SARC Update Summer 2012

SUMMER 2012

Update

In this issue...

MEMBER NEWS 2 SARC NEWS 6 SARCAN NEWS 10 PAYROLL & BENEFITS 11

Sakitawak Group Home Opens in Minister McMorris visits Ile-a-la-Crosse Harvest Community- Page 3 First Group Home Opened in Spiritwood Page 5 A New Beginning at Prairie Community Endeavours, Inc. -Page 5KEN Meadow Lake Opens New Group Home; Expands SARCAN - Page 2 HOMENICK:

SARCAN signs long-term contract with Government of Saskatchewan Page 10

Mallard Diversified Services Inc. Supports Wadena’s Anti-Bullying SARCAN’s Director Campaign - Page 4

of Operations Says Hospice St. Marie Bernard Celebrates Farewell After 25 years in Grayson2 More than 20Page Years - Page 8 The SARC Update is published by: The SARC Update is published by: The Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres 111 Crescent 111Cardinal Cardinal Crescent Saskatoon, Saskatoon,SK SKS7L S7L6H5 6H5 www.sarcsarcan.ca www.sarcsarcan.ca Editor:Sydney SydneySmith, Smith,Communications Communications Officer Officer Editor:

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SARC UPDATE SUMMER 2012

Hospice St. Marie Bernard Inc. Celebrates 25th Anniversary The Hospice St. Marie Bernard Inc., in Grayson, SK, proudly celebrated their 25th Anniversary on June 15, 2012.

The Hospice is a nonprofit organization whose ownership is through membership. It is home to eight senior participants with disabilities and a dedicated administrator and staff. A volunteer Board of Directors help to govern the day to day operations.

The Hospice is very thankful to the community of Grayson and district for all of their ongoing support.

In honour of their 25th Anniversary, the Hospice hosted an appreciation luncheon and open house to commemorate this milestone. Invitations were extended to government dignitaries, founding members, past and present board members, administrators, staff, participants and their families, and the entire community.

Since its inception in 1987, the Hospice has continued to live up to its mission statement: “I WAS A STRANGER AND YOU WELCOMED ME.”

Multiworks’ Participants Join the Torch Relay at Meadow Lake’s Summer Games The Saskatchewan Summer Games were held from July 29 to August 4, 2012, in Meadow Lake.

Multiworks Corporation’s participants partook in the opening Torch Relay to kick off the Games.

The Games, which were first held in 1972 (and every four years since), are commemorating a milestone anniversary in Meadow Lake. Nearly 2,000 athletes between the ages of 11 and 18 competed in the Games.

Opening ceremonies for the Saskatchewan Summer Games were held on the night of Sunday, July 29, 2012. Multiworks Corporation’s Howard Lariviere and Frances Favel carried the torch with pride in the relay.

Congratulations!

Howard Lariviere and Frances Favel pass the torch at the opening relay on July 29, 2012.

Visit our website for the full Marketplace Catalogue: www.sarcsarcan.ca/sarc_store/index.php

SARC UPDATE SUMMER 2012

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Weyburn’s Wor-Kin Shop Corp. Acquires Property for New Day Program Building

Original News Release issued by Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop Corp. (reprinted with permission).

“Our current participants as well as staff are all extremely excited about this”, says the Executive

Weyburn Wor-Kin ShopDirector.

Corp., a “We non have profit,allcharitable organization dedicated serving adults intellectual disabilities by providing been waiting a long time, and manytoparticipants have with voiced their programs and services to meet their pleased to the announce that they have finalized the purchase of the property located concerns aboutneeds, the lackisofvery adequate space, noise, the dust, leaking roof, inaccessibility, lack at 808 1st Avenue NW. of washrooms, etc. in their Personal Program Planning meetings. They deserve better than this.”

“We truly feel that the Board of Directors hasfor chosen the perfect location our future Day Program Building and the expanded Next steps in the project the non profit agency include for continuing with fundraising efforts to meet the minimum $500,000 goal set by the Ministry of Social“It Services.

To achieve goal, Parkway system, near the services it will allow us to provide” explains Andria Brady, Executive Director. is adjacent to thethis Tatagwa Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop Corp. depends on the continued generosity and support of the citizens new Dog Park and the Therapeutic Animal Park. These are They all things we the usecommunity on a regular already so we will be able to enhance and businesses of Weyburn and area. wish that to thank for basis their wonderful our outdoor programs and community support to date. experiences.”

The Ministry of Social Services, which provides funding to organizations like Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop Corp. throughout the province, has committed $1 million to the project. They have asked the agency to garner community support by fundraising 30% of the funds from within the community (similar to requirements the Ministry of Health has for new hospitals).Thus far, the agency has over $150,000 in committed funds towards their $500,000 goal. The agency will also be required to mortgage an additional amount as the current

In the photo: Laurie Gilchrist, Bob King, Ron Ror, Rachelle Dauvin, Joe Harbuz, Blaine Kimball, Leslie Epp, Haley Sander, and Heather Watson.

estimated construction cost will be close to $2 million. The current building located at 1720 East Avenue will continue to house Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop Corp.’s Woodshop as well as their Paper & Cardboard Recycling Programs; along withst the (expanded & renovated) Several current program participants and staff pose in front of the recently erected sign at 808 1 Avenue Sarcan Recycling Depot.NW. Sarcan Recycling is the From left to right they are: recycling arm of the SK Association of Rehabilitation Centres (SARC) and through its 71 depots in the province provides employment to over 600 people with disabilities. Funding for Sarcan Recycling is provided by the Back row – Laurie Gilchrist (left), Bob King (right) Ministry of Environment. The Weyburn depot is operated by Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop Corp. as a separate business entity.

Middle row – Ron Ror will be owned by the Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop Corp., with annual operating funding provided The new Day Program facility, once built, by the Ministry of SocialFront Services.

It will consist of Harbuz, greatlyBlaine expanded programming facilities for the Day Program. This row – Rachelle Dauvin, Joe Kimball, and Lesliespecialized Epp, Haley Sander, Heather Watson includes a Snoezelen Room, physical therapy room, a multi purpose room, in-ceiling lifting systems and several specialized rooms for complex individuals. It will allow the agency to serve upwards of 60 persons with intellectual disabilities from SE Sask, many of whom - 30 are awaiting completion of the building in order to access services. The agency currently serves 30 individuals, with approximately 35 more on its waitlist at the time.

Forpresent more details contact: Andria Brady, Executive Director Ph: 842-3411

“Our current participants as well as staff are all extremely excited about this”, says the Executive Director. “We have all been waiting a long time, and many participants have voiced their concerns about the lack of adequate space, the noise, the dust, leaking roof, inaccessibility, lack of washrooms, etc. in their Personal Program Planning meetings. They deserve better than this.”

Next steps in the project for the non profit agency include continuing with fundraising efforts to meet the minimum $500,000 goal set by the Ministry of Social Services. To achieve this goal, Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop Corp. depends on the continued generosity and support of the citizens and businesses of Weyburn and area. They wish to thank the community for their wonderful support to date.

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SARC UPDATE SUMMER 2012

Mallard Diversified Services Inc. Participates in Wadena’s Anti-Bullying Campaign

On April 4, 2012, the town of Wadena rallied together to bring awareness to the public about bullying.

Everyone is very proud of their pink shirts and believe in the reason we choose to wear them.

There was a barbeque in the local Coop parking lot, and all of the businesses in Wadena wore pink shirts to show their support of the anti-bullying campaign.

Bullying is a very hurtful thing, and if people are aware that we will not tolerate it, maybe we can make a difference!

The individuals at Mallard Diversified Service Inc. thought it was a great idea, so we all purchased shirts and participated in the endeavour.

The picture above is of our group, all wearing their pink shirts, just outside of the Agency.

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A New Beginning at Prairie Community Endeavours Inc. On Wednesday, July 4, 2012, Prairie Community Endeavours Inc. held the Grand Opening of their first group home in the town of Spiritwood. Prior to the opening of this home, Prairie Community Endeavours Inc. operated a day program for individuals with disabilities. The agency had seen the need for a group home in their community for many years.

Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Rainbow Haven.

Audrey Magnus, Chair of the Board of Directors for Prairie Community Endeavours Inc., said that the opening of this home had been a dream for many years and has finally become a reality. The home will have space for three individuals. Funding was provided by the Ministry of Social Services through the 440 Waitlist Initiative for the purchase of the home and ongoing operating dollars.

The name for this home, Rainbow Haven, has two meanings.

Firstly, Rainbow means ‘new beginning’ and secondly, Haven means ‘a safe place’ - a new beginning in a safe place for those who choose to make this their home.

“Community-based organizations such as Prairie Community Endeavours are playing an important role in helping people with intellectual disabilities to be included in their communities,” Rosthern-Shellbrook MLA, Scott Moe, said on behalf of Social Services Minister June Draude. “Our government is proud to support their efforts to meet the needs of people with intellectual disabilities in their community.”

The Mayor of Spiritwood, Gary von Holwede, welcomed Rainbow Haven to the community. After the official ribbon cutting, a lunch was served and tours of the home were offered.

At the Grand Opening, Cassandra (Cassie) McAdam, who now calls Rainbow Haven her home, shared the following poem that she had written: Believe in the fairies that made dreams come true Believe in the wonder that stars and moon

Believe in the magic from the fairies above

They dance on the flowers and sing songs of love And if you just believe and always stay true The fairies will be there to watch over you.

Cassandra (Cassie) McAdam, a resident of Rainbow Haven, wrote a poem to commemorate the Grand Opening.

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SARC UPDATE SUMMER 2012

Spring Conference 2012: Breaking Down Barriers and Forging Our Own Path The SARC Spring Conference 2012, held at the Regina Travelodge Hotel, attracted over 150 Direct Support Professionals, Program Coordinators, and Supported Employment Practitioners from agencies across the province.

Valerie Cade started the conference with an opening keynote speech, entitled, “Encouragement for the Encouragers” and also provided a workshop for Direct Support Professionals, “Bullying in the Workplace”. Valerie explained the trust pyramid and showed attendees how to determine the difference between a workplace bully and a difficult person.

Direct Support Professionals also attended a workshop on diversity in the workplace, presented by Michael Bortolotto, which provided tips and tools to provide a more welcoming environment for people with unique talents. In addition to the workshop, Michael delivered a positive and motivational closing keynote titled “Positive Rebel”.

Direct Support Professionals attended a session on Diversity in the Workplace by Michael Bortolotto, who was also the Conference’s Closing Keynote Speaker.

Program Coordinators heard from Bo Mahlangu, Program Coordinator, at Menno Homes of Saskatchewan Inc.’s Crisis Prevention and Support Program. Bo outlined the services offered by the program and facilitated discussion related to crisis prevention. Program Coordinators also attended “Finding Value in My Day”, presented by Cara Milne, which showed how to create valued roles for people with disabilities.

Supported Employment Practitioners were presented with two sessions taught by Annette Borrows from South Fraser University. “Marketing for Job Developers” and “Creative Job Coaching” taught attendees how to identify and understand clients’ needs and how to create solutions, skills and strategies to facilitate effective job-site training support for job seekers.

2012 is the first year of providing specific training opportunities to additional direct audiences at the Spring Conference. Normally designed for Front Line Support Staff, the Spring Conference had three target streams and brought development sessions tailored to three layers of staff: Direct Support Professionals, Program Coordinators and Supported Employment Practitioners.

Cara Milne’s presentation “Finding Value in My Day” was attended

by Program Coordinators.

Watch for SARC’s New Website, launching this Fall!

SARC and SARCAN Recycling will be launching brand new websites this fall that will feature new and enhanced resources for Member Agencies and their staff, Boards of Directors, SARCAN customers and more!

The website will launch at SARC’s Annual Fall Conference, taking place on October 16 and 17, 2012 at the Travelodge Hotel in Regina, SK.

SARC UPDATE SUMMER 2012

News from SETI

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Following on the heels of a very successful 2011-12 fiscal year, SETI is already deeply immersed in another innovative and exciting year. In February, the SETI steering committee, which is made up of numerous stakeholders in the province, reviewed the proposals received through the annual call for proposals. This year, the committee is providing funding to eight projects that met the criteria from across the province, including two new projects in Fort Qu’Appelle and Meadow Lake.

Below is an outline of each of the projects funded this year: Saskatchewan Abilities Council, Regina Branch - Intensive Job Coach Project: This initiative focuses on participants who require longer term, hands on job coaching to become successful in the work place. This project employs one full-time staff.

Biggar Community Connections - Youth Transitions Program: This program employs one full-time staff and helps students from a number of rural high schools prepare for and find community based employment through a series of processes designed to enhance and develop the skills and interests of the student.

Saskatchewan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services - Signing Job Coach: This project employs a full-time signing job coach and is also in its second year of funding through SETI. This project supports employees and employers to develop strategies to ensure a deaf or hard of hearing worker is fully integrated into the workplace. The job coach also provides support prior to employment in many capacities, including interview support for both job seekers and employers.

Saskatchewan Abilities Council, Yorkton Branch - Transition Project: This project focuses on transitioning youth from high school to employment and helping long-term activity centre clients obtain and maintain community-based employment.

Langenburg & District Activity Centre - Transition Project: This project employs one full-time facilitator who will work with two schools as well as in the agency’s day program to help participants find and maintain paid employment.

Biggar Community Connections - Maintenance Program: This project currently employs a half-time coordinator who assists between 25 and 30 individuals maintain, increase, or find new employment opportunities.

Fort Qu’Appelle Community Outreach Management Centre - Employment Strategy: This project is currently working with 11 individuals to increase skills and competencies to ultimately find employment through a variety of classroom and hands-on exercises. This community-based project has enlisted employers, the Town of Fort Qu’Appelle, and individual residents to help with the project, making it a valuable partnership from several sectors.

Multiworks Corporation - Transition Program: The organization has partnered with the North West school division for this project, which will assist a number of individuals to transition from school to employment in Meadow Lake and surrounding area. It will also provide similar support to individuals currently enrolled in Multiworks’ day program to transition to community-based employment.

For more information on individual projects, please contact the agency directly.

If you would like more information on SETI, please contact: Joy McKinnon, SETI Coordinator, at (306) 933-0616.

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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.

Did You Know?

• Basic Skills Training (BST) is often seen as ‘Step 1’ in obtaining the Disability Support Worker (DSW) Certificate through SIAST - BST graduates receive four course credits toward the DSW Certificate Program • Once trained as a BST Tutor (and after you have successfully tutored two or more learners through the BST Program) you may apply for Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) for four course credits in the DSW Certificate Program.

• Bursaries are available, thanks to Provincial Training Funds, to cover the tuition for courses in the DSW Certificate Program through the SIAST Bursary Program administered by SARC. • In 2011-2012, over 100 Direct Support Professionals were registered as BST Learners, and 54 of those Learners received bursaries to cover the entire cost of the BST registration fee.

• In 2011-2012, ten Tutors were trained to teach BST at their agencies across Saskatchewan. Eight bursaries were awarded again thanks to provincial training funds.

• Once you become a Tutor, there are no re-certification fees or training required (unless you choose to attend a training refresher) or costs for ongoing Tutor Support through the SARC Office.

• BST is taught completely in-house which makes it a low-cost training program with the convenience of not having to travel.

To learn more about Basic Skills Training and how the program can benefit your agency, please visit To learn more about BST and how the program can benefit your agency, please visit: www.sarcsarcan.ca or contact: Corinne Sonntag or Mindy Bonderoff at (306) 933-0616.

Save the date…

The Annual Basic Skills Training (BST) Train-the-Tutor Workshop will be held at the Regina Travelodge Hotel on November 8-9, 2012.

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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.

Standardized Admission Process: In 2011-2012, Provincial Training Committee dollars funded six regional sessions to train Program Coordinators and CLSD Community Service Workers in the Standardized Admissions Process.

SARC Fall Conference SARC’s Fall Conference, Leading for Tomorrow, features a multitude of professional development opportunity for Management and Board Members in the Disability Services Sector. Registration information coming soon!

This year, funding has been provided to host two one-day training sessions to serve as a refresher for those who may be interested or as an introduction for new staff.

Training will be held on September 25 in Saskatoon and October 2 in Regina.

Promotional materials will be distributed, and more information will be available on the SARC website Events Calendar.

SARC Fall Conference 2012: Leading for Tomorrow

Senior Management will also attend a session on Social Enterprise and will be guided through the concepts and business planning stages associated with social enterprise initiatives.

Advanced Employee & Labour Relations Seminar

This one-day seminar will provide theory and background information regarding the This training conference, to be held in supervisor and manger’s rights and Regina on October 16-17, will feature responsibilities in the workplace. It builds professional development streams for both A closing keynote on Leadership will feature on the theories and practices learned in the Senior Management and Board Members in a motivational message based on SARC’s Basic and Intermediate Seminars; however, the disability services sector.

Management Skills Development Program they are not prerequisites for this training. and will focus on how to be a great leader. Topics will include: resources, standards, Board Members will attend sessions on and recommended practices that Human Board Development, Recruitment, and PART© and TLR© Resource professionals utilize to provide Engagement–attendees will gain practical PART is a program designed to help agency advice to make informed decisions that tools for Board renewal that will help staff identify, and appropriately respond benefit their employer’s operations. find and keep effective Board Members. to, potentially assaultive situations. PART Current trends in Director orientation principles support the emphasis of selfGrievance Workshop and education, as well as Board roles in control, assessment skills, and verbal crisis Managers are often required to represent succession planning, will be covered. intervention. the employer in the grievance/complaint/ dispute resolution process. This one-day Senior Management will attend a session The TLR program is designed to help staff workshop builds from the Performance that will serve as the official launch identify and manage risks associated with Management seminar; however, it is not a of SARC’s Employee Orientation and client handling/moving objects. TLR includes prerequisite for this training. It is ideal for Onboarding Program. The program, a thorough assessment process of self, managers that are either directly involved which has been set up as a series of environment/equipment and client/object. or provide advice regarding the grievance/ supervisor/manager checklists and complaint/dispute resolution process. resources, covers up to the first year of PART© and TLR© training sessions are Information on the arbitration process in employment and has been specifically currently being coordinated for Fall and a union workplace will be included. This designed to integrate new employees Winter. Watch our website’s Events workshop provides background information in the disability services sector to their Calendar for upcoming dates and locations and basic procedural and legal requirements organization and prepare for success as for these train-the-trainer events being to conduct an effective grievance meeting engaged, productive staff members. hosted throughout the province. and succeed in the process.

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SARCAN Signs Long-Term Contract with Government Contract Signed at Regina’s Rochdale Blvd. Depot Grand Opening

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ARCAN Recycling and Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Environment celebrated a 24-year long partnership with the commitment of a new four-year operating contract.

The ceremonial contract signing took place at the Grand Opening of SARCAN’s newest depot expansion, located on Rochdale Boulevard in Regina’s emerging North West community on April 20, 2012. The Honourable Dustin Duncan, Saskatchewan’s then Minister of Environment, was in attendance.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to working with communities and industry to reduce waste and improve recycling opportunities in the province,” said Duncan. “This four-year funding agreement helps SARC to develop longer-term plans for SARCAN, so they can better serve the recycling needs of Saskatchewan communities,” said Duncan.

Cutting the Ribbon at the Grand Opening of the Regina Rochdale Depot.

From left: Jo-Anna Tataryn, Depot Supervisor; Guy Trudeau, Harvest Community Inc. SARCAN Depot Manager; Gwen Herman, Harvest Community Inc. Executive Director; Terry Hincks, Regina Ward 9 City Councillor; the Honourable Dustin Duncan, then Minister of Environment and, Amy McNeil, SARC/SARCAN Executive Director.

“SARC, and our recycling division SARCAN, are pleased with the recent signing of a four-year contract”, said SARC/SARCAN Executive Director Amy McNeil. “The commitment shown by the Government of Saskatchewan provides stability, allows for further system improvements, and enables SARCAN to continue to offer the Province one of the most efficient and effective beverage container recycling programs in the country.”

Congratulations to Jo-Anna Tataryn and her depot staff on their new and improved Regina Rochdale location!

Ceremonial signing of the SARCAN four-year contract.

From left: The Honourable Dustin Duncan, then Minister of Environment, and Darwyn Worsley, SARC Board of Directors President.

SARC UPDATE SUMMER 2012

Update from Payroll and Benefits SARC Pension Plan:

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Retiree Benefits:

The Co-operators announced a new product called Group Retirement Income Solutions.

The product allows plan members to continue to enjoy the benefits of being part of a group plan as they retire.

Question: When I retire can I stay on our benefit

plan through Great West Life?

Answer: No, benefits are only available to active employees.

This fall The Co-operators will be sending a targeted mailing to those plan members age 55 and over so they are aware of this new product and how to get more information.

Question: Does Great West Life offer a plan for retirees?

Answer: Yes, it is called “PlanDirect”.

Any plan members needing assistance can contact: Kathy Krammer, MBA (FS), CFP Retirement Representative, Wealth Management Co-operators Life Insurance Company Tel: (306) 761-7140 Fax: (306) 347-6989 Toll free 1-877-347-6341 ext. 607140 Email: kathy_krammer@cooperators.ca

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

For further information visit: www.greatwestlife.com/plandirect

Group Life Conversion: IMPORTANT Responsibility of Each Organization As in accordance with the benefit plans contract, if any or all of an employee’s insurance terminates on or before his/her 65th birthday, he/ she may be eligible to apply for an individual conversion policy without providing proof of his/her insurability. He/she must apply and pay the first premium no later than 31 days after their group insurance terminates.

It is important and advised due to liability issues, that when terminating an employee, to provide him/her with the Group Life Conversion Fact Sheet (#M6236) with final documents so he/she can choose whether or not he/she wishes to convert his/her life insurance policy.

If the employee chooses to convert his/her life insurance policy, then, as the administrator, you will have to complete the Group Life Conversion Privilege Notification Form (#M5725) and provide this form to the employee.

The two above mentioned forms can be accessed online through GWL Group Net: Group Net -> Enrolment & Administration Forms -> Plan Administration Forms for group plans with more than 35 plan members.

Mark your Calendars!

The 2012 Pension and Benefits Review will take place on: October 23, 2012 in Saskatoon and October 25, 2012 in Regina Registrations will be sent out in early September.

Join us for the 2012 SARC Awards Banquet October 16, 2012, at the Regina Travelodge Hotel Held in conjunction with SARC’s Fall Conference

Featuring the Al McGuire, Volunteer of Distinction and the Employer of Excellence Awards.

The 2011 Al McGuire Award Winners (from left): Leslie Pasloski, Lifeskills Enhancement; David Ree, Transition to Employment; Susan Shier, Transition to Independent Living; and Kim Leonard, Community Involvement.

The Al McGuire Awards celebrate the successes of people with disabilities in the areas of life skills enhancement, transitioning to independent living, community involvement and transition to employment. The awards are a recognition of success that goes a long way, for the individual, his/her family, the Agency, and for the people who work with the individual everyday to support him/her to reach his/her full potential. The Volunteer of Distinction Award honours a volunteer at a SARC Member Agency.

The Employer of Excellence Awards are three awards honouring businesses in small, medium and large categories that actively support hiring people with disabilities, often by working in partnership with a SARC Member Agency.

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