Proud Recipient of the Starbucks Foundation 2020 Neighbourhood Grant

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The COR Studio; More than Pencils, Paper, and Paint!
We are all sparks. We are all flashes of genius and we all have the potential to glow brighter than we ever dreamed. We all have ideas and carry sparks of potential. Every once in a while those ideas have the potential to ignite and if we are in the right place at the right time, that fire can turn ablaze in a way that is staggering.
In the summer of 2018 Creative Options Regina introduced the COR Studio to its supports and those they serve. It promised a place where all people could learn new skills. It demonstrated new ways to create connections. It has slowly become a hub in the COR community, and has put smiles on the faces of all who enter into its potential. But it has done one more thing: it attracted sparks.
Those sparks brought their ideas and those ideas have ignited into programming that people want to show up for. Passionate photographers are coming out to learn how to share their view of the world. Musicians who once marched to their own beat have found a place to nurture their unique interests. Even gamers and passionate readers have uncovered fellowship in this truly unique space.
It is our hope that by encouraging people to follow and share their passions with our community, we are also aiding in the development of our future leaders. People often believe that we need to grow taller and get higher than others to achieve or demonstrate our potential, but we often forget about the importance of mastery and growing stronger in our core before reaching new heights. By nurturing sparks, we are investing and strengthening in our own future.
Thank you for supporting our entrepreneurs, artists, and community difference makers. The work they do changes perspectives, challenges us to dig deeper, and learn more. The world needs sparks and thanks to the generosity of The Starbucks Foundation, Starbucks Canada and our local Starbucks on Gordon Rd., we are able to continue to serve our communities and help make them brighter!
On behalf of our entire COR family, THANK YOU!

This is Steph Gartel. This is her WHY!

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Creative Options Regina 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 Steph Gartel. Steph is a Home Team Leader and has worked at COR for one year. This is her WHY!

What brought you to COR? 
My fiancé began to support at COR while I was supporting in a different organization. She would always come home with a smile on her face and would happily tell me about how incredible this organization is. After hearing about Gentle Teaching and how loving and accepting this organization was, I felt like I needed to be a part of it.

Why do you stay? 
I stay because I am valued, I am appreciated, and I am home. COR has such an inclusive community and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I feel blessed that I get to show love to the individuals that I support as they are more than deserving of it. Sometimes people just need a hug to feel better and I love that I can do that for them.

What’s the best thing about your job? 
The best thing about my job is the freedom to be myself and the growth that comes along with it. I came from an organization that didn’t allow me to freely express who I am as a person because my core values did not align with theirs. I often found myself being afraid to speak up on what really matters to me, which stopped my ability to grow both personally and professionally. I would often imagine my future, but I couldn’t see anything in it because my self-worth was slowly crashing. I am a very open being, but I began to become closed off, as I would get in trouble for expressing myself. When I came to COR, I found that a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders and I slowly began to come out my shell again. Every day at COR makes me feel free, welcomed, and accepted for everything that I am. I have grown so much and have become the best version of myself. I have never felt judged or unwanted and I thank the universe every day for bringing me to exactly where I need to be. I am always met with a smile from everyone in COR and I am always heard.

What’s been the most impactful or meaningful experience you’ve had? 
The most meaningful experiences I’ve had were the the moments when an individual that I supported said, ”you make me feel safe” and, “I love you, Steph.” When the individuals have said those things to me, it makes me feel like what I do really matters to them, like I make a positive difference in their lives. Anytime I hear it, it also fills my cup even more and it makes me feel like this is exactly where I belong.

What do you wish others knew about supporting at COR?
I wish others knew that supporting at COR is the most rewarding experience. There is so much room for growth and new opportunities. If I could go back to before I started supporting at COR, I would tell myself that I matter, I am loved, I am valuable, I am appreciated, and that there will always be room for constant growth in my life.

 

This is Matthew Chin. This is his WHY!

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Creative Options Regina 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 Matthew Chin. Matt is the Director of Youth Supports and has worked at COR since 2011. This is his WHY!


What brought you to COR? 
I had just graduated with a Kinesiology Degree and was figuring out if I wanted to pursue further schooling. I decided to look for work in the meantime and my background in Adapted Physical Activity took me to the disability sector. I remember applying to a couple different community based organizations and in the process, my friend Shannon told me to check COR out. I looked them up and saw a couple job postings that were very different than others. It emphasized a desire to put relationships at the forefront of caregiving which made total sense to me. I met with Michael, the Executive Director and Jim, the Associate Executive Director and was immediately sold on the idea of COR and the positive impact they were trying to make.

Why do you stay? 
I stay because I truly believe in the vision of COR. To be a part of a community that has meaning and purpose makes it far more than just a job. For all of the challenging and stressful moments that I have experienced, there is fulfillment and joy in knowing that I am making a difference being part of COR.

What’s the best thing about your job? 
Definitely the best thing about my job is the people. COR does such an incredible job at creating a supportive and fun culture where people desire to connect with each other. The gentleness that we believe in extends to everyone connected with COR and it makes it so easy to build genuine relationships. The connection I’ve been able to make with people goes far beyond work.

What’s been the most impactful or meaningful experience you’ve had? 
The most impactful experiences that I have had are often tied to the most difficult experiences. When you go through an extremely challenging moment with someone where you both are left broken and questioning what you are doing, that often leads to moments of growth in a relationship that could not have been possible without that hard time. The other person begins to realize that you aren’t going anywhere and that you care about them despite all the rough interactions. That is when you see a trusting relationship begin to blossom.

What do you wish others knew about supporting at COR?
I wish others knew how important the support we provide to others is. How an act of kindness or words of encouragement have such a profound impact on the people around us. We have the privilege of being a crucial part of someone’s life journey and we get to show people every day what it truly means to feel safe and loved.

 

 

This is Michael Singer. This is his WHY!

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Creative Options Regina 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 Singer. Michael is a Support and has worked at COR for a year and a half. This is his WHY!


What brought you to COR? 
After roughly ten years working in various trades jobs, I was ready for a change. While I was lucky to meet a lot of amazing and hardworking people in that time, I never felt like my personality really fit in to that environment. At the time I was thinking about pursuing a career in nursing. A family member told me that I should look into COR, as it might be good experience for me if I did end up working in the health care field. I spent some time on the COR website, watching some of the videos and reading what they were all about. Their values matched up so well with my own, and I knew right then that COR was where I needed to be. You are always happy when you get the call finding out you got the job, but I have never been as excited as I was the day I got that call from COR.

Why do you stay? 
I love working at COR because I finally feel like I’m living with a sense of purpose, doing what I do. I know that the level of effort I put into my work makes a direct impact on the quality of life for the amazing people that I care so much about.  Bringing value to their lives makes me feel good about what I do.

What’s the best thing about your job? 
The best thing about my job is how amazing and close this community of people are. Over time I have formed so many great friendships with people who both live, and work at COR. I can go to any COR event and there is always people there that I am excited to see.  The people I support are not just, ”clients” or, ”participants.” They have honestly become part of my family and are involved in my life outside of work. I have had people that I support come cheer for me at my recreational hockey games, make birthday cards for my fiancé, send happy birthday videos to my brother, come to my house for bon fires, and I’ve taken them to my dad’s farm to visit with him and walk his dogs. One guy even joined my family for Christmas last year!  I think it’s really special that the people I support have become such a big part of my life outside of work.

What’s been the most impactful or meaningful experience you’ve had? 
I haven’t had one specific moment that I consider the most impactful, but I think the thing that has stood out to me has been the level of respect that exists between myself and the people that I have supported. I work so hard to bring value to their life as much as possible, but they are also very quick to return the favour when an opportunity presents itself. Recently I wasn’t feeling well while I was supporting and had a bad headache. One of the guys offered to make me a tea, and the other guy said, “Let’s just watch a movie together so you can relax.” The whole time we watched the movie he asked me multiple times how I was feeling and said he felt bad I wasn’t feeling well.  Another time I was supporting and my fiancé called me, which was unusual when she knew that I was at work. I excused myself and took the call. I found out that she had been in a car accident, she was physically ok, but quite upset. When I returned after the call, the girl I was supporting could see that I was quite concerned and asked what was wrong. She hadn’t been having a great day herself, but after I told her what happened she got up and gave me a hug and asked if I was ok. For the rest of the day she kept asking how I was doing and saying she was really worried about my fiancé and hoped that she was ok. I’ve always considered my job to be the caregiver, but when I was the one in need they took care of me.

What do you wish others knew about supporting at COR?
There’s a place for everyone, which is the beautiful thing about COR. I have met so many amazing people from different backgrounds, with a wide variety of interests and skills. Everyone brings something different to the table which gives you endless possibilities for creativity and growth. I feel completely comfortable just being myself, because whatever you are into is encouraged and celebrated.

 

This is Kaela Gilchrist. This is her WHY!

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Creative Options Regina 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 Kaela Gilchrist. Kaela is a Support and has worked at COR for 9 months. This is her WHY!


What brought you to COR?

I previously worked as a youth care worker and before that I was self employed as a photographer for 23 years while raising my children. I have always admired COR’s Gentle Teaching Philosophy and decided to apply hoping to obtain more flexible hours and a schedule that works for my family. I have always had a special place in my heart for supporting, interacting with and caring for younger adults and individuals with intellectual disabilities who have experienced trauma in their lives. These beautiful individuals need to know they are safe and loved and that they matter. They deserve to have a positive life and to be treated with respect. They also deserve to learn and grow; our job is to love, teach and support them in this journey of life.

Why do you stay?

Because I love my job and I feel I’m making a difference in the individuals lives and well being. COR is also very flexible and accommodating when it comes to time off or the ability to trade with other supports without having to take holidays. This freedom and flexibility is so wonderful and it allows me the time off to spend time with my family.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Teaching life skills to the individuals we support as well as spending time with them and being a friend or companion. Along with that, the memories we make everyday at COR are memories I’ll have with me for the rest of my life. It’s also great doing something different every day whether it be visiting my pets, making something great for lunch and going for a picnic, among many other things.

What’s been the most impactful or meaningful experience you’ve had?

It’s so impactful and meaningful when the individuals randomly thank you or give you a hug for helping them. Also, hearing the words, ”I LOVE YOU” when you least expect it melts my heart. That’s when you know you have built a special relationship and what you’re doing is so important and impactful.

What do you wish others new about supporting at COR?

Building a positive relationship with each and every person is key to working at COR. It’s also important to treat the individuals with compassion, love, respect and understanding. When these elements are present, you really see people grow. Lastly, COR is such a positive work place that people working here thrive because of it and in turn, the individuals we support do as well.

This is Will Collins. This is his WHY!

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Creative Options Regina 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 Will Collins. Will is a Home Team Leader and has worked at COR for over 4 years. This is his WHY!


What brought you to COR?

I had a few friends who were supporting with COR and had heard great things from them. I heard that it was a fun place to work at and it was all about building meaningful relationships. I was in the middle of applying for the RCMP when I put in my application at COR and I had planned to support short term until my application process  was complete; I enjoyed supporting so much that I stayed. Before coming to COR I didn’t know how flexible of a job it was, but that’s something I really enjoy about it as well. Looking back, I’m glad I submitted an application because I couldn’t be happier!

 

Why do you stay?

The people! Both the people I work with and the people I get to support. You don’t get this kind of interaction at any other workplace. This community that is COR has such great and supportive people — it gives you all the reason to stick around.

 

What’s the best thing about your job?

During my time with COR I have built some of the most meaningful relationships I have to date. Those relationships are easily the best thing about my job and they will be relationships I carry with me for the rest of my life.

 

What’s been the most impactful or meaningful experience you’ve had?

It’s definitely hard to pick one experience. It’s the little things that add up that are so rewarding. It’s great to see the individuals we support accomplish these smaller goals and celebrate them. So, I’d say just being a part of someone’s growth in whatever capacity that may be, is extremely meaningful.

 

What do you wish others knew about supporting at COR?

It’s so much more than just a job; it’s a community of incredible people who always want what is best for you. Everyone at COR has your back and they want to support you in whatever you do, or whatever you’re going through. People generally care about your well-being here and that’s what makes COR such a special place.

 

 

This is Jordan Wyonzek. This is his WHY!

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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 Jordan Wyonzek. Jordan is a Key Support Worker and has been at COR for 6 years. This is his WHY!

 

What brought you to COR?

I had first heard about COR a little over 6 years ago when I was just getting into university and looking to move into a new job. Some friends of mine had been supporting for a while and suggested I look into the organization. I have never looked back since!

Why do you stay?

Mainly, the people are what keep me here – the young adults I support have become some of my closest friends. My current team members and co-workers from past roles I have held are some of the strongest supports in my life. Also, throughout my time with COR I have had the opportunity to hold various positions and been guided to find the path that suits me. COR cares about us, they want to ensure we are happy in what we do and put us in the best possible position to succeed.

What’s the best thing about your job?

There are so many aspects about my job that I love. The supportive COR family, the amount we are invested in by way of trainings and support, appreciation events, the excitement of each new day and what might be in store. But above all, the ability to look and see how much those we support have grown both as people and friends is what really makes this place special.

What’s been the most impactful or meaningful experience you’ve had?

This one is so tough to answer, but there is a time last summer I can think of standing a bit above the rest. One of the young guys I support loves collecting Hot Wheels cars, like he lives for the thrill of getting a single new car. Once per week he had been going to the studio to do some work experience, earning some cash every Thursday to practice saving up for a big purchase. The end goal was a Hot Wheels 50 pack, something he had been dreaming of for ages – if 1 car is so awesome, how incredible would 50 at once be?! When that last payday came we went off to Toys R Us, his money in hand. I can’t put words to describe his excitement, his pride in working hard to save that money himself, him going to the store and paying for it with that earned pay cheque! Needless to say once we got back to the studio he was in heaven, opening car after car after new car. I feel lucky to have been there that day to see this all happen!

What do you wish others knew about supporting at COR?

That COR does not run “care homes” or “group homes”. We simply support people in their home. Places where the people we support are comfortable to be themselves. When we’re here we are learning, joking, building relationships together. Not a day goes by where it feels like work. Also, there are so many awesome activities year round to get involved in and check out!

This is Melissa Banerjee. This is her WHY!

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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 Melissa Banerjee. Melissa is a Home Team Leader and has worked at COR for 3 years. This is her WHY!

 

What brought you to COR?

I was finishing my Kinesiology degree and looking for a placement for my fieldwork. I had heard about COR before and that a placement could be available. Getting in touch with Melissa Kirschman, and spending my summer meeting all the wonderful people in COR was such a great experience. I was asked if I would like to stay on after and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Why do you stay?

I stay because COR is a place of acceptance and growth. Everyone at COR is so encouraging and looking to see you do your best. The individuals you support make your day and it doesn’t feel like work, but spending quality time with people you want to be with. This is a community where everyone is connected and I am so grateful to be a part of this!

What’s the best thing about your job?

The best part of my job is that I get to make an impact in the lives around me. I love that I get to be creative and have fun while supporting. It’s fun to see what we can come up with to do each day, and exciting to know that we make each day meaningful to those we support.

What’s been the most impactful or meaningful experience you’ve had?

I have had the opportunity to support many people in COR who have all had an impact on me at some point. These last couple years, I have gotten to support two wonderful individuals who have grown so much and have shared so much with me. The two of them have helped me to learn so much, actively listening has a different meaning when it is more than words that you listen to. I have been able to watch a young man continue to grow stronger each day and he is working so hard at regaining his mobility and his independence. His strength and determination is so fulfilling to watch and the joy he has each day makes everyone smile.

What do you wish others knew about supporting at COR?

I wish others knew how amazing this organization is. It’s not just another job, it’s developing close relationships with the individuals and other supports. It’s a place that encourages autonomy and looks to fulfill meaning into every person’s day. COR wants to see each person grow and offers so much to make that happen.

This is Landon Gordon. This is his WHY!

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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 Landon Gordon. Landon is a support and has worked at COR for 9 years. This is his WHY!

 

What brought you to COR?

We shared similar philosophies on how to support people with intellectual disabilities.

Why do you stay?

Strong leadership, an inspiring culture and great people.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Helping others help themselves in a way that I would want to be helped.

What’s been the most impactful or meaningful experience you’ve had?

Seeing the power of relationships and learning that anything is possible when a person has a nurturing support system.

What do you wish others knew about supporting at COR?

Gentle Teaching and personalized support plans are the best way to support someone.

 

 

This is Michelle Scherle. This is her WHY!

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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 Michelle Scherle. Michelle is a Home Supports Coordinator and has worked at COR for 3 years. This is her WHY!


What brought you to COR?
Mostly by luck! I’ve been supporting people for years and I knew of COR for quite some time. I had co-workers that left where I was working to go to COR and all of them encouraged me to come here as I wasn’t loving where I was working, but I loved what I was doing. After a hard day at my previous job, my co-worker told me to go to COR’s website. I applied right away and here we are!

Why do you stay?
There are so many reasons why I’m here for life. COR is unlike anywhere I’ve supported before, I felt like I found my forever home as soon as I started here. One of the things that I love most is that I feel like I’m being invested in. I’m constantly being invited to learning opportunities, and new trainings so I can further my knowledge and expand my skill set.

What’s the best thing about your job?
The kindness and love is overwhelming! When you hear someone say, “my COR family” it really is the truth. We care about one another so much and want to see one another succeed. While here, I’ve been lucky enough to build some of the most meaningful relationships in my life.

What’s been the most impactful or meaningful experience you’ve had?
It’s hard to pick just one, so I’ll pick my first meaningful experience at COR! I supported someone who was going through a difficult time. After several weeks and a lot of long days, she came up to me with tears in her eyes and said, “thank you for helping me that night”. I knew something I did made a difference for someone I cared about. She’ll still bring up that when we see one another now and as much of an impact it may have made on her, it made an even bigger one on me.

What do you wish others knew about supporting at COR?
I wish people knew how fun it is to be a part of the COR family! We have so much going on and something for everyone to enjoy. There are tons of social events and there’s always something going on in the studio. It’s a great place to build relationships and rarely does it feel like work!