SARC Update Spring 2014

Training

Consulting

Services

SARC Update Leadership Spring 2014

Person Centred Planning takes centre stage at Spring Conference 2014

Caring Careers attends career fairs to attract professionals to the sector

New discounts on food safe certification available through SARC

The National Supported Employment Conference is coming to Regina

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SARC U P D AT E Spring 2014

#thankyouskgov

Read about the Government of Saskatchewan’s 2014-2015 budget, and how it will assist the long term goals of the disability services sector. p. 3

We Got That Rider Pride Melville’s Rail City Industries gets some special visitors p. 10

Grease Comes Alive

Cosmo Learning Centre stages the classic play p. 4

Take a Look Inside

Columbian Industries invites a local school to come visit p. 8

SARC Update

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Contents

3 Provincial Budget Summary SARC and its Members have worked very closely with government to actualize our goals in the disability sector

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News from SARC Members Read about the latest from Cosmo Learning Centre, Columbian Industries, Rail-City Industries and BTEC.

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A busy Spring at SARC Spring Conference, the inaugural Safety Symposium, Foodsafe Training Discounts, and more!

19 SARCAN in the Community

Customer Service Training, Telemiracle 2014 and the little Christmas Decorating Contest that Could.

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Welcome to the new

SARC Update The newly designed SARC Update is a revitalized version of our previous magazine, with the same great content and a new visually appealing layout. The focus remains the same: sharing the great work that our Members do.

We encourage you to provide feedback on the new look, and continue to send in content for the magazine. Every community has great stories to share, so feel free to drop us a line and let us know what’s new. From major milestones like the celebration of an anniversary to every day community outings, we encourage you to let us know about them!

For timely, daily communications about the disability services sector, please ‘like’ our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter.

Payroll and Benefits Update

Facebook.com/sarcsaskatchewan

SARC/SARCAN’s EAP and Benefits Programs programs are more accessible than ever with smart phone apps.

Twitter @sarc_sk

I hope you enjoy the Spring 2014 SARC Update!

Sydney Smith, Editor ssmith@sarcan.sk.ca (306) 933-0616 ext. 236

SARC Update

#thankyouskgov

Spring 2014

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Amy McNeil Executive Director The Saskatchewan Government has invested in people of all abilities to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives, and has increased funding to ensure that people who work in the disability services sector and paid appropriately for the hard work they do.

Since the 2007 announcement of the Waitlist Initiative, the government has dedicated an outstanding amount of funds to the disability sector with the goal of making Saskatchewan the very best place for people with disabilities to live. Specifically, the focus has been on ensuring people with disabilities are getting the supports they need to live community-inclusive lives.

There are many moving parts that need to work together to realize these goals. Everything from making sure people with disabilities have qualified, trained professionals to support them, independent living program enhancements, reduced wait times for services, as well as increased access to transportation and day programs.

SARC and its Members have worked tirelessly to ensure that the work we do, as a sector, is sustainable into the future. There are many facets of this, but it all boils down to having the right supports in place for people with disabilities to achieve their goals.

When we reflect on the last seven years, we have made extraordinary advances into actualizing these goals. SARC and the Government realize there is much more work to be done, but we are well on our way!

Let the government know you appreciate their efforts - use the hashtag #thankyouskgov to interact on Facebook and Twitter.

Here is the News Release that SARC issued on March 19, 2014: GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT TO DISABILITY SERVICES SECTOR UNPRECEDENTED

Yesterday, the 2014-2015 Provincial Budget Address included important funding increases dedicated to making Saskatchewan the best place for people with disabilities to live.

These investments are part of a positive, multi-year approach.

Since 2008, the government has significantly increased funding targeted towards improving the lives of people with disabilities.

This began with a commitment from Government that people with disabilities would no longer have extensive waits for residential and community-based day programs.

Investments have also included improvements to transportation accessibility and the establishment of the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) program.

Additionally, government recently established a task team that will lead the development of a comprehensive, cross-ministerial Disability Strategy.

In 2012, the Minister of Social Services also announced the closure of the Valley View Centre in Moose Jaw. Planning for people living at Valley View is continuing, an important step in transitioning the residents into communities of their choice.

All of these supports, that have been geared towards the individual, have greatly assisted individuals to seek employment, live on their own, maintain their own finances, and lead

more community inclusive lives.

Government has made significant investment to ensure that people with disabilities are supported by qualified and caring professionals.

The Government continues to work closely with SARC and its Members to ensure that CBOs remain robust, effective, efficient and most importantly – provide the highest level of services to the people they support.

As Saskatchewan thrives, Community Based Organizations that provide essential services continue to struggle with recruiting and retaining qualified professionals. In December 2012, a major funding increase was announced for Direct Support Professionals in the sector, and, in yesterday’s budget announcement, a second funding increase was announced aimed at dealing with compression issues at leadership levels.

“Strong leadership is integral in ensuring that CBOs are operating successfully,” said Amy McNeil, Executive Director of SARC, adding, “In absence of strong leadership and a professional, well-trained workforce, people with disabilities are the ones that suffer the consequences.”

SARC continues its work with the Ministry of Social Services on the implementation of a comprehensive, multi-year, workforce strategy. SARC represents over 80 Members across the province that provide residential, employment and day programs supports to over 5,000 individuals with disabilities in Saskatchewan.

SARC Update

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Cosmo Learning Centre’s Got Talent From Carnivals to Drama Clubs, the nonstop action at Cosmo Learning Centre fosters a remarkable environment for participants to choose their favourite activities and flourish at them, creating a truly inclusive environment.

The Cosmopolitan Learning Centre participants have been very busy this past year working on some different objectives,which has created an opportunity to make a few dreams come true, to say the least.

Grease is the Word There are many talented participants at Cosmo. This year, the Centre’s Drama Club put on a fantastic performance of the musical Grease. Participants performed the play dressed in poodle skirts, pony tails and black leather jackets. The audience enjoyed listening to an array of songs from the movie. It seems that dreams do come true when one of the participants shared, “I am so happy to be in the Drama Club, I always wanted to do this in high school but couldn’t.” Another participant shared, “I love doing this.”

Greased Lightning!

At Christmastime this year, a few of the program groups got together and planned a very special “Cosmo’s Got Talent Show” Christmas show. It was a smash hit!

The performances were plentiful, and included a Red Neck Christmas performed by the Centre’s Men’s Club, which was hilarious. The ladies’ Sparkle Group preformed Winter Wonderland and the Centre’s Peer Group sang Run Run Rudolf and Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. The Drama Club and Friendship Club topped it all off by dancing and singing as the Little People Performers.

What a great way to start the holiday season.

SARC Update Spring 2014

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Summer Lovin’ This past summer, the participants took part in a carnival. It was a great day. Everyone worked hard to plan this event and was it was obvious when we saw how much people were enjoying it!

Face painting, games, and eating cotton candy was all part of the fun! It was a great way to kick start the summer!

Hopelessly Devoted to Blue (and white) Every year, the SARCAN team celebrates the holiday season with a team luncheon to recognize the staff for their years of service.

Thank you to the SARCAN staff! All of you work very hard to ensure a successful depot. Well done everybody!

SARC Update

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The Battlefords Trade and Education Centre (BTEC) has been a staple in North Battleford since 1967. This SARC Member Agency runs several divisions, including Community Projects, the Vida McDonald Centre, the Activity Centre, and the North Battleford location of SARCAN Recycling.

BTEC Prepares for New Building The Battlefords Trade and Education Centre is actively fund raising as they prepare for a long awaited new building to host day programs in North Battleford

The Activity centre has been in the same location, at the former Colonel Otter Armoury since 1970. It’s definitely part of North Battleford history, but the BTEC organization has outgrown it. The large, iconic, white building is over 100 years old, and it definitely has its own personality.

There are all kinds of areas within the building, from a loft to do craft projects, the art room, and even a bookstore! There is no shortage of activities at the activity centre!

The Vida McDonald Centre is across the street from the Activity Centre and also has day program activities for those who require specialized services and supports.

The Community Projects Division participants work in the community doing yard work, shovelling snow, mowing lawns, confidential paper shredding and skill development.

The vi si of the on n day pr ew ogram buildin g at BTEC

SARC Update

Art washes away from the soul the dust of every day life

Spring 2014

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-Pablo Picasso

Where Creativity is Encouraged...

The art program at BTEC is well known in North Battleford and beyond. Participants are able to explore their creative, artistic sides by learning to paint and do other art projects with an instructor from the community.

Greeting cards with prints of some of the more popular paintings are available for sale at BTEC. Acting BTEC Executive Director, Mona Leece, says that lots of businesses in the Battlefords area purchase BTEC’s greeting cards.

In order to build a new Activity Centre building for BTEC, lots of fund raising has been occurring in the North Battleford area. There have been silent auctions for the artwork that has been made by BTEC participants, and it always sells at a premium. The most recent fundraiser, a Mardi Gras themed gala, raised a record-breaking $48,000 dollars for the new building.

If you’ve ever attended a SARC “Celebrate Success” Awards banquet, chances are you have seen some of the artwork created by participants at BTEC. When SARC hosts an artwork

submission contest, the entries from BTEC are always quite popular, and have been given as awards to the Volunteer of Distinction and Employer of Excellence Award categories.

There is also a bookstore that is housed within the BTEC Activity Centre that is entirely run by participants. Daily duties at the bookstore include customer service, stocking shelves, taking inventory and handling cash. This is a great opportunity for participants to gain important life skills and work experience.

BTEC’s doors are always open. If you find yourself in the Battlefords area, come and say hello, and ask for a tour.

You will not be disappointed!

SARC Update

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Meet the Friendly Folks at Columbian Industries On February 11, 2014, Columbian Industries in Cudworth hosted some young visitors from the town of Bruno.

The Grade seven class at Bruno School, taught by Mrs. Corrinne Arnold, came for a tour of our Agency. The group consisted of 12 enthusiastic students.

When the class arrived, Tracy Huculiak, Columbian Industries’ Program Coordinator, gave the children an in-depth look at the Agency itself, the vocational program, the residential program, and the SARCAN Recycling depot. The SARCAN Recycling depot is located in the Columbian Industries building, with a seperate entrance.

The tour included important information about Columbian Industries, including historical tidbits, such as when we opened our Agency, and where some of our participants came from.

We also went over what the job duties of the staff are, what our participants do, and what programs we offer to our community.

The students were shown around all the different areas to see what kind of activities everyone was up to. They also had the chance to meet some of the participants, and to see first hand what type of things keep them busy in a day.

We talked also about the integration of younger children with developmental disabilities into school systems and how it benefits everyone involved to be more accepting and provide everyone with equal opportunity to thrive and grow in our communities.

The children had some questions on recycling and got some information on the different types of jobs or courses they could take to be involved in programs like ours.

It was a great tour and we welcome them back anytime! If you are in the Cudworth area, make sure to stop in and say hi to us!

SARC Update Spring 2014

The students learned the importance of acceptance and equal opportunity for people with developmental disabilities.

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SARC Update

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SARC Update Spring 2014

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Celebrating in Style Saskatchewan Rough Riders Deliver Grey Cup to Rail City Industries!

On January 29, 2014, the Saskatchewan Rough Riders Grey Cup winning players, Taj Smith and Tyron Brackenridge, delivered the Grey Cup to Rail City Industries Inc., in Melville.

The clients and staff alike were excited to meet Taj and Tyron, but everyone was especially thrilled to be able to touch and have their picture taken with the Grey Cup. The Activity Room was decorated in Rider green and the clients wore their Rider Pride jerseys.

Green and white cookies and cupcakes were served for this special occasion.

The photo to the left really sums it up. It is hard to miss the excitement on everyone’s face to see both the players and the Grey Cup itself!

In the photo:

Winning Champs On November 24, 2014, the Saskatchewan Rough Riders won the 101st Grey Cup celebration at their Mosaic Stadium home in Regina. Hundreds of thousands of Rough Riders fans celebrated in Regina and beyond!

Front row: Marty Stephens, Nina Schindle, Eric Leniczek. Back row: Darcy Bender, Taj Smith, Tyron Brackenridge, Kim Duesterbeck. Foreground: Judy Bolton

SARC Update

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SARC Spring Conference 2014 Person Centred Thinking: Creating a Culture that Empowers People of All Abilities

SARC is pleased to invite you to attend our 2014 Spring Conference, PersonCentred Thinking: Creating a Culture that Empowers People of All Abilities, May 27 & 28, at the Regina Travelodge Hotel.

Presentations on teamwork and person-centred culture, managing stress, relationship between families, self-advocates and staff, using visuals to elevate engagement, and motivational topics.

There will be informational concurrent sessions for Direct Support Professionals and Program Coordinators.

The keynote sessions will connect conference attendees with the importance of person centred thinking.

The disability services sector can be challenging, and this conference will challenge you to approach your work from different perspectives.

We are very excited for this years’ speaker line-up and we think you will be too! Featuring presentations from Julie Malette of Helen Sanderson & Associates on Person Centred Thinking,

We hope to see you there!

Person Centred Planning Conference Sessions •

Person Centred Thinking Skills (opening plenary session)

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There is a Hidden Leader in all of Us

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Using Person Centred Thinking Skills with Older People

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Using Visuals to Elevate Engagement

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Teamwork and Person Centred Thinking

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Getting Your Heart in the Game

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Beat Your Stress and Stay your Best

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Fuelling Your Inner Flame (closing keynote address)

2014 Spring Conference Speakers and Sessions Something for Everyone!

The speakers at this year’s Spring Conference come from a diverse background, yet they all share one thing in common: the importance of the work that is done in the disability service sector. The speakers will provide tools, tips and ideas that can be brought back to day to day work.

Through attending this conference,

employees in the sector will be able to walk away with the information and ideas they need to help them continue to succeed at direct support.

The keynotes and the breakout sessions will be engaging and entertaining, and are designed to provide a boost of energy to those who dedicate their careers to the disability services sector.

This conference features more concurrent sessions than ever, with three to pick from each day of the conference.

Person centred thinking experts will share their knowledge in workshops, discussions, how to write person centred plans and more!

SARC Update Spring 2014

SARC Hosts First Annual

Safety Symposium SARC is pleased to be hosting the first annual Safety Symposium - a training event that is geared towards Community Based Organizations in Saskatchewan!

This symposium is not only for people employed in the disability services sector, but for all professionals working in the human service industry. This conference is for learners, both as individuals and from organizations, who are interested in attending sessions, both plenary and concurrent, to help increase knowledge on the important issue of working safe.

Potential themes for the Safety Symposium are: •

Culture (hiring practices, roles, attitudes, etc.)

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Hazard Identification & Control (transportation, proper identification and ergonomics)

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Carbon Monoxide Safety

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Pandemic and Emergency Planning

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Safety Process Improvement (policies, assessments, personal protective equipment, accommodations, safety committees, etc.)

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Legislation & Compliance (changes and identified problem areas)

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Personal Wellness (stress, mental disabilities, harassment, employee wellness, etc.)

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Common Injuries (stress/ overload, soft tissue, slips, trips, and falls)

A call for presenters will be sent out to potentially interested individuals and organizations in the next few weeks.

If you are interested in presenting or hosting a booth, please contact Mindy Bonderoff at the SARC Office, or mbonderoff@sarcan.sk.ca.

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SARC Update

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National Food Safe Training Program SARC is offering a reduced rate to Members for training in food preparation safety - an important part of serving individuals with disabilities in a healthy and safe way SARC is offering reduced rates for online enrollment keys through the National Food Safety Training Program. This is a nationally accredited program geared towards anyone who prepares food as part of their job.

By purchasing the enrollment keys through SARC, your organization can save 20% off the regular price. The enrollment keys are available for SARC Members on the SARC website. This key enables an employee to complete the Food Safety Training Program online.

Since food preparation is often part of daily duties for direct support professionals, this training is an excellent opportunity to ensure that staff are taking the proper precautions to prepare and serve food safely, and in a sanitary manner. From day programs to group homes, there are many occasions where food preparation and service is required for the job for breakfast, lunch, supper, snacks or even special occasions.

The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association developed the National Food Safety Training Program in

response to a growing demand for food safety training that meets the needs of the foodservice operator, in a variety of employment positions. The program is designed to train and certify employees to a national standard of food safety.

Based on the content of CRFA’s Food Safety Code of Practice, NFSTP is a comprehensive review of food safety issues and safe food handling practices, including: •

Food Safety Hazards (Parts I and II)

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Facilities and Equipment Design

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Control of Hazards Following the Flow of Food

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Sanitation and Pest Control

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Employee and Visitor Issues

For more information on the program, or how to get a proctor for your organization, please visit the Learning Central area on the SARC website.

SARC Update Spring 2014

TOP 10 TIPS

Food Safety 1 - Rub a Dub Always wash your hands before and after handling food.

2 - Hour Rule Refrigerate/freeze perishables, prepared food and leftovers within two hours.

3 - Thaw Law Always thaw food in the refrigerator; not at room temperature.

4 - Temperature’s Rising Cook food to the proper internal temperature and check with a thermometer if available.

5 - Cutting Edge Clean Wash cutting boards and knives after food preparation, especially after cutting raw meat, poultry or seafood. Sanitize cutting boards and counters afterwards.

6 - Raw Deal Don’t place food on the same cutting board that was previously used for cutting raw meat, poultry, or seafood without washing it thoroughly.

7 - The Eyes Have It Use visual signs when a meat thermometer is not available to use (steam rising, clear juices running from meat that aren’t bloody, etc.)

8 - Bottom Line Store raw meat, poultry and seafood on the bottom refrigerator shelf to prevent juices from dripping on other food.

9 - Mindful Marinating Marinate foods in the refrigerator, not on the counter top. Discard leftover marinades that have been used with raw meat, poultry, or seafood.

10 - Towel Turnover Replace and wash dish towels and sponges often to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.

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SARC Update

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Recruitment and retention continues to be an ongoing area of focus in the disability services sector, and SARC has been spreading the Caring Careers message throughout the province to help support Member Agencies in finding suitable candidates for available positions at their Agencies.

Quick Tips for Using Caring Careers: • Use the website as a way to pre-screen potential job seekers so they can learn more about the sector and watch the Realistic Job Preview video before applying.

• Link the URL of your job posting from Caring Careers onto your organization’s website, and on social media. Then job seekers can be lead straight to your job posting.

The Caring Careers website is continuing to see increased traffic and job applications. For job seekers, it is a onestop shop for information and job postings in the disability services sector. For SARC Member Agencies, the Caring Careers website is a benefit of Membership that offers free postings that can posted directly by the Agency.

Members can post jobs on Caring Careers by logging into the Members Only section of the SARC website. Posting on the Caring Careers website is a free benefit of Regular and Associate SARC Membership. If you require assistance or would like to find out more about this service, please contact the SARC office.

• Include www.caringcareers.ca in the resource links on your organization’s website, social media, or on printed recruitment and promotional materials.

• Post your latest job postings are on the Caring Careers website. This is especially valuable around career fairs and other promotional events.

SARC Update Spring 2014

Out in the Community...

In 2014, Caring Careers went to career fairs in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Regina, Moose Jaw, and Melfort.

Leanne Zacharias is behind the booth at Career Fairs.

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Career Fairs Across Saskatchewan Career Fairs continue to be successful across the province. In the first few months of 2014, Caring Careers has been at 10 career fairs in the communities of Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Regina, Moose Jaw, and Melfort. These have been hosted by a variety of organizations, including the University of Regina, SIAST, Saskatoon Open Door Society, and Conseil de la Cooperation de la Saskatchewan (CCS).

The exposure has been widespread, with job seekers such as students, new residents of Saskatchewan, new graduates, or experienced professionals. Attendance at the career fairs has ranged from from 50 to 500 people.

Employees from Citizens All in Moose Jaw

One SARC Member, Menno Homes of Saskatchewan, Inc., interviewed 15 people, and has hired five new staff positions. The interested applicants were from both career fairs and the Caring Careers website.

SARC Member involvement has been incredibly valuable, and we will continue to invite Member Agencies to participate at career fairs.

SARC will continue promoting the Caring Careers brand and recruitment on behalf of Member Agencies across the province. When it is possible, we would welcome Agencies to attend with us.

HR consulting, templates, sample documents and tools are available to assist Members.

Please contact Leanne Zacharias, HR Consultant, at lzacharias@sarcan.sk.ca or (306) 933-0616 ext. 221 for more information.

“It’s a very enlightening and productive way to draw people into this sector. There are those who come with a tremendous amount of education and experience, and some who have never worked in this field before, who become incredible team members.”

-Edna Hinz, Recruitment Trainer Coordinator, Menno Homes of Saskatchewan, Inc.

SARC Update

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PART® Train the Trainer SARC now has a certified instructor to teach the Personal Assault Response Training (PART®) Train-theTrainer program to SARC Member Agencies and any other interested non-profit organizations.

Lisa Malowany, SARC’s Manager of Program Support, has received a Certificate of Competency and has completed the Instructor Level process from the Saskatchewan Association of Safe Workplaces in Health (SASWH), which means she is now qualified to teach the PART® Train-theTrainer program.

PART® is designed to assist staff with a means of identification and appropriate response to potentially assaultive/aggressive situations.

PART® principles support the emphasis of self-control, assessment skills and verbal

crisis intervention.

Why PART®?

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.

• Increase staff morale by making employees feel safe and prepared in case of an aggressive behaviour situation

When staff understand the treatment outcomes expected for an individual who is can be assaultive/aggressive, they are better able to provide therapeutic interventions to meet the treatment objectives.

• Enhance client/worker safety

Once the PART® Train-theTrainer session is completed, the trainer then returns to the agency and teaches the PART® program to the organization’s staff.

• Minimize risks associated with response and management of aggressive behaviour by properly preparing employees

Upon successfully completing this course, participants will be provided with a Certificate of Completion. Trainers must be re-certified every two to three years in order to retain their trainer status.

• Create positive behaviour outcomes • Reduce absenteeism and associated costs, number and severity of incidents and workers compensation costs

• Develop a systematic approach to predicting, assessing and responding to aggressive/challenging behaviour • Develop policies to keep staff and clients safe

SARC Update Spring 2014

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SARCAN Breaks Telemiracle Record In January and February, SARCAN Recycling was asking everyone to “ring those phones” and lend a ‘Helping Hand’ on March 1 and 2, 2014 for the 38th annual Telemiracle telethon.

Each year, SARCAN participates by selling Helping Hands at our depots, and a supplementary donation from the SARC head office.

SARCAN Recycling is proud to support this important fundraiser, as it is one that hits close to home. There are people who work at SARCAN or participate at SARC Member Agencies that are

directly impacted by the good work done by Telemiracle.

This year, our donation was the biggest one yet, at $52,349.50. On the afternoon of March 2, Sean Collins, Assistant Director of SARCAN Operations presented the cheque live on-air.

Joanna Tataryn, from the Regina Rochdale Depot, and Jerry Farkas, from the Regina Processing Plant, joined Sean to answer phones on stage.

Staff, friends and family at home enjoyed seeing them on-air. Thanks to everyone who supported us!

Customer Service Training SARCAN Recycling hosts province-wide Customer Service Training for all staff every two years. This year, the SARCAN Team was out on the road to all corners of the province to provide training to over 500 staff.

The program has been newly revamped for this year, and features new tips and techniques to make the work day better.

From healthy eating to the “SARCAN Shuffle” stretch routine, staff were shown the importance of being healthy, and how it can lead to being happier.

Safe-lifting techniques were reviewed also.

The sessions were supplemented by the “Fish Philosophy,” a Customer Service Training program based on the world famous Pike Place Fish Market.

The program reviewed the importance of engaged customer service, and how it can make both the employees’ and customers’ day.

Feedback was extremely positive across the province. We are looking forward to 2016, when we get to do it all again!

SARC Update

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Check it out!

SARCAN Recycling’s 71 depots across the province have become more connected to one another through our Facebook page. It has been an incredible way to communicate with our customers and to partner with other organizations from Saskatchewan and beyond.

‘Like’ us today at facebook.com/sarcanrecycling.

Meadow Lake

12 Days of Christmas

SARCANStyle

In December 2013, SARCAN Recycling ran a Christmas contest on Facebook: Which depot could get the most ‘likes’ for their Christmas decorations.

The catch? All decorations had to made from recycled materials.

With a budget of $0.00 each, the depots set to work on designing some of the most creative Christmas decorations out there, made entirely of recycled materials.

The response was incredible - the SARCAN Facebook page went from 800 to over 2,200 likes in just a few short days. People at the depots were spreading the message to vote for their depot’s decorations on the SARCAN Facebook page- and it worked! Our most successful campaign didn’t cost any money, and feedback from employees was fantastic.

Lanigan, Kamsack, Porcupine Plain,Saskatoon South, Regina Victoria Ave and Rochdale, La Ronge and so

many more, had some really impressive ideas that were well executed. Staff worked on breaks, lunch, and after work to create beautifully decorated Christmas scenes right inside the SARCAN depots.

Many depots customized their decorations to represent their local communities. For example, Meadow Lake made a Christmas tree entirely out of containers from the town’s favourite beverage. The tree complimented the fire place made of an old television, and the cardboard beverage box carpet, quite nicely.

Customers were coming in just to see the decorations!

The imagination that was present

across the province made us all very proud. We had marvelous feedback from customers on this as well.

In Watrous in particular, the community spirit turned into full on competition.

All kinds of people from the area were spreading the word to vote, vote, vote!

There were so many depots that participated, it was a quite an experience to see the staff getting into the spirit of the holidays, in the depots and in the community.

The winners received a gift and goodies basket for staff to share, and, of course, a winner’s trophy that they could display at their depot. Thank you to everyone who participated!

SARC Update Spring 2014

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Connecting people across the province

Contest Winners

It was very interesting to watch the depot contest unfold. What was driving the likes?

Where were they coming from?

Well, we are very proud to say that our staff did it all themselves! Through sharing the page with friends, family, customers and other community members, they were able to spread the message that SARCAN staff are a talented bunch when it comes to re-purposing (and not just recycling), and also to create awareness of SARCAN itself. Our employees are our ambassadors and we like to take the opportunity to recognize their achievements whenever possible.

From milk jug grinches to beer can poinsettias, and everything in between, our depot staff have creativity that knows no bounds.

Every depot was unique, and support from locals communities for their depot to win was wonderful!

...And the Winners Are Wat ro

Saskatoon North - Urban Winner us

Watrous - Rural Winner Meadow Lake - Creativity Winner

e

w Lak

o Mead

Saskatoon North

SARC Update

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Payroll and Benefits What’s New at Lifeworks?

Ceridian LifeWorks Mobile

sleeping, car seat safety, and more.

Employee Assistance Program access for those on the go! Ceridian LifeWorks Mobile, available exclusively to our customers, is FREE to download to Android, iPhone and BlackBerry devices. To access the app, simply search “LifeWorks” in your device’s app store.

New & Expectant Parent Kit

Optimizing Your Day (Audio Recording/CD) This brand-new resource features best-selling author and time management expert David Allen, and includes strategies for capturing ideas, prioritizing, organizing daily activities, and mapping out plans and goals for the future.

Sleep Well: Proven Techniques for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep (audio recording/CD) Dr. Gregg Jacobs, a psychologist and leading sleep specialist, is also the author of Say Goodnight to Insomnia.

It will help to learn simple techniques that will help you conquer sleep problems without pills, adopt positive new sleeps habits, and learn relaxation techniques to improve your sleep.

Becoming a Parent (Booklet) This brand new booklet is for new and expectant parents, and includes information related to budgeting, preparing for baby, feeding and

Our redesigned packet can help parents-to-be prepare for the arrival of a new addition to the family with CDs, booklets, and more.

Gratitude Journal This 36-page pocket journal offers an easy and appealing place for you to write down and recall the things in your life for which you are most grateful—an activity shown to be a key ingredient of happiness.

Blogs The LifeWorks website currently features three blogs: Work-Life, Your Money and Questions Parents Ask. Ranging from insightful and humourous to practical, our bloggers provide readers with effective strategies and helpful advice in key areas.

Podcasts In the 2013 year, we added 13 new podcasts featuring leading experts on time management, decluttering, dealing with trauma, leadership, and more.

Recorded Program Orientations Spend 20 minutes learning what LifeWorks has to offer in our new prerecorded orientation webinar.

To learn how to enroll your organization, contact Adrienne Starks at the SARC Office or astarks@sarcan.sk.ca.

ver Easier than E LifeWorks, your confidential employee and family assistance program (EAP/EFAP) and work-life/wellness resource, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support you in work, life and everything in between. Contact us any time to speak to a caring, professional consultant about any issue – no matter how big or small.

Hundreds of helpful educational materials, audio recordings, booklets, toolkits,asses assessments, tutorials and more are available at lifeworks.com!

SARC Update Spring 2014

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SARC Update

24 Spring 2014 NATIONAL SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE COMING TO REGINA!

WORKPLACE DIVERSITY- THE BIG PICTURE ... THE CASE CONTINUES SARC is pleased to be in partnership with the Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE) to host the 19th annual Supported Employment Conference, “Workplace Diversity, the Big Picture…The CASE Continues”.

This conference features keynote speakers Richard Pimentel, the father of disability rights in the US, and Cory Johnson, an individual with a disability. Both of these speakers will motivate and inspire conference attendees.

June 17-19, 2014 Delta Hotel Regina, SK YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THIS THIS CONFERENCE REGISTER TODAY! People with disabilities and their supporters strive for economic equality through workforce inclusion. Policies shift, resources and priorities change, new concepts and tools are promoted and yet, people with disabilities remain underrepresented in the workforce.

Throughout the two day conference, attendees will explore the tensions and inequalities that still exist for Canadians with disabilities. Visit www.supportedemployment.ca to register for this conference.