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My First Two Weeks with COR

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When I first came to COR I didn’t know what to expect. Much like the first day of school, I held my lunch kit close to me – as it is the only thing I knew in my unusual surroundings – and made the tentative first steps towards my desk. I expected the commonplace whisperings from the corners of the office, “Who is that?” “Is that the new guy?” as they avoided all eye contact and slithered back to their desks checking emails all the while telling myself how silly I was for leaving my comfort zone and placing myself in such unfamiliar territory…

Except none of the snickers happened – not did I have regrets for leaving the cocoon that was my last job. I was greeted with smiles, handshakes, and most importantly laughter. Everyone welcomed me and assured me that my first few days were going to be great. They didn’t lie. My first few days flew by as I fell into my new position and started meeting my new colleagues. Any questions I had were greeted with friendly and encouraging answers. It felt great to be part of a positive team again; more importantly it felt that I was an actual team member, an equal; no one was higher or lower on the corporate ladder – we were all one big team working together to help those that we serve.

I have had the chance to experience many community building activities since arriving at COR. I joined the Dragonboat team and even went kayaking with the people with serve – an experience that was so fun, I am thinking of buying my own Kayak! I have been invited out to the art night and cannot wait to attend my first COR BBQ. This is only the tip of the iceberg of activities COR has to offer and I cannot wait to be a part of them all. All of these unforgettable experiences are what makes COR special. You would not be able to find this at any other place of work.

Meeting all the people we serve was the greatest part of my first few weeks. Having limited experience working with people with disabilities had me a little nervous. After the first few days and after meeting quite a few of the people we serve I look forward to having great conversation and interactions with everyone I have met day in and day out – there is no lack of positivity in this workplace and I am elated to have made the step to work at COR.

I am now finishing my second week here at COR and time continues to fly. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything – I am looking forward to many more years with COR and to help all those we serve to smile and laugh every day. Shoot for the Stars!

 

Tom,

Administrative Assistant

 

COR Family BBQ

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COR Supports, Individuals served, family and friends are invited to join us at our annual COR Family BBQ on Sunday, June 26th from 5:30-9:00pm on Willow Island. Please RSVP by June 24th! (Lets’ keep our fingers crossed  for sunny weather!)

COR Family BBQ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COR presents… Big Screen Fun!

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Big Screen Fun is Back! Be sure to mark your calendar to join us at the Saskatchewan Science Center for an evening of Gaming and Movies on the Big Screen! Admission is Free! COR Supports, Individuals Served, Family Members and Friends are welcome to join! We hope to see you there!

COR Big Screen Fun

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Business Case For Inclusive Employment

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Inclusive Employment-Creative options regina

When: November 5, 2015 2-3pm

Where: Saskatchewan Science Centre Theatre

Cost: $25

RSVP: jeff@creativeoptionsregina.ca

Mark Wafer is the owner of six Tim Hortons franchises  in Ontario. Over the past 20 years, Mark and his wife Valerie have hired 118 people with disabilities and currently employ 46 people with disabilities from a work force of 250.

Mark believes there is a clear business case for inclusive employment. 

COR’s Moving!

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COR_MovingPoster

On June 1st, 2015 Creative Options Regina will be moving to a brand new location! 300-1162 Osler Street will be the new COR headquarters.

4to40 featured in Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

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Well 4to40 is at it again! This time it was the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce writing about the impact the program is having at the University.

University of Regina Supports students with disabilities 4to40 making a dent in Saskatchewan

To download the Saskatchewan Chamber Newsletter, click here –> Jan 2015 Edition

Tech Talks – December 2nd, 2014 at the Saskatchewan Science Centre

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Exploring our Vision, Mission and Values Statements

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In celebrating our fifth anniversary, COR’s Board of Director’s and Management Team took time to reflect on our efforts to forge out meaningful opportunities for people experiencing disability in Regina, SK. If you have ever wondered what COR’s Vision, Mission and Values Statements are, look no further!

Vision Statement

COR will foster a culture of gentleness by nurturing authentic relationships, embracing diversity and supporting people to live the life they choose.

Mission Statement

COR develops innovative support that facilitates opportunities for personally meaningful growth and interdependent relationships where people feel safe and valued.

Mandate Statements

  • COR will provide support in accordance with the contractual obligations of its funders within the framework of Gentle Teaching and Person Centeredness.
  • Support through COR is tailored to reflect the individuality of people.
  • COR is a culture of continuous learning that puts people’s dignity and respect as its foundational principle.

Values Statements

  • COR respects the value and individuality of all people.
  • COR values interdependence and recognizes the strengths of all.
  • COR values the opportunity of full participation for every citizen.
  • COR fosters a culture of ongoing reflection and continuous learning.
  • COR respects the autonomy of every individual.
  • COR seeks to empower individuals to live the life they choose.

Goals

  • To develop and facilitate flexible, personalized supports for individuals experiencing disability.
  • To support an individual regardless of their abilities when appropriate resources are available.
  • To ensure support is designed to meet what matters most to the individuals we serve.
  • To collaborate with an individual’s personal and professional network to promote success.
  • To welcome, encourage and support the involvement of families and personal networks in the lives of the individuals and all aspects of the organization.
  • To develop partnerships with community organizations who share a common vision.
  • To maintain a fiscally responsible organization.

Thinking and Planning for the End of Your Life Workshop: September 13, 2014

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A one-day workshop presented by COR and the Regina and District Association for Community Living (RDACL), in partnership with Helen Sanderson Associates (HSA Canada).

Living well now and thinking and planning for the end of your life

COR is not like any other job that I have had in the past!

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I heart my job at CORWhen joining the team at Creative Options Regina (COR) I had no idea what I was getting involved in.

Everything I knew about COR consisted of knowing I would be working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, that I would be there to help improve their quality of life and to help these individuals through their day as a support person. After six months at COR I have realized that this kind of work goes well beyond what I initially believed I would be getting into. As stated by COR itself, we as support workers follow two ideals: “first, giving each person a sense of feeling safe and loved with their caregivers as companions, and second, helping individuals to express love to others, both in the COR community and in the greater community.”

COR is not like any other job that I have had in the past.

Working other jobs, such as retail or customer service, I was able to distance myself as an individual after I left work; with COR this is not the case. The individuals I support in COR have taken on a role in my life, as well as I have theirs. When I am not supporting the individuals I am usually with, I often find myself wondering what they are doing that day, how their day is going and even missing spending time with them. This kind of relationship goes far beyond that of a working relationship. It becomes a friendship. As with any kind of friend you want to see them lead a good life, make good choices, and improve as an individual; these are all qualities closely related to the ideals followed by Gentle Teaching.

It is because of the friendship I have developed with the individuals I support that I believe I maintain a culture of gentleness. I treat the individuals I support the same way I would treat anyone in my life; with patience, tolerance, compassion and happiness. I am able to joke around and have fun with the individuals I support the same way I interact with my friends outside of COR. This is a special relationship that helps us create a healthy environment for these individuals to thrive and grow. Being able to view the individuals within COR in this light is what makes us different from other organizations that use physical restraints, consequences, and the use of reward and punishment for behavioural interventions.   If we used these traditional practices it would hamper the kind of friendship that develops over time with the practice of Gentle Teaching and I would not be a capable support person or friend to the individuals I spend time with. It is because of the Gentle Teaching philosophy that I have come to love my time with COR and look forward to the time I spend with the people I support.

Kelly, COR Support