SARC Update Spring 2017

SARC Update

Training

Services

Consulting

Spring 2017

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Leadership

SARC U P D AT E Spring 2017

Summer Programs at Walter Lane Intended Community p. 10

Swift Current Youth Employment Program Fostering a new generation of leaders p. 16 See What's New from SARC Learning Central p. 16

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SARC Update Spring 2017

Contents 3 News from SARC Members

Read updates from Member Agencies such as Southwest Homes, Ranch Ehrlo Society, and BTEC.

10 Summer Programs at Walter Lane Light of the Prairies is starting up their summer program at Walter Lane.

14 Screening Volunteers for Your Organization

Butler Byers shares advice on Employment Practices Liability Insurance

16 Learning Central

Information and updates on SARC's Learning Central programs.

17 Med Assist Update

Learn about the newly updated Med Assist program.

With the excitement of summer fun on the horizon, it's a great time to take a few moments to look back at the achievements community based organizations have made over the busy winter months!

This spring edition of the SARC Update includes a variety of stories on the fantastic initiatives and programs that SARC Members have been working towards. From individuals reaching employment to building community partnerships, person-centredness is at the forefront of organizational goals!

SARC Members across Saskatchewan are an important part of their communities, and they develop partnerships with other organizations, groups, or businesses that make a huge impact on clients. SARC would like to hear about those partnerships! Contact us if you would like to share an example of a community partnership your organization has developed.

If you haven’t already, follow SARC on Facebook or Twitter. You can also like the new SARC Learning Central Facebook page for updates on nonprofit news, resources, and training opportunities. Social media not your thing? Visit www.sarcsarcan.ca and subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter. @sarc_sk facebook.com/SARCSaskatchewan facebook.com/SARCLearningCentral Have a fabulous summer!

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

Read about how the new Comic Book Club at COR is bringing people out of their shells - p. 9

SARC Update Spring 2017

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NEW BEGINNINGS

at Southwest Homes

Southwest Homes has grown considerably in the last number of years and eagerly welcomes the challenge of eliminating the waitlist in Swift Current. With a wide variety of services – participants and the people who support them are engaged in many different and innovative activities in both their work and leisure aspects of their lives.

celebrated their new home in Swift Current.

SARC’s Executive Director, Amy McNeil, was in attendance and was struck by a warm feeling of community surrounding the home. The residence is also home to another young man who thoroughly enjoys living in a semi-independent suite that was developed just for him.

On May 12th, Southwest Homes hosted a ribbon cutting celebration to mark the grand opening of their ninth group home in Swift Current. Joined by Premier Brad Wall and members of their families, three former residents of Valley View Centre

The last two homes that Southwest Homes have opened have been part of the Valley View transition project. Susan Eidem and her team have welcomed six individuals from Valley View into their Swift Current and acknowledge that every transition is

as unique as the person moving in to the community.

Guests who attended the Grand Opening were treated to a video presentation showcasing the numerous events and activities the guys in this home have been attending and enjoying in their new community. It is so rewarding to see them relishing their new lifestyle!

The entire team at Southwest Homes looks forward to getting to know them better while they reach for their goals and realize their dreams!

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SARC Update Spring 2017

RANCH EHRLO SOCIETY RECEIVES

SAFETY CENTERED LEADERSHIP AWARD We are proud to announce that Ranch Ehrlo CEO and president, Andrea Brittin, has been awarded the 2016 Safety Centered Leadership Award from the Saskatchewan Health and Safety Association (SHSA).

This award is the highest honour bestowed by the SHSA and is given to individuals, who, through their leadership, have made an impact on the safety culture in Saskatchewan.

At the end of 2015, Andrea – and the rest of the organization – committed to making Ranch Ehrlo Society a safer place to work. The organization has been working diligently with the SHSA to do so.

Since the enhanced focus on safety began, we have reduced our total injuries by an impressive 25 per cent.

More serious, time-loss injuries have been reduced by over 50 per cent. “For an agency your size, this is a phenomenal improvement,” said George Marshall, SHSA CEO. “Making progress on reducing injuries in the workplace cannot be done by one person alone. It takes everyone talking, thinking and being vigilant about safety,” Andrea said. “So I share this award with everyone at Ranch Ehrlo Society – all 800 plus staff!”

She received her award on March 28th at the SHSA Executive Symposium in Saskatoon.

With Amy McNeil, Executive Director For SARC/ SARCAN Recycling, being the 2014 recipient of this award, SARC/SARCAN acknowledges the work that goes into improving safety culture and congratulates Ranch Ehrlo for thieir accomplishments!

“At the end of the day, our goal is improved safety for all our staff and we know that our increased focus on safety is paying off! We also know that we are not done, and the only right number of workplace related injuries is ZERO,” Andrea said.

Cosmopolitan Learning Centre would like to share an achievement from a recent participant who moved on from our supported employment program.

Jasmine began her journey with Cosmo in the supported employment program in May 2015. She came to us with many great skills, a strong work ethic, and a desire to one day become independently employed in what she would call her “dream job”.

In April 2016 the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport contacted Cosmo in search of candidates who would qualify for a 1 year term “pilot project” that included hiring an individual with a cognitive disability who would fit their criteria.

After much planning, many meetings and helping Jasmine prepare for the interviewing process and training sessions, Jasmine was successfully hired in an Administrative role within the Government.

JASMINE'S JOURNEY TO HER DREAM JOB

We are happy to report Jasmine continues to excel both in a personal and professional manner in her position with the Government. We are extremely proud of her eagerness to learn and her determination to experience success!

SARC Update 5 Spring 2017

Handiworks has been busy planning and doing many things the past few months.

We recently had a booth at our local Lions Trade Show.

We were there for the full three days selling some of the crafts we make here as well as some from other organizations. We were also selling our 50/50 tickets and promoting our Famous People Players show.

BIG PLANS AT

NIPAWIN HANDIWORKS Chip and Dale Homes Inc. is excited to have formed a Wellness Committee. This committee’s purpose is to affect employees well-being, develop a wellness culture within the agency, and to have fun!

We have been working very hard to bring The Famous People Players to Nipawin.

The Famous People Players are a group of adults with intellectual disabilities that perform different shows using black lights and florescent puppets. They have performed in Las Vegas for 10 years as well as many different places around the world. With the support of our community we have been able to raise the $32,000 to bring them.

The shows times were on May 6, 2017 at 2:00 and 7:00. They also did shows for the local schools. To make this happen we approached businesses, sent out letters and cooked for our local Chase the Ace. We also cooked a lunch for our local hockey team, the Nipawin Hawks, where they stayed and played a fun game of floor hockey. Many of our participants enjoyed it, as the players take time to sit, visit and joke around. This day means so much to some of the people here.

It is so good to see the weather turning nicer again; we look forward to spending time outside while we do the Clean Team for the town as well as tending to the flowers for our local Coop and for our Town Square. We are also getting a new pool in Nipawin that will be more accessible for us to use. Enjoy the summer!

HEALTHY EMPLOYEES MAKE GREAT SUPPORTS

In honour of Canada’s 150th birthday, the wellness committee is challenging all individuals within the organization (employees, residents and Boards) to Walk Across Canada this summer!

Anyone who signs up will receive a pedometer to count their steps. There will be awards for the team (house/ office/board) and individual who walks the farthest across our country!

Hope you will join us on this adventure May 15 to August 15, 2017.

From left: Donna Wilkinson, Wellness Committee secretary, and Nichole Deschenes, Wellness committee chairperson

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SARC Update Spring 2017

New building new memories

SARC Update Spring 2017

After years of dreaming, planning, fund-raising and finally building, the Battlefords Trade & Education Centre Inc. now has a brand new building.

It has been a long, long road but we finally opened our doors to the public with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 3rd, 2016 and a Grand Opening and ribbon cutting on Friday, November 4th, 2016.

The response from the community was incredible on both days. Day one we had the Honourable Tina BeaudryMellor, MLA Herb Cox, MLA

Larry Doke, incumbent Mayor Ames Leslie, Board Members, staff, participants, caregivers and the general public.

Speeches were made, hands were shaken and the general consensus was that it was a job well done and well worth the wait.

On Friday, November 5th we opened the doors for public tours and had about 1000 people come through.

The tours were followed by a program with Master of Ceremonies Heath Gabruch.

Our major contributor Pius Pfeiffer and his wife Ida

along with many of the staff members helped cut a ribbon to officially open.

Our participant Cletus Gerlinsky opened the ceremony with his version of Oh Canada. The Mayor of North Battleford – Ian Hamilton and incumbent Mayor of Battleford – Ames Leslie brought greetings from the City and Town, and we were lucky enough to have Amy McNeil – Executive Director of SARC speak to us about the future and the hard work that it has taken to achieve what was only a dream

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a couple of years ago for our participants, our staff and our board. We also had Richard Keys, representative of Lyle V. Schell Construction Ltd. and our architect Jeff Mannix of RBM Architecture on hand to help us celebrate.

We were very excited to have the families of our late participants Kenny Perkin and Laurel Charabin on hand to cut the ribbons on the rooms dedicated to them. All in all it was an amazing two days with a fabulous turn out to celebrate a dream achieved.

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SARC Update Spring 2017

COMIC BOOK CLUB BRINGS LAUGHS AND LIFESKILLS Growing up, very few people I knew read about the adventures of The Amazing Spider-Man or shared their true feelings of the Dark Knight (Batman) because it was one of those things that you didn’t dare talk about. Part of growing up means learning to read more mature literature and in doing so, we adopt bigger worries and start to shape the world as we know it to be true. Heroes and villains become real life chess pieces and the child inside of us is told to "put down the picture books!"

A really important part of me went away the day I heard those words for the first time. My desire to read. Not only did my desire to read adult literature disappear, but so did my desire to read ‘picture books’ as well. It had little to do with imagination and even less to do with being uncomfortable with words. It was all to do with knowing how to properly grow up because picture books are for little kids.

Comic Book Club is about busting through that mold. It is okay to make goofy voices and it is okay to read for fun. It is okay to let that inner fan boy/girl ‘nerd’ out and be whoever they want to be! Sometimes it is a Russian Rhino and sometimes it is a raspy voiced gangster, but the focus is on fun ALWAYS! Since our first meeting last October, our Comic Book Club (all made

possible because of Inclusion Regina’s Next Chapter Book Club), which meets at Comic Readers Downtown, has grown to 10 members on any given Tuesday.

There is a wide range of reading abilities in the room that ranges from sitting and listening, to sound FX making, to being the Narrator with three other reading parts. We have also had folks break out of their shell and take on larger parts as their comfort levels evolved. So not only have we grown in numbers but we have grown together as well.

Upon completion of the book, we have started doing a Team-Up Trivia challenge to help with recall and to add some excitement to the completion of the book.

We divvy out prizes, share some laughs, and all the while create a safe, no strings attached learning environment. We create art related to comics we read as well as host a final wrap-up movie party. This generally takes 6-8 weeks depending on how long the comic book is.

Experiencing the evolution of an inclusive comic book club is a childhood dream come true where acceptance meets comradery. Being part of this energetic team has reverted my heart to its former more youthful

identity. For at least an hour a week, I can be whomever I want to be. I can read picture books and act like a goof while I do it because I am not alone anymore, and my new friends like me for who I am!

Ben Morris, COR

SARC Update Spring 2017

PROGRAMS AT PLUS INDUSTRIES There is always a lot going on at Plus Industries. Our recent adventures have been a lot of fun and have also been new to our program.

We have such diverse and dedicated staff here; they are always willing to give things a try.

but also has apartments that are affordable, safe and secure for some vulnerable individuals. As always a trained support team of staff is crucial to the development of life skills and encouragement of opportunities.

Our programs are really varied. We have a fun and fantastic recycling department that is out and about in all weather collecting, sorting and bailing – we are doing our part to help the environment and help our community.

A supported living program enables community living, with the guidance and advice of a close team of staff always cheering us on and encouraging us to live our dreams.

We also have contract services that provide yard care and general cleaning for local businesses.

Residential services is home for life for participants who need a little more support

The activities side is where the magic happens and it continually evolves. As some of you know we have our, usual fantastic St. Patricks Day dance and got together with our pals from Nipawin, Porcupine Plain, Cudworth, and Prince Albert. It's always good to catch up! We keep

in touch in other ways as well – we have a good pen pal program going on and we plan coffee visits.

We have a senior program running that focuses on memory lane, remember the day, gardening, and tai chi to name a few. Recently we had pet therapy day and got to cuddle some fur babies!

One of our more recent programs is the Pop Up sessions. They have proved to be very popular! We have a small group that people can sign up for and do different activities going on every Thursday evening such as, "When is a vegetable a flower?" This was making a vegetable bouquet! We also have quiz nights, yoga, cooking classes, gardening and paint nights!

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SARC Update Spring 2017

Summer

At Walt Intended In a past edition of the SARC Update, Light of the Prairies Society (LOTP) discussed the beginning phases of their new community focused program, Walter Lane. Now headed into the second summer of programming – their vision of an intended community has turned into a reality and continues to evolve and grow at rapid pace.

Walter Lane is situated on a farm just a few minutes south of Saskatoon. Four people currently live in a group home situated on the farm. There is also a rented stable for horses, goats and other farm animals that the residents, the day program participants, and Walter Lane's many visitors are able to visit and play with.

There summer programming is headquartered there, along with a community garden, bouncy castles, and plenty of room to expand!

According to Bo Mahlangu, Residential Intended Community Program Coordinator, the success of Walter Lane hinges on the relationships and partnerships that have been built. "When we first started we were wondering how we were going to get the word out, and how we were going to get people exposed to what we are doing. Very quickly, things changed into we have lots of people coming out all the time and one of our difficulties has been trying to figure out how to utilize all of the resources we do have and how we can accommodate as many people as we have."

A number of innovative partnerships have formed that continually shape what the intended community looks like.

“The more partnerships that we have, the more people that come, the more that we will be able to do,” Bo said. One of the partnerships includes L'Arche Saskatoon who will be utilizing the farm for their beekeeping program this summer.

“Our community garden is another example of something that brings the community in.

We don’t charge people to use that space, but we hope it’s something that helps our people build a relationship with them,” Bo explains.

Walter Lane has something for every member of the community.

Their summer program runs daily throughout the summer where people of all ages and all abilities can come out and participate in whatever fun they have going on for the day.

Outdoor recreation activities involve a variety of jumbo sized equipment that make it possible for people with varying abilities to participate. There are a lot of interactive opportunities with the farm animals. There is also an educational aspect to programming that places importance on cultural teaching and providing opportunities of engagement. Imagination and creativity are also emphasized during art activities that include painting, photography and music.

SARC Update Spring 2017

Programs

er Lane Community The calendar below shows everything that they have going on this May & June. You can also visit their website www.lightoftheprairies.ca for additional details on their summer program.

Walter Lane has become a wonderful place open to anyone

who may want to participate in its many activities or be a part of its greater community.

The possibilities are endless for the future of the program as the space of the farm has plenty of room to expand, and new partnerships continue to be built with so much to offer.

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SARC Update Spring 2017

SWIFT CURRENT YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

HELPING FOSTER A NEW GENERATION OF LEADERS For many, employment is more than just a job – it’s an expression of ourselves, a chance to gain financial independence, or an opportunity to increase our quality of life. When it comes to finding and securing that job, it’s not always easy.

For youth with barriers to employment, this process can be even more challenging, even overwhelming to some.

Thankfully, the Saskatchewan Abilities Council is here to help.

The Saskatchewan Abilities Council noticed a gap in employment services

for youth experiencing disability and jumped at the opportunity to fill this community need in Swift Current by partnering with the Supported Employment Transition Initiative (SETI) and Community Initiative Fund.

skills like resume building, interview skills, appropriate dress, and interpersonal communication skills. They also tour various businesses to explore areas of interest and make connections with employers.

The Youth Employment Program launched in February 2017 and already has one participant employed. The program aims to support 25 youth aged 15-30 as they prepare to enter the workforce, many for the first time. Participants meet once a week in a classroom setting to learn pre-employment

With the help of the Youth Employment Program, 19-year-old Nolan Paradis attained his first job! Now Nolan works at the Chinook Golf Course in both the restaurant and the pro shop, and he loves it!

manager at Chinook Golf Course. “He fits right in, he’s one of us. There’s little jokes and jabs, comradery that would normally happen, and you can tell he’s happy about that.”

Nolan performs a wide variety of tasks – from clearing tables and stocking supplies to preparing the fairgrounds and cleaning golf clubs.

He enjoys interacting with customers and staff, but by far his favourite responsibility is driving the golf carts. By the end of his job orientation “Nolan is doing so well,” says training, Nolan will have his supervisor Marie Gottselig, learned to operate and

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park the carts safely and independently – a goal he’s eager to achieve.

“He’s doing the same tasks as his coworkers and he’s receiving the same respect as any one of my employees,” Marie says. “He’s dedicated to getting things done and getting things done right.

I’m very proud of him.”

Hiring a motivated and qualified candidate was top of mind for Marie, which made her decision to add Nolan to her team easy. He showed determination in his interview, demonstrated his skills and proved he was qualified for the position, Marie explained. In short, Nolan earned his job.

After learning everything he could in the Youth Employment Program preemployment classroom training, Nolan progressed into employment and the next stage of support from the Council.

He has a job coach that offers him encouragement on the job, ensures he understands his tasks and helps smooth any communication barriers. Most importantly, she’s another support in Nolan’s journey to independence and meaningful, sustainable employment.

Nolan’s supervisor Marie is no stranger to the barriers some individuals face to employment – she too worked as a job coach supporting individuals experiencing disability find and prepare for employment. While she says this background experience has helped her understand Nolan’s needs and capabilities, she also says it doesn’t take a special employer to hire individuals with disabilities. “Diversity is easy to work with because there is always some way to make it work,” she says.

As much as this is a learning opportunity for Nolan, it’s also an opportunity for the staff members and customers at the golf course to interact with individuals experiencing disability and see first-hand their capabilities. “It’s great for them to see Nolan as the hard-working employee he is, just like everyone else,” Marie says.

“It opens their world a little bit more.”

The Youth Employment Program looks to support as many youth as possible in reaching their employment goals, with the ambition of helping shape and develop our community’s next generation of leaders. After all, an inclusive community is a vibrant one!

“Diversity is easy to work with because there is always some way to make it work."

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SARC Update Spring 2017

Brought to you by Butler Byers and SARC's Insurance Program

Screening Volunteers for Your Organization

Regardless of how your organization recruits crashes and reckless behaviour leading to the volunteers (word of mouth, via your company destruction of property website or enrolment programs), it is imperative that you establish a stringent screening process. • Violations of Privacy: Discussing confidential information without permission This effective risk management tool will lend a hand in preventing any unnecessary harm.

Screening Guidelines Furthermore, screening volunteers will allow your organization to select the best person for The primary rule when developing screening the position. guidelines is that they must be tailored to the position your organization is seeking to fill. Each The ultimate goal at the end of the screening position requires different skills, interaction process is to answer the following questions: with different types of people and different life • Does the individual pose a risk of harm to the experiences. Therefore, your organization must community members that the organization develop multiple guidelines for all the positions serves? available.

• Does the individual pose a risk of harm to staff members, supervisors and the Board of Directors at the organization?

Before beginning to screen individuals, establish a description for the position and assess the risks involved. Identify the core responsibilities, special skills needed and an idea of the ideal • Does the position pose a risk to the individual candidate. Then, select the appropriate tools to applying? best assess the individual.

• Does the individual understand the Regardless of the position, each individual responsibilities involved in the position and should fill out an application, sit down for an the expectations of the organization? interview with a supervisory staff member and have his or her references checked. The only Types of Risks exception to this involves volunteers who have a one-time exposure to a low-risk group of There are four types of risks that an individual individuals in an extremely controlled situation. can pose to the organization, the staff and the Positions in which the volunteer works closely community. The screening process established with children, the elderly, others who may be by the organization should identify those risks vulnerable or handles funds should have more and eliminate individuals who pose them. extensive background checks.

• Physical Harm: Physical or sexual assault, child abuse, injuries inflicted from the misuse of vehicles and using poor judgment resulting in injury • Emotional Harm: Sexual harassment, racial slurs, religious discrimination, gendered remarks, name calling and insults about disabilities • Theft or Damage to Property: Stealing money from community members and staff, embezzling funds, vehicle

Note the chart on the following page. The left side indicates the various duties completed by volunteers in an array of positions. The top row indicates the screening requirement necessary to ensure the safety of the client your organization is serving. The coloured X’s indicate the necessity for the volunteer to be required to complete the screening requirements based on the duties required of the position.

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HOME VISIT

MEDICAL TESTS

MOTOR VEHICLE RECORDS CHECK CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS CHECK* PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS

REFERENCE CHECK

POSITION SCREENING REQUIREMENT

ORIENTATION INTERVIEW IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW

APPLICATION

Spring 2017

Position Duty

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X X X X X

X X X

X X X

X X X

X X X

X X X

X X X

X X X X X X X X X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X X

Visiting at client’s home

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X X

Supervised client contact in a group setting

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X X

Helping clients change clothes, bathe or other personal activities

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X X

Coaching youth sports

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X X X X X

Unsupervised contact with a vulnerable client Access to confidential client information Transportation of clients Handling organization’s or client’s funds Extensive contact with client in a live-in situation Physical exertion in a remote setting with children

Delivering meals to a client’s home KEY: The need to conduct the screening tool X: Extremely Necessary X: Necessary X: Neutral X: Unnecessary

Source: Corporation for National and Community Service *This checklist is merely a guideline. It is neither meant to be exhaustive nor meant to be construed as legal advice. It does not address all potential compliance issues with federal, provincial or local standard. For example, SARC Member Agencies funded by Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Social Services must perform Criminal Record Checks, and possibly Vulnerable Sector Checks, where volunteers are involved in the provision of services.

records for those who may be transporting people on behalf of the organization.

Instruct all staff members who hire volunteers to abide by the The best policy your organization can adopt is to exercise following background check guidelines: extreme caution while screening individuals. If in doubt, • Conduct a criminal background check on all individuals who will have contact with children, the elderly and/or vulnerable conduct additional checks before accepting the individual as a volunteer. If a supervisor notices an alerting red flag during members of the community. the screening process, it is recommended not to continue.

• Require multiple forms of identification and verify their The main objective is to uncover these red flags and weed authenticity. out individuals who pose a risk. By neglecting to fully screen • Utilize both local and national resources for background potential volunteers, your organization may inflict unnecessary checks. harm onto itself, staff members and the public - contradicting • Attain Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) Driver’s Abstract your mission to assist.

Screening Checklist

For more information, please contact your Butler Byers Insurance Team: Hernard Chan, Lynn Cross, Caitlin Uzelman, Zabrina Greke, Doug Cummine and Kathie Cummine toll free at-1-877-467-7272.

Not a plan member of the SARC Insurance Program?

Interested? The Butler Byers Insurance Team would be happy to provide you with some information to compare against your current plan– call them today!

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SARC Update Spring 2017

Professional Development for Nonprofit Excellence

The third Leap year wrapped up this May. We've had a dynamic group of bright and engaging nonprofit leaders in both Saskatoon and Regina; a huge thanks to this year's Graduates for dedicating their time to this professional development opportunity.

Registration is currently open for the 2017-2018 Leap year! Leap is a fantastic opportunity to gain practical management skills and join a network of nonprofit leaders across the province.

We are also looking forward to introducing the ninth module this 2017-2018 Leap year. In the Financial Responsibilities session, Learners will attain a solid understanding in a variety of areas related to management’s financial duties, including: budgeting, the audit process, and financial best practices. The addition of this new module will add to the comprehensive program as we aim to build well-rounded leaders.

Are you ready to take the Leap?

Visit www.sarclearningcentral.ca/programs/leap.

SARC SARC Update Update SARC Update Fall 2016 Spring 2017 Fall 2016

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the med assist program has been updated based on feedback provided from past users!

We are pleased to announce that, based on the feedback provided from past learners, the Medication Assistance program has been updated. The program, now called Med Assist, is hosted on a new platform and as a result we were able to enhance the program for an improved user experience.

Here are six of the new features to the program: 1. Faster and smoother process from start (registration) to finish (printing Certificate of Completion). The employee or supervisor can register for the program quickly and easily, and will have instant access to the program after registration.

2. New content, including more in-depth information on how to implement the 6 Rights of Medication Assistance at all stages, and anaphylaxis.

3. The content was refreshed to be more easily understood by employees who do not have medical training.

4. Supervisors Guide – this helpful guide has been developed as a tool for supervisors to implement the on-site portion of Med Assist training. The guide includes details on administering the program, how to provide hands-on-training at your organization specific to each client, evaluation, and more. This guide will assist an organization in developing and implementing a comprehensive medication assistance training program.

5. Updated demonstration videos that feature clients and employees from a SARC Member Agency. Thanks to Interlake Human Resources Inc. for their fabulous acting skills!

6. New look – We are pleased to have a new logo and design. This new look is sure to keep your attention while watching each of the modules!

Med Assist is an online program that can be accessed at any time and completed at each individual’s own pace. Geared toward employees who don’t have medical training, this program consists of seven modules that outline practical information on best practices in assisting clients with medication.

register today: www.sarclearningcentral.ca/programs/medassist

SARC Update 18

Spring 2017

SPRING This year’s Spring Conference held on May 10 & 11 was a great success! We were excited to have our first conference at the beautiful Saskatoon Inn. This year the Spring Conference had sixteen different concurrent sessions along with fantastic opening and closing keynote sessions with Peter Leidy and Rachelle Brockman. With four different concurrent sessions taking place at one time – it was quite busy to say the least!

schizophrenia. While the simulation can be very overwhelming, it really helps change perspectives and better arms attendees on how to support individuals who may be experiencing this illness in the future.

As always, the conference also had prizes and a social media contest!

In the exhibitor area there was a white board with a One Page Profile template. Attendees were encouraged to write their own One Page Profile on the whiteboard, New this year, in addition to the take a photo and share it on SARC’s concurrent sessions related to social media pages. It was great to disability services and supported see everyone participate and get to employment, we had a conference stream entirely on workplace health, know this important tool in personcentred planning. The lucky winner wellness, and safety. received an awesome beach themed These topics included mental health prize package. To the right are just a couple of the One Page Profiles and wellness sessions presented that were made at the conference.

by Brett Francis and Rachelle We also had a draw for those in the Brockman. We were fortunate wellness stream of the conference to have SHSA hold two sessions which included a yoga mat and including “Safety When Working other wellness goodies, and a door Alone” and “The Respectful Workplace”. We were also joined by prize that was a fantastic hammock, perfect for summer! safety expert Eldeen Pozniak who explored the topic of defining safety.

Thank you to our Corporate sponsor, MoveMobility, and our Supporting There were numerous interactive Sponsors, the SHSA, MediChair activities and opportunities for and WCB Work Safe Saskatchewan. discussion. One session that was Without their generous sponsorship particularly interactive was the “Hearing Voices that are Distressing” dollars, registration fees would be significantly higher. session with Annette Borrows. In this simulation exercise, attendees used audio tapes that simulated the experience of someone with

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SARC Update

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EXHIBITORS The conference’s Exhibitor area was a great space for attendees to network with other nonprofit professionals as well as to connect with some of the businesses and organizations that provide valuable services to the sector. One of these great services includes MoveMobility. Ken Cavenagh was on site to provide information to attendees about specialized and customized solutions for wheelchair vans and other vehicle modifications for those who have a unique mobility need. Through a focused approach, MoveMobility aims to provide the right solution for your vehicle mobility needs – the one that will work best for you. Ken travels throughout Saskatchewan regularly, and he is more than happy to bring a demo vehicle to your door to see various features first-hand and consider what makes sense for you.

SARC is pleased to have leveraged the power of group buying to pass on savings to you! When making any purchases through MoveMobility, be sure to reference the SARC Dealer Discount Program to access this savings opportunity. Visit www.movemobility.ca for more information.

Another exhibitor booth that we were happy to have back once again this year was Quality Life Assistant.

Michal Urjasz from Quality Life Assistant joined us to provide information about QLA - an integrated family of web-based applications that offers efficiency, accuracy, time savings, and positive environmental impact in the area of individual information management for CBOs that provide services for people experiencing disability. To learn more visit: www.qualitylifeassistant.com.

For nonprofit sector news, resources, and training follow SARC Learning Central on Facebook!

Visit facebook.com/sarclearningcentral

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Employer of Excellence Award

Take a few moments to nominate someone you know for an Al McGuire, Employer of Excellence, or Volunteer of Distinction award and make a huge impact on a deserving nominee!

NOMINATION DEADLINE: JUNE 7, 2017

LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT OUR CELEBRATE SUCCESS BANQUET THIS OCTOBER! Volunteer of Distinction Award SARC administers the awards as part of its annual Fall Conference and Celebrate Success Awards banquet. This year’s event takes place on October 25, 2017 in Saskatoon. To learn more about the Celebrate Success Awards visit: www.sarcsarcan.ca/celebrate_success