Have you ever worked on a project that you’re so proud of you want to share it with everyone? Mitchell has! In fact, ever since the travel training program began he has been thinking about and working on ways to help lift it to new heights. In his own words Mitchell stated, “This program is for everyone. We could all use it. It’s great for the environment and it helps people believe in themselves and their abilities.”
Mitchell’s involvement in this collaborative initiative (Campus for All, COR and City of Regina) as a travel trainer has been inspiring people of all ages and abilities to strive for greater independence. When asked what he has enjoyed most about the program he stated that, “after doing it for the past few months, it’s been great to learn from people and hear about other people’s lives and experiences with using the bus. It’s also been pretty neat learning about how to adapt my language to help others understand and learn about how the bus helps people in wheelchairs. It would be great to learn about how the graduates are doing; what they liked and what they struggle with.”
Being well spoken and accommodating is only one of the many talents this trainer possesses. He manages to hold down a second job with the Conexus Arts Centre in the evenings and is an active idea-man. He enjoys science music and one day would like to write his own book. Eventually his goal is to become a teacher’s assistant. He is always on the lookout for new ways to promote the travel training program to new audiences and is never happy with ‘just because.’
Some of the feedback Mitchell has been getting from the project after the first nine months into its pilot year has been very positive. He said that, “some of the people have been telling me that they like the fact that they can go out and do it on their own. This was inspiring to hear.” He went on to explain, “If people only knew how easy it was to get around, public transit would be used by everyone.”
Looking back on the last nine months it’s hard to imagine this program being as successful without the hard work of Mitchell. He is extremely humble when it comes to his strengths but when asked to elaborate on what his future holds he said, “Well something that people don’t know about me is that I like to travel. I like to talk about my trip to Vienna, Austria and Paris, France. Someday I’d like to go back; maybe even with my girlfriend!
Thank you Mitchell for teaching Regina’s finest about the program. It takes strong advocates like you to truly bring these things to life!
https://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screen-Shot-2018-10-17-at-5.29.34-PM.png405725Michaelhttps://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/COR-LOGO-2021-1030x515.pngMichael2018-10-17 17:52:222023-07-25 10:48:00AMI tv feature: Accessible Transit Training in Regina
In August 2018, COR was featured in a documentary that aired to a national audience highlighting our approach to services. A special thank you to the AMI team and Halter Media for capturing our story so beautifully! We are very appreciative.
People experiencing disability often don’t have the same options afforded to them as everyone else. Through personalized support services and the Gentle Teaching philosophy, Creative Options Regina aims to change that.
https://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/AMI-2.jpeg7921224Michaelhttps://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/COR-LOGO-2021-1030x515.pngMichael2018-08-15 09:00:332023-07-25 10:48:01COR featured on AMI: Our Community
Published on: March 22, 2018 | Last Updated: March 22, 2018 5:29 PM CST
Dylan Morin can get almost anywhere in Regina.
“I know the city like the back of my hand,” he said. “I know how to get to a lot of the stops.”
He’s been riding the city bus since high school, despite the challenges of an intellectual disability. On Thursday, he took the 18 from the University of Regina. Once the doors shut and the driver pulled away, Morin spoke in a soft, reassuring tone. Don’t be nervous, he offered, you’re not alone.
“There’s nothing to it,” he said. “As much as you need me, I’ll be there for you.”
Morin was showing how he teaches other people with disabilities how to ride the bus. He’ll be one of four transit trainers hired through a partnership between the city and Creative Options Regina, which are preparing to roll out a transit trainer pilot program this spring
“We’re the only transit system in Canada using this particular approach,” said Regina’s paratransit and accessibility manager, Lynette Griffin. “We’re utilizing people with disabilities, particularly people with intellectual disabilities, to do the training.”
She said the program will help Regina Paratransit users make the jump to conventional transit. It will also create paid employment for the trainers. The goal is to open up more flexible transit choices, all while saving the city money in the long run.
“If we can move some trips off, then we’ll have capacity in Paratransit to continue to meet our growing demand,” she said. “It will help Paratransit to manage our budget… for every trip on conventional transit, it’s a $20 saving.”
Those who learn to use buses won’t be barred from Paratransit. Griffin said she wants to avoid a “segregated system.” But she called conventional transit “a great second option” that can promote empowerment.
“It will give them the opportunity to travel through the community without having to book trips in advance,” she said. “You can come and go wherever you want, so there’s much more independence and flexibility.”
Creative Options Regina supports people with intellectual disabilities, and its CEO, Michael Lavis, is convinced that most of his clients would thrive on the bus. For many, only one thing stands in the way: Fear.
“People are nervous because they don’t know,” he said. “Sometimes people haven’t really been afforded the opportunity to learn.”
That’s why his staff looked for trainers like Morin, outgoing people with extensive bus-riding experience. They’re all part of the University of Regina’s Campus for All program. Lavis called them “champions of transit.”
“They know that transit system inside and out,” he said. “No fears, no apprehensions. They know where to go.”
Morin plans to use a staged process that will go from hands-on to hands-off as his students get the hang of the bus.
“It’s about getting individuals outside of their comfort zone,” he said.
At first, he’ll meet them at their home, walk them to the bus stop, show them how to read a transit map. He’ll sit right beside them as they look out for their stop. If all goes well, the next trip might be different.
“I wouldn’t sit with you on the bus like I did,” he explained. “I would give you a landmark to pull the bell at.”
By the end, Morin would be on standby, taking check-ins over the phone.
The program’s contract is still being finalized. But Lavis and Griffin are confident it will be up and running this spring. Griffin said all Paratransit users will be welcome to make use of the training, whether they have cognitive or mobility challenges.
Morin and his colleagues will be there to show them the way.
“They’re actually really excited about it and want to be champions for teaching others,” said Lavis. “That’s part of the magic.”
https://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Dylan-Transit.jpg7501000Michaelhttps://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/COR-LOGO-2021-1030x515.pngMichael2018-03-24 08:00:012023-07-25 10:48:03Regina Leader-Post: ‘Champions of transit’: Reginans with disabilities will teach peers to ride the bus
Regina group celebrates unsuspecting do-gooders with 100 Acts of Kindness campaign
Creative Options Regina spent winter months handing out gifts, helping community members
By Samanda Brace, CBC NewsPosted: Mar 21, 2018 4:00 PM CTLast Updated: Mar 21, 2018 4:00 PM CT
Ecole Connaught secretary Janine Jackson is given some baking after being nominated through Creative Options Regina’s 100 Acts of Kindness campaign, which recognizes people for their work and contributions. (CBC News)
Parking enforcement officers, drive-thru cashiers and university students are just a few of the people who have been recognized by a Regina group for the often unheralded work they do.
“It gets kind of heavy during the winter months and what better way to lift people up than recognize the significant things they may not realize they are doing,” said Ben Morris, director of storytelling for Creative Options Regina.
The non-profit organization, which offers support services and programs for people with disabilities, has been celebrating people in the city with its 100 Acts of Kindness campaign.
Morris and his team have sneaked into schools, community centres and onto city buses to surprise people and thank them for their work with small gifts like baking and T-shirts.
“You don’t actually have to know the person, or know the ins and outs of their life to recognize they have value,” he said.
Dr. Gordon Chin at the Victoria East Medical Clinic was another recipient of the 100 Acts of Kindness campaign. (CBC News)
The group finds some of its recipients through nominations on its website from people who want to show their appreciation for others who brighten their day, doing 10 acts per week through the campaign since in began in late January.
Feels good to give
Jesse, one of the people supported by COR, volunteered his own time before work for the 100 Acts of Kindness street team.
“It’s pretty fun bringing the T-shirts and cookies to people,” he said.
“It makes them happy.”
Morris and his team surprised Shea Beaudry, a COR support worker, with a nomination during Week 7 of the campaign. As Beaudry drove up to a client’s home, Morris and his team were waiting in the driveway.
Shea Beaudry, a COR support worker, says she was shocked to be acknowledged for her work. (CBC News)
Morris handed Beaudry a T-shirt, a button, stickers and home baking, and read out her nomination.
“When I felt alone, down and not worthy, Shea was there to fill me up and lift me up,” Morris read from the nomination by Maria Koback.
“Shea is one of the most empowering people in this world and I am so thankful to have met her.”
Beaudry was shocked by the acknowledgement.
“It just makes you feel better for doing what you do normally and being yourself,” she said.
The campaign will wrap up once the 100 acts are complete but Morris says he hopes it will inspire others.
https://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/COR-100-ActsOfKindness.png7881500Michaelhttps://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/COR-LOGO-2021-1030x515.pngMichael2018-03-22 08:00:092023-07-25 10:48:03CBC Saskatchewan: Regina group celebrates unsuspecting do-gooders with 100 Acts of Kindness campaign
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?
Well….. let me share something exciting with you!
During the remaining weeks of our wintery months here in Regina, COR is bringing to our community the 100 Acts of Kindness Campaign. Over the next 10 weeks we are going to do our very best to recognize the many folks in both our lives – and the people we support — who make us smile. We will be recognizing people who go out of their way to make our days better by doing the little things (or the big things) that reflect the value they place on all those around them. These are the very people who exemplify what it means to be become more loving (the 3rd pillar of Gentle Teaching). We are going to recognize people for making the ordinary seem extraordinary!
Do You Want to Show Someone the Love!?!
It feels great to receive kindness, but it also feels good to give and value others as well. On our website, you will find a COR A-OK! button. Simply click it and get started on brightening the day of someone connected to the greater COR family. The A-OK! team will receive your submission, review, and plan to hit the streets to bring your nomination to life!
We want EVERYONE in the COR community to get involved! Ask your team about their local heroes – big and small. Join our street team to bring joy and thanks to others. Join with us to celebrate the unsung heroes of our city who bring warmth to our hearts and smiles to our faces.
Warming the hearts of Downtown Regina on a frigid winter day…. a special thanks to Atlantis Coffee!
Our community heroes recognized in week 3.
Big Dog Radio, Save-On-Foods, Extendicare, Eastview Community Center and a few other random surprises: Week 4.
Roaming the corridors of campus spreading kindness throughout the University of Regina during week 5.
Diggin’ out after the Regina blizzard and a stop at local schools: Week 6
Cris-crossing Regina with stops at local drive-thru’s, Trademark Homes, Ecole Connaught and a local medi-clinic (and a surprise visit from CBC Saskatchewan): Week 7
Recognizing the Regina Transit Titans: Week 8
Week 9 of the 100 Acts of Kindness campaign took the Street Team to new depths! We went behind the scenes to recognize the silent ninjas and superheroes that keep all of Regina’s critters big and small, safe, healthy and happy!
What do 2 Rockin’ Safeway Customer Service representatives, 1 Sask Power Employee and personal motivator, 1 Elementary School Principal and a room full of over 30 volunteers have in common? They are all AOK in our books! Week 10 marks the final week of the 100 Acts of Kindness campaign for us, but that doesn’t mean it has to end! The people around us and in our everyday lives all do amazing things. Let’s not forget to tell them how special they are.
Finale: The 100 Acts of Kindness Campaign has come to an end and we couldn’t be happier with the amount of support we received from our friends in the community to help bring it all to life! Never forget how important you are and remember that it only takes one person to create change! Huge shout out to all the groups who not only made this campaign a success, but were leaders in spreading kindness to others!
https://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/blog-background-1.jpg8001600jephhttps://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/COR-LOGO-2021-1030x515.pngjeph2018-01-23 10:36:232023-07-25 10:48:04100 Acts of Kindness; COR A-OK!
Published on: December 15, 2017 | Last Updated: December 15, 2017 5:02 PM CST
In this season of giving, reporter Pamela Cowan is profiling some of the organizations and people working to make the lives of Reginans better. Watch for her stories for the rest of the year as we showcase the 12 Days of Difference-Makers.
Staff crowd around Andrew Ronnie and hug him as he blushes. It’s his 35th birthday.
One can feel the love inside the room.
Ronnie says softly: “Now I’m safe.”
It’s a feeling he hasn’t always felt. For many years, Ronnie didn’t feel loved and, in fact, was feared and shunned.
A number of years ago, he spent six months in the psychiatric unit at the Regina General Hospital. After his release, he was in and out of the emergency department.
No one could deal with the violent outbursts he was prone to until a group of special people uncovered his giving heart and his desperate need to feel safe.
He was the catalyst for the development of Creative Options Regina (COR) — a non-profit organization that develops personalized supports for people with a wide range of intellectual disabilities, and often mental health issues.
“They care about me a lot,” says Ronnie, the first person to receive COR services.
“What’s really important to understand is that these aren’t bad people,” says Michael Lavis, executive director of COR. “It’s just the system wasn’t flexible to be able to meet the needs of these folks to provide them with the care they required.”
And so, Lavis Says, COR started working with people “nobody else wanted.”
COR was created in partnership with the Ministry of Social Services in 2009.
A year before its creation, the provincial government identified 448 Saskatchewan people with intellectual disabilities and other complex needs who couldn’t access services — many from around Regina.
“We’ve seen families say, ‘We can’t do this anymore’ and they cut ties and that’s hard,” Lavis says. “I can only imagine how painful it is to drop their loved one off at the emergency room and abandon them. That’s happening all of the time.”
So COR, working with others in the community, connects individuals and their families with whatever services are required.
“Ultimately we’re providing support to everyone who is connected to that person’s life,” Lavis says.
The government gathered community-based organizations to discuss who required specialized services and how to provide them. Many were homeless, living in psychiatric units, shelters or hotels and two-thirds had a mental health diagnosis.
Complicating matters was that many were involved with multiple government departments.
“What happens to the people that touch two, three or four of those government departments?” Lavis asks. “What we know to be true is often they fall into these huge gaps that exist in our service delivery system.”
For example, people with mental health issues are the responsibility of the Ministry of Health. Those with intellectual disabilities deal with Social Services. Aboriginal people receive federal supports through Indian Northern Affairs Canada. Those under 21 fall under the Education Ministry and people in trouble with the law are involved with Justice and Corrections.
A number of adults connected to COR endured significant trauma while growing up in foster homes or group homes.
“Trauma that was inflicted upon them by the very people that were intended to protect them,” Lavis says.
Foster and group homes aren’t equipped to provide the supports these kids need, so they’re bounced around in the child and family system, he says. When they reach adulthood, they’re bounced around some more.
Supports through COR are tailored to each individual’s dreams.
Services range from daytime, recreational, supported living and employment supports. Depending on an individual’s needs, home supports might be provided for a few hours a day to 24/7 care.
Based on a companionship model, staff promote each individual’s independence.
“They might help them get up and get ready, grocery shop, prepare meals, do medication management and then help them connect with the broader community, both socially and recreationally,” Lavis says.
Many under the care of COR are society’s most disenfranchised.
When Ronnie moved to a home, he required two-on-one support around the clock. He couldn’t have a roommate because of his violent history.
“(He) came with case file after case file of all the horrific things he’s ever done in life,” Lavis says.
Candidly Ronnie confides he’s “had lots of temper and anger.”
But gradually Ronnie’s life was transformed. In 2012, he moved into a new home with a roommate and now receives one-on-one care.
“I’m working on no self harm and I’m working on not trashing the house — that was in the past,” Ronnie says proudly.
He hasn’t been to the hospital for more than a year, which Lavis credits to COR’s “gentle teaching” philosophy.
When dealing with behavioural issues, staff are taught: “Go for the centre. Mend the heart. All else will follow.”
Among those they had to mend was Gerald, a man with cerebral palsy who was unable to speak.
The first time Lavis met Gerald he was trussed tightly in his wheelchair with restraint upon restraint upon restraint. Boxing gloves and a helmet with face mask prevented the young man from hitting, pinching and biting those around him.
Gerald’s wheelchair was bolted to plywood to prevent him from toppling because of his constant thrusting.
“I remember looking at Gerald and thinking, ‘This is horrifying — straight out of a movie.’ Imagine, in 2009, that this exists in our own community,” Lavis says.
When COR staff started caring for Gerald the first thing they did was remove his restraints. There were ongoing struggles as he continued to pinch and bite.
“He couldn’t walk because he’d been in this wheelchair for so long that he had zero muscle capacity in his legs,” Lavis says.
While the team tried to build trust with Gerald, they gained a champion in the health-care system who discovered he had a bowel obstruction and dental issues.
“When we dealt with those underlying health conditions, the pain stopped and the hitting of the head stopped,” Lavis says. “Some of that violence that we saw was him trying to tell us, ‘I’m in pain. I hurt.’ ”
Eventually Gerald moved into a home with a roommate and has learned to walk unassisted.
“He has to hang on to the railings in the home, but there’s no helmet, no gloves, no restraints,” Lavis says.
***
Over eight years, the non-profit organization has grown to 170-plus employees who support more than 50 high-needs people.
“If there was a blanket diagnosis that I could give to everyone that we provide services to, I would say that it is a deep sense of loneliness,” Lavis says. “A deep sense of disconnect. These are folks who have very few, if any, true friends — unpaid, natural supports in their lives.”
In Saskatchewan, 170 community-based organizations provide services to roughly 5,500 adults with disabilities.
Within that group of people, approximately 100 have been identified as having complex and challenging support needs. COR supports 19 of the 100 people.
Funded by the provincial and federal governments, COR has an operating budget of $7.8 million.
A number of COR participants have had lengthy stays in the mental health unit — the shortest being three months, the longest being 19 months.
“When you sit down and evaluate the cost of daily police interventions and all of the emergency room visits that happen weekly and the stints in the acute care settings — this is a fraction of the cost,” Lavis says.
To meet a growing need, Rory McCorriston, director of people and culture at COR, hired 30 employees in the past year.
“The majority of our organization is made up of support people,” he says.
The average age of staff is 28 — a good fit for the people they serve who are, on average, in their 30s.
It’s not uncommon for COR to hire people without previous disability experience.
“In some situations, it’s almost preferred because often if you have people who have done this type of work in a more traditional setting or have done it for a long time, they come in with their own set of ideas about caregiving,” McCorriston says.
Staff turnover is low and jobs aren’t posted because people send in unsolicited resumes after hearing COR’s story.
“In this industry of disability work, it’s common for an organization to have high staff turnover,” McCorriston says. “But when the basis of our philosophy of caregiving is building relationships, it’s hard to build a relationship if you’re only there for under a year.”
Staff help people gain abilities and return power to those who have felt helpless for years.
“Every day we’re hoping to come in — not to dress them, but to help them pick out the right outfit,” McCorriston says. “It’s not cooking and cleaning for that person, but doing it together.”
***
Chris, another young man, was a conduit for great change in Saskatchewan.
“He fell victim to that trap of living in the psychiatric ward for 19 months,” Lavis says. “Can you imagine, at a cost of $2,000 a day? He was there because there was no place for him to go.”
COR worked with Social Services and Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region’s Mental Health and Addictions Services to create supports for him. Provincial funding was used to hire a psychiatric nurse. Together they provide proactive mental health supports.
“Much better than queuing up at the emergency room and waiting for a six-month appointment with a psychiatrist, which is the norm,” Lavis says.
Another initiative rolled out two years ago after COR was asked to help a 14-year-old boy with autism who had significant behavioural challenges.
“The system was really challenged to provide supports to him,” Lavis said. “Through that process, we changed our mandate to include youths and get involved earlier with these kids so we can put an end to that revolving door and they don’t fall off that cliff when they graduate to adulthood.”
Now COR supports youths who have intellectual developmental disabilities and mental health issues.
“Our hope — and I say hope because it hasn’t happened yet in the province — is that these kids are going to be able to transition from Child and Family programs to Community Living — the department within Social Services for disabilities — and the transition doesn’t disrupt their lives,” Lavis says.
This summer, COR opened its second youth home and currently provides 24-hour support for three individuals.
“The plan is to add another one or two kids this winter, but we’re also providing support to children who are living in the family home,” Lavis says. “Often the system forces the families to the brink and they have no other option, but to hand their child over to the system.”
More avenues opened four years ago for those with disabilities when COR partnered with Campus for All, a unique program at the University of Regina.
Every year, 12 students with intellectual disabilities participate in the inclusive post-secondary education program and convocate after four years.
“Campus For All was doing a fantastic job of the academic and social piece, but where they were struggling was the employment part,” Lavis says. “We have a number of folks really starting to thrive in the community and they want to work. They want a paycheque and they want meaningful work.”
To address that need, COR and Campus for All partnered to create 4 to 40, funded through the Ministry of Economy.
The employment initiative connects individuals involved in Campus For All and COR with employers who provide a flexible four-to 40-hour work week.
“Community employers want to be inclusive, they want to have diverse work forces and they understand the importance and the value that diversity brings, but they don’t really quite know how to do it and they need help — particularly with the demographic that we’re serving,” Lavis said. “There’s a lot of fear and apprehension around what that looks like.”
COR participants work at individualized jobs at businesses including SeedMaster, SaskTel, Dutch Industries, Meyers Norris Penny and Farm Credit Canada.
Employers are not subsidized and the paid employment includes benefits and pension.
Job descriptions and work hours vary, but the benefits of a meaningful job are the same — greater self esteem and inclusion.
“We have a guy working at the SaskTel warehouse that went from a few hours and now he’s up to 30 hours a week,” Lavis said.
Job coaches from COR help individuals integrate into the workplace.
“It’s really helping to set that person up for success,” Lavis says. “When I talk about success, I mean developing not only their skills, but connecting them to the relationships that come with any place of employment.”
***
Lavis is passionate about his work.
“So many people that we serve have been given such horrific labels and diagnoses — this laundry list of all these bad things they’ve done and these are some pretty amazing people… How do you give them that opportunity to shine so others can see that value as well?”
Prior to becoming one of the founders of COR, Lavis spent 12 years working with marginalized children and women in post-conflict zones around the world.
The 38-year-old worked on projects funded by the Canadian government, Oxfam in Great Britain and other international development organizations in places like northern Uganda and southeast Asia.
Back in Regina, Lavis insists he’s one of a team working to make a difference.
“We have this incredibly passionate young board made up of community professionals from varied backgrounds that are really committed to social change,” he says. “They don’t have a background in disability — most have zero connection, like myself, to disability. They’re very supportive of what we’re doing because they believe in the vision.”
When Serena Bernges, one of the younger residents of Valley View Centre in Moose Jaw, moved to COR in 2016 she was adamant she didn’t want to live with roommates or a group of people.
She wanted her own place in Regina.
Bernges has a soft spot for Valley View where she had friends throughout the institution, but she has new-found freedom in Regina.
The 43-year-old lives in a self-contained suite in a small bungalow with another woman. No longer does she share a bedroom and best of all, she gets to cook her own meals.
“I make stuffed mushrooms, lasagna and sausage and hot dogs,” Bernges says. “I live in the best house in the world.”
https://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Leaderpost-Image.jpg630840Michaelhttps://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/COR-LOGO-2021-1030x515.pngMichael2017-12-17 13:19:532023-07-25 10:48:06‘Mend the heart. All else will follow’: Creative Options Regina creates new life for many with disabilities
The Dream Initiative started as little more than an idea with wide eye aspirations. Like most ideas, once they take root in our minds they drive and push us to test the limits of possibility and reality. Sometimes it is the simplest of ideas that make the biggest difference and develop the most profound outcomes!
The Goal? To provide the folks that we serve opportunity to lead the lives that they choose. We have the ability and the means to dream big! If we want to take a holiday- we save for it. If we want to become more active and independent we can buy a car or bicycle. The truth; many of our life’s goals are achievable and attainable and in many cases, this is done so with that help of our support systems. Why should the folks we serve everyday not be afforded the same courtesy and support?!
This last August the Dream Team with the help of the Supports at Creative Options Regina, were able to fund-raise enough money to send one of our own to Edmonton for a weekend of shopping, fun, and most importantly, memory making! This was not an easy task, but through meaningful support driven initiatives and a commitment made by the recipient to save 5 dollars per week, we were able to get this idea off the ground and soaring in its first year.
As part of the Dream Team, I just want to say that I am humbled by the outburst of support from everyone at all levels of our organization, as well as external support from our many friends in our community. Thank you for every part you played; whether it was supporting one of our appreciation nights, helping out at our booth at the Cathedral Village Arts Festival, getting blasted with paintballs, or sharing your voice in one of the art initiatives!
Over the last four years Bronwyn Lenton-Young has been volunteering in her community. Whether she is sorting and preparing food to be distributed from the food bank or delivering hot meals to the doors of people around Regina with Meals on Wheels, Bronwyn has learned to find joy in helping others. In addition to providing safe and healthy meals to her community, she has also learned important skills in cleanliness and sanitation in the kitchen. What started as housekeeping and sanitation at the Regina Food Bank has made its way into Bronwyn’s natural skill-set in the home as she becomes more familiar with her role.
Bronwyn’s ultimate goal is to become employed in customer service and to create permanent income for herself. She loves meeting new people and forging new friendships in her community. She has accomplished this in her role at the Regina Food Bank but perhaps most evidently with the people she meets on her Meals on Wheels route. When asked about her role at Meals on Wheels, she speaks more about the people on the route than the actual volunteering itself; Citing birthdays and her knowledge of the people she meets on a personal basis. Her infectious smile and ability to engage conversation with anyone strengthens her case for this award as it is directly related to her helpful role in the community. She cares about people and unknowingly brightens the days of those whose path she crosses.
Through Bronwyn’s experience volunteering with the public and with her ever developing knowledge of safe food and better housekeeping practices, she has evolved into a very independent woman. In Bronwyn’s home you will find her preparing her own meals as well as keeping her space clean and tidy. She is a terrific housemate to her friend Gillian, a great member of the Regina community, and a valued member of our COR community as well.
My favorite part about Bronwyn is that she is unassuming and humble. She expects nothing and is thankful for what she receives. When asked if she was aware of how valuable her role in the community was, she replied with, ‘my parents are proud of me. And Shea [Bronwyn’s Team Leader], she is proud of me also.’ Bronwyn helps people every day whether it be in providing healthy meal options to the less fortunate or by helping to keep the levels of cleanliness at work and at home suited to the highest of expectations. She would never ask for credit and that is why she deserves our recognition.
https://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/She-would-never-ask-for-credit.jpg16002400Michaelhttps://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/COR-LOGO-2021-1030x515.pngMichael2017-09-24 12:32:062023-07-25 10:48:39Bronwyn loves meeting new people and forging new friendships in her community.
https://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/BBQ.jpg4331000Michaelhttps://creativeoptionsregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/COR-LOGO-2021-1030x515.pngMichael2017-07-03 08:33:522023-07-25 10:48:44Summer Adventure BBQ’s in the Park