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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.

True Clean Solutions and COR: Partnering to Keep the COR Family Safe

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My Newsroom /

How True Clean Solutions helps group homes through the COVID-19 Pandemic

Because you can never do too much for the people you care for most.

For Creative Options Regina (COR), that includes staff and residents they work with daily. In fact, they are considered family, which is why Michael Lavis, executive director at COR, took an extra step to ensure their health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With cleanliness and sanitization practices now top of mine, COR enlisted the services of True Clean Solutions to provide an additional layer of disinfection in each of the homes where caregivers and residents interact.

COR provides in-home support through gentle teaching for adults and youth with disabilities and mental health struggles.

“We felt it was important to enhance the safety, the feeling of safety and the cleaning protocols in each of our homes,” Lavis explained. “Disinfecting and sanitization are absolutely critical, particularly during the pandemic. It is our responsibility to do everything that we can to keep our employees and the people we care about safe.”

In doing so, in-home managers and residents gained a greater peace of mind.

True Clean Solutions uses a product that is approved by Health Canada. Its technicians have received thorough instruction on how to safely enter and exit a home or business and they relay that information to clients prior to product application.

“(True Clean Solutions) took the time to explain to us what this product is,” Lavis said. “They walked us through the entire process. They supported our employees by providing them with the necessary information and made sure everyone was comfortable with their work prior to commencing their work.”

Being transparent and forthcoming with information related to the disinfecting process and the products used solidified Lavis’ confidence in proceeding with the service.

“Their level of customer service in helping to ensure that people felt comfortable with the product they were going to be using in their homes was something that really stood out to me,” Lavis said.

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to be more mindful of cleanliness and personal hygiene and how they affect our overall health.

Visit truecleansolutions.com to learn more about their service and to receive an online quote.

Full Article Available Here.

 

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!

 

This is Michael Clark. 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 Michael Clark. Michael is a support and has worked at COR for 3 years. This is his WHY!


What brought you to COR?

I originally was referred by Abigail Frasz. I have always had an interest in helping people and have kept in contact with people from my high school in Manitoba that experience a disability.

Why do you stay?

The people I support and the people I work with. The flexible schedule is also great!

What’s the best thing about your job?

The relationships I have with the individuals I support.

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

Some of the trips I have gone on (Calgary & Toronto with Peter and Saskatoon with Patrick). Also getting to know the Danakas family has been a great pleasure.

What do you wish others knew about supporting at COR?

How rewarding it is. It’s rewarding in the way I’ve been able to build relationships with the people we serve. It’s rewarding to see how you can have such an impact on someone’s life and how much you can help be a positive influence as well. It really brings value to what we do.

This is Brooks Ross. 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 Brooks Ross. Brooks is a support and has worked at COR since December 2018. This is her WHY!

What brought you to COR?

I had just moved home from living in Ohio for 3 months and during that time was let go from my long time job. I was honestly lost and didn’t know what to do or what I would be able to do with only half a university degree at 23. I then saw a posting on Facebook for COR and messaged my friend Sawyer who was an employee at the time. I asked him what exactly COR was and what he did with the organization. After hearing back from him I applied and was hired almost right away and I’m SO happy it worked out that way because it really is an amazing place to work.

Why do you stay?

I stay because I’ve never felt more accepted and supported in anything I’ve ever done. The people who work at COR alongside me are not just my fellow supports they are some of my closest friends. The community that Michael, Jim and everyone else has created is something I’ve never been able to experience before. Also, the love and kindness shown to everyone across the entire organization is something rare in today’s world. Day in and day out I see it and, I experience it. It’s something really special.

Whats the best thing about your job?

For me, the best thing about my job is that every single day I have the ability to directly make an impact or difference in the lives of those I support and those I support alongside of. I also believe that the people I work with and the individuals I support have made me a much better person in so many ways.

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

The most impactful experience I’ve had actually just happened over the weekend. As COVID-19 is changing everything we know about our daily lives, it’s also changing the way we, as essential workers, do things. I have gone from supporting 4 amazing ladies to just 2 now. I haven’t seen one of the girls I support in over a month and usually we’re together every week. She’s like my little sister and hanging out with her is the best part of my week. On easter Sunday, as I was supporting, the girl I haven’t seen in a month and her mom stopped by the house to put a gift in the mailbox. She rang the doorbell and then stepped back for distancing purposes, and told me she made me a friendship bracelet and a note. As I looked at her from 6ft away I just wanted to hug her and was so overcome with emotion and love for this young girl. It was such an emotional moment and for me, this bracelet is a symbol of how much love she has for me and how much I mean to her. I realized in that moment that I truly make an impact in the lives of the people I support and that the things I do, although they may seem small, they really do mean a lot.

What do you wish others knew about supporting at COR?

I wish that others knew how amazing COR is and that it’s not just a job. You meet the most amazing people, not only the individuals who call COR their forever home but the office crew, the support teams we serve on and the other supports from the different teams. I wish others knew how to live by what gentle teaching is because I am so happy I am able to live that way now and don’t know how I didn’t before. COR to me is what community and inclusion is all about. It’s not about rules or guidelines it’s about making sure everyone is able to achieve the things in life they want and to live with nothing but love and support.