in Biggar located at 104 6th Ave East.

Join SARC on Social Media!

Get up-to-date information about the disability services sector in Saskatchewan, and connect with people across the province. facebook.com/SARCSaskatchewan

Twitter.com/SARC_SK

youtube.com/SARCSaskatchewan

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Edwards School of Business Partners with SARC U of S Students Study SARC As ‘Live’ Case Study This fall, SARC partnered with the University of Saskatchewan’s Edwards School of Business to be a live case study for fourth year Human Resources students in the COMM 489 Strategic Human Resource Management (HRM) course.

The students studied SARC throughout the term for their final strategic HRM project, where they were challenged with the development of a comprehensive HRM strategy and implementation plan for SARC in support of its services to Member Agencies in this area.

Two presentations provided students with background information and education about SARC. The first discussed organizational context, structure, and background of SARC, while the second covered sector HR practices, current supports, and challenges faced in the sector.

Tours of three Saskatoon Member Agencies’ residential programs also provided the context for the case and gave examples of specific HR issues, which were very impacting for the students learning about this sector and the services SARC Members provide. A third bonus presentation

was given on diversity and discussed the supported employment process for individuals with disabilities. As future HR Professionals and Managers, this was a great opportunity for the students to learn about differing abilities in the workplace and supported employment initiatives offered through SARC Member Agencies.

SARC received recommendations from the students at the end of the term, compiled by the course professor, Dionne Pohler. “This project has been so valuable for students to be able to apply HR knowledge in a real world non-profit organization, especially one right here in Saskatchewan,” said Pohler, adding, “It has been a very exciting and rewarding project thus far, and we are looking forward to the mutual benefits the project will bring.”

This project is designed to serve as a springboard to new ideas for SARC in supporting its Members with its HR needs. SARC and the students would also like to thank the Member Agencies who participated in the tours; LutherCare Communities, Canadian Deafblind Assocation Saskatchewan Chapter and Light of the Prairies Society.

For more information on the Edwards School of Business, visit: edwards.usask.ca.

SETI Funding Year Wraps Up The 2012-13 fiscal year saw eight projects from seven different CBOs being funding through the Supported Employment Transition Initiative (SETI). These projects have seen numerous success stories as they worked toward their objectives.

The projects for the 2012-2013 fiscal year were: • Biggar Community Connections • Langenburg and District Activity Centre • Saskatchewan Abilities Council, Regina Branch • Saskatchewan Abilities Council, Yorkton Branch • Saskatchewan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services • Fort Qu’Appelle Outreach Center • Multiworks Corporation

The SETI outcomes for the 2012-13 projects were that individuals with disabilities will prepare for, find, and maintain employment and that supported employment tools, products, and practices are developed and implemented to contribute to employment success of individuals with disabilities. In addition to this, skills and competencies of supported employment practitioners are developed.

To date, the eight projects have seen over 160 individuals being supported in their employment journey, with 86 positions attained, and 26 individuals reducing reliance on social assistance.

The SETI Steering Committee has recently made decisions regarding the upcoming fiscal year and look forward to watching the next group of projects work towards supporting individuals with disabilities to reach their goals in employment.

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SARC UPDATE SPRING 2013

Capacity to Meet Emerging Needs: A Summary of the 440 Waitlist Initiative In October 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan announced what will forever be a historic milestone for the disability services sector: the Ministry of Social Services’ Waitlist Initiative to eliminate the waitlists for residential housing, day, and specialized programs for people with intellectual disabilities.

As the initiative formally came to a close on March 31, 2013, SARC has been taking a look back to reflect on the success stories and its supporting role through its New Initiatives Team. Made possible through Ministry investment, this team was put in place to provide support to agencies expanding their services to bring people off the waitlist. “Plan it. Build it. Staff it.”

The Ministry and SARC recognized that it wasn’t going to be easy and developed a mechanism to support agencies through every phase of expansion: community and organizational development (including strategic planning), assistance with policy development and implementation, facility planning (including inspecting and advising on plans and building codes), and human resources (including identifying recruitment and retention needs/strategies for expanded services).

Through the Waitlist Initiative and with assistance from SARC’s New Initiatives Team, the sector has seen new communitybased organizations established, expansion into northern Saskatchewan, SARC Members getting into new areas of service delivery and/or expanding into nearby communities where there was a need for service, day program expansions, and residential service expansions in a variety of forms (group homes, apartment buildings, supported independent living).

Some specifics are as follows: • 75 new groups homes (space for 244 new individuals) developed • 17 new and/or expanded day program initiatives developed • New day programs for 290 individuals • 844 additional supported independent living hours to help support individual independence All of these expansions were undertaken to provide individuals with options that would meet their needs in their community of choice, and SARC is very proud to have been a part of that. As of March 20, 2013, the Ministry reports that 430 or 97% of the individuals on the waitlist have been served or have services under development. The Ministry is working with CBOs toward the development of supports for the final 10 individuals, which will be advanced with the 2013-2014 budget.

SARC is also pleased to report that the Ministry has extended funding for two of the New Initiatives Team positions (Human Resources and Facility Planning) for another year (2013-2014).

The Waitlist Initiative was a wonderful example of the partnership between the Ministry of Social Services and SARC. It is evidence of what can be achieved when the Government of Saskatchewan, SARC Member Agencies, and SARC collaborate to work toward a common goal. It is our common goal that people with intellectual disabilities receive the highest quality of service and that we never see a “waitlist” again – that, in partnership and with proper funding supports in place, there will be capacity in our communities to address the needs of individuals as they emerge. SARC Members want to be part of the solution as demand for services emerge and evolve, and we look forward to future opportunities to support people with intellectual disabilities.

SARC Services for Boards of Directors

Is your organization’s Board in need of a facilitated session for Strategic Planning and/or Board Roles and Responsibilities?

Please contact Lisa Malowany (lmalowany@sarcan.sk.ca or 306-933-0616, ext.

228) to talk about what these sessions have to offer, associated fees, and a timeframes for your organization.

SARC UPDATE SPRING 2013

Reflections on 45

SARC is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year! As an association, the SARC Membership has welcomed many changes as services for people with intellectual disabilities have evolved over the decades. As an organization itself, SARC has also evolved to better support service providers in our province and has a variety of products, resources, and services available for them to access, including a pension plan, benefits plan, an insurance plan, human resources/labour relations supports, and training opportunities for staff, management, and Boards. We look forward to the continuing evolution in the years to come!

Do you have something you would like to share regarding all of the positive changes in the sector and their impacts for people with disabilities over the last 45 years? If so, submit them to Sydney Smith at ssmith@sarcan.sk.ca. Over this next year, we will be posting a variety of things on our website blog and social media accounts to promote our anniversary and share our collective reflections. There have been many achievements and advancements, and they are worth celebrating!

Coming Soon!

New and Improved Caring Careers Website

With the December 2012 funding announcement by the Government of Saskatchewan for improved wages for front-line employees at SARC Member Agencies, the timing seemed right for a re-design of the Caring Careers website (www.caringcareers.ca) in an effort to enhance promotion of the disability services sector’s employment opportunities supporting individuals with disabilities.

SARC is currently working on improving the site’s functionality, both for SARC Members posting their job opportunities and for job seekers accessing job postings and resource information.

We hope to have the new and improved site up and running later this spring. We look forward to the opportunity to promote this site (and, ultimately, employment opportunities in the sector) through crosspromotion with SARC’s website, blog, and social media accounts, and we encourage everyone to get involved – word of mouth and sharing/re-posting on Facebook and Twitter will go a long way in spreading the message of all of the great reasons why someone should consider a career in supporting people with disabilities.

The Realistic Job Preview video is available in full on SARC’s Youtube Channel, youtube.com/sarcsaskatchewan.

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Basic Skills Training Understanding of the values, attitudes, and skills that are necessary to promote choices, independence, and quality life experiences for the individuals supported everyday by Direct Support Professionals at SARC Member Agencies.

The Basic Skills Training (BST) program continues to be a success in Saskatchewan thanks to the SARC Member Agencies and BST Agency Tutors in continuing to recognize the value of this program!

There are a number of upcoming changes with the BST program, including: • A comprehensive review of the BST Curriculum – to be completed November 2013. Each active Tutor in the province will receive an updated BST Tutor manual at that time.

• Further enhancements to the BST Tutors Only section of the website – additional resources and an online ‘Discussion Forum’ for BST Tutors. This will be a great way for Tutors to stay connected province-wide, ask questions, share ideas, etc.

• Effective April 1, 2013, a new BST fee structure will be implemented - $300 to register a learner in the program, and $350 to register tutors. These fees will continue to cover the complete manual and all appendices, courier charges, and ongoing Tutor support through the SARC office.

If your agency is currently not participating in the Basic Skills Training program and you would like more information, please contact Corinne Sonntag or Mindy Bonderoff at (306) 933-0616, or bstadmin@sarcan.sk.ca. We encourage you to get involved in this great training program to increase the skill set of your front-line staff.

SARC Spring Conference 2013 Tomorrow: Supporting Opportunity for People with Disabilities SARC is pleased to invite you to attend the 2013 Spring Conference - Tomorrow: Supporting Opportunity for People with Disabilities, on May 8 & 9, 2013, at the Travelodge Hotel in Saskatoon.

There will be informational concurrent sessions for Direct Support Professionals, Program Coordinators, and Supported Employment Practitioners. Session topics include: sexuality and relationships, behavioural supports, and connecting with businesses and networking to enhance employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

The keynote sessions will connect you with the importance of your role supporting people with disabilities and talk about ways to maintain motivation. This line of work can be challenging, and this conference will challenge you to approach your work from new and different perspectives.

There is something for everyone, so we hope to see you there!

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

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 the minimum requirements of Saskatchewan’s occupational health and safety legislation related to safe patient handling and musculoskeletal injuries.

Finding Value in My Day - April 15 in Saskatoon NOTE: Location Change - This workshop is now taking place at The Heritage Inn (102 Cardinal Crescent.) instead of at the SARC Office.

To register, please visit www.sarcsarcan.ca/events This practical workshop will show attendees about the power of creating valued roles for people with disabilities. The outcomes of this workship will provide a better understanding of how to improve the quality of someone’s day, based on building genuine relationships and roles, rather than only supporting activities.

This workshop will also examine ways in which people with disabilities can increase their involvement within their own homes and the surrounding community. The workshop will provide some first steps in how to support people with disabilities to lead inclusive and value filled lives.

The next TLR training dates are: April 30 and May 2, 2013 in Regina (SASWH Office, The learning objectives are: 952 Albert Street). There is a one-day TLR Recertification on April 3, 2013 in Saskatoon 1. To identify a minimum of three important (Porteous Lodge, 833 Avenue P North) and responsibilities of a supervisor.

Regina on April 23, 2013(SASWH Office).

2. To define four styles of supervisory PART© leadership by skill and motivation.

PART© is designed to help agency staff identify, and appropriately respond to, potentially assaultive situations. PART© principles support the emphasis of selfcontrol, assessment skills, and verbal crisis intervention.

3. To explain how positive practice and safety minimizes the organizational grapevine.

4. To identify a minimum of five factors impacting staff retention and morale.

The next PART Training dates are April 9-12, 5. To list the steps of providing constructive 2013 in Regina (SASWH Office) and April 16- critical feedback.

19, 2013 in Saskatoon (SARC Administration Office). There is also a one-day PART 6. To name the four stages of team.

Recertification on April 4, 2013 in Saskatoon (City Hospital) and April 24, 2013 in Regina SARC Fall Conference 2013 (SASWH Office).

This conference will take place on October Great Supervision Level 1 16 and 17, in Saskatoon at the Travelodge Hotel (106 Circle Drive West).

Great Supervision Level 1 is a popular training opportunity for a variety of We have professional development supervisory positions at SARC Member opportunities for Managers and Board Agencies. Level 1 will be offered on June 18- Members in the sector. The line-up of 19 in Regina, and June 20-21 in Saskatoon. speakers will be announced in the summer,

so stay tuned to email and check out our website events calender for up to date information, as it happens.

Additionally, the 2013 Celebrate Success SARC Awards Banquet will be held on the evening of October 16.

This year, SARC will be celebrating its 45th Anniversary as well.

Nominate someone at your agency for the SARC Celebrate Success Awards: • Al McGuire Awards (awarded to people with disabilities who have achieved a milestone in the areas of life skills enhancements, move to independent living, transition to employment, and community involvement).

• Volunteer of Distinction (awarded to someone who volunteers at a SARC Member Agency).

• Employer of Excellence (small, medium, and large categories – awarded to businesses who have championed Supported Employment practices in Saskatchewan).

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Update from Payroll and Benefits

Farewell, Donna McCarthy!

Welcome, Adrienne Starks!

I would like to take this opportunity to let you know that after 15 years of employment with SARC, I will be retiring as of May 31, 2013.

It is an honour and privilege for me to join SARC as the Manager of Payroll & Benefits. I am looking forward to working with John Friesen and training with Donna until the end May. I have some big shoes to fill, and I am up for the challenge. I have heard great things about SARC and it is exciting for me and my family to be a part of this team.

My husband and I are looking forward to the next chapter in our lives, which will be spent living in the Okanagan and playing golf, our favourite pastime.

While I look forward to enjoying my retirement, I will miss working with my many friends and colleagues at SARC, as it has been a very rewarding career. Thank you for the support and assistance that I have received during my employment with SARC. My replacement, Adrienne Starks, has joined the SARC Team and will be job shadowing over the next few months. Please join me in welcoming her if you have the opportunity to speak with her.

Thanks, Donna McCarthy

I’d like to tell you a little about myself and my background. I have two daughters and I have lived in Saskatoon for most of my life. Besides work, I enjoy playing roller derby, motorcycle riding, travelling and spending time with my family at the lake.

I have 20 years of experience in Payroll and Human Resources.

As a payroll professional I have worked in the construction and trucking industries and most recently as Payroll Implementation Specialist for a payroll service provider.

I enjoy the satisfaction that this area of work brings, and I like making people happy at the end of the month!

Please introduce yourself to me over the coming weeks. I look forward to getting to know each of you.

Mark your Calendars!

The 2013 Pension and Benefits Review will take place on: September 24, 2013 in Regina September 26, 2013 in Saskatoon Registrations will be sent out in mid-August.

This review is a great opportunity to come meet Adrienne !

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SARC Member Insurance Plan History From Butler Byers The SARC Insurance Program was initiated 18 years ago by the SARC Office as an overall insurance review. The review determined that many SARC Members were either over-insured or under-insured, and, in most cases, coverage was inadequate.

An Insurance Committee was formed consisting of representation from various SARC Member Agencies. Through Membership input over an 18 month period, a program tailored to the diversified needs of the Membership was developed. Initially, the deficiencies in coverages were the main concern; lacking coverage in the areas of abuse, dispensing of medication, usage of company-owned vehicles, and many more.

The program has been in place for over 18 years and will continue to evolve with the input and participation of the Membership. The program was initiated, designed and implemented by the Members, for the Members.

The unusual aspect of the program is that it is very diverse with respect to the operations of the various SARC Members. The program provides coverage for, but is not limited to: Workshops, Activity Centres, Group Homes, Independent Living and Service Operations as well as SARCAN Depots.

SARC Member Agencies have the following industry leading Insurance benefits: 1) Improved Coverages through specific policy wordings and extensions that are included in the program.

2) More accurate property limits as a result of annual reviews.

3) A liability program designed to specifically meet the needs of SARC’s Membership.

4) Increased property and liability limits through specific policy wordings and extensions.

5) One of the broadest Directors and Officers Liability Coverage Programs in Canada.

6) Abuse liability coverage including: alleged molestation, harassment, corporal punishment, and forms of physical, sexual or mental abuse.

7) Detailed coverage and premium comparison.

8) Reductions in annual insurance premium costs.

9) Stabilized rating since inception of the program, which means little fluctuation in rates.

The program has once again evolved with the following coverage improvements: 1) A rate decrease for all participating SARC Members.

2) Increased limits and coverage under the program coverage extensions.

3) New coverage: A Liability extension referred to as the “Resident Healthcare Facility Extension.� This coverage expands on the existing coverage provided for dispensing medication. It broadens the scope of coverage

applicable to the providing or dispensing of medications to include food and beverages, medical supplies and usage of medical appliances. This coverage extends to include employees, qualified volunteers, and students in training.

4) Abuse Option: An increase from $1,000,000 to a $2,000,000 limit is now available.

For further information regarding the SARC Member Insurance Program, please contact the Butler Byers Insurance Team.

Phone: (306) 653-2233 or toll free 1-877-467-7272 Email: Hernard Chan (hchan@butlerbyers.com), Lynn Cross (lcross@ butlerbyers.com) or Doug Cummine (dcummine@butlerbyers.com).

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SARCAN Annual Customer Service Award Winners Announced Depot Supervisors Presented With Plaques at Annual Supervisor Training Workshop SARCAN Recycling strives to provide top notch customer service in a clean and friendly environment. Each year, secret shoppers determine the best depots for the Awards.

“Our employees take pride in their depots, and it shows”, said Sean Collins, SARCAN’s Assistant Director of Operations. “The Customer Service Awards are an excellent way to increase employee engagement and pride in customer service.

Our employees work hard and they deserve recognition,” added Collins.

Award recipients vary annually from SARCAN’s network of 71 locations province-wide, from small to extra-large sized. The depot size categories are based on the amount of containers recycled.

Kevin Acton, SARCAN Director of Operations with the Customer Service Award Winners in the Southern Region (L to R): Jared Robertson, Yorkton Depot Supervisor; Lisa Reihl, Indian Head

This year’s winners are:

Depot Supervisor; Wanita Keil, Regina Victoria East Depot Supervisor.

Customer Service: Small Depot – Watson Medium Depot – Indian Head Large Depot – La Ronge Extra-Large Depot – Yorkton Accuracy: Small Depot – Cudworth Medium Depot – Gravelbourg Large Depot – Martensville Extra-Large Depot – Saskatoon South Cleanliness: Small Depot – Coronach Medium Depot – Hudson Bay Large Depot – Nipawin Extra-Large Depot – Regina Victoria East All Customer Service Award winners were presented with a plaque to proudly display in their depots. SARCAN employs over 600 people of all abilities who earn competitive wages, full benefits, and a pension plan.

Customer Service Award Winners in the Northern Region (L to R): Tammy Kardynal, Saskatoon South Depot Supervisor; Cecil Lafaver, La Ronge Depot Supervisor; Joyce Roberts, Nipawin Depot Supervisor; Rosalie Connors, Gravelbourg Depot Supervisor; Glenda McGlaughlin, Cudworth Depot Supervisor; Wanda McMillan, Coronach Depot Supervisor, Twyla Litton, Hudson Bay Depot Supervisor; Errol Hildebrand, Martensville Depot Supervisor.

Congratulations to all award winners!

Join SARCAN on Social Media!

facebook.com/SARCSaskatchewan

Twitter.com/SARC_SK

youtube.com/SARCSaskatchewan

SARC UPDATE SPRING 2013

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Record Amount Raised for Telemiracle 37 SARCAN employees across the province raised a grand total of $51,411.69 for Telemiracle 37, which took place on March 2-3, 2013, in Saskatoon at TCU Place. In its 37-year span, Telemiracle has now officially raised over $100 million dollars. In true Saskatchewan fundraising style, the generosity of SARCAN customers remained strong in February.

From L to R: Kevin Acton, SARCAN Director of Operations; Leah Duval, SARC Accounts Payable, Donny Parenteau, Telemiracle

SARCAN’s Director of Operations, Kevin Acton, presented the cheque live on the afternoon of Sunday, March 3, while SARC employees Bob Shirley, Leah Duval and Lisa Malowany answered phones.

Performer; Lisa Malowany, SARC Manager of New Initiatives and Special Projects; Bob Shirley, SARC Administrative Support.

SARCAN Staffer Mike Siwy Wins Gold Medal at 2013 Special Olympics Mike Siwy, a long-term staff member at Saskatoon’s Processing Plant, recently travelled to Korea to take part in the 2013 Special Olympics, where his team won the Gold Medal for Floor Hockey.

Mike Siwy stopped by the SARCAN Head Office when he returned home to show everyone his gold medal .

Mike has been playing Floor Hockey with Special Olympics for several years, and was thrilled at the opportunity to represent Canada for the entire world to see.

The Men’s Floor Hockey Team received praise throughout the province, with media attention from newspapers, radio, and an appearance on CTV Saskatoon’s Morning Live Show. Premier Brad Wall even congratulated Mike on SARCAN’s Twitter Feed!

When Mike returned to work, the staff at Saskatoon Processing greeted him with a “Team Canada” themed party with custom-designed cake and decorations. Mike was elated to celebrate with family, friends and coworkers.

The Honourable Ken Cheveldayoff, Minister of Environment, congratulates Mike at a recent visit to Saskatoon’s Processing Plant.

For more information about Special Olympics, Team Canada, and Mike Siwy, please visit his profile on the Special Olympics website: http://teamcanada2013.

Thank-you Fall Conference Sponsors!

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, SARC’s Fall Conference and Awards Banquet, which took place on October 16-17, 2012, was a great success!

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Event Sponsors

Deliver this Edition to: Return undeliverable to: SARC 111 Cardinal Crescent Saskatoon, SK S7H 6L5 Phone: (306) 933-0616 Email: contact@sarcan.sk.ca