The Regina & District Chamber of Commerce gathered April 4, 2025 for the 26th Annual Paragon Awards, an event that honours Regina’s most outstanding businesses.
This year, COR was honoured to be recognized with the Paragon Award for Diversity, Equality and Inclusion – a testament to our commitment to creating a more equitable and welcoming community, both within and beyond our organization.
“The Paragon Awards shine a spotlight on the businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals who have gone above and beyond to make Regina and our surrounding district a vibrant, dynamic, and thriving place to live and work,” said Mike Tate, CEO of the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce.
Awards were presented in eight categories:
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR
Presented by Conexus Credit Union
Winner: Nathan Silljer, Edco Plumbing & Heating
COMMUNITY ALLIANCE
Presented by Scotiabank
Winner: Hospitals of Regina Foundation Cardiac Care
(Cardiac Care Campaign in partnership with Municipal Hail Insurance)
CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE
Presented by Regina Airport Authority
Winner: Hotel Saskatchewan
MARKETING & PROMOTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
Presented by Saskatchewan Blue Cross
Winner: Canadian Western Agribition
DIVERSITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION
Presented by Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Winner: Creative Options Regina
ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE
Presented by the City of Regina
Winner: Green Smart Windowns, Doors & Blinds
NEW BUSINESS VENTURE
Presented by WorkSafe Saskatchewan
Winner: Skyline Distillery
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Presented by flexnetworks
Winner: Harvard Western Insurance
https://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/DSC03053-scaled.jpg14842560Michaelhttps://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/COR-LOGO-2021-1030x515.pngMichael2025-04-05 10:00:192025-05-11 12:49:08Recipient of the Regina Chamber Paragon Award for Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
With job security and a stable economy, Saskatchewan employers offer more than just peace of mind: ‘Saskatchewan’s Top Employers’ for 2025 are announced.
REGINA, February 4, 2025 – With a strong economy that’s resilient in the face of economic headwinds, Saskatchewan has long been an attractive place to work and live. Employers in the province are raising the bar by providing employees with better family-friendly benefits and skills upgrading that will help them succeed as technology advances rapidly. The best of these
initiatives were recognized this morning as Saskatchewan’s Top Employers (2025) was announced by Mediacorp Canada Inc., organizers of the annual Canada’s Top 100 Employers project.
“Economies that go through dramatic boom and bust cycles are usually the ones we read about in the news, but it’s places like Saskatchewan — with its reliable and steady economic growth — that provides true peace of mind to employees,” says Richard Yerema, executive editor at the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project. “Employees value the security that comes with being able to count on a reliable employer and feeling confident that your livelihood — and the life you’ve built for your family — is secure.”
The employers chosen as this year’s Saskatchewan’s Top Employers distinguish themselves with strong support for family-friendly benefits, as well as ensuring their employees receive the training and development they need to succeed. From tuition subsidies to in-house skills improvement programs, this year’s winners understand that a skilled workforce is essential as
technology advances at an ever-faster rate.
“Economic stability and a long history of steady growth: that’s the story of Saskatchewan,” adds Yerema. “People attracted to the province’s affordability and high standard of living, while building a career at an employer that cares about their family and future. The employers on this year’s list know that job security means income security, where employees can have confidence that the resources they depend upon, and the things they’ve earned through hard work, won’t be taken from them by a sudden economic downturn.”
Now in its 20th year, Saskatchewan’s Top Employers is a special designation that recognizes the employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work. Editors at Mediacorp review employers on eight criteria, which have remained consistent since the project’s inception:
(1) 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. The editors publish detailed ‘reasons for selection’ explaining why the winners were chosen, providing transparency in the selection of winners and a catalogue of best practices for employers and job-seekers alike. The competition is open to any employer, private or public sector, with its head office or principal place of business in Saskatchewan.
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 19 regional and special-interest editorial competitions that reach millions of Canadians annually through a variety of magazine and newspaper partners, including The Globe and Mail. Mediacorp also operates Eluta.ca, one of Canada’s largest job search engines, used by millions of job-seekers annually to find new job postings and discover what the nation’s best employers are offering.
The full list of Saskatchewan’s Top Employers (2025) was announced today in a special magazine published online in the Regina Leader-Post and Saskatoon StarPhoenix, as well as on Eluta.ca. Detailed ‘reasons for selection’ for each of this year’s winners, including dozens of stories and photos about their initiatives, were released today by the editors and are accessible via the competition homepage.
Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority / SIGA, Saskatoon
Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatoon
Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation, Saskatoon
Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board, Regina
Saskatoon, City of, Saskatoon
SaskEnergy Incorporated, Regina
SaskPower, Regina
SaskTel, Regina
Synergy Credit Union Ltd., Lloydminster
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon
Vaderstad Industries Inc., Langbank
https://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025TopEmployer_SocialPost_FB-e1737337618586.png10582500Michaelhttps://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/COR-LOGO-2021-1030x515.pngMichael2025-02-04 16:00:372025-02-04 19:21:18Proud to be Recognized as a Saskatchewan Top Employer (2025) for an 8th Year!
COR is proud to be named a 2024 Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month Great Employer, by Excellence Canada.
In a letter from Sean Slater, President, Excellence Canada, COR was commended for our efforts to nurture a physically and psychologically safe workplace:
Congratulations on prioritizing the vital work of nurturing a physically and psychologically safe and healthy workplace and for the commendable actions you are taking as an employer to achieve it. Our adjudication team was impressed with your work in the following key areas of focus:
Physical Health
Mental Health
Social Health
Community
Excerpt from Excellence Canada’s Official Announcement:
We’re excited to celebrate this year’s amazing organizations that have gone the extra mile to make their workplaces healthy, safe, and welcoming for everyone. These award winners have shown real leadership in creating environments where both physical and mental well-being are top priorities. Their efforts stand out accross the four pillars of workplace wellness, and it’s inspiring to see how they’re making a difference for their teams everyday.
Kudos to all the recipients– you’re setting an awesome example for workplaces across Canada!
https://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Great-Employer2024_social_Facebook-LinkedIn.png13132500Michaelhttps://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/COR-LOGO-2021-1030x515.pngMichael2024-12-04 09:00:172025-01-22 16:16:28Recognized by Excellence Canada as a Healthy Workplace Month Great Employer
Nethmi joined COR in 2023. Originally from Sri Lanka, she moved to Regina to pursue her Bachelor in Social Work at the University of Regina. Sri Lanka is a beautiful island in South Asia, which is known for its stunning landscape and diverse culture. It’s also famous for Ceylon tea! Sri Lankan hospitality is known for its warmth and genuine kindness. Visitors are often welcomed with open arms into homes, where sharing a meal is a cherished tradition. From rice and curry combinations to street food like hoppers (pancakes) and kottu roti (chopped roti with vegetables and meat), each bite tells a story of heritage and regional diversity.
Nethmi took a leap of faith to immigrate to Canada after several conversations and research about Canada with her husband. What attracted them to choose Canada were the many opportunities offered to immigrants. Canada is also known for offering high quality education and research opportunities.
Nethmi arrived to Canada alone and her husband came after. Nethmi confessed that coming to Canada on her own without any support system was very challenging. “It was winter when I arrived and coming to a new country without any friends or family wasn’t easy at all! I still remember how I called back home and told them that I wanted to go back home on the first night,” shared Nethmi.
Like many who make Saskatchewan their home, the biggest cultural shock is indeed the cold weather. Nethmi really struggled with the climate, sharing that she was not equipped for the Canadian winter. The clothes she brought from Sri Lanka were simply not good enough for the cold weather.
Nethmi expressed that she felt homesick and really missed her country, mainly her family and friends. She also missed Sri Lankan food. She is always looking forward to visit her home country for a vacation in order to indulge in the cultural food. “Nothing can beat a good Sri Lankan rice and curry,” Nethmi shared proudly.
Despite the cultural shock and the challenges that come with immigrating to a new country, Nethmi said that immigrating to Canada was the best decision for her husband and herself. “It is nice to be independent, it wasn’t easy, but it is worth it. I learned so many things and it’s a new experience and a good place for my personal growth. The opportunity for me to pursue a better education with greater career opportunities will help me to have a good quality of life,” shared Nethmi.
Canadians are recognised for their sense of hospitality and their friendly nature. Nethmi shared that one thing she loved was how welcoming and friendly people are in Canada. She said she feels more freedom to do whatever she wants to, without people’s judgement.
Nethmi confessed that after learning about Gentle Teaching, she felt compelled to apply to work at COR. While doing her research about COR, she knew that she wanted to be part of our organization. “Within a culture of gentleness, the relationship with individuals supported becomes more genuine and trusting. The connection becomes more emotional, rather than control. And something I’ve learned is the more the individuals trust you, the relationship grows. Gentle Teaching also emphasizes to support poeple with unconditional respect,” said Nethmi.
Asked about what traditions and celebration she likes in Canada, Nethmi shared that Christmas has been really meaningful to her. “Even though myself being a Buddhist, Christmas also had been a celebration where everyone comes together in the spirit of sharing. Being in Canada, I have celebrated Christmas once and it was amazing to be together with friends. I love Christmas shopping and sending little gifts to my family and friends. That’s one of my favourite things to do during the Christmas season.”
Thank you Nethmi for choosing Saskatchewan and for choosing COR. We are grateful to have you a part of the COR family.
https://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Nethmi-photo-e1731890008449.jpg7771200Michaelhttps://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/COR-LOGO-2021-1030x515.pngMichael2024-11-21 08:00:342024-11-21 10:26:15Nethmi’s Story: Nothing can beat a good Sri Lankan rice and curry
The Canadian Positive Psychology Association (CPPA) and Workplace Strategies for Mental Health with Mary Ann Baynton are thrilled to announce the 2024 Canadian Workplace Well-Being Awards winners.
This award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding achievements in Canadian organizations that strengthen workplace well-being, employee mental health and psychological safety. The CPPA encourages organizations to integrate the principles and evidence-based practices of positive psychology into their HR strategy to support employee engagement, employee satisfaction and retention.
“The judging panel of ten experts in positive psychology and well-being were extremely impressed with the innovative programs, resources and support networks created by the 2024 winning organizations to foster employee mental health, well-being and sense of belonging”, says Louisa Jewell, President and Founder of the Canadian Positivity Association. “What is striking is the deep level of commitment to support employees to feel heard and understood when it comes to their well-being at work”, Jewell adds.
Some key patterns emerged amongst the winning organizations. Here are a few standouts:
They take a strategic approach where well-being and psychological safety is part of their organizational HR Strategy;
They invest in providing supports, enhanced mental health benefits and resources to help employees proactively manage their psychological health; and
They are intentional about creating a culture where there is trust, and employees feel heard, cared for, valued, and have a sense of belonging.
Here are the 2024 Canadian Workplace Well-Being Winners: (CWWA Awards)
Nonprofit/Charity Sector
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice (Vancouver, BC)
Creative Options Regina (Regina, SK)
Kids Help Phone (Toronto, ON)
Small Private/Public Sector
Sklar Wilton and Associates (Toronto, ON)
Large Private/Public Sector
Best Buy (Vancouver, BC)
First West Credit Union (Langley, BC)
Metrolinx (Toronto, ON)
TransLink (Vancouver, BC)
The panel of expert judges for the 2024 Canadian Workplace Well-Being Awards included:
https://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CWWA-Winner-e1737334743374.png10381290Michaelhttps://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/COR-LOGO-2021-1030x515.pngMichael2024-11-20 18:00:592025-01-19 19:06:55Recipient of the 2024 Canadian Workplace Well-Being Award
Japleen Kaur immigrated to Canada from Chandigarh, India in 2022. Chandigarh is the capital of the northern Indian state of Punjab and Haryana. Picturesquely located in the foothills of the Shivaliks, it is known as one of the best experiments in urban planning and modern architecture of the twentieth century in India.
Japleen set her eyes on Canada to pursue her education as her brother, Param, was already in Canada. She also choose Canada for the breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant multicultural atmosphere.
Like thousands of immigrants that choose Canada to settle down, Japleen shares that she wanted to be in a place where she could learn from diverse cultures and meet people from all around the world. “Knowing my brother was here, made the thought of adjusting much easier, as I would have a piece of family close by. Also, I knew that Canada respects Registered Nurses (RNs) and offers a manageable patient-to-nurse ratio, which was a significant factor for me since I had worked as an RN in India for about two years and the work pressure there was overwhelming. I believed that moving to Canada would allow me to pursue my passion for nursing in a more supportive environment,” said Japleen.
Japleen’s strong educational background helped her secure admission into a one-year postgraduate certificate programme in Gerontology at a college in Toronto. Japleen is convinced that the quality of education and the opportunities she has found here make it all worthwhile. “Navigating the lengthy immigration process and formalities was made easier with some guidance and a lot of determination” shared Japleen.
Japleen shared that there were definitely a few surprises when she moved from Chandigarh to Canada. “One of the biggest cultural shocks was how different social interactions are here. People in Canada are more individualistic and casual in their relationships, which is quite different from the community-oriented and formal interactions I was used to back home,” said Japleen. She also shared that another thing that caught her off guard was the level of politeness and patience in everyday situations—like how people form orderly lines and wait for their turn while grocery shopping.
The cold weather was also a big cultural shock for Japleen. “Coming from a place with mild winters, dealing with the extreme cold here was (and still is) a major adjustment. On the positive side, I’ve found Canadians to be incredibly friendly and welcoming, which has really helped me feel more at home despite the cultural differences” shared Japleen.
Japleen was introduced to COR by her brother, Param.
“My journey to COR has been incredibly positive. It has provided me with a sense of community and support that has been helpful in my adjustment to life in Canada. I love COR because, at the end of the day, I feel like I’ve made a difference in someone’s life, which not many jobs offer. I feel appreciated and valued, and I am grateful to be part of the COR family,” shared Japleen.
Japleen also shared that she has been experiencing personal growth and feels like a completely different person than she was a year ago. “My involvement with COR has truly enriched my life, and I’m excited about what the future holds for me”, shared Japleen.
Japleen also confessed that working at COR has its own benefit. She shared that she is a very quiet person and social interactions sometimes gives her anxiety, but at COR, she feels more at ease because everyone is so kind and appreciative, which significantly reduces her anxiety. “I feel like I’m getting better, if not the best, learning each day through my journey at COR”, shared Japleen.
Living far from family also comes with its own challenges, Japleen shared. “The sense of isolation and the lack of immediate support are much tougher than I had imagined. There were some extremely difficult days when I was living in Toronto all by myself. Having family around makes a huge difference, and it’s something I deeply miss.”
Asked if she would choose Canada all over again, Japleen replied positively. “I’d choose Canada all over again – despite the challenges, I am determined to become a Registered Nurse (RN) here, and I believe Canada offers the best opportunities to achieve this dream. My journey has been tough, but I’m confident it will be worth it in the end. The education, professional opportunities, and support I’ve found here are unmatched,” shared Japleen.
Thank you, Japleen, for choosing Canada and COR. You make a difference every day and we are proud of you.
https://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Japleen1.jpg11591739Michaelhttps://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/COR-LOGO-2021-1030x515.pngMichael2024-11-19 11:00:172024-11-19 11:19:34Japleen’s Story: My involvement with COR has truly enriched my life
Sohani Shaikh was born in the dynamic city of Anand, Gujarat, known as the “Milk city of India”. The region is renowned for more than just milk production. It is also home to the world’s largest statue, the Statue of Unity, a symbol of pride and unity. In August 2023, Sohani moved from India to Regina in order to pursue her education.
Through her studies in the Disability Support Worker program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Sohani met COR’s Employee Experience Advisors during an in-class presentation. Sohani expressed that she felt the need to to be part of COR when she heard about COR’s central purpose. Program instructors encouraged her to apply to complete her practicum with COR — she was successful in also becoming an employee as well! During her practicum, Sohani expressed that she learned so much and accredits her good grades to the experience and training she received from COR.
Sohani recently completed her program, receiving her Disability Support Worker Certificate. She is proud of the knowledge she has learned and the difference she is making in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Sohani said she chose Canada to complete her education as Canada has a good educational system and there are many great opportunities available.
Like many new immigrants, everything is not always sunshine and roses! Sohani said her biggest culture shock was the cold weather — she has never experienced that type of cold winter back home. She also said that coming here as a young adult makes her miss her family a lot. Before coming to Canada, she had never lived alone. “I didn’t even know how to cook when I came here. But I am proud of myself for taking this opportunity to become more independent. I am also mentally and emotionally stronger than before,” said Sohani.
She also shared that she was fortunate to have her brother here in Regina. He helped her a lot in settling in to her new life in Regina. “My instructors at Saskpolytech were also very supportive and I could count on them when I had questions or needed help.” Sohani shared that she misses the street food in India. “While we have a variety of restaurants in Regina, street food comes with its own flavour and it’s difficult to find the same type of food here in Regina.”
“Everyone at COR is very supportive. People treat me with kindness and are so welcoming. This makes a big difference to newcomers.”
Sohani shares that she feels privileged to work in an organization where the philosophy of Gentle Teaching is embedded at the core of everything we do.
“The culture of gentle teaching is very unique and when you start to practise it in your professional life, you see the need to have it in all aspects of one’s life. Practising Gentle Teaching is about creating long lasting relationships. When I see support workers that no longer work at COR come visit the people we support, and the love you see on everyone faces, it’s beautiful. Working at COR is more than just a job. It’s creating trusting relationships where everyone feels valued and appreciated. I also feel a sense of belonging as diversity is celebrated. For example, the celebration of Eid Ul Fitr at COR provides a place where people can come and celebrate with each other; meeting and sharing information, it makes the connection stronger. I feel included and like I belong here.”
Thank you, Sohani, for choosing to work at COR. We are grateful to have you a part of our organization and you make a difference just by being you.
https://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Sohani1.jpg12771915Michaelhttps://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/COR-LOGO-2021-1030x515.pngMichael2024-11-17 17:47:572024-11-18 08:56:39Sohani’s Story: Kindness Makes a Difference
On September 21, 2024, COR was named the inaugural recipient of the Non-Profit Impact Award at the 2024 Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce ABEX Award Celebration held in Saskatoon.
Saskatchewan Business Leaders Shine at the 2024 ABEX Awards Gala
September 21, 2024
Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 ABEX Awards, celebrating the province’s most influential and impactful businesses. Hosted at TCU Place in Saskatoon on September 21, the gala brought together over 500 attendees to recognize the contributions of Saskatchewan’s businesses and leaders across various sectors.
The prestigious awards, presented by Conexus Credit Union, highlighted the outstanding achievements of Saskatchewan’s businesses, acknowledging their significant role in driving the province’s economic and community development. The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce extends its gratitude to all sponsors, recipients, finalists, and attendees for making the 2024 ABEX Awards a memorable event.
2024 ABEX AWARD RECIPIENTS
Community Involvement Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Blue Cross:
NexGen Energy Ltd. (Vancouver/Saskatoon)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award, sponsored by Nutrien:
KDM Constructors (Yorkton)
Growth and Expansion Award, sponsored by PFM Capital Inc.:
JS Truckmart (Estevan)
Innovation Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Polytechnic:
Ground Truth Agriculture (Regina)
New Venture Award:
The Prairie Grazer (Saskatoon)
Non-Profit Impact Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Pension Plan: Creative Options Regina (Regina)
Service Award, sponsored by KPMG LLP:
Komfort Insulation Ltd. (Saskatoon)
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Cameco Corporation:
Brianna Dellezay, Saskatchewan Behaviour Consulting (Saskatoon)
ABEX Business of the Year, sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP:
JS Truckmart (Estevan)
SPECIAL AWARD RECIPIENTS
ABEX Business Leader of the Year, sponsored by the University of Regina:
Gary Redhead, President and CEO, Redhead Equipment (Regina)
ABEX Community Leader of the Year, sponsored by FCC:
Greg Yuel, Owner, President, and CEO, PIC Investment Group (Saskatoon)
Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame Inductee:
AGT Food and Ingredients (Davidson)
Roger Phillips Chamber Builder Award:
Patricia Warsaba (Regina)
“The ABEX Awards have always been about recognizing the incredible talent and dedication within Saskatchewan’s business community. It’s inspiring to see how our award recipients are making a positive impact and setting new standards for excellence in their fields.” – Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce
https://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/abexALL_64.jpg11522048Michaelhttps://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/COR-LOGO-2021-1030x515.pngMichael2024-09-22 10:00:252024-10-20 19:08:19Recipient of Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce ABEX Non-Profit Impact Award (2024)
We are incredibly proud to have received our HSLC Level 4 Certification, a national standard for health and safety leadership! A HUGE thank you to Service Hospitality for their guidance throughout this journey. We are incredibly grateful for your support in strengthening our safety management system!
Read the below article published by Service Hospitality:
Crossing the Finish Line by Achieving HSLC Levels 3 & 4!
It is with great pleasure that we announce Creative Options Regina’s remarkable achievement inHSLC Levels 3 and 4! It is no small feat to achieve one HSLC level, and this organization completed two levels simultaneously—talk about something to celebrate!
Through determination, dedication, and wholehearted commitment, Creative Options Regina successfully completed a Health and Safety Scored Audit and established a comprehensive Health and Safety Management System. This system protects workers from physical and psychological hazards. Safety is not just a part of their organization; it is ingrained in their business operations.
Creative Options Regina leads by example in championing psychological health and safety, seamlessly embedding these values into its organizational culture. Understanding the direct link between employee well-being and the quality of care it provides, CEO Michael Lavis has placed a strong emphasis on promoting the health and wellness of its employees.
Service Hospitality is proud to have contributed to enhancing Creative Options Regina’s Safety Management System. We look forward to supporting their continued growth and retaining all levels of HSLC going forward.
https://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HSLC.jpeg9601280Michaelhttps://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/COR-LOGO-2021-1030x515.pngMichael2024-04-18 11:00:052024-06-25 10:38:36COR Receives HSLC Level 4 Certification – A National Standard For Health and Safety
COR team leader MacKenzie, together with the young man she supports. PHOTO BY CREATIVE OPTIONS REGINA
When Amanda Clarke joined Creative Options Regina (COR) to take on the new role of director of people and culture in 2019, she knew there was something special about the organization. “I discovered I can go to work, have fun, and know at the end of the day know that I am working on something more meaningful,” says Clarke, who is now chief culture officer. COR is a winner in the Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures Awards’ Non-Profit and Broader Public Sector category.
Launched in Regina in 2009, COR serves a distinct role in the non-profit sector. It develops personalized support services for people experiencing disability. Rather than running group homes or placing individuals into programs, COR supports people living in their own homes, where they can discover their own talents and interests, live according to their own values, and strive to reach their personal goals.
What stood out for Clarke from the outset is the culture, she says. “The biggest change for me is the support of the people we work alongside day to day. That makes a huge difference in today’s workplace. While I am not on the front lines, our culture is also about serving our employees, bringing people together in a meaningful way, and building future leaders.”
Since its inception, the organization has embraced the philosophy of gentle teaching as an alternative approach to supporting people with disabilities. This culture of gentleness — which focuses on nurturing, teaching and sustaining the experience of connectedness, companionship and community — is woven into all aspects of the organization, from the people it hires and mentors, to the people supported and their family members.
“Gentle teaching is not just for the people we support, but for everybody,” says Clarke. “At the heart of it all is the connections with people. Our team is making a difference for each other and the lives of the people we support. That’s why we are all very passionate about what we do.”
COR also prides itself on its diversity. Currently, its employees represent upwards of 50 nationalities, many of whom recommend friends and family members to apply. “We have never had to advertise a position,” says Casey Sakires, employee experience advisor. “Our hires have all been by word of mouth. In fact, COR has never posted a frontline caregiver position. In the past year alone, we have received more that 450 applications.”
Diversity is recognized and nurtured in the form of panel discussions, special luncheons and celebrations of festivals near and dear to employees, such as Ramadan, Diwali and Indigenous rituals. As Dhwani Purohit, a team leader, noted, “I was never able to share or experience Diwali in Canada. The way COR has celebrated Diwali — including support with lights, decorations, food and, most amazingly, all the guests participating in traditional dance from my (Gujarat side Garba) — was an experience which I would never be able to share without COR.”
“The events highlighting people’s journeys are eye-opening and educational for everyone,” notes Clarke. “We can see the joy in them being able to share their stories with an audience. It’s the culture that makes it possible. Hiring for fit is integral to sustaining COR’s culture, says Sakires. “A culture that makes people feel safe is so important in building relationships.”Understanding individual personal values and how they align with COR’s values is the primary focus of the first interview, he explains. “We are looking for that value set — in essence people who want to make a difference in someone’s life and be that consistent person for the people we support and serve. Most of the people we do hire don’t have care experience but do have the heart and the values that make COR a success.”
Every new hire’s journey starts with 30 hours of shadowing and up to three months of mandatory training in the fundamentals of gentle teaching, working with people with complex health needs, and learning about critical areas such as mental health support and suicide prevention.
Within the first three months, employees also participate in a full-day orientation led by the CEO and COO to deepen their understanding of the history of COR, and the culture in which it embraces. During onboarding, employees are registered for training programs emphasizing health and safety, including mental health, stress management and coping skills. COR’s train-the-trainer approach delivers over 20 nationally recognized trainings offered in-house to all employees on paid time. COR also offers incentives throughout the year, from bonuses and swag to personalized notes and appreciation days.
In 2023, the organization launched the COR Academy, an initiative that focuses on COR’s renewed vision to influence care more broadly. Through the COR Academy, training and development programs are offered to the broader community, alongside COR employees. The initiative also focuses on individual and organizational mentorship, offering both internal and external mentorship from experienced leaders. “People feel valued when we invest in developing their potential,” says Clarke.
“We are just at the initial stage of developing the academy,” she adds. “There is a lot of potential to reach a lot of people doing a lot of great things. We have an opportunity to influence others in a different way of thinking about care.”
Another critical element of its culture is the health and wellness support. “Psychological support in our field is important,” says Clarke. “Because caregiving is an emotionally demanding role, sometimes they may need to reduce hours or have additional access to mental health resources. We understand that if we treat our caregivers well, we know the people we serve will be well cared for.”
The numbers tell a compelling story. COR’s yearly annual turnover rate has remained between four and 10 per cent since its inception — an impressive feat considering the average for the sector exceeds 35 per cent annually.
COR is also a consistent presence in the community at large. “A great deal of the team’s efforts are spent connecting with community,” says Sakires. He stresses that all charitable programs are employee-driven and based on interest, which drives strong participation and engagement. In the past year alone, COR employees have supported over 20 different non-profit/community organizations.
Community relationships include COR’s 4to40 inclusive employment initiative that works with businesses to champion the inclusion of people experiencing intellectual disability, a joint venture with the University of Regina in supporting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) strategies of fellow Saskatchewan businesses.
In 2020, COR launched a “Short Breaks” initiative with Inclusion Regina and the City of Regina to address the need for quality programming in a safe, supportive environment for family care providers. The organization also partners with Indigenous educational programs, band offices and cultural groups. In 2021, COR developed an Indigenous culture advisor position, and all employees are enrolled in both Indigenous awareness and diversity training.
“All of these efforts strengthen our diversity and enrich our community connections,” says Sakires. Tara Osipoff, vice chair of the Creative Options Regina board, notes “I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact of the gentle teaching practice at COR. It’s a practice that illuminates the culture with compassion and understanding, fostering an environment where both the people we serve and our dedicated employees feel valued, respected and loved. This nurturing atmosphere not only supports growth and healing but also empowers everyone involved to reach their full potential. It’s truly heartwarming to see the difference the gentle teaching philosophy makes through kindness and patience, reinforcing our belief that caring for one another with gentleness is the most powerful tool we have.”
https://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/National-Post-1.png5511140Michaelhttps://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/COR-LOGO-2021-1030x515.pngMichael2024-04-15 12:00:272024-06-07 21:21:33National Post: Championing a gentle approach to culture