Today, our COR family was thrilled to be featured on CTV Morning Live sharing how we are supporting our community amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch the video segment below!
What’s Your Why?
COR has over 220 employees, all with different stories. This blog series will highlight some of the amazing people that work at COR and what fuels their passion and purpose.
This is Michael Clark. Michael is a support and has worked at COR for 3 years. This is his WHY!
What brought you to COR?
I originally was referred by Abigail Frasz. I have always had an interest in helping people and have kept in contact with people from my high school in Manitoba that experience a disability.
Why do you stay?
The people I support and the people I work with. The flexible schedule is also great!
What’s the best thing about your job?
The relationships I have with the individuals I support.
What’s been the most impactful or meaningful experience you’ve had?
Some of the trips I have gone on (Calgary & Toronto with Peter and Saskatoon with Patrick). Also getting to know the Danakas family has been a great pleasure.
What do you wish others knew about supporting at COR?
How rewarding it is. It’s rewarding in the way I’ve been able to build relationships with the people we serve. It’s rewarding to see how you can have such an impact on someone’s life and how much you can help be a positive influence as well. It really brings value to what we do.
What’s Your Why?
COR has over 220 employees, all with different stories. This blog series will highlight some of the amazing people that work at COR and what fuels their passion and purpose.
This is Brooks Ross. Brooks is a support and has worked at COR since December 2018. This is her WHY!
What brought you to COR?
I had just moved home from living in Ohio for 3 months and during that time was let go from my long time job. I was honestly lost and didn’t know what to do or what I would be able to do with only half a university degree at 23. I then saw a posting on Facebook for COR and messaged my friend Sawyer who was an employee at the time. I asked him what exactly COR was and what he did with the organization. After hearing back from him I applied and was hired almost right away and I’m SO happy it worked out that way because it really is an amazing place to work.
Why do you stay?
I stay because I’ve never felt more accepted and supported in anything I’ve ever done. The people who work at COR alongside me are not just my fellow supports they are some of my closest friends. The community that Michael, Jim and everyone else has created is something I’ve never been able to experience before. Also, the love and kindness shown to everyone across the entire organization is something rare in today’s world. Day in and day out I see it and, I experience it. It’s something really special.
Whats the best thing about your job?
For me, the best thing about my job is that every single day I have the ability to directly make an impact or difference in the lives of those I support and those I support alongside of. I also believe that the people I work with and the individuals I support have made me a much better person in so many ways.
Whats been the most impactful or meaningful experience you’ve had?
The most impactful experience I’ve had actually just happened over the weekend. As COVID-19 is changing everything we know about our daily lives, it’s also changing the way we, as essential workers, do things. I have gone from supporting 4 amazing ladies to just 2 now. I haven’t seen one of the girls I support in over a month and usually we’re together every week. She’s like my little sister and hanging out with her is the best part of my week. On easter Sunday, as I was supporting, the girl I haven’t seen in a month and her mom stopped by the house to put a gift in the mailbox. She rang the doorbell and then stepped back for distancing purposes, and told me she made me a friendship bracelet and a note. As I looked at her from 6ft away I just wanted to hug her and was so overcome with emotion and love for this young girl. It was such an emotional moment and for me, this bracelet is a symbol of how much love she has for me and how much I mean to her. I realized in that moment that I truly make an impact in the lives of the people I support and that the things I do, although they may seem small, they really do mean a lot.
What do you wish others knew about supporting at COR?
I wish that others knew how amazing COR is and that it’s not just a job. You meet the most amazing people, not only the individuals who call COR their forever home but the office crew, the support teams we serve on and the other supports from the different teams. I wish others knew how to live by what gentle teaching is because I am so happy I am able to live that way now and don’t know how I didn’t before. COR to me is what community and inclusion is all about. It’s not about rules or guidelines it’s about making sure everyone is able to achieve the things in life they want and to live with nothing but love and support.
Gentle Teaching has genuinely transformed the person I am today, but most importantly, the person I am continuously working to be. Gentle Teaching has not only showed me a fundamentally different way of approaching life here at COR, but it has allowed me to approach my everyday life differently. Through my training, through the conversations, and through my supportive role here at COR, I have been exposed to the importance of empathy. Gentle Teaching has indisputably opened my eyes to the ability to understand why people react in the ways they do, why people feel the way they do, and furthermore, gives me the skills towards painting a picture of their reality to embody who they indeed are. This philosophy has such a unique meaning and purpose in everyone’s life, and I believe that is the pure beauty in it. For me, I have grasped raising Gentle Teaching as a way of living, not only for myself, but so that I can positively make my mark on each person I encounter. Gentle Teaching has embedded in me the importance to take on every day with the hopes of lifting others up through collaboratively and patiently working together. Applying Gentle Teaching to my everyday life has been a transformation I could have never imagined when I began here at COR. I have learned to value each person for who they are genuinely, but more importantly, to live a life of empowering each other. I have always been a team-oriented person. With the addition of this philosophy, they want for the empowerment of everyone around me, they strive to build everyone’s confidence with their own identity, and their meaning is amplified.
Trent,
COR Family Member
Throughout my years of experience with COR (which started in October of 2015) there has been several challenging situations!
However, this did not discourage me! Genuine care is the key to my consistent ability to support those in need. Being genuine and gentle is maintained by being patient, forgiving and optimistic! Not getting caught up with the little things and assuring to leave at the end of the day on a positive note. COR allowed me and others to make a difference on a daily basis, and that is the long term goal. Making a difference every day allows me to come the following day demonstrating positivity and genuine care. “Be kind to one another”- Ellen DeGeneres. Ellen has been a television host that I follow and watch religiously; she reminds us to be gentle, kind and mild-mannered to each other. Every home deserves this attitude, and the individuals I support really need a gentle environment. This is a culture that will affect the world in a positive way. Smiling, caring and listening is all a part of creating this gentle culture within the team of individuals I serve.
Jason,
COR Family Member
Employment means something different to every person. Some folks enjoy the social aspects of a job where the people make the work tolerable. Some prefer a role where they can put their head down and get things done for 8 hours a day and then go home to resume life the way they truly want. For Trent employment is all of these things. For Trent, employment adds variety.
When asked about what the perfect job for Trent would be he replied, ‘For me it would be the perfect mix of things. I don’t just like one job over another. I like to have time at home to chill out, and I also like to meet new people at work. If I had to choose I would say I’d be a mechanic in the afternoons and then relax by the water and skateboard all night!’ As Trent is a self-proclaimed ‘night owl’ evenings are made for leisure and relaxation.
Over the course of our conversation it became quite evident that Trent’s heart belongs to skateboarding in the summertime. When asked about his passion Trent stated, ‘I love the freedom to move and the feeling of the outdoors! When I am skating I can let go, be myself, and let my worries drift away!’ Trent also talked at length about his desire to keep up his skills and dedicate as much time as possible to practicing which is truly admirable when working toward any goal!
Finally, when asked about what he spends all his extra cash on, Trent lit up and said, ‘with my money I want to save enough to treat my family to things like Pats games or trips. I also want to make some upgrades to my skateboard like to the wheels and axels. New bearings would be sweet too!’
In getting to know Trent it has been my greatest pleasure to learn about his value to any work place. He loves to belong to team and is a dedicated partner to be able to count on. He values his work life balance and is never afraid to share in conversation-especially if it’s about the great outdoors or thrashing during the summer. He is adaptable, polite, and an all-around unique guy!
Thank you Trent for sharing your passions with me!
Ben Morris,
COR Family Member
A deep reservoir of outstanding workplace practices: ‘Saskatchewan’s Top Employers’ for 2020 are announced’
REGINA, Feb. 12, 2020 – Saskatchewan’s economic fortunes might be slowly turning the corner, but employers in the province are increasingly taking steps to improve their workplace practices and human resource policies. The best of these programs were recognized today, as Saskatchewan’s Top Employers for 2020 were announced by Mediacorp Canada Inc., organizers of the annual Canada’s Top 100 Employers project.
“We continue to see a deep reservoir of outstanding workplace practices in Saskatchewan,” says Richard Yerema, Managing Editor of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project. In good economic times and otherwise, Saskatchewan employers are a source of progressive human resource policies that the rest of Canada would do well to study. This year, our editorial team paid particular attention to initiatives that aren’t costly or expensive – but make a meaningful difference in employees’ lives. These kinds of programs raise the bar, as other employers can easily emulate and improve upon them.”
This year’s list of winners comprises 30 employers from across the province, with good representation from most areas of Saskatchewan’s economy. These employers lead their peers when it comes to programs such as: helping employees balance work with family commitments; engaging employees to make a difference in the community; developing employees’ skills and training so they are ready for tomorrow’s economy; improving employee health and wellness, particularly mental health; and helping staff prepare for the second half of their careers and life after work.
“These are challenging times as the economy regains strength in Saskatchewan and across Western Canada,” adds Kristina Leung, Senior Editor at Mediacorp. “But after 15 years, we can say with confidence that the province’s best employers take the long view, paying attention to the needs and aspirations of their employees. Saskatchewan is the place where many of the values that define Canada were formed – when it comes to progressive workplaces and forward-thinking employers, it’s no different. The province is still a quiet leader, with some of the best employers in the nation.”
Some of the initiatives noted by the editors include:
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Saskatchewan’s Top Employers competition, a special designation that recognizes employers in the province that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work. Employers were evaluated by the editors at Canada’s Top 100 Employers using the same criteria as the national competition: (1) Physical Workplace; (2) Work Atmosphere & Social; (3) Health, Financial & Family Benefits; (4) Vacation & Time Off; (5) Employee Communications; (6) Performance Management; (7) Training & Skills Development; and (8) Community Involvement. Employers are compared to other organizations in their field to determine which offer the most progressive and forward-thinking programs. The annual competition is open to any employer with its head office in Saskatchewan; employers of any size may apply, whether private- or public-sector.
Founded in 1992, Mediacorp Canada Inc. is the nation’s largest publisher of employment periodicals. Since 1999, the Toronto-based publisher has managed the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project, which includes 18 regional and special-interest editorial competitions that reach over 15 million Canadians annually through a variety of magazine and newspaper partners. Mediacorp also operates Eluta.ca, one of Canada’s largest job search engines, which reaches millions of users annually and features editorial reviews from the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project. Mediacorp also hosts
Canada’s largest conference for senior-level HR professionals, the Top Employer Summit. This year’s conference took place in November and featured a performance by Coeur de Pirate, one of the most popular musicians in the French-speaking world.
The full list of Saskatchewan’s Top Employers for 2020 was announced today in a special magazine published in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and Regina Leader-Post. Detailed reasons for selection for each of the winners, with hundreds of stories and photos, were released by the editors today and are accessible via the competition homepage.
Further information:
Stephanie Leung, Assistant Editor, 416-964-6069 x5334
Source: Mediacorp Canada Inc. www.mediacorp.ca
Saskatchewan’s Top Employers 2020 Winners
3sHealth / Health Shared Services Saskatchewan, Regina
Access Communications Co-operative, Regina
Cornerstone Credit Union Financial Group, Yorkton
Creative Options Regina, Regina
Flaman Sales Ltd., Saskatoon
Fries Tallman Lumber Ltd., Regina
Group Medical Services / GMS Insurance, Regina
Harvard Developments Inc., Regina
Information Services Corp. / ISC, Regina
ISM Canada, Regina
K+S Potash Canada GP, Saskatoon
Mosaic Company, The, Regina
Nutrien, Saskatoon
Pattison Agriculture Ltd., Swift Current
Ranch Ehrlo Society, Regina
Saskatchewan Apprenticeship & Trade Certification Commission, Regina
The way that I create and maintain a culture of gentleness surrounding the women I support is through curiosity, warmth, and the building up of others. These three elements feed into one another and are tangibly helpful in sustaining the positive morale and affectionate atmosphere that are vital to a culture of gentleness.
Curiosity implies interest, attention, respect and good-naturedness, all of which are essential to building and maintaining a culture of gentleness. In the time I have been supporting at COR, I have consistently made a point of asking questions and approaching those I serve and my team with openness and attentiveness. I have found that it is much easier to build pleasant, amicable, and trusting relationships when the other senses your interest in them. Approaching the individuals I serve with curiosity means that I do not assume I know what they want, nor do I cut them off mid-sentence because I think I know what they will say. Instead, I try to listen with fresh ears every day in hopes that I might see and hear things that might otherwise get missed for that individual. Approaching my fellow team members with curiosity means asking how their day went and actually listening to the response. It means refraining from gossip or judgement when someone has made a mistake, and giving that person the benefit of the doubt. I truly believe that this is an essential piece to maintaining good team morale, and by extension, a happy and healthy emotional climate surrounding the individuals we serve.
Hence, I take that curiosity one step further by projecting genuine warmth and care to everyone in our circle. The most important aspect of the culture of gentleness for me is the sense of ease and comfort I feel when approaching others within our community. It is an amazing thing to be surrounded by so many kind, genuine, and warm individuals and to feel safe from judgement, ridicule, or rejection when moving through said group. It is important to me that others feel that same security in me, and so I strive to project amiability, not only to those I support and my teammates, but to everyone else within our immediate community.
That warmth and openness can be taken even further in the form of building up others around me. Greeting an acquaintance by name, remembering what they like, or asking a thoughtful question can make them feel seen and important. Encouraging and complimenting can likewise give someone a well-needed boost to keep doing their best. If I can build up the individuals I support, other supports or even COR friends and family members by doing any of these things, then that person I uplift is more likely to turn around and pay the same kindness forward to someone else. That, to me, is life force behind a culture of gentleness.
Ashley, COR Family Member
Gentle Teaching has inspired me to not only become a better support, but a better person, future educator, friend and family member. Gentle Teaching is not something I do when at work, but rather a lifestyle change to improve the way I live my life with the hope to influence those around me. It is important for me to build meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime with the people I support. Gentle Teaching has taught me the importance of valuing someone regardless of any mistake or negative behavior they might display. Gentle teaching has also taught me the importance of unconditional love — this can be shown in many forms, such as getting involved in the individuals lives, learning their likes and dislikes, sticking with them through hard times and providing reassurance we will get through this together.
Gentle Teaching has transformed the person I am today by guiding me away from your typical caregiver role into a support who plays a more meaningful role in a person’s life. I am inspired to be a better person than I was yesterday and who I will be tomorrow.
Brooklyn,
COR Family Member
Value. It’s something that doesn’t need to be earned. We all have value. Within our own circle of support that value is magnified and can be easily recognized. But every once in a while a person we may not even know does something special and it takes us back. Maybe they spark up a conversation with us at the coffee shop when we least expect it, or maybe they hold open a door or plug our parking meter without us even knowing. How do we recognize and give thanks to the people that brighten our days?
100 Acts of Kindness is back and we are roaring into 2020 with all of the momentum from last year’s campaign! 2019 highlighted some of the unsung heroes of our city who make the ordinary extraordinary, and make those impossible tasks, possible! 100 Acts of Kindness 2020 is going to take last year’s nominations to new heights and continue to spread the love in different ways. Our Street Team is adding new members each week as we invite last year’s recipients to pay the love forward to new unsuspecting superheroes. Join us this winter in turning our snowball into an avalanche!
Take a peek at who we celebrated in our 2019 campaign here: COR AOK’s 2019.
Take a peek at who we celebrated in our 2018 campaign here: COR AOK’s 2018.
