who are we

Creative Options Regina (COR) is a for-impact, charitable organization that develops personalized support services for people experiencing disability. Rooted in the philosophy of Gentle Teaching, COR strives to strengthen the fabric of companionship and community for all those we serve. Our innovative approach to care giving is grounded in the recognition and celebration of the intrinsic value of each person.

At COR, we embrace a language whereby intentional word choices represent a philosophy and practice of valuing those we support. Rather than ‘running group homes’, COR supports people living in their own home. Instead of ‘placing clients into programs’, COR assists people to discover their own talents and interests, to live according to their own values, and to strive to reach their personal goals.

COR is committed to providing support to people experiencing disability whose support needs are not currently being fulfilled. At COR, Supportive Living encompasses a wide range of in-home support based on individual needs, personal lifestyle preferences, community norms and equality of citizenship, while COR’s Daytime Program is primarily community based and strives to meet the personal goals and objectives of the people served through utilizing local services and businesses for options and safety nets. Support provided by COR celebrates the individuality and value of each person and centers on the development of meaningful relationships within the community.

Rather than focusing on independence and the self, COR administers services based on companionship and community.

Our Support Model

In our Companionship & Community-based model, COR believes:

There is hope for all people.
People deserve to feel emotionally and physically safe.
People deserve to feel loved.
All people have unconditional value.
That people thrive ‘in community’ where there is a sense of belonging and meaningful relationship with others.
That community is not a destination; rather, community is a state of being.
That we have a personal responsibility to act with urgency, focus and unyielding commitment on our beliefs.

Our Support Focus

COR’s support model focuses on ‘houses that become homes’, because they are:

Accepting of the person, no matter what.
Giving without any demand of receiving.
Helping each person to become loving toward others.
Allowing homes to be homes – not intruding with bureaucratic demands.
Based on unconditional love.
Welcoming and hospitable.
Focused on sharing and working together.
Comforting during times of turmoil.
Forgiving during times of ‘misbehavior’.

❝The central purpose of our presence in the lives of others is to nurture, teach and sustain the experience of connectedness, companionship and community.❞

VISION

Empowering People, Inspiring Change!

COR is a champion of equality for people experiencing disability and a catalyst for change, influencing our global community in a culture of gentleness.

MISSION

Rooted in a culture of gentleness, COR develops innovative support that facilitates opportunities for personally meaningful growth and interdependent relationships where people feel safe and valued.

❝Michael Lavis, and the crew at Creative Options Regina (COR), exemplify a caring and safety centered leadership style that is not only transformative for those they serve, but for themselves as well. COR is the first name I mention, both provincially and nationally, when citing examples of organizations that treat people the right way! They are provincial leaders in psychological health and safety, the broader area of mental health and most importantly in providing support for people experiencing disability.❞

George Marshall,

Former CEO, Service Hospitality

VALUES

INNOVATION:

We are committed to developing flexible, personalized support services designed to meet what matters most to the people we serve, delivered by our team of creative, passionate people.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE:

We believe in the power of compassion, accepting people unconditionally. We strive in all our efforts to be part of something bigger than ourselves and we rally in pursuit of being the change we wish to see in the world.

AUTONOMY:

We respect the value and individuality of all and seek to empower people to live the life they choose.

GROWTH:

We are dedicated to fostering a culture of ongoing reflection and continuous learning through opportunities for personal growth and development.

INTEGRITY:

Guided by the principles of servant leadership, we hold high standards of character such as: Authenticity, Honesty, Fairness and Trust.

NURTURING AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY:

We are committed to discovering all our community has to offer, nurturing authentic relationships, connecting people with a true sense of belonging and opportunity for full participation.

ENGAGEMENT:

Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We respect the importance of working together with all stakeholders to realize success through a shared vision.

Our Journey…

2008
Exploratory discussions for the development of a new organization to assist with the 440 Waitlist Initiative.
2009
Incorporated on March 24th, officially launching on July 1st offering Home Support, Supported Living and Daytime Support options for four people unable to access existing community services; partnership and guidance from Saskatoon based organization, Saskatchewan Alternative Initiatives (SAI).
2010
Due to rental housing market conditions, strategic decision made to purchase three homes in Regina communities; development of one new home support initiative and two replacement homes for rented properties.
2011
Development of a new home support initiative.
2012
Development of two new home support initiatives.
2013
Pilot project with the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR), Mental Health and Addiction Services; development of two new home support initiatives.
2014
Expansion of partnership with RQHR; launch of 4to40 Inclusive Employment Initiative (partnership with Campus For All, University of Regina); development of two new home support initiatives; host of Gentle Teaching Canada Symposium.
2015
Mandate broadened to include support for youth; partnership with Child and Family Programs (CFP) and launch of 1st youth initiative; development of COR HQ at 1162 Osler St.; development of one new CLSD home support initiative.
2016
Development of a Valley View Center transition initiative; development of two additional CLSD home support initiatives.
2017
Development of 2nd youth initiative with CFP; host of Gentle Teaching Canada Symposium.
2018
COR named a Saskatchewan Top Employer; partnership with City of Regina Transit for the launch of a Travel Training Pilot Project — 1st of it’s kind in Canada; launch of the COR Studio; development of 3rd youth initiative with CFP.
2019
Inclusion Regina joins the COR family; COR named a Saskatchewan Top Employer for a 2nd year; recognized as one of Canada’s Healthiest Workplaces by Excellence Canada; recipient of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) PRISM Award; development of two new CLSD home support initiatives.
2020
COR recognized as Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures; named a Saskatchewan Top Employer for a 3rd year; recognized as one of Canada’s Healthiest Workplaces by Excellence Canada for a 2nd year; recipient of Service Hospitality’s Safety Centred Leadership Award and the Conexus Kindness Capital Fund; development of new CLSD and CFP home support initiatives; growth of SLP and daytime support initiatives; launch of partnership with Input Housing and family support initiative (Short Breaks) with the City of Regina and Hope’s Home.
2021
CEO, Michael Lavis, named Canada’s Most Admired CEO – Broader Public Sector; COR named a Saskatchewan Top Employer for a 4th year; recipient of Canadian HR Reporter’s Best Place to Work Award; recognized as one of Canada’s Healthiest Workplaces by Excellence Canada for a 3rd year; recognized as Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for a 2nd year; development of two new CLSD home support initiatives, along with two new youth initiatives; growth of SLP, daytime and family support initiatives.
2022
COR receives national recognition as Canada’s Top 100 Employers; named a Top Employer in Saskatchewan for a 5th year; recipient of the Canadian Workplace Well-being Award by The Canadian Positive Psychology Association; recognized as one of Canada’s Healthiest Workplaces by Excellence Canada for a 4th year; recognized as Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for a 3rd year; recognized by Canadian HR Reporter for 5-Star Rewards and Recognition; development of new youth and CLSD Home Support initiatives; growth of daytime and family support initiatives.
2023
Launch of the COR Academy, along with a renewed strategic direction for the organization; COR named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for a 2nd year; recognized by Canadian HR Reporter for 5-Star Rewards and Recognition; named a Top Employer in Saskatchewan for a 6th year; recipient of the Canadian Workplace Well-being Award by The Canadian Positive Psychology Association for a 2nd year; recognized as Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for a 4th year; COR employees receive Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for their contribution to the disability services sector; development of new youth and CLSD Home Support initiatives; growth of daytime and family support initiatives.
2024
COR receives national recognition as Canada’s Top 100 Employers for a 3rd year; named a Top Employer in Saskatchewan for a 7th year; development of new CLSD Home Support initiative; growth of daytime and family support initiatives.

Welcome to COR

COR Cribs: Meet Jarred

COR Cribs: Meet Gabe, Dalen and Lwate

COR Cribs: Meet Chris and Michael

COR Cribs: Meet Jessie, Jasen and Shaun

COR Cribs: Meet Ruby

COR Cribs: Meet Brad

what our friends have to say

“When I think of other organizations that understand the purpose of our role in lives of others I think of COR. We’ve been fortunate to partner with COR and always walk away feeling more inspired to create the culture we all deserve. The role of leadership is paramount to an organization’s ability to provide the highest quality of support and this is evidenced by COR’s exemplary training, mentoring, and Inclusion initiatives. The future of support is brighter because of COR and for that we can all be grateful.”

Ed KieferMORC & The Center for Positive Living Supports

“I have had the honor to work alongside COR for the past few years and I am encouraged and impressed as they look at each and every person as a unique individual. COR strives to really listen to people’s life stories!”

Cara MilneM-Powered Planning

“Working with Creative Options Regina has really changed the way we do business. The general idea of ‘gentle teaching’ is so pervasive and it’s changed the way we work with clients.”

Jeph Maystruck and Brandon WuStrategy Lab

“The culture at COR is one that all Service Providers should aspire to create for those they serve as well as their caregivers. To see the genuine warmth, caring and understanding shared between people served and their supports is truly inspiring. COR has become a world leader in the Gentle Teaching community and we are proud to partner with them as part of the Gentle Teaching Canada Network. We see the commitment to Gentle service from the top to bottom throughout the organization and it changes lives for the better….Congratulations and a big thanks to everyone at COR for all that they do!!”

Dave LappinThe HOME Society

“We feel privileged to have made such a deep connection with our friends at COR. Because of our shared philosophy in Gentle Teaching, we have created a partnership and continue to exchange what we have learned. The folks at COR are open to learning, growing and sharing their knowledge with their immediate community, as well as the community of caregivers worldwide. We continue to be humbled at the opportunity to be on this journey with such an innovative, motivated and caring group of people. We are excited to see what the future holds as COR continues to broaden the scope of the supports they provide to others.”

Deirdre MercerMORC & The Center for Positive Living Supports

“Michael Lavis and Creative Options Regina joined as a member of The Conference Board of Canada’s Council on Workplace Health and Wellness in 2018. This Council consists of over 30 Canadian organizational leaders who meet regularly to share best practices, challenges, and opportunities in Workplace Health and Wellness. Michael has been an active member of the Council participating in meetings focused on Cannabis in the Workplace, the Future of Workplace Wellness, and presenting at a Council meeting focused on Workplace Mental Health. It is forward thinking people and organizations like Michael and Creative Options Regina that ensures a vibrant Council and meaningful discussions. We look forward to working with Michael for years to come.”

Charles BoyerFormer Senior Network Manager, Conference Board of Canada

“COR sees past disability to the heart of each person. They celebrate and encourage. They recognize everyone’s story and history and reach out to embrace with gentleness and kindness. Trust takes time and COR stays steady and true.  I love watching people grow and flourish in the safety of being allowed to be themselves. Family’s fears slowly diminish as relationships develop and expand. The impact of that on our community is profound. Thank you Creative Options Regina for your passion and heart.”

Shannon WiebeFormer Coordinator, Regina Residential Services Co-Management Committee

“I had the opportunity to work with a large group of COR leaders on developing a coach-approach to leadership and communication in the workplace. This highly engaged group demonstrated a high level of passion for learning, growing and enhancing their leadership skills. Destination Leadership is honoured to partner with the COR leadership team, who is dedicated to investing in the development of their leaders and build a coaching culture now and into the future.”

Shana RingDestination Leadership