DEAM Archives – Page 2 of 2 – Creative Options Regina

“I love cars,” he beamed. “I’d like to work with Monster trucks or clean Nascars. Maybe a mechanic.”

October 1, 2017/in 4to40, Blog, DEAM, Inclusion, Stories/by Michael

Ted is always on the go! Whether taking an evening to race around town on his bike, or working as a cleaner and detailer for cars and trucks at Morsky; Ted is always on the move. His attention to detail helps make him an extremely gifted artist and his resourceful nature rivals that of Macguiver. In the first couple minutes of getting to know him I learned that Ted is playful and loves to joke around which makes him a good friend and well-rounded teammate.

When asked what his favorite part of working at Morsky is, Ted confidently stated, “saving money for things and [his] boss. I really like to have money for things I want.” Ted is a cleaner and detailer at Morsky and loves being part of the team. “Everyone I work with is really nice to me and when I do a good job, they hook me up with a bonus.” Not a bad gig if I do say so myself.

When the clock strikes 4 pm, Ted’s day isn’t finished. In his spare time he likes to tinker with new projects and fix broken treasures. If he can’t fix and sell it, he finds a way to repurpose it. One of Ted’s most recent projects is a mount for his iPod which fastens to the frame of his new bike. Now he can listen to tunes while he rips around town.

Looking around Ted’s home it is easy to see that Ted is passionate about creating. When he is not fixing up his ride he can be found drawing video game characters, painting fresh canvasses in his art class, and playing through games on his Xbox. One of Ted’s favorite games is Minecraft; a game where one builds and plays characters of their own design in a world which is also designed by the game player.

Finally, I asked Ted about his dream job. “I love cars,” he beamed. “I’d like to work with Monster trucks or clean Nascars. Maybe a mechanic.” It sounds like any pit crew would be lucky to have your creative vision and playful personality. Thanks Ted!

Ben Morris,

Community Education and Outreach

4to40 Press Conference: National Disability Employment Awareness Month recognized at the University of Regina

October 28, 2016/in 4to40, Blog, DEAM, Events, Inclusion/by Michael

The University of Regina hosted a Press Conference on October 28th, 2016 in celebration of 4to40 and the National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The event was attended by over 100 employers, community leaders, partners and 4to40 job seekers.

We are proud to have Dr. Vianne Timmons, President of the University of Regina, Michael Hoffart, President & CEO of Farm Credit Canada, and Hon. Laura Ross, MLA for Regina Rochdale, support our efforts to increase employment opportunities for all those we serve.

You are true champions of inclusion!

Link to the UofR Article: Celebrating Campus For All

Link to CKRM Article: University of Regina celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month

For more information on Inclusive Employment, visit: www.4to40.ca

4to40 Interview with Patrick, SaskTel and RHSAA Employee — Celebrating Inclusive Employers!

October 27, 2016/in 4to40, Blog, DEAM, Inclusion, Stories/by Michael

Patrick Flaman is well versed in the working world and is a seasoned member of the Sasktel crew, rockin’ employment there for around two years now. His job provides him with security, friendship and that ever important paycheck; but Patrick was given an opportunity that was hard to refuse. Patrick got a second job. Now one might think: How is more work an opportunity that is hard to refuse?

Patrick was offered a job with RHSAA as a line judge and first down official; but most importantly, he was offered that opportunity to work alongside his best friend Rene. If working with your best friend isn’t enough, Patrick also gets to stay fit running up and down the sidelines, as well as out onto the field with his alma mater, the Campbell Tartans.

When asked about what his favorite thing at his new job was, Patrick got excited and exclaimed, ‘getting to work with my friend, and running out with my boys the Campbell Tartans! They love it when I come out with them and high five me as I leave the field.’

Being a guy who loves physical activity and is involved in any sport he can be a part of, this is a great opportunity! Patrick’s connectedness to ‘the boys’ and his comradery from that group of young athletes is special and can’t really be achieved in many lines of work. How many of you can say that you have torn out onto the grid-iron and ripped through a banner touting your colours and company name on any given Monday morning? What a rush!

In addition to Patrick’s dedication to his work, he is also extremely responsible with his extra cash. Finally, when asked what he planned on doing with his extra paycheck, Patrick said nonchalantly, ‘Probably add it to my RDSP’s. Save it. Save it for a day when I get hospitalized or need it for an emergency.’

Wow!

Employment can be all that and a bag of chips. You just have to find the right job!

Thanks Patrick!

To learn more about Inclusive Employment, visit: www.4to40.ca.

Ben Morris,

Community Education and Outreach

4to40 Interview with Austin, SARCAN Employee — Celebrating Inclusive Employers

October 20, 2016/in 4to40, Blog, DEAM, Inclusion, Stories/by Michael

Austin has been passionate about recycling for as long as he can remember. In his spare time he cleans up his neighborhood and is always looking for ways to help out the environment. If there is a will there is a way, and Austin’s will is what pushes him to research all the different ways to reduce waste and maintain a healthy planet! That is why a job in recycling could not be better suited for him!

At age 17, Austin has done what so many people fail to do in a lifetime. Find a job which they can care passionately about and make a solid living while doing it. His partnership and employment at Sarcan Recycling is his avenue for success, but Austin’s deep well of knowledge on the subject of recycling helps him in his everyday work.

Austin’s attention to detail helps him with sorting and knowing the exact right way to care for all recyclables. Have you ever noticed that every plastic vessel that you buy has a number attached to its recycling instructions? Austin knows! He also knows what that plastic is made of and where you properly dispose of that vessel.

When asked about his favorite part of his job, Austin simply said, “the fact that I am recycling. Well, and helping the environment.” Austin also took some time to elaborate on his perfect dream job to which he said, “If I could work anywhere I think it would be where I am working — at Sarcan. Or Crown Shred. That would be cool.”

In addition to being a great worker and citizen, Austin is humbly responsible. To be fair, at 17 one doesn’t have a lot of expenses, but he manages to save most of his paychecks every two weeks. “It’s nice to have money. Especially when I want to buy something big.” He does however splurge with twenty dollars every pay day to celebrate his hard work.

Finally, when asked what his favorite part of being on a team is, Austin said, “that we are all recycling together and making a bigger difference. More people recycling is better for the planet.”

Austin’s experience in the workplace is still fresh and new, but faced with the temptations of the everyday, he manages to stay true to himself and his strict code. When we work together we can create the greatest change. Great work Austin! Thanks for keeping us all in check brother.

To learn more about Inclusive Employment, visit: www.4to40.ca.

Ben Morris,

Community Education and Outreach

4to40 Interview with Rene, RHSAA Employee — Celebrating Inclusive Employers!

October 13, 2016/in 4to40, Blog, DEAM, Inclusion, Stories/by Michael

Work.

Work pays the bills.

Work helps create identity and gives meaning to our day.

Often overlooked is the less obvious face of work which is connection. Work connects us to people that we often wouldn’t have the opportunity to rub shoulders with, and work is often the soil of which great friendships and relationships are nourished. For Rene, work is opportunity! Not only does he get to earn a fair wage and paycheck, but he gets to be involved in sport. Which is something that Rene also truly values.

Rene is a field judge and yard stick holder for the Regina High School Football League (RHSAA), which not only puts him right in the middle of the action, but it allows him to be active as well. When asked about his favorite part of his job and being part of a team, Rene jovially laughed and said, ‘running back and forth and getting lots of exercise!’

In addition to getting exercise and being part of the action, Rene noted that ‘[he is] lucky to get to work with [his best friend] and some new people too.’ Also highlighted here are the social aspects of the job where he gets to eat pizza with his boss, and hang out with new colleagues and friends.

Rene and his best friend Patrick were given the opportunity to face the challenges of a new work place beside one another. Together they are learning to count on each other and together they are teaching each other how to be accountable. These skills are not only great to have in friendship, but they are also foundational in the work place.

I asked Rene what he planned to do with all of the money he was making from his new job, to which he replied, ‘I dunno. Save up for my trip to Calgary, or a new guitar. Even go out on the weekends to meet up with my friends.’

For Rene, working one or two nights a week affords him the ability to dream for himself and write his own life story. Having a steady paycheck changes a trip with friends to Calgary from being a fleeting thought in conversation and empty promise to one’s self, to an attainable goal. Thanks to the equal opportunities provided by the RHSAA, both Rene and the organization have benefited significantly.

To learn more about Inclusive Employment, visit: www.4to40.ca.

Ben Morris,

Community Education and Outreach