SARC Update Spring 2016

SARC Update

Training

Services

Consulting

Spring 2016

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Leadership

SARC U P D AT E Spring 2016

Cosmo Learning Centre Opens New Community Connections Location p. 5

New Day Program focus at Sask. Abilities Council A person-centred and community based approach

p. 8

BRSI and Cosmo Industries Recognized as Leaders in Safety p. 10 & 13

SARC Update Spring 2016

Contents 3 News from SARC Members Read updates from Member Agencies such as Cosmo Industries, Cosmo Learning Centre, Saskatchewan Abilities Council, and others.

14 New Training from SARC

Learn about SARC's newly launched Board development program, ELEVATE.

15 Learning Central Update

SARC recently revamped Learning Central into a brand new, easy to use website.

16 Supported Employment at SARC SARC's supported employment initiative has grown over the past year with three new supported employment courses and the EmployLink Network.

18 Celebrate Success Online Nomination Forms

Nominating someone you know for an Al McGuire, Employer of Excellence, or Volunteer of Distinction award has never been easier with new online nomination forms.

What an incredible year it has been as CBOs continue to place inclusion at the forefront of their missions and goals. Organizations across Saskatchewan have made many tremendous accomplishments and continue to grow with community and inclusion in mind.

The articles featured in this edition of the SARC Update are just a glimpse into the considerable achievements that SARC Member Agencies are making across the province. There are many fantastic stories that demonstrate leadership in the CBO sector, whether it be through new initiatives that create more meaningful involvement in the community, an increasing commitment to safety, or new facilities and programs that provide more opportunities for clients.

Keep on sending in articles for future editions of the SARC Update; we love to hear the amazing stories that every community has to share.

If you haven’t already, follow SARC on Facebook or Twitter to stay up to date with the latest updates in the sector. @sarc_sk

facebook.com/SARCSaskatchewan

19 Telemiracle and SARCAN 2016 SARCAN raised a record setting $52,669.83 at this year's Telemiracle.

I hope you enjoy the Spring 2016 Update.

Nicole Linzmeyer, Communications nlinzmeyer@sarcan.sk.ca (306)933-0616 ext. 252

Read about St. Patrick's Day at Plus Industries on page 7.

SARC Update Spring 2016

20 Year Partnership With U of R and Cosmo Learning Centre The Cosmopolitan Learning Centre has developed a partnership over the last 20 years with the University of Regina Kinesiology program. The goal of this partnership with the Adapted Movement Science Program is to offer persons with disabilities an opportunity to participate in physical activity in a fun, positive and safe environment, and to provide a practical experience for students enrolled in KIN 341.

Every year the Kinesiology Program and the Cosmopolitan Learning Centre set up a six week practicum. Once a week students rotate between an opportunity to work with participants in the gymnasiums at the University of Regina or at the Therapeutic Spas of the Learning Centre.

During this program, participants have the opportunity to work with the students. This allows them to come out of their comfort zones and experience a wide range of activities that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in. With an enormous equipment room at the university, participants were able to take part in basketball, volleyball, tennis, badminton, cricket, 3 wheeled trikes as well as some art programming. The Learning Centre provided opportunities for the students to engage the participants in activities with a water theme. There was always a lot of laughter heard from the pools and a lot of

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water to be cleaned up from the decks afterwards!

The participants build friendships as well as self-confidence.

The students take the time to get to know the participants and develop a program that allows them to reach their full potential within the activity while giving positive reinforcements and having fun at the same time.

The students are always very welcoming to the wide variety of needs that each of our participants have and provide them with the support and direction they require. The participants and the students learn from each other.

The participants of the Cosmopolitan Learning Centre would like to thank the Kinesiology students for their friendship and allowing them to spread their wings through inclusion in this program.

This partnership has proven to be a priceless gift!

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SARC Update Spring 2016

BTEC's New Day Program Facility Progress After breaking ground in June 2015, construction of the new 20,000 sq. ft. day program facility for Battlefords Trade & Education Centre is well underway.

The countdown is on. According to our general contractor Lyle Schell, we are just three short months from taking possession of our new facility – after years of fundraising, believe us when we say that our staff and participants are more excited about this countdown than the countdown to Christmas.

The new facility for Battlefords Trade & Education Centre (BTEC) has really gained momentum in the past two years.

The My Community Cares Committee (MCC), along with staff, Board, and members of our community have really gotten this project going; in one short year MCC managed

Pictured below, from left: Ronda Johnson – Office Manager, Mona Leece – Executive Director, Marilyn Smith and Jessica Bigknife – Program Coordinators and Chris Stolz – Payroll and Benefits.

SARC Update Spring 2016

to help us meet our goal of $2.3 million and the generous donations continue to come in. This is fantastic because as everyone knows it’s not just about putting up walls; it’s about filling them with a meaningful existence.

Our participants are going to have an amazing facility when it’s complete. There will be pod rooms (a couple of which can be divided to make smaller spaces or opened to accommodate bigger groups), a beautiful spacious art room, a great large kitchen, a lunch/ gathering area, and a

The kitchen.

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sensory room. We are also continuing to draw the public into our space by re-opening the “New to You Bookstore” in the new building. This should be a great space to display the participants' artwork and we’re hoping to carve out a little space for people to sit and have a cup of coffee as they browse the books.

At 65% complete this is how it looks:

Framed in pod rooms, just off the lunch room.

Future home of New to You Bookstore.

Once all the dust settles we will be having a grand opening to celebrate and show off the new space, we hope that many of you will be able to attend.

Special activities room.

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SARC Update Spring 2016

Cosmo Learning Centre Opens New Community Connections Location The Cosmopolitan Learning Centre in Regina has recently opened a new Community Connections location. On March 1st the group was busy unpacking and setting up the new location. We were all busy organizing and getting everything ready to start an amazing future together.

Since our move we have already partied hard starting with a fantastic green eggs and ham lunch for St Patty’s day. We worked together to decorate the new space and give it a homey Cosmo feel. It didn’t take long at all to get going on some new ventures.

We are planning to have an afternoon space adventure to view a paper mache solar system we have been working on.

We will use a dark sky background and flashlight to see each planet that we have painted using recycled paint from our

SARCAN depot on Victoria Ave. The depot has also recently moved into a larger location, just behind the old depot, still on Victoria Ave. We also continue to do community volunteer work. We help out at a local school by preparing and portioning snack items for the students. We have just started a new volunteer job helping in the school’s library. Other volunteer work we are involved in includes providing companionship to seniors at a local nursing home and a seniors independent living program. We are so excited to find even more opportunities as we grow.

More recently we toured our new SARCAN location and our tour guide Nolan gave us a ton of information about recycling. The tour was fantastic. Another fun adventure included an egg roll at Wascana Park.

We are so fortunate to be within walking distance to the park. What a great location; of course we took a long lunch. In the next few months we will be busy planting a community garden here in the city. It’s going to be great to enjoy fresh vegetables.

We’re also hoping to make a few pickles in the fall and, who knows, maybe we’ll even end up with a pumpkin for Halloween. In May we have trips planned to go to a Dairy Farm through Sask Milk; we can hardly wait!

Of course there are many other activities, outings and projects we have been doing as well. As the spring goes into summer we will be looking forward to more folks coming to our new place. We can’t wait to meet them and welcome them aboard.

SARC Update Spring 2016

Luck of the Irish Comes to Plus Industries The Melfort St Patrick’s dance is always the event of the season. Over two hundred people from Melfort and surrounding areas made the trip to the Kerry Vickar Centre to join in the fun and frivolity - thanks for your support everyone!

This year we had a rocking DJ; he played all the hot tunes and had everyone bouncing. Oldies but goodies got played too – got to love Cotton Eyed Joe! Something new this year was the Crazy Chicken Race, it’s a keeper! We also had karaoke (for those brave souls), a costume photo booth, popcorn and PIZZA! What’s not to like?

We always save this date and try to bring new things to it each year. Next year we are looking at giant leprechauns, giant pints of Guinness (for the photo booth, not to drink – sorry!) and new food ideas.

We have many volunteers out front and behind the scenes that make this such a fun event. We appreciate all of the support. Also, thanks to the Scotia Bank ladies who guard the money and do a great job of making it such a success.

Looking forward to seeing everyone next year – same time same place. May the luck of the Irish be with you all year!

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SARC Update Spring 2016

Saskatchewan Abilities Council Yorkton has New Day Program Focus

Individual – Choices, Control, and Opportunities

SAC Yorkton has initiated a long-term plan to restructure its day program with a person-centered and community focus.

One year ago, the decision was made within our Day Program that if we were going to truly support individuals in the community we needed to change the way services were organized and delivered so that individuals had more choices, control, and opportunities in their lives. One year later, we are happy to report that while our journey has taken some unexpected turns, the individuals we support are happier and our community is becoming more inclusive.

The decision to change was based on the needs and desires of individuals we were

supporting, the changing expectations within society, and the desire to create a mor inclusive community. We were seeing increasing referral rates to our community-based programs such as the Transitioning Youth to Employment program, while referral rates to the Day Program decreased. Although we had been offering a wide array of community-based activities through our Day Program for a number of years, we were not supporting individuals to ingrain them into everyday community life. We would take a group of people from our facility, do something in the community and then come back to

our facility. Our ability to facilitate one-on-one supports was limited. We had to change if we wanted to remain relevant to the people we support and the community we serve. We first started with the following definition of community, which was crafted by Ed Margason and reported in Creating Community Anywhere: Finding Support and Connection in a Fragmented World by Carolyn R. Shaffer and Kristin Anundsen (Los Angeles: Jeremy P. Tarcher, 1993): ‘Communities are places or entities where each member can give something, where they can contribute

SARCUpdate Update SARC Spring 2016 Spring 2016

something that they feel especially able to give, something they are good at.

The gift from each member is valued by the whole community and all gifts are unique and individual. The gift that the community gives back to each member is that of a role and a connection.’

We needed to assist each of the individuals we were supporting to discover or confirm what ‘gifts’ they were able to contribute to their community.

Next, we needed to review our existing Day Program service model to determine which aspects supported the above directions and which aspects detracted. Our Day Program consisted of three elements: facilitybased recreational and social activities, community-based recreational and social activities, and a Training Centre that developed and sustained work skills through the production of products and services for which participants were paid a training allowance. Our review by key stakeholders determined that we needed to: • Phase out the Training Centre by December 31st, 2017 • Create job-carved positions within our own operations • Create a mechanism for individuals to be supported in volunteer opportunities of their choice • Facilitate employment for individuals who did not meet the mandate of Partners in Employment in the community (less than 15 hours/week).

• Expand the number of volunteers interacting with individuals in the facility-based programming • Support individuals in entrepreneurial ventures • Evolve our facility into a community centre • Replace the Training Centre revenue with other sources of revenue • Change our organizational structure In April of 2015, we held an information meeting with all individuals and their support systems to announce the changes that would be occurring. The meeting started off with an overview of our sector by Community Living Service Delivery of the Ministry of Social Services, followed by management of the Yorkton Branch detailing the changes along with timeframes. There was then an emotional question and answer period because of the new direction the Day Program would be taking. There were concerns; however, we assured individuals that they were in charge of their lives and we were here to support them and we would only go as fast or as slow as they wanted us to.

So what have the individuals we support and the Day Program achieved within a year?

Individuals have: • Become engaged in employment opportunities in the community and at the Branch • Become engaged in volunteering opportunities throughout the community, with some now

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independent in their positions • Started their own businesses • Been exposed to more customized activities through the utilization of volunteers • Split their Day Program time between a variety of agencies that offer support The Day Program has: • Seen the number of the individuals in the Training Centre go from 20 people to four people. The majority of people have secured part-time or casual employment while the remainder have retired from the Training Centre and are accessing other aspects of the Day Program • Hired a Community Inclusion Specialist to focus on developing and supporting individual and group volunteering events in the community • Hired an Employment Specialist to focus on developing vocational work skills within individuals, secure work experiences throughout the community, and secure casual and part-time employment for individuals • Created seven part-time, job-carved positions within the branch for individuals who were in the Training Centre Program. These individuals are now being fully integrated into the staff of the Yorkton Branch • Developed a work crew model, whereby individuals involved in community-based work shared the proceeds of the contracts amongst themselves • Supported two individuals to create their own businesses • Transformed the Training Centre lunchroom into a coffee lounge which now serves as a drop-in centre • Offered our facility to community groups as a meeting place (more work needs to be completed in this area) • Revamped our organizational structure and reduced the number of program coordinators.

One year later, we have many things to celebrate with the most important being the growth and evolution of the people we support. By no means is our journey over – it is just beginning, as we assist individuals to find their ‘gifts’ that they can contribute to the community and we help the community to be accepting of those gifts.

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SARC Update Spring 2016

Spotlight on Safety BRSI Strong safety culture among Meadow Manor employees and management results in ‘zero injuries’ for the past three years.

From left back row: Arun Chacko, Sylvia Peterson, Jill Schick; middle row: Nijo Jose, Lecia Chalupiak, Brenda Lennie, Diana Achter, Sheryl Herle; front row: Kim Schell, Deborah Bartlett, Alexandra Hall.

Battlfords Residential Services Inc. was recently recognized by the Saskatchewan Association for Safe Workplaces in Health's (SASWH) Spotlight on Safety.

The Award was presented at the SASWH's Annual General Meeting and Conference held in Regina on March 22nd, 2016. The Spotlight on Safety showcases stories from organizations who have implemented safety cultures, making "workplace safety a priority for all."

While it was evident there were some good policies and procedures in place, a clear strategy for safety was missing.

The agency’s focus shifted to ‘walking the talk’, to make safety an integral part of daily work. Safety is emphasized right from the start, beginning with employee orientation, which includes a safety checklist. BRSI managers are trained as a team and staff are provided on the job training which includes OH&S training and checklists. Every six months, a follow-up review occurs, and policy and

procedures are regularly reviewed as well, as it is difficult for new employees to remember all the information they were provided during their orientation.

The agency has two managers trained as First Aid – CPR instructors and all employees of the agency are required to receive this training. In addition, BRSI has their own PART and TLR instructors which allows training to be tailored in such a way to best meet the safety needs of the organization and the clients it serves. They believe everyone in their system is aware of health and safety and its benefits for the staff and residents.

Focused attention on the implementation of the Safety Management System (SMS) appears to have made a difference, although it was not without some challenges. It is well understood by management at BRSI that staff have many responsibilities and by taking the time to ensure safety is not just another thing on the ‘to do’ list, staff are aware that safety is a known requirement for all to practice and be safe.

SARC Update Spring 2016

Communication is Key Each home has a communication book for employees to log any concerns. Once concerns are addressed, all staff are told of the follow up and are advised of the outcomes of the concerns. A sheet is posted on the bulletin board where staff can submit their concerns, which go directly to the OH&S Committee.

95% of concerns are resolved the same day unless it’s a larger issue.

Maintenance is readily accessible for any required repairs. Resolving issues quickly is very important.

When asked what advice they had for others, one staff person said: “Helping staff understand that by ensuring their own safety they are actually improving the quality of life for the residents.” Two of the main challenges are staff turnover and training. For a large number of BRSI employees English is their second language which can be a barrier to effective communication. With added attention and dedication by staff to work closely with one another, mentoring those who require the additional support, and regular reviews of policies and processes, there is added confidence that safety will remain top of mind.

One of the newer facilities is the rebuild of Meadow Manor. It is home to five residents with physical and intellectual disabilities – all five of whom are in wheelchairs and require total care. This new facility was built for the safety of both residents and staff.

There is a ceiling track system throughout the home with two permanent mounted ceiling lifts.

The previous home was too small to meet the needs of the residents and resulted

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“ Safety starts at employee orientation.

There is a checklist that they have to go through, so safety is brought to the forefront right from the start.”

– Jill Schick, Program Co-ordinator in a higher injury to staff. BRSI, in conjunction with Community Living Service Division, submitted a request for a replacement facility to better meet the needs of the residents and the staff in providing care.

The agency had a vision for a safer workplace in order to enable them to provide safe, effective care for the residents. The new whirlpool tub, and mobility technology allows for working height adjustments which promotes safety in ease of care. Each room is equipped with an electric bed, soap and paper towel dispensers to maximize proper infection control practices. The home is spacious, bright, comfortable, and above all, it is a safe workplace. This home has had ‘zero injuries’ since it opened almost three years ago. This current practice and approach to safety by the staff and Executive Director at BRSI have truly set the standard for safety in the province.

This article was originally featured in the Saskatchewan Healthcare Safety Newsletter; the full article can be found online on SASWH's website.

Real change translates into safer workplaces.

Meadow Manor has had ‘zero injuries’ since it opened almost three years ago. This current practice and approach to safety by the staff and Executive Director at BRSI have truly set the standard for safety in the province.

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SARC Update Spring 2016

Keeping Busy at Nipawin Handiworks Nipawin Handiworks has been very busy the past few months building and painting different parts of bee supplies.

We are currently building and painting boxes, floors, lids, and reversible lids for the Manitoba Cooperative Honey Producers.

This has been a great contract for us, as all participants are able to get involved and take pride in their part of the operation. We have also been doing confidential shredding for businesses and people from the community. In addition to support from our local RONA – we have been very busy!

We have been able to enjoy a few activities this winter as well. We have gone swimming in Melfort, watched the new Star Wars movie in Tisdale, and attended the Valentines and St. Patrick’s Day dances that were hosted by Porcupine Plain and Melfort.

The Hawks, our local SJHL hockey team, also came by and challenged us to a game of floor hockey and enjoyed a lunch with us. Once a week we are able to enjoy a hot lunch prepared by trainees; we have had a variety of meals and look forward to more.

We are all looking forward to the warmer weather ahead. Soon, our fundraiser BBQs will be starting up and we are looking forward to getting contracts for flower maintenance again. We are beginning to plan our annual Spring Fling, a dance where we invite other agencies to come and enjoy an evening of music, food, and good times.

SARC Update Spring 2016

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SHSA Safety Centred Leadership Award Goes to Cosmo Industries Cosmo Industries was extremely honoured to have been chosen as the winner for the 2015 SHSA Safety Centered Leadership Award. We were one of two recipients to receive this award from the Saskatchewan Service Hospitality Association (SHSA). This award is given out annually to individuals or organizations that have shown their commitment to safety in a tangible and valued way.

At Cosmo, we are continually striving to ensure a safe working environment is achieved for everyone in our facility. This is made possible by a very active OH&S Committee as well as a

dedicated group of participants and staff. To be recognized for what we have in place, such as a Safety Officer, a professional development day specifically for safety, and a participant safety class, is really appreciated. Safety is everyone’s responsibility and that mission is ongoing.

A few of us travelled to Regina to receive the award where SHSA hosted a fun-filled night celebrating their 20th Anniversary. To be a part of this celebration with staff, participants, and our Board was great!

Representing Cosmo: Barry Teichroeb, Richard Donnan, David Hassall, Heather Cone, Dallas Lynch, Jesse Haughn, Sharlene Duquette; Representing SHSA: George Marshall and Doug Arnold.

SARC Update 14

Spring 2016

SARC Launches ELEVATE Program for Non-profit Boards On April 7, SARC launched its new online Board leadership program, ELEVATE. This program has been over a year in the making and is an exciting addition to the variety of professional development opportunities that SARC provides.

ELEVATE is an excellent opportunity for Board Directors to supplement their current knowledge of governance best practices and is a valuable tool in assisting Boards to reach and maintain a standard of governance excellence. By taking ELEVATE, Boards will demonstrate leadership in the non-profit sector and a commitment to increasing organizational capability and sustainability.

ELEVATE can be taken as a group or individually as new Directors join the Board, ensuring all Directors are on the same page in crucial Board governance areas. The user-friendly online format allows the Board the flexibility to access the program at any time, to best suit the Board’s schedule.

This professionally developed program provides many opportunities for Board discussion and includes a wealth of resources ranging from sample policies and templates to helpful checklists that can be customized to fit the organization’s specific needs.

Organizations can purchase an annual license for the ELEVATE program, which allows the organization to set up as many accounts (group or individual) as required. For organizations that choose to renew their annual license, a 20% discount for returning customers will be applied.

To learn more about the ELEVATE program, please visit SARClearningcentral.ca/ELEVATE.

ELEVATE is a modular based program that focuses on the following topics: • Governance • Board Roles and Responsibilities • Board’s Role as Employer of the Executive Director • Legal Responsibilities • Financial Responsibilities • Characteristics of High Performing Boards

SARC SARC Update Update Spring Spring 2016 2016

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A New Look for SARC's Learning Central This April, SARC’s Learning Central website area was completely revamped and moved over to its own eye catching and user friendly website.

All of SARC’s training opportunities including conferences, online programs, and other training initiatives can now be found at www.

SARClearningcentral.ca.

The new Learning Central website makes

registering for programs and events quick and

easy. It outlines session dates for each program

that SARC offers on an ongoing basis and throughout the year, and it also displays related programs and featured events. Learning Central is also the hub for our current and future online programs such ELEVATE, Positive Behaviour Support, and the Medication Assistance program.

Upcoming 2016 Dates to Remember: • September 7 – Pension & Benefits Administration (Saskatoon) • September 9 – Pension & Benefits Administration (Regina) • September 27 – Marketing ABC’s – Supported Employment Workshop (Regina) • October 6 – Job Coaching 101 – Supported Employment Workshop (Regina) • October 26 & 27 – SARC Fall Conference (Regina) • November 16 – Discovering Personal Genius – Supported Employment Workshop (Saskatoon)

The second year of LEAP will be wrapping up in early June.

This has been a great year so far with 37 individuals taking the full program. LEAP consists of eight full-day sessions on the topics of: • How Managers Communicate and Lead • Recruitment and Retention • Fostering an Effective Team • Employee/Labour Relations Basics • Employee Accountability • Legislation Impacting the Employment Relationship • Governance • Public and Government Relations All LEAP Graduates receive an additional 10% off on all other SARC professional development opportunities. Registration will be opening for the 2016-2017 year in July. Keep an eye on the new Learning Central website for updates.

SARC Update 16

Spring 2016

Supported Employment at SARC SARC’s supported employment initiatives have continued to grow this year with the first offerings of our three supported employment courses and the EmployLink network continuing to expand.

The following supported employment courses are facilitated by SARC's SETI Coordinator, Joy McKinnon: Job Coaching 101 – Job coaching is a key component of supported employment and one that can make or break a job seeker's experience. The role of a job coach is to support, provide direction, and be there to help the job seeker in the workplace. The idea is that the job coach fades out over time.

This workshop helps learners understand their role as a job coach.

Discovering Personal Genius – Discovery is a structured process, and it takes time and patience to complete. This

workshop provides a solid understanding of supported employment principles, as well as gives hands-on activities to practice the skills learned.

Marketing ABC’s – Dealing with employers and selling the idea of employing a person experiencing a disability can seem daunting or even scary. Marketing is key to a successful supported employment process. This workshop provides the essentials for effective communication and marketing to employers.

These courses are beneficial to supported employment professionals and any organization interested in or already involved with developing their supported employment programs.

Each course provides many opportunities for discussion and engaging activities. All three of these courses will be offered on an annual basis.

EmployLink

The EmployLink network and website is another way that SARC is intending to strengthen supported employment in Saskatchewan. The intent of the EmployLink network is to create a strong network of employment professionals across the province that can provide supports to job seekers in their journey to employment. The EmployLink website will offer resources to job seekers, educators and employers as well as connect them to EmployLink members located across the province.

Since the launch of EmployLink in October 2015, EmployLink members have been provided with opportunities to connect and share their ideas with one another. EmployLink members have had the opportunity to attend the Supported Employment courses mentioned above, receiving a 10% discount. An EmployLink event was also held on March 22 & 23, 2016, in Regina and Saskatoon that featured a professional development session.

Called, “Reaching the CORE of Supported Employment” facilitated by Annette Borrows, a Vocational Rehab Consultant from BC. Annette comes with a great deal of experience in supported employment and was able to share many personal stories from her own experiences in supporting job seekers to find employment.

The session focused on best practices and guiding principles on supported employment. Annette shared many helpful tips and ideas with the group on ways that employment professionals can find job seekers meaningful employment.

The key to her message is that anyone can work; they just

need the correct supports in place.

There will also be an upcoming free professional development and networking opportunity on May 19 following the SARC Spring Conference. This presentation for EmployLink Members only will feature Mark Wafer speaking on the topic of "The Bakers Dozen", which will outline the

SARC Update Spring 2016

expectations that business leaders have of the service sector and how best to approach employers. This event is free of charge to all EmployLink members, and will also include an interactive networking session in the afternoon that will provide the opportunity to learn from other EmployLink Members from across the province and have input into the EmployLink Network as it moves forward.

If you are not yet an EmployLink member, register today so that you don’t miss out on this fantastic learning opportunity. For more information on EmployLink or to become a member, please visit www.EmployLink.ca.

Quality Life Assistant Quality Life Assistant is an integrated family of web-based applications that support the entire process of Agency information management. QLA connects all levels of service delivery including front line support, management, core support teams and funders/ stakeholders. It is a very user-friendly program that is customizable to the needs of an organization. Using Quality Life Assistant can greatly reduce the

amount of time staff spend managing paper documentation. Staff members can quickly access participant information and can easily develop and personalize a participant’s plans and transfer them to front line support. Management can analyze and visualize key agency data allowing for more informed decision making.

Quality Life Assistant is the first system of its kind. Its capabilities offer efficiency, accuracy, and time savings for Community Based Organizations which will create a significant positive impact to the individuals that they support.

Learn more about QLA at their information booth at the SARC Spring Conference! You can also learn more by visiting the SARC website or www.qualitylifeassistant. com.

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SARC Update 18

Spring 2016

r a e Y s i New Th

Online Nomination Forms

Nominating someone for an Al McGuire, Employer of Excellence, or Volunteer of Distinction award has never been easier with the new online nomination forms on the SARC website.

• Do you know someone who has worked hard to achieve their personal goals?

• Do you know an employer who is seen as a leader in Supported Employment?

organization, and/or an employer that you work with. The new online nomination forms make it quick and easy to recognize someone that is making an impact in your community.

All recipients will be invited to participate in the Celebrate Success Awards banquet on October 26, 2016 in Regina. Video • Do you know an exceptional volunteer that donates his/her vignettes of each recipient will be made and shown at the valuable time to a SARC Member Agency? banquet to celebrate their achievements with friends and family.

Take a few moments of your time to nominate a deserving candidate at your organization and make a huge impact on Visit www.sarcsarcan.ca/celebrate_succcess for more an individual that you support, a committed volunteer at your information and to nominate someone today!

SARC Update Spring 2016

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Telemiracle and SARCAN 2016 SARCAN Recycling held a contest this year amongst our 72 depots for Telemiracle 40: The depot with the biggest percentage increase for the sale of Helping Hands will take part in the onstage action at Telemiracle.

If you’ve been to the Broadway Avenue depot in Saskatoon during Telemiracle season, you’re probably not surprised to hear that they won the contest! This depot sells way more Helping Hands, year after year, than any other depot in the province. Not surprisingly, they beat their own record this year AND had the biggest percentage increase in the province, with over 6,700 Helping

Hands sold. The depot was a sight to behold leading up to the big Telemiracle weekend. There were Helping Hands covering all of the walls and hung up in streamers across the ceiling. Donnie Parenteau and Brad Johner, two of the on-air Telemiracle hosts, even came to the depot before the big weekend to celebrate with the staff and to see the record-breaking amount of Helping Hands!

On the Sunday of the big Telemiracle show, Tammy Kardynal and Donna Pagoda from the depot went to the show and answered phones live on the air! While they answered phones, Kevin

Acton, SARCAN’s Director of Operations, came on stage to present SARCAN’s cheque donation. We were so proud to see our grand total of $52,669.83, the most we’ve ever raised for Telemiracle!

After the fast-paced flurry of answering phones, the crew got a behind-thescenes tour of the show, seeing everything from the rehearsal rooms to the accountants who were busy totaling donations as they arrived. When the crew was in the green room, they got a special surprise! Kim Coates, one of the stars of the TV show Sons of Anarchy, and a proud Saskatchewan native, came to take pictures and visit with the SARCAN crew. We had so much fun!

Don't miss the 2016 SARC Spring Conference

"Success - It's Personal!"

May 17&18, 2016 Travelodge Hotel, Regina

Success is an accomplishment – something that you work towards. We’ve all had success in our lives – the day-to-day victories and perhaps even the life goals that were years in the making. They all add up to our own sense of quality of life; it is something unique and specific to each one of us.

But, what is success to your clients? It is different for everyone, and only through a person-centred approach can you expect to help each person achieve his/her goals. What are the key factors to support success? Again, these might be slightly different for each person, but one term comes up again and again – community. Is any goal achieved in isolation?

How can you help people experiencing disability create their community and framework for success? We hope you will gain some insight into this over the two day conference.

This conference will show you success stories of building meaningful communities for people with disabilities, while supporting them to achieve their success. There will be discussion and demonstration of how to put person-centred plans into action and hear how individuals have been able to turn a planning process into the life they desire, ultimately achieving success and inclusion.

To close our conference, we are very pleased to be having Mark Wafer speak to us on the Economic Case for Inclusion.

Sessions will include: • Building Meaningful Communities - Cara Milne • Successful Employment in the Community - Paul Leduc • Person Centred Planning In Action in the Community - SARC, Creative Options Regina, Redvers Activity Centre, Citizens All Association • Building Dignity! Looking at Responsibility and Contribution - Cara Milne • Building Your Organizational Capacity and Better Employment Outcomes Without More Paid Staff - Paul Leduc • ColourSpectrums - Rob Chubb • Building Community and Connection at Home - Cara Milne • The Journey to Employment for Individuals with Autism - Breanna Hayes and Brendan Wood • Successful Transitions - From Valley View Centre to Community Homes - Terry Hardy and Nicholas Fraser

New this year!

Following the Spring Conference, join us on May 19 for an exclusive EmployLink Member event with Mark Wafer. This is a free-of-charge event for all EmployLink Members. Become a member today, visit www.EmployLink.ca.